JP7067109B2 - Data management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a data management system that manages various types of data.

Conventionally, a data management system that stores and manages various data such as electronic data of various documents created by word processing software, image data taken by a digital camera, business card data obtained by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing, etc. Are known.
Further, in a data management system, there is known a technique of searching a stored file using a predetermined keyword and creating a shortcut for accessing the file found by the search.
In the above data management system, a folder having a search keyword as a name is created, and a shortcut found by using the keyword is saved in the folder (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-179042

In the above data management system, the name of the folder for storing the shortcut to the data found by the search was set by the user. Therefore, the user needs to create a folder for saving the above shortcut for each keyword and give a name to each created folder.

The conventional method in which the user creates a folder for each keyword and determines the name has the following problems.
The first is to organize (configuration management) a large number of created shortcuts when the amount of data managed by the data management system is enormous and the number of shortcuts to the data found by the search is also enormous. This is a problem that the burden on the user has increased when the data management system is used properly.
The second is to properly manage the shortcuts created when the amount of data to be managed is large and the number of shortcuts created is large, such as reviewing the folder name (keyword) for saving the shortcuts. Is necessary, and the burden on the user has increased.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the user when using the data management system.

Hereinafter, a plurality of aspects will be described as means for solving the problem. These aspects can be arbitrarily combined as needed.
The data management system according to the present invention at first glance includes a storage device and a control unit.
The storage device stores data.
The control unit determines a classification item for classifying the search data as the data found by the search using the predetermined search conditions.
Create a classification directory for each classification item in the storage device,
The link to the search data is saved in the classification directory created for the classification item corresponding to the search data.

In the above data management system, the control unit determines a classification item for classifying the search data, and creates a classification directory in the storage device for each classification item. Then, the control unit stores the link to the search data in the classification directory created for the classification item corresponding to the search data.
As a result, the user of the data management system does not need to create a dedicated directory for each classification item, and can easily manage the link to the search data. As a result, the burden on the user when using the data management system can be reduced.

The control unit may use property information representing the property of the search data as a classification item.
This allows the control unit to create a classification directory based on the properties of the search data. That is, the control unit can organize the links to the search data for each property of the search data.

The control unit may use information representing the contents of the data portion of the search data as a classification item.
As a result, the control unit can create a classification directory based on the information representing the contents of the data portion of the search data. That is, the control unit can organize the links to the search data for each information represented in the data portion of the search data.

The data management system can reduce the burden on the user by creating a classification directory for each classification item to store the link to the search data.

The figure which shows an example of the use environment of the data management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware configuration of a data management system. The figure which shows an example of the user interface which executes the process of creating a new binder. A flowchart showing the schematic operation of a data management system. A flowchart showing the operation of the data management system when the binder function is executed. A flowchart showing the flow of processing in the classification of search data.

1. 1. First Embodiment (1) Usage Environment of Data Management System Hereinafter, the data management system according to the first embodiment will be described. First, the usage environment of the data management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a usage environment of the data management system according to the first embodiment.
The data management system 100 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a device for storing and managing electronic data such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. Further, the data management system 100 according to the first embodiment provides a "binder function" to the user of the data management system 100.

The "binder function" is to find electronic data (hereinafter referred to as search data) that matches preset conditions from electronic data managed by the data management system 100 by searching, and link to the search data. Refers to the function of saving data in a specified directory. In the following description, the "binder" means a directory in which a link to the search data is stored.
With the above binder function, the data management system 100 uses a predetermined directory (binder) as a link to the search data, which is search data that matches a predetermined condition among a large number of electronic data stored in the storage area. Can be managed collectively.

By creating a binder that collectively manages the links of the search data as described above, each user can manage his / her own data in the data management system 100.
For example, data management by one user may not always be easy for another user to manage. In such a case, the other user can manage his / her favorite data by setting his / her own search conditions and creating individual binders.

As shown in FIG. 1, the data management system 100 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 310. Terminals 200a and 200b are connected to the LAN 310, and these terminals 200a and 200b can transmit and receive data to and from the data management system 100. The terminals 200a and 200b are information terminals such as a personal computer.

Further, the data management system 100 functions as a wireless access point and is capable of wireless communication with a terminal 200c (for example, a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone). That is, the terminal 200c can send and receive data to and from the data management system 100 via this wireless communication.
When the data management system 100 functions as a wireless access point, the terminal 200c that wirelessly communicates with the data management system 100 may belong to the same LAN 310 as the terminals 200a and 200b, or belongs to a LAN different from the LAN 310. You may be.

Further, the data management system 100 is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) 300 such as the Internet via a gateway 320. As a result, the data management system 100 can send and receive data to and from the terminals 200d to 200f outside the LAN 310.

In other embodiments, the data management system 100 may be connected to another device (not shown) that stores electronic data. As such a device, for example, there is an MFP (Multi Functional Peripheral) having a printer function, a FAX function, a scanner function, and the like. In this case, the data management system 100 can store and manage electronic data acquired by the MFP, for example, business card data acquired by OCR, received data by FAX, and documents acquired by the scanner function.
In addition, for example, even if a device for acquiring image data such as a digital camera, a Web camera, a television with a recording function, a recording device, a device for storing music data such as a music player, etc. can be connected to the data management system 100. good.
The device may be connected to the data management system 100 via LAN 310 or WAN 300, or may be connected using an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

(2) Hardware Configuration of Data Management System Next, the hardware configuration of the data management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a data management system according to the first embodiment.
The data management system 100 includes a control unit 1. The control unit 1 is a SoC (System on Chip) in which an arithmetic processing circuit and a control circuit for controlling each component of the data management system 100 are integrated on one chip.

The data management system 100 includes a first storage unit 2. The first storage unit 2 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The first storage unit 2 stores electronic data managed by the data management system 100.

In the present embodiment, the first storage unit 2 is composed of a plurality of storage devices 21 and 22. Note that FIG. 2 shows an example in which the first storage unit 2 is composed of two storage devices 21 and 22, but the number of storage devices is arbitrary.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of storage devices 21 and 22 constituting the first storage unit 2 are detachably attached to the data management system 100. Specifically, for example, when the storage devices 21 and 22 are storage devices provided with a SATA (Serial ATA) interface, a connector capable of fitting the SATA interface is provided in the main body of the data management system 100. .. By inserting the SATA interfaces of the storage devices 21 and 22 into the connector provided in the main body of the data management system 100, the storage devices 21 and 22 can be easily attached to the data management system 100. On the other hand, the storage devices 21 and 22 can be easily removed from the data management system 100 by disconnecting the SATA interfaces of the storage devices 21 and 22 from the connector provided in the main body of the data management system 100.
By making the storage devices 21 and 22 easily removable, it is possible to easily replace the storage device that has failed or has a reduced storage area.

As shown in FIG. 2, the storage devices 21, 22 or the connector are connected to the control unit 1 via the RAID module 25. The RAID module 25 is a control circuit for operating a plurality of storage devices 21 and 22 like one virtual storage device by a RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks) function.
In the present embodiment, the RAID module 25 has the same storage capacity as the storage devices 21 and 22 by writing the same data to the plurality of storage devices 21 and 22. Operate as one virtual storage device (mirroring operation). As a result, even if any of the plurality of storage devices 21 and 22 fails, the data management system 100 can operate using the other normal storage devices.

In other embodiments, the RAID module 25 may operate a plurality of storage devices 21 and 22 at other RAID levels. For example, the RAID module 25 distributes and writes data to a plurality of storage devices 21 and 22, so that the plurality of storage devices 21 and 22 have a storage capacity corresponding to the total storage capacity of the storage devices 21 and 22. It may be operated as one virtual storage device having the above (striping operation). As a result, the data management system 100 can increase the amount of data that can be stored and managed.
It should be noted that which RAID level to operate the plurality of storage devices 21 and 22 can be appropriately selected by changing the setting of the data management system 100.

The data management system 100 includes a RAM 3. The RAM 3 is connected to the control unit 1 and temporarily stores a program and / or various parameters operated by the data management system 100. The RAM 3 is composed of, for example, a DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM chip.

The data management system 100 includes a second storage unit 4. The second storage unit 4 is a storage medium capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the control unit 1 via the interface 41. In the present embodiment, the second storage unit 4 is an SD card memory inserted in the interface 41.
The second storage unit 4 stores programs, various settings, parameters, and the like for operating the data management system 100. The program stored in the second storage unit 4 includes not only an application program for managing files stored in the first storage unit 2, but also an OS (Operating System) which is a system program of the data management system 100. And a boot loader for booting the OS is also included.

Further, the second storage unit 4 stores various server programs. For example, an HTTP (Hyperext Transfer Protocol) server program, an SMB (Server Message Block) server program, and the like are stored in the second storage unit 4.
In addition, the second storage unit 4 may store the mail transmission / reception server program. As the mail sending / receiving server, for example, there is an IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) server. Further, the mail sending server and the mail receiving server may exist independently. As the mail transmission server, for example, there is an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server. As the mail receiving server, for example, there is a POP (Post Office Protocol) server.

The data management system 100 includes a wired network interface 5. The wired network interface 5 includes a circuit provided between the control unit 1 and the LAN 310 and functioning as a "physical layer" in the network. That is, the wired network interface 5 controls the transmission / reception of data between the terminals 200a to 200f connected to the LAN 310 and the control unit 1.
The data management system 100 includes a wireless network interface 6. The wireless network interface 6 includes a circuit that realizes a function for wirelessly communicating with a terminal 200c capable of wireless communication. That is, the wireless network interface 6 causes the data management system 100 to function as a wireless access point, and controls the transmission and reception of data by wireless communication between the terminal 200c and the control unit 1.

By having the above configuration, the data management system 100 can realize the electronic data management function. That is, the data management system 100 receives electronic data from the terminals 200a to 200f or the device capable of communicating via the wired network interface 5 (and LAN310, WAN300) and the wireless network interface 6, and the storage device 21. Can be stored in 22. Further, in response to a request from the terminals 200a to 200f, the electronic data stored in the storage devices 21 and 22 can be transmitted to the terminals 200a to 200f.

The data management system 100 may further include a display unit 7. The display unit 7 displays the status of the data management system 100. The display unit 7 is, for example, a small liquid crystal display device.

(3) User Interface for Binder Function Setting Process (3-1) Outline of User Interface As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the binder function setting process is executed using a GUI (Graphical User Interface). The interface. Therefore, the GUI for executing the setting process will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for executing a new binder creation process displayed by a browser on the screens of terminals 200a to 200f.

As shown in FIG. 3, the user interface for setting the binder function includes a logout button B1, a function list display area D2, and a GUI display area D3.
The log-out button B1 is a button for logging out from the data management system 100. The logged-in user can log out from the data management system 100 by pressing the logout button B1.

The function list display area D2 displays a list of names of functions that can be executed in the data management system 100. When the display area of the function name is specified by the user in the function list display area D2, the function displayed in the display area is executed.
The term "designated by the user" means that, for example, the user places a mouse cursor on the display area and clicks on the display area, or the user touches the display area on the touch panel. Hereinafter, the description "specified by the user" is used as having the same meaning as described above.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the function list display area D2 displays "data management" and "device setting" as main functions.
The "device setting" is a function for managing the hardware and software of the data management system 100. "Data management" is a function for managing electronic data and the like stored in the first storage unit 2.
Under the display area of "Data management", "Binder management", "File management", "Business card management", "Received fax management", and "Mail management" included in the data management are electronic data etc. It is listed as the name of the function to be managed.
The above list display is performed by designating the display area of "data management" by the user.

"Binder management" is a function for setting the binder function described later for the managed data. "File management" is a function for making various settings related to electronic data.
"Business card management" is a function for making various settings related to business card data acquired by OCR processing or the like from business card image data obtained by using a device connected to the data management system 100. The business card image data can be obtained from the scanner of the MFP when the MFP is connected. Further, even if the MFP is not connected, it can be acquired by using a wireless terminal with a camera. If you do not manage business cards, this item will not be displayed.
"Received fax management" is a function for making various settings related to FAX data received by a device connected to the data management system 100. Note that this item is not displayed when the MFP is not connected or management is not performed even if the MFP is connected.
The "mail transmission management" is a function for making various settings related to the mail transmitted from the data management system 100 when the mail server is operating in the data management system 100.

The GUI display area D3 is an area for displaying the user interface provided when the function displayed in the function list display area D2 is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the GUI display area D3 displays a user interface provided when a process of registering a new binder (binder new creation process) is executed.

(3-2) Details of User Interface Next, the interface displayed in the GUI display area D3 in the setting process of the binder function will be described. The interface shown in FIG. 3 is a user interface for executing a new binder creation process.
As shown in FIG. 3, the GUI display area D3 mainly includes a binder name setting area D31, a search condition setting area D32, and an option setting area D33.
In addition, the GUI display area D3 is further provided with a save button B2 and a back button B3. The save button B2 is a button for storing the setting contents of the binder in the second storage unit 4. The back button B3 is a button for returning the display to the immediately preceding display.

(3-3) Binder name setting area The binder name setting area D31 is an area for setting the name of the binder and the like. Specifically, the binder name setting area D31 has a binder number input area T1 and a binder name input area T2.
The binder number input area T1 is a text box GUI for inputting the identification number of the binder. The binder name input area T2 is a text box GUI for inputting the name of the binder.

Further, the binder name setting area D31 has a first radio button B4 and a second radio button B5.
The first radio button B4 is a button dedicated to the user who is trying to register a new binder for the binder (directory for the binder) having the name shown in the binder name input area T2. The second radio button B5 makes the binder accessible to other users.
If one of the first radio button B4 and the second radio button B5 is selected, the other is not selected. Whether or not the radio button is selected can be determined by whether or not the center of the radio button is filled.
That is, the above two radio buttons are buttons for selecting whether the binder is dedicated to the user or shared with other users.

(3-4) Search condition setting area The search condition setting area D32 is for setting the search executed in the binder function (processing for finding search data from the electronic data stored in the first storage unit 2). Area of.
Specifically, the search condition setting area D32 includes a keyword input area T3, a date selection area L1, a search location setting button B6, a third radio button B7, a fourth radio button B8, and a first check box C1. And a second check box C2.

The keyword input area T3 is a text box GUI for inputting characters of a search keyword.
The date selection area L1 is a list box GUI for displaying a list of dates that can be set as search conditions (for example, search file creation date, modification date, etc.) and allowing the user to select the date.
The search location setting button B6 is a button for setting a directory or a path to be searched. By pressing the search location setting button B6, for example, the directory of the first storage unit 2 is displayed, and by specifying the directory (path) to be searched in the display, the directory or path to be searched can be set. ..

The third radio button B7 targets only electronic data as a search target in the binder function. The fourth radio button B8 is a button for searching both the electronic data and the directory created in the first storage unit 2.
If one of the third radio button B7 and the fourth radio button B8 is selected, the other is not selected.

The first check box C1 is a check box for selecting whether or not to search for business card data. The second check box C2 is a check box for selecting whether or not the FAX data is to be searched.
That is, the above two check boxes are check boxes for selecting which data managed by the data management system 100 is to be searched.

Therefore, the validity / invalidity of the above two check boxes may be linked with the display in the function list display area D2, for example.
For example, when the business card management is not performed in the data management system 100, the first check box C1 is invalidated (or not displayed), and the function name "business card management" is not displayed in the function list display area D2. ..
Further, for example, when the received fax management is not performed in the data management system 100, the second check box C2 is invalidated (or not displayed), and the function of the function list display area D2 is "received fax management". The name is not displayed.

The search condition setting area D32 further includes a third check box C3, a fifth radio button B9, a sixth radio button B10, a seventh radio button B11, and an eighth radio button B12.
The third check box C3 is a check box GUI for selecting whether or not to classify the search data for each classification item.

The fifth radio button B9 to the eighth radio button B12 are buttons for setting the search data classification items as the update date, update month, file name, and shooting location (in the case of image data) of the search data, respectively. be.
If any one of the fifth radio buttons B9 to the eighth radio button B12 is selected, the other radio buttons are set not to be selected.

The condition addition button B13 is a button for adding a new search condition. Specifically, when the condition addition button B13 is pressed, the additional search condition setting area D32 is displayed in the GUI display area D3.
The search condition added by the condition addition button B13 can be selected to be linked with the existing search condition by the "OR" condition or by the "AND" condition.

The delete button B14 is a button for deleting an existing search condition. Specifically, when the delete button B14 is pressed, the search condition setting area D32 in which the pressed delete button B14 was present is not displayed in the GUI display area D3. At the same time, the search condition set in the search condition setting area D32 is deleted.

(3-5) Option setting area The option setting area D33 is an area for setting whether or not to enable the option function for the binder function.
In the present embodiment, since there are three optional functions (monitoring function, automatic update function, binder clear function), the option setting area D33 includes the fourth check box C4, the fifth check box C5, and the sixth check box. It has C6 and.

The fourth check box C4 is a check box for setting enable / disable of the monitoring function. The monitoring function is a function that constantly monitors the update of the data to be searched and updates the link when the data is updated.
The fifth check box C5 is a check box for setting enable / disable of the automatic update function. The automatic update function is a function that updates the contents of the binder (updates the link to the search file) at a predetermined date and time (12:30 in the example shown in FIG. 3).
The sixth check box C6 is a check box for setting the enable / disable of the binder clear function. The binder clear function is a function to delete the link stored in the binder before executing the update when the binder is updated.

(3-6) Summary As described above, by providing the first radio button B4 and the second radio button B5 in the binder name setting area D31 of the user interface, the newly registered binder is dedicated to the user. Or you can set whether to share it with all users.
Further, by having the search condition setting area D32, it is possible to set a unique search condition for each binder managed by the data management system 100. As a result, links to search data matching specific conditions can be managed by one binder.
Further, by providing the third check box C3 in the search condition setting area D32, it is possible to select whether or not to classify the search data found by the search for each classification item. Further, by providing the fifth radio button B9 to the eighth radio button B12 in the setting area, it is possible to select by what classification item the search data is classified.

Further, since the interface has the option setting area D33, it is possible to enable / disable the original option function for each binder function managed by the data management system 100.

(4) Operation of the data management system (4-1) Outline operation of the data management system Hereinafter, the processing up to the execution of the binder function in the data management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, the schematic operation of the data management system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the schematic operation of the data management system.
When the power of the data management system 100 is turned on, the control unit 1 executes an activation sequence to activate the data management system 100.
After starting the data management system 100, for example, the user accesses the data management system 100 by accessing the HTTP server being executed by the data management system 100 by using the Web browser of the terminal 200a.
When the access from the user is detected, the control unit 1 requests the user to input the user ID and the password, and executes the user authentication by using the input user ID and the password.

When the user logged in to the data management system 100 requests the setting of the binder function from the terminal 200a after the user authentication is successful, the control unit 1 executes a program for executing the setting related to the binder function (step S1). ..

Further, when a logged-in user or the above-mentioned automatic update function requests execution of the binder function, the control unit 1 executes the binder function program based on the setting made in step S1 (step). S2).

(4-2) Operation in Setting Process Related to Binder Function Next, the setting process related to the binder function executed in step S1 will be described. In the following, a process of registering a new binder in the data management system 100 will be described.
When there is a request from the user via the terminal 200a to execute the registration process of the new binder, the control unit 1 transfers the data of the user interface for executing the registration process of the new binder to the terminal 200a. Send. As a result, the interface shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display of the terminal 200a.

After that, the user makes various settings of the binder to be newly registered by using the interface displayed on the terminal 200a.
Specifically, the name of the newly registered binder, the search conditions for the search data managed by the new binder, whether or not the search data is classified for each classification item, the classification items for classifying the search data, and the classification items. , Enable / disable the optional function to be executed for the new binder.

For example, by checking the third check box C3 in the search condition setting area D32, the function of classifying the search data for each classification item becomes effective.
At this time, when any one of the 5th radio button B9 to the 7th radio button B11 is selected, information (property) indicating the property of the search data such as the update date, the update month, or the file name of the search data of the search data is selected. Information) can be used as a classification item for classifying search data (links to).
On the other hand, when the eighth radio button B12 is selected, the shooting location of the search data can be used as a classification item. The shooting location is information for specifying the location where the image data is acquired when the search data is image data shot by a camera or the like. Therefore, it can be said that the shooting location is an example of information representing the content of the data portion of the search data (image data).

When the setting of the newly registered binder is completed and the save button B2 is pressed, the control unit 1 converts the setting made in each GUI of the GUI display area D3 into the setting parameter of the binder, and the second storage unit 4 Remember in.

(4-3) Operation at the time of executing the binder function Next, the operation of the data management system 100 at the time of executing the binder function, which is executed in step S2, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the data management system when the binder function is executed.
Upon detecting the execution request of the binder function, the control unit 1 confirms in step S21 whether or not the binder function to be executed is based on the newly created setting parameter.
For example, the control unit 1 reads the setting parameter of the binder function for which the execution request has been made from the second storage unit 4, and does the first storage unit 2 have a directory having the name of the binder shown in the setting parameter? Judge whether or not. Then, based on the above determination, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the execution of the binder function based on the newly created setting parameter is requested.

When the execution of the binder function based on the newly created setting parameter is requested (in the case of "Yes" in step S21), the execution process of the binder function proceeds to step S22.
On the other hand, when the execution of the existing binder function is requested (in the case of "No" in step S21), the execution process of the binder function proceeds to step S23.

In step S22, the control unit 1 creates a new binder directory in a predetermined storage area of the first storage unit 2. At this time, the control unit 1 determines the creation position of the directory for the binder, for example, under the directory dedicated to the owner of the binder (for example, the creator of the setting parameter of the binder function). The location for creating the directory for the binder is not limited to the directory dedicated to the owner, and can be any storage area of the first storage unit 2.
Further, the control unit 1 assigns the name of the binder set in step S1 to the newly created directory name.
After the directory for the binder is created in the first storage unit 2, the process of executing the binder function proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the control unit 1 confirms whether or not the binder function to be executed is dedicated to the user. Specifically, the control unit 1 executes the above determination based on the determination as to whether or not the binder is dedicated to the user in the setting parameter of the binder function to be executed.

When it is determined that the binder to be executed is dedicated to the user (in the case of "Yes" in step S23), the process of executing the binder function proceeds to step S24.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the binder to be executed can be accessed by other users (in the case of "No" in step S23), the control unit 1 informs all users about the directory for the binder to be executed. And at least set the access right to make it readable. After that, the process of executing the binder function proceeds to step S25.

In step S24, the control unit 1 sets an access right for the directory for the binder to be executed to at least the user who is the owner of the binder so that the directory can be read.
The control unit 1 may set not only the access right to make the directory for the binder readable but also the access right to make the user writable. On the other hand, no access right is set for other users.
After setting the access right to the directory for the binder, the process of executing the binder function proceeds to step S25.

As described above, after creating the binder directory as necessary or changing the setting of the existing binder directory, the control unit 1 starts executing the binder function.
Specifically, in step S25, the control unit 1 searches for the electronic data of the first storage unit 2 using the search conditions set for the binder function to be executed. The control unit 1 uses the electronic data found by the search as search data, and temporarily stores the file path name of the search data in, for example, RAM 3. After that, the process of executing the binder function proceeds to step S26.

In step S26, the control unit 1 determines whether or not to classify the search data found by the search executed in step S25 for each classification item. Specifically, the control unit 1 executes the above determination based on the determination of whether or not the search data is classified for each classification item in the setting parameter of the binder function being executed.
When it is determined not to classify the search data for each classification item (in the case of "No" in step S26), the execution process of the binder function proceeds to step S27.
On the other hand, when it is determined to classify the search data for each classification item (in the case of "Yes" in step S26), the execution process of the binder function proceeds to step S28.

In step S27, the control unit 1 refers to a list of file path names of the search data temporarily stored in the RAM 3 or the like, and creates a link to each of the search data listed in the list. After that, save the created link in the directory for the binder.
As a method of creating a link to the search data, for example, a method of newly creating management information of the search data and a new file path (electronic data) for referring to the new management information, and a method of creating the search data. There are two ways to create a new file path that references existing management information. The method for creating the link can be appropriately determined. The above-mentioned management information is information for managing the search data, and is a pointer pointing to a storage area (position in the first storage unit 2) in which the actual data of the search data is stored, and a time stamp of the search data (a time stamp of the search data). It contains information such as the date of update).
After creating a link to all the search data and saving it in the directory for the binder, the process of executing the binder function ends.

(4-4) Classification of search data In step S28, the control unit 1 classifies the search data for each classification item. The "classification of search data" executed in step S28 means that the link to the search data including the classification item is saved in the directory created for each classification item (hereinafter referred to as "classification directory"). To tell.
As a result, it is possible to collectively manage the links to the search data related to the search data found under the predetermined search conditions as a classification item for each directory. As a result, the data management system 100 can easily realize more advanced data management.

Hereinafter, the flow of processing in the data management system 100 when classifying search data will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the classification of search data.
In step S281, the control unit 1 selects a file path name of one search data from the file path names of the search data temporarily stored in the RAM 3, and classifies the search data from the search data. Extract items. Specifically, the classification items are extracted as follows.
First, the control unit 1 refers to the setting parameter of the binder function being executed, and determines in which classification item the search data is classified.
When the update date, update month, or file name (property information) of the search data is set as the classification item in the setting parameter, the control unit 1 is based on the file path name and / or management information of the search data. , The update date, update month, or file name (property information) of the search data is extracted as a classification item.

On the other hand, when the search data is image data taken by a camera or the like and the shooting location where the image data was taken is set as a classification item, the control unit 1 shoots as follows. Extract the location as a classification item.
For example, the control unit 1 acquires the latitude and longitude at which the image data, which is the search data, is captured from the metadata included in the search data. After that, the control unit 1 transmits the acquired latitude and longitude to a server that provides map information, and captures information about a landmark (for example, a building name) existing at a position indicated by the latitude and longitude from the server. Get as a place.
The map information may be stored in a predetermined storage area of the first storage unit 2, for example.
After extracting the classification items of the search data, the process proceeds to step S282.

In step S282, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the classification item extracted in step S281 is a new classification item.
For example, when the classification directory having the extracted classification item as a name does not yet exist (“Yes” in step S282), the control unit 1 determines that the extracted classification item is a new classification item. In this case, the process proceeds to step S283.
On the other hand, when the classification directory having the acquired classification item as a name already exists (“No” in step S282), the control unit 1 determines that the extracted classification item is an existing classification item. In this case, the process proceeds to step S284.

In step S283, the control unit 1 creates a directory having the classification item extracted in step S281 as a name under the binder directory as the classification directory.
Hereinafter, explanations will be given for each type of search data classification item.
When the category item of the search data is the update date, if the update date of the search data "○ year △ month □ day" is extracted from the management information of the search data, the classification item is "○ year △ month □ day". Then, a classification directory with the name "Year △ Month □ Day" is created.
If the category item of the search data is the update month, if the update date of the search data "Year △ month □ day" is extracted from the management information of the search data, the classification item will be "Year △ month". A classification directory with the name "Year △ Month" is created.
When the category item of the search data is a file name, if a file name containing the character string "ABC" is extracted from the file path name of the search data, the category item is a file containing the character string "ABC". It becomes a name, and a classification directory of the name including the character string "ABC" is created.
When the classification item of the search data is the shooting location, if the landmark name "DEF" is extracted as the shooting location of the search data, the classification item becomes the landmark name of "DEF" and has the name "DEF". A classification directory is created.
After creating the classification directory as described above, the search data classification process proceeds to step S284.

In step S284, the control unit 1 creates a link to the search data, and saves the created link in the classification directory created for the classification item corresponding to the search data.
After that, when the above steps S281 to S284 are executed for all the search data included in the list stored in the RAM 3 (in the case of "Yes" in step S285), the search data classification process ends.

(4-5) Summary By executing the above steps S281 to S285 as a search data classification process, the following effects can be obtained.
First, in steps S281 to S283, the control unit 1 extracts the classification items of the search data and creates a classification directory for each classification item, so that the user of the data management system 100 is dedicated to each classification item. No need to create a directory for. Further, even if the number of links created by the binder function becomes enormous because the amount of electronic data managed by the data management system 100 is enormous, the enormous number of links is generated in the data management system 100 of the present embodiment. Links can be easily managed, and there is no need to reconsider the name of the classification directory. As a result, the burden on the user when using the data management system 100 can be reduced.
Secondly, in step S284 described above, by storing the link to the search data in the classification directory created for the classification item corresponding to the search data, the link to the search data is stored for each classification item. Can be classified.

Thirdly, in step S281 above, by extracting property information (update date, file name, etc.) as a classification item, a classification directory is created based on the property information of the search data, and the property information of the search data is created. You can save the link to the search data corresponding to each classification directory. As a result, the links to the search data can be organized by the specified property information of the search data.

On the other hand, the control unit 1 extracts information representing the contents of the data portion of the search data (for example, a shooting location extracted from the metadata included in the search data) as a classification item, thereby providing a link to the search data. , It can be organized by information representing the contents of the data part of the search data (for example, by the shooting location of the search data).

2. 2. Features of the present embodiment The above embodiment can be described as follows.
The data management system (for example, the data management system 100) includes a storage device (for example, storage devices 21 and 22) and a control unit (for example, control unit 1).
The storage device stores data (eg, electronic data).
The control unit determines a classification item for classifying the search data as the data found by the search using the predetermined search conditions.
Create a classification directory for each classification item in the storage device,
The link to the search data is saved in the classification directory created for the classification item corresponding to the search data.

In the above data management system, the control unit determines a classification item for classifying the search data, and creates a classification directory in the storage device for each classification item. Then, the control unit stores the link to the search data in the classification directory created for the classification item corresponding to the search data.
As a result, the user of the data management system does not need to create a dedicated directory for each classification item, and can easily manage the link to the search data. As a result, the burden on the user when using the data management system can be reduced.

3. 3. Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, the plurality of embodiments and modifications described herein can be arbitrarily combined as needed.
(A) In the process of executing the binder function described with reference to FIG. 5 and the process of classifying the search data described with reference to FIG. 6, the processes executed in each step and the order of each step can be appropriately changed. ..
For example, during the execution of the search for finding the search data, the classification of the search data for each classification item and the creation and storage of the link to the search data in the corresponding classification directory may be executed. Specifically, for example, when the search data is found by the search, at that time, the classification of the search data for each classification item and the creation and saving of the link to the search data in the corresponding classification directory are executed. After that, the search may be continued.

(B) In the binder function set by a certain user, when a directory for the binder dedicated to the user is created and electronic data to which the user does not have the access right is found by the search, the control unit 1 sets the control unit 1. The electronic data may be excluded from the search results without being used as search data.
Alternatively, the control unit 1 may not create a link to the search data unless the access right to this user is set in the search data.
This makes it possible to prevent the link to the irrelevant electronic data that the user does not have access right to be stored as a binder dedicated to the user. As a result, the data management system 100 can execute more appropriate data management by the binder function.

(C) The information representing the content of the data portion of the search data extracted as a classification item is not limited to the shooting location of the search data (image data) extracted from the metadata of the search data. For example, the classification item may be extracted from the actual data included in the search data.
For example, information based on the shape and / or color of the image included in the search data may be used as a classification item. As for the shape of the image, for example, the shape recognized by using image recognition or the like can be used as a classification item.
As for the colors included in the image, for example, the number of pixels existing in a predetermined area of the image data is counted for each color, and the color having the maximum number of counted pixels can be used as a classification item.

(D) Information obtained by OCR processing from search data which is image data may be used as a classification item. For example, character information extracted by OCR processing from a business card and / or a received FAX image can be used as a classification item.

(E) When the image data is stored in the data management system 100, the image data may be subjected to OCR processing. Further, the image data found during the search executed by the binder function may be subjected to OCR processing. In this case, the information obtained by the OCR processing (information representing the content of the data portion of the search data) may be used as a classification item.

The present invention can be widely applied to a data management system that manages various types of data.

100 Data management system 1 Control unit 2 First storage unit 3 RAM
4 Second storage unit 5 Wired network interface 6 Wireless network interface 7 Display units 21, 22 Storage device 25 RAID module 41 Interface 200a to 200f Terminal 300 WAN
310 LAN
320 Gateway D2 Function list display area D3 GUI display area D31 Binder name setting area D32 Search condition setting area D33 Option setting area B1 Logout button B2 Save button B3 Button B4 1st radio button B5 2nd radio button B6 Search location setting button B7 3 Radio button B8 4th radio button B9 5th radio button B10 6th radio button B11 7th radio button B12 8th radio button B13 Condition addition button B14 Delete button C1 1st check box C2 2nd check box C3 3rd check box C4 4th check box C5 5th check box C6 6th check box L1 Date selection area T1 Binder number input area T2 Binder name input area T3 Keyword input area

Claims (3)

A storage device that stores data and
Determine the classification items for classifying the search data as the data found by the search using the predetermined search conditions.
A classification directory having a classification item extracted from the search data as a name is created in the storage device for each classification item.
A link to the search data is stored in the classification directory created for the classification item corresponding to the search data.
Control unit and
A data management system equipped with. The data management system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit uses property information representing the property of the search data as the classification item. The data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit uses information representing the contents of the data portion of the search data as the classification item.

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