JP5482449B2 - Information processing apparatus, document management system, document management method, program, recording medium, and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

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

  In recent years, in organizations such as government offices and companies, document management systems that centrally manage electronic documents related to work, electronic documents that are read by scanning paper documents with a scanner, electronic documents that are received by facsimile, etc. have become widespread. doing. Since such an electronic document is generated at any time with daily work, a huge amount of electronic documents are accumulated in the document management system.

  Therefore, it is not easy for the user to find a desired document from the stored electronic documents. Even if electronic documents are organized hierarchically by cabinets or folders, it takes time and effort to access a desired folder by following a hierarchical structure deeply down. Further, in a system used by a large number of users such as a document management system, it is difficult for a user to have a thorough management structure for electronic documents, and necessary documents are not always stored in the correct hierarchy. From the user's point of view, it is difficult to correctly understand what hierarchical structure should be used to store documents. Furthermore, in document management systems, it is possible to search electronic documents by indexing them based on electronic document metadata, body content, etc. The person must enter the search conditions one by one.

  By the way, with the recent development of web technology, various applications have been provided on the web base, and the document management system is also implemented on the web base in a form accessed using a web browser. What has been provided. A rich and dynamic user interface for web-based applications such as JavaScript (registered trademark), Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript + XML), Adobe (registered trademark) Flash, and other client-side technological innovations. An application that implements can be provided.

  Conventionally, a web browser has been provided with a function for registering a web page registered in advance by a user as a favorite or bookmark and directly accessing a desired web page from the favorite or bookmark with a simple operation. Yes. Various attempts have been made to improve the favorite function in such a web browser.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-058576 (Patent Document 1) specifies the addition of an anchor element by a user in a displayed web page for the purpose of efficiently displaying a specific portion of the page on a web browser. An HTML format web page file in which an operation is accepted and an anchor element is embedded at a designated display position is created and stored in a first storage means, and address information indicating the anchor element is generated, and the address If the pair of information and the unique name given to the web page information is stored in the second storage means, and if the web page display request by the user is a request by address information indicating the anchor element, the address Read the web page file corresponding to the information and display it on the display screen It discloses a display control method of a web page and a step.

  In the favorite function in the conventional web browser, a URL for specifying the web page is set. Therefore, a direct access can be provided for a static web page or the like. On the other hand, in a document management system, a user has a desire to simply call a search condition for efficiently accessing a frequently used document or a document related to a business in charge. -The browser's favorite function could not answer such a request and was not sufficient.

  From such a background, a web application of a document management system that enables efficient access to a desired document or a set thereof regardless of a hierarchical structure for managing the document from a large number of accumulated documents Development of was desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described prior art, and the present invention is a document management capable of efficiently accessing a desired document or a set of stored documents with a small number of operations. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a document management system, a document management method, a program, a recording medium, and an image processing apparatus that realize the system.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus that provides access to a document stored in a database to a client terminal connected via a network, and has the following characteristics: I will provide a. The information processing apparatus according to the present invention receives a condition for specifying a set of documents, acquires information on a document that matches the condition from the database, and displays a view for displaying the set of documents according to the condition in a client terminal. Provide for.

  Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention receives an instruction for registering a favorite of the currently displayed view from the client terminal, assigns an identification value for identifying the favorite element, specifies a condition for specifying the instructed view, and an addition destination of the favorite element And an identification value for identifying the parent element to be registered in association with the user identification value of the login user. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus of the present invention displays, on the client terminal, a favorite screen area that displays one or more favorite elements registered for the user in a hierarchically organized format using the parent element to which the user is added. provide.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a favorite function that enables efficient access to a document or a set of documents managed in the document management system with few operations. In this favorite function, registered favorite elements are provided to the user in a form organized by the parent element to which the category is added. For this reason, the user can easily use a desired view by selecting each favorite element displayed in a tree shape or hierarchically on the web browser.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a document management system. The block diagram which shows the function structure implement | achieved on the server and client of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the login process which the server of this embodiment performs. The figure which illustrates the login authentication screen in the web browser displayed on the display apparatus of a client. The figure which illustrates the main screen after the login in the web browser displayed on the display apparatus of a client. The figure explaining the flow of the favorite registration process which a server performs. The figure which illustrates the main screen in the web browser displayed on the display apparatus of a client. The figure which illustrates the favorite addition dialog in the web browser displayed on a display apparatus of a client. The figure which shows the data structure of the favorite information table which stores the favorite information for every user registered in a user information database. The figure which illustrates the detailed search dialog in the web browser displayed on the display apparatus of a client. The figure explaining the flow of the process which the server performs at the time of utilization of a favorite function.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a document management system 100. A document management system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a server 110 that manages an electronic document distributed in the system 100, and a client computer (hereinafter referred to as a client) for performing operations such as browsing, editing, and printing of the managed document. And 150). The server 110 and the client 150 are connected to each other via a network 102 such as a local area network (hereinafter referred to as a LAN) using Ethernet (registered trademark) and a TCP / IP protocol.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  More specifically, the document management application unit 114 executes each process in response to a request from the client 150, the document browsing unit 116, the document search unit 118, the login processing unit 120, and the favorite registration unit 122. , A favorite providing unit 124 and a startup setting unit 126. In addition, an electronic document database 128 that stores documents managed on the document management system 100 and a user information database 130 are connected to the server 110. The user information database 130 stores the user name, password, favorite information, contact information such as e-mail, and other information related to the user (hereinafter referred to as user information) identified by the document management system 100. In the embodiment to be described, it is assumed that user authentication is performed using a user name and a password, but it goes without saying that any other authentication method can be adopted.

  The login processing unit 120 responds to the access request from the client 150 and provides a login screen. The login processing unit 120 compares the user name and password transmitted via the login screen with the user authentication information stored in the user information database 130 to perform user authentication, and makes the client 150 the document management system 100. Recognize as a user.

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

  The favorite registration unit 122 displays a document, folder, or search result currently displayed or selected on the browser 152 of the client 150 as a favorite document, a favorite folder, or a favorite search condition (hereinafter, individual documents registered as favorites). , Folders and search conditions are collectively referred to as favorite elements.). These favorite elements are recorded as favorite information in the user information database 130 in association with the user name.

  As an example of favorite registration, in the state where a predetermined folder is displayed on the browser 152 on the client 150, when there is an instruction for favorite registration of the folder, the instruction is transmitted from the browser 152 to the favorite registration unit 122, The favorite registration unit 122 registers the displayed folder as a favorite folder in association with the login user. In addition, in the state where a predetermined search result is displayed on the browser 152, when there is an instruction for favorite registration of a search condition, the favorite registration unit 122 logs in using the search condition corresponding to the search result as a favorite search condition. -Register in association with the user.

  The favorite providing unit 124 acquires favorite information corresponding to the login user from the user information database 130, and provides the registered favorite elements to the login user in a state where the favorite elements are arranged by category or the like. This provides convenient access to documents or collections of documents via favorite elements. The startup setting unit 126 sets either the favorite folder or the favorite search condition registered by the favorite registration unit 122 as an initial favorite view to be displayed on the initial screen immediately after login. The initial favorite view setting information is registered as favorite information in the user information database 130 in association with the user name.

  For example, when a predetermined search condition is registered as an initial favorite view for a certain user, a search result based on the predetermined search condition is displayed on the main screen immediately after the user logs in. Note that two or more initial favorite views may be set when a region of a view for displaying a list of documents or the like included in a search result or a folder is divided. In the embodiment to be described, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that there is one initial favorite view, and when two or more favorite elements are set, they are overwritten with elements set later. The initial favorite view setting itself is an arbitrary matter.

  Hereinafter, the login process including the display of the initial favorite view according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing login processing executed by the server of this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 3 starts from step S100. In step S101, the server 110 receives an HTTP request from the client 150 and receives an access request for the web application. In step S102, the server 110 causes the login processing unit 120 to transmit a web page describing a login authentication screen as an HTTP response to the HTTP request. As a result, a login authentication screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the browser 152 of the client 150.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a login authentication screen. The login authentication screen 200 shown in FIG. 4 includes a text box 202 for entering a user name, a text box 204 for entering a password, and a login button 206 waiting for an instruction to proceed with the login procedure. When the login button 206 is clicked with the user name and password entered, the user name and password entered in the text boxes 202 and 204 are transmitted to the server 110, and the login procedure proceeds.

  Referring back to FIG. 3, in step S <b> 103, the server 110 receives user authentication information such as a user name for identifying the client 150 and its password from the client 150. In step S <b> 104, the server 110 acquires user information corresponding to the user name from the user information database 130 by the login processing unit 120 and performs login authentication. In step S105, the server 110 determines whether or not the login is successful as a result of the login authentication.

  In step S105, if the user's validity cannot be confirmed and login fails (NO), the process branches to step S106. In step S106, in order to notify the login failure and prompt the user to log in again, the server 110 redirects to the re-login authentication screen, loops the process to step S103, and waits for the reception of the login authentication information again. On the other hand, if the user's legitimacy is confirmed in step S105 and the login is successful (YES), the process branches to step S107.

  In step S107, the server 110 acquires the favorite element set as the initial favorite view in the login user favorite information acquired from the user information database 130. In step S108, the process branches depending on whether the favorite element set as the initial favorite view is a folder, a search condition, or no initial favorite view is set.

  If the element of the initial favorite view is a favorite folder in step S108 (folder), the process branches to step S109. In step S109, the server 110 acquires the contents of the folder registered as a favorite folder from the electronic document database 128 by the document browsing unit 116, and describes the subfolder or document in the folder by the login processing unit 120 in step S111. A main screen that displays information in the folder is generated and transmitted to the client 150.

  On the other hand, if it is a favorite search condition (search condition) in step S108, the process branches to step S110. In step S110, the server 110 causes the document search unit 118 to search the electronic document database 128 for a set of documents that match the registered favorite search condition. In another embodiment, the previous search result may be saved, and immediately after login, the previous search result may be temporarily displayed and the display content may be updated to the latest search result. In yet another embodiment, since favorite information is stored in the user information database 130 on the server 110 side, search results that are temporarily displayed immediately after login on the server 110 side are periodically prepared or updated in advance. You can also keep it. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time taken to complete the display of the main screen after login. In step S111, the server 110 uses the login processing unit 120 to generate a main screen that includes information describing the document list obtained as a search result (hereinafter referred to as search result information) and displays the search result. To the client 150.

  In step S108, when the initial favorite view is not set (none), the process branches directly to step S111. In step S <b> 111, the server 110 generates a normal main screen and transmits it to the client 150.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a main screen after login in the web browser displayed on the display device of the client 150 by the process of step S110 illustrated in FIG. The main screen 210 shown in FIG. 5 includes a tree area 212 that displays a favorite element and the like as a tree, and a view area 220 that displays a list of the contents of the selected favorite element. In the tree area 212, elements such as a favorite folder, a favorite search condition, and a favorite document are displayed in a tree structure.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the category “search condition” 214 under the favorite route 218 is expanded and displayed, and the favorite element 216 named “search for quotation” immediately below the category “search condition” is selected as the initial favorite view. Has been. In the view area 220, a search result based on a search condition corresponding to the favorite element “search for estimate” is displayed. The main screen 210 displaying the favorite search condition can include a condition edit button 222 for editing the condition of the favorite search condition being displayed. Further, the main screen 210 displaying the search result may include a condition save button 224 for saving the search condition of the search result being displayed as a favorite search condition.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the initial favorite view preset by the user is displayed and usable immediately after login, the user registers a search condition that defines a desired folder or set of documents. This makes it possible to easily access a frequently used document set immediately after login. In this case, in order to access a desired document, it is not necessary to follow the cabinet hierarchy or input search conditions one by one.

  Hereinafter, the process of registering the favorite element described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of favorite registration processing executed by the server 110. FIG. 6 shows a favorite folder registration process by hierarchical navigation in the cabinet, a favorite search condition registration process during a detailed search, a favorite search condition registration process during a simple search, and a favorite document registration. A flow of a plurality of favorite registration processes including processes is shown.

  When a predetermined cabinet is selected in the tree area in the main screen displayed on the browser 152, the server 110 receives information that the cabinet has been selected in step S201. In step S <b> 202, the server 110 transmits bibliographic information (hereinafter referred to as cabinet information) related to a folder and a document directly under the cabinet to the browser 152 by the document browsing unit 116. The browser 152 of the client 150 receives this cabinet information, and displays a list of folders and documents that belong directly under the cabinet in the view area 220 of the main screen as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a main screen in the browser 152 displayed on the display device of the client 150 by the process of step S202 illustrated in FIG. The main screen 230 shown in FIG. 7 includes a tree area 232 that displays the cabinet structure as a tree, and a view area 238 that displays a list of the contents of the selected cabinet. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the tree area 232 displays the selected cabinet 234 and each node such as the “slip” folder 236 in a tree structure. In the view area 220 shown in FIG. 7, folders and documents directly under the selected cabinet are displayed.

  Refer to FIG. 6 again. When a predetermined folder is selected in the view area 238 in the main screen displayed on the browser 152, the server 110 receives information that the predetermined folder has been selected in step S203. In step S <b> 204, the server 110 causes the document browsing unit 116 to transmit folder information including bibliographic information about the folder immediately below the folder and the document to the browser 152. The browser 152 receives this folder information, rewrites the display contents of the view area 238, and displays a list of subfolders and documents that belong to the folder.

  The processes in step S203 and step S204 are repeated until a hierarchy including a document or a set of documents desired by the user is reached. When a desired registration is instructed via the main screen, for example, when the favorite button 244 of the tool bar shown in FIG. 7 is clicked when the desired hierarchy is reached, the browser 152 causes the browser 152 to display as shown in FIG. A favorite addition dialog for setting a favorite registration content is displayed.

  The favorite addition dialog 250 shown in FIG. 8 is a text box 252 for inputting a favorite name, a new category creation button 254 for newly registering a category for organizing favorites, and a favorite addition destination from the tree structure. And a tree display 256 for performing. In addition, the favorite addition dialog 250 displays information such as the contents of favorites, types of favorite elements (by folder, search condition, or document), and creation date. The favorite content is the path of the currently displayed folder in the case of the favorite folder, and the search condition of the currently displayed search result in the case of the search condition. The type of favorite element identifies a folder, a search condition, or a document.

  The favorite addition dialog 250 also includes a check box 258 for setting whether or not to register a favorite element for registration as an initial favorite view to be displayed at the start, an OK button 260 for confirming registration contents, and a registration process. And a cancel button 262 for canceling.

  When the OK button 260 is clicked on the addition dialog 250, the browser 152 sets the folder path of the setting contents, the ID for identifying the category to which the favorite is added, the favorite type, and the necessity of setting the initial favorite view. And a favorite registration instruction including the creation date and the like are transmitted to the server 110. In addition, when a category is newly created, the name of the newly created category and an ID for identifying the addition destination are also transmitted to the server 110. If the favorite addition destination category corresponds to the newly created category, for example, the name of the newly created category of the addition destination is transmitted instead of the ID of the addition destination, and the server 110 side The ID is assigned to the newly created category.

  Referring again to FIG. 6, when an instruction for favorite registration is given on the browser 152, the server 110 receives the instruction for favorite registration in step S 205, and in step S 206, the favorite registration unit 122 determines the received folder. Information such as a path, an ID for identifying a registration destination category, and a favorite name is associated with the user name and registered in the user information database 130. In this way, the favorite folder registration process is performed. If registration as an initial favorite view is instructed, in step S206, the startup setting unit 126 performs processing for registering the favorite folder as an initial favorite view.

  FIG. 9 shows a data structure of a favorite information table that stores favorite information for each user registered in the user information database 130. As shown in FIG. 9, the favorite information table 300 includes fields 300a to 300g in which user names, favorite or category names, favorite contents, types, IDs, addition destination IDs, and creation dates are respectively input. In the favorite contents field, in the case of a favorite document, the document reference destination (path + document name), in the case of a favorite folder, the folder reference destination (path + folder name), or in the case of a favorite search condition, search The conditions (including the search range as appropriate) are retained. The favorite content may include designation of a display format in addition to information for specifying a document.

  The favorite information table 300 shown in FIG. 9 maintains a favorite tree structure for each user. On the browser 152 of the client 150, the favorites are displayed in the tree area according to the data structure of the favorite information table 300. By classifying favorite elements into categories and displaying them in a tree structure, it is possible to efficiently access a document or a set of documents by a favorite hierarchical structure different from the hierarchical structure of the document. Each user can freely set a favorite folder, search conditions, categories for classifying documents, and a hierarchical structure of categories as described above.

  Hereinafter, the registration process of the favorite search condition in the detailed search will be described. Returning to step S200 shown in FIG. 6 again, when the detailed search is selected by clicking the search button 242 on the toolbar on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 displayed on the browser 152, the detailed search is performed in step S207. The fact that is selected is received. In step S <b> 208, the server 110 causes the document search unit 118 to transmit data describing the detailed search dialog screen to the browser 152. When the browser 152 of the client 150 receives this data, a detailed search dialog as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed search dialog 270 in the browser 152 displayed on the display device of the client 150 by the process of step S208 shown in FIG.

  The detailed search dialog 270 shown in FIG. 10 includes text boxes 272a to 272c for inputting keywords in the keyword search, a check box 274 for instructing to perform a full text search, a text box 280 for displaying a search range, and a search range. A search range setting button 282 for calling a dialog for setting and a check box 284 for instructing whether or not to include a subfolder in the search range are included. The detailed search dialog 270 also includes a pull-down menu 276 for setting a search result sort target and a radio button 278 for designating descending or ascending order. The user can set search conditions including a keyword, a search range, a display format of search results, and the like via the dialog 270 displayed on the browser 152.

  The detailed search dialog 270 further includes a search execution button 286 for instructing search execution and a cancel button 288 for canceling the detailed search. When the search execution button 286 on the browser 152 is clicked, the browser 152 transmits a search execution instruction including the search conditions for the detailed search set in the detailed search dialog to the server 110.

  When search execution is instructed in the browser 152, the server 110 receives the search execution instruction in step S209. In step S210, the server 110 makes an inquiry to the electronic document database 128 using the transmitted search condition by the document search unit 118 to obtain information on a set of documents that meet the condition. In step S211, the server 110 relates to the searched document. Search result information including bibliographic information is transmitted to the browser 152. The browser 152 receives this search result information, rewrites the display content of the view area 238, and displays a list of documents included in the search result.

  When the search is executed, for example, when the favorite button 244 on the toolbar as shown in FIG. 7 is clicked and the favorite registration is instructed via the main screen, the browser 152 displays the result shown in FIG. A favorite addition dialog for setting the favorite registration contents similar to the above is displayed. When the OK button 260 is clicked on the add dialog 250, the browser 152 causes the favorite name, the search condition, the ID for identifying the category to which the favorite is added, the favorite type (that is, the search condition), and the initial favorite. A favorite registration instruction is transmitted to the server 110 including the necessity of view and information such as the creation date.

  Referring again to FIG. 6, when a favorite registration instruction is given on the browser 152, the server 110 receives the favorite registration instruction in step S 205 as in the case of favorite folder registration. In step S 206, the favorite registration is performed. The unit 122 registers the received search condition, ID for identifying the registration destination category, favorite name, and the like in the user information database 130 in association with the user name. In this way, the favorite search condition registration process is performed.

  Hereinafter, the registration process of the favorite search condition in the simple search will be described. Returning to step S200 shown in FIG. 6 again, a simple search is performed such that a keyword is entered in the text box 240 for simple search in the main screen shown in FIG. 7 displayed on the browser 152 and the simple search button 242 is clicked. When instructed, in step S212, the server 110 receives a simple search execution instruction including a keyword. In step S <b> 210, the server 110 uses the document search unit 118 to query the electronic document database 128 using the transmitted search condition (keyword), and acquires information on a set of documents that match the search condition (keyword). In step S <b> 211, the server 110 transmits search result information including bibliographic information related to the searched document to the browser 152.

  When the search is executed, the search condition favorite registration instruction is displayed via the main screen, such as clicking the condition save button 224 in the main screen on which a search result similar to the main screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. Then, the favorite search condition registration process is performed according to the same procedure as the favorite folder registration process described above.

  Referring again to FIG. 6, when a document in a predetermined folder or search result is selected in the view area displayed on the browser 152 and a display instruction is given, the server 110 determines that the target document is in step S213. It is selected and the fact that the browsing instruction has been made is received. In step S <b> 214, the server 110 acquires the target document from the electronic document database 128 by the document browsing unit 116 and transmits the target document to the browser 152 of the client 150. The browser 152 receives the document and displays it by, for example, a document viewer (for example, provided as a plug-in of a web browser) or an editor.

  Up to the above, the folder or search result favorite registration has been described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the document or document group selected in the view area 238 is designated by the same process, and the favorite is specified. Favorites can be registered as documents.

  Hereinafter, a method for accessing a document or a set of documents using a favorite element registered by the registration process described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing executed by the server 110 when the client 150 uses the favorite function. FIG. 11 shows a plurality of access paths using favorite documents, favorite folders, and favorite search conditions.

  When a favorite is selected in the tree area 212 in the main screen as shown in FIG. 5 displayed on the browser 152, the server 110 receives a notification that the favorite has been selected in step S301. In step S <b> 302, the server 110 transmits, to the browser 152, information related to the category and favorite elements immediately below the favorite route registered in association with the login user by the favorite providing unit 124 (hereinafter referred to as favorite information). . The browser 152 of the client 150 receives this favorite information and displays a list of categories and favorite elements that belong directly under the favorite route in the view area 220 of the main screen. Although a detailed description is omitted, the favorite providing unit 124 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to reach a desired favorite element hierarchically by navigation similar to that of a cabinet.

  Hereinafter, an access path to a document using a favorite document will be described. When a predetermined favorite document is selected in the tree area or the view area in the main screen displayed on the browser 152 and a browsing instruction is given, the server 110 indicates in step S303 that the favorite document has been selected. Receive. In step S <b> 304, the server 110 acquires a document specified by the favorite document from the electronic document database 128 by the document browsing unit 116 and transmits the document to the browser 152 of the client 150. The browser 152 receives this document and displays it by a document viewer or the like.

  Hereinafter, an access path using a favorite folder will be described. When a predetermined favorite folder is selected in the tree area or the view area in the main screen displayed on the browser 152 and a list display instruction is given, the server 110 indicates that the favorite folder has been selected in step S305. Receive. In step S <b> 306, the server 110 transmits, to the browser 152, folder information including bibliographic information regarding other folders and documents directly under the favorite folder by the document browsing unit 116.

  When another folder is selected in the tree area or view area in the main screen displayed on the browser 152, the server 110 receives information that the folder has been selected in step S307, and proceeds to step S306. Loop. In this case, in step S <b> 306, the server 110 transmits, to the browser 152, folder information including bibliographic information regarding other folders and documents directly under the selected other folder by the document browsing unit 116. The processes in steps S306 and S307 are repeated until a hierarchy including a document or a set of documents desired by the user is reached.

  When a predetermined document is selected in the view area 220 and browsing is instructed, the server 110 receives information that the document is selected in step S308. In step S <b> 304, the server 110 acquires the document from the electronic document database 128 and transmits the document to the browser 152 of the client 150. The browser 152 receives this document and displays it by a document viewer or the like.

  Hereinafter, an access route using a favorite search condition will be described. When a predetermined favorite search condition is selected in the view area 220 or the tree area 212 in the main screen displayed on the browser 152 and a list display instruction is given, the server 110 sets the favorite search condition in step S309. Receives selection. In step S310, the server 110 uses the document search unit 118 to search the electronic document database 128 for a set of documents that match the registered favorite search condition. In step S311, the search result including bibliographic information related to the searched document. Information is transmitted to the browser 152. The browser 152 receives this search result information, rewrites the display content of the view area 238, and displays a list of documents included in the search result.

  As described above, according to the favorite function of the present embodiment, a document registered as a favorite in advance, a folder or a document below a folder registered in advance as a favorite, or registered in advance as a favorite It is possible to quickly access a document included in the search result of the search condition that has been set, with few operations.

  According to the above-described embodiment, a favorite function that can easily and efficiently access a document or a set of documents managed in the document management system 100 is provided. In the favorite function of the above embodiment, the registered favorite elements are provided to the user in a form organized by category or the like. Therefore, the user can easily use each favorite element displayed in a tree shape or hierarchically on the web browser.

  With favorite documents and favorite folders, you can save time and effort by following the hierarchical structure and searching for a desired document or folder from a list in the folder. And operations for specifying search conditions such as search range selection can be omitted. Further, according to the favorite search condition, more detailed and fluid settings can be performed, and the latest necessary items can be efficiently accessed from a large number of documents registered every day. In addition, according to the initial favorite view, when using a document in a specific folder or a document with a specific search condition in business, the settings are registered in the favorites and displayed immediately after login, compared to the normal operation flow. It is possible to greatly reduce the operation. Work can be started immediately after logging in to the system, and work efficiency can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the favorite search condition has been described assuming that a favorite route or a predetermined category is registered as an addition destination. However, in another embodiment, another favorite search condition can be added with a predetermined favorite search condition as a parent. In this case, the child favorite search condition defines a set of documents in a form that overlaps with the parent favorite search condition. With such a function, for example, a favorite search condition for searching a document updated in the last three months is attached under a favorite search condition of “search for estimate” that defines a document including a keyword “estimate”. Thus, it is possible to register a favorite search condition for searching for a document updated in the last three months in a set of documents including the keyword “estimate”.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a web application of a document management system that can efficiently access a desired document or a set of stored documents with a small number of operations is realized. An information processing apparatus, a document management system, a document management method, a program, a recording medium, and an image processing apparatus can be provided.

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Document management system, 102 ... Network, 104 ... Multifunction machine, 106 ... Laser printer, 108, 150 ... Client, 110 ... Server, 112 ... Web application server part, 114 ... Document management application part, 116 ... Document browsing part 118 ... Document search unit, 120 ... Login processing unit, 122 ... Favorite registration unit, 124 ... Favorites providing unit, 126 ... Startup setting unit, 128 ... Electronic document database, 130 ... User information database, 152 ... Web browser, 154 ... Script code playback unit, 200 ... Login authentication screen, 202, 204 ... Text box, 206 ... Login button, 210, 230 ... Main screen, 212, 232 ... Tree area, 220, 238 ... View area, 222 ... Condition Collection button, 224 ... condition save button, 234 ... selected cabinet, 236 ... "slip" folder, 240 ... search text box, 242 ... search button, 244 ... favorite button, 250 ... add dialog, 252 ... text box, 254 ... New category creation button, 256 ... Tree display, 258 ... Check box, 260 ... OK button, 262 ... Cancel button, 270 ... Detailed search dialog, 272, 280 ... Text box, 274, 284 ... Check box, 276 ... Pull down Menu, 278 ... Radio button, 282 ... Search range setting button, 286 ... Search execution button, 288 ... Cancel button, 300 ... Favorite information table

JP 2003-058576 A

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus that provides access to a document stored in a database to a client terminal connected via a network,
A view providing that receives a condition for specifying a set of documents, acquires information on a document that matches the condition from the database, and provides the client terminal with a view for displaying the set of documents according to the condition in a referable manner Means,
A view favorite registration instruction is received from the client terminal, an identification value for identifying a favorite element is assigned, a condition for defining the instructed view, and an identification value for identifying a parent element to which the favorite element is added Registration means for registering in association with the user identification value of
Favorites providing means for providing a favorite screen area to the client terminal for displaying one or more favorite elements registered for the user in a hierarchically organized format using the parent element of the addition destination ;
A setting unit that receives an instruction to register a favorite element for startup from the client terminal, and sets the specified favorite element in association with the user identification value as an initial favorite view provided immediately after login;
Login processing means for processing a login procedure with the client terminal, wherein a favorite element condition of an initial favorite view associated with a user identification value of a user who has successfully logged in is acquired, and the favorite of the initial favorite view When the element is a folder, an initial screen for displaying the contents of the folder is provided. When the favorite element in the initial favorite view is a search condition, a set of documents that match the search condition can be referred to. The login processing means for providing an initial screen to be displayed , and the conditions include a path for specifying a storage location of the folder, or a search condition for at least one of document contents and bibliographic information. . In response to the selection of any of the favorite elements via the favorite screen area, the view providing means acquires information on a document that matches the condition of the selected favorite element, and selects the selected favorite The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a view of an element is provided to the client terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the addition destination parent element is a category for classifying a favorite element or a favorite search condition.   The initial screen that displays the set of documents that match the search conditions so that they can be referred to reads out the search results stored in advance and temporarily displays them on the initial screen, while updating the display contents to the latest search results. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to perform.   The search result temporarily displayed immediately after login on the initial screen that displays the set of documents that match the search condition in a referable manner is configured to be periodically prepared in advance or updated. Information processing device. An information processing device that provides access to a document stored in a database to a client terminal connected via a network, and an image processing device that communicates with the information processing device and stores the document in the database A document management system, wherein the information processing apparatus includes:
A view providing that receives a condition for specifying a set of documents, acquires information on a document that matches the condition from the database, and provides the client terminal with a view for displaying the set of documents according to the condition in a referable manner Means,
A view favorite registration instruction is received from the client terminal, an identification value for identifying a favorite element is assigned, a condition for defining the instructed view, and an identification value for identifying a parent element to which the favorite element is added Registration means for registering in association with the user identification value of
Favorites providing means for providing a favorite screen area to the client terminal for displaying one or more favorite elements registered for the user in a hierarchically organized format using the parent element of the addition destination;
A setting unit that receives an instruction to register a favorite element for startup from the client terminal, and sets the specified favorite element in association with the user identification value as an initial favorite view provided immediately after login;
Login processing means for processing a login procedure with the client terminal, wherein a favorite element condition of an initial favorite view associated with a user identification value of a user who has successfully logged in is acquired, and the favorite of the initial favorite view When the element is a folder, an initial screen for displaying the contents of the folder is provided. When the favorite element in the initial favorite view is a search condition, a set of documents that match the search condition can be referred to. The login processing means for providing an initial screen to be displayed on the screen , wherein the condition includes a path for specifying a storage location of the folder, or a search condition for at least one of the document contents and bibliographic information. . A method executed by an information processing apparatus that provides access to a document stored in a database to a client terminal connected via a network,
The information processing apparatus processes a login procedure with the client terminal and specifies a user identification value of a user;
The client terminal displays a view in which the information processing apparatus receives a condition for specifying a set of documents, acquires information on a document that matches the condition from the database, and displays the set of documents according to the condition in a referable manner Providing steps for
The information processing apparatus receives an instruction to register a favorite of a view from the client terminal, assigns an identification value for identifying a favorite element, identifies a condition that defines the instructed view, and identifies a parent element to which the favorite element is added Registering the identification value to be associated with the user identification value of the user;
Receiving a start-up registration instruction of a favorite element from the client terminal, and setting the instructed favorite element in association with the user identification value as an initial favorite view provided immediately after login;
Providing the client terminal with a favorite screen area in which the information processing apparatus displays one or more favorite elements registered for the user in a hierarchically organized format using the parent element of the addition destination. When
The method comprises:
After the step of identifying the user identification value of the user, obtaining a favorite element condition of the initial favorite view associated with the user identification value of the user who has successfully logged in;
If the favorite element of the initial favorite view is a folder, providing an initial screen for displaying the contents of the folder;
When a favorite element of the initial favorite view is a search condition, providing an initial screen for displaying a set of documents that match the search condition so that they can be referred to;
And the condition includes a path for specifying a storage location of the folder, or a search condition for at least one of the document content and the bibliographic information . A computer-executable program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus that provides access to documents stored in a database to a client terminal connected via a network,
A view providing that receives a condition for specifying a set of documents, acquires information on a document that matches the condition from the database, and provides the client terminal with a view for displaying the set of documents according to the condition in a referable manner means,
A view favorite registration instruction is received from the client terminal, an identification value for identifying a favorite element is assigned, a condition for defining the instructed view, and an identification value for identifying a parent element to which the favorite element is added registration means for registering in association of the user identification value,
Favorites providing means for providing a favorite screen area to the client terminal for displaying one or more favorite elements registered for the user in a form arranged hierarchically using the parent element of the addition destination ;
A setting means for receiving an instruction for registration of startup of a favorite element from the client terminal, and setting the specified favorite element in association with the user identification value as an initial favorite view provided immediately after login; and
Login processing means for processing a login procedure with the client terminal, wherein a favorite element condition of an initial favorite view associated with a user identification value of a user who has successfully logged in is acquired, and the favorite of the initial favorite view When the element is a folder, an initial screen for displaying the contents of the folder is provided. When the favorite element in the initial favorite view is a search condition, a set of documents that match the search condition can be referred to. The login processing means that provides the initial screen to be displayed on
And the condition includes a path for specifying a storage location of a folder or a search condition for at least one of document contents and bibliographic information . In response to the selection of any of the favorite elements via the favorite screen area, the view providing means acquires information on a document that matches the condition of the selected favorite element, and selects the selected favorite The program according to claim 8 , wherein a view of an element is provided to the client terminal. The program according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the added parent element is a category for classifying a favorite element or a favorite search condition. A recording medium for recording the computer-executable program according to claim 8 in a computer-readable manner.   An image processing apparatus that communicates with the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document is stored in the database or is stored in the database by communicating with the information processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus that prints out a document.