JPH11219401A - Method for processing electronic document in work flow support system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operability of a person in charge of each work by displaying information necessary for the processing of the person in charge of each work so as to easily observe it and dynamically changing an electronic document to flow on an electronic route of a work flow. SOLUTION: After generating a reference document A to flow on an electronic route in accordance with a previously prepared form, at least a prescribed information in the document A succeeds the previously prepared form in a prescribed process of a work flow and the document A is annexed or linked to the form to generate a reference document B to flow on the electronic route. Since the format of the electronic document can be dynamically changed in accordance with the processing of each process on the work flow, the electronic document can be displayed so that information necessary for the processing of a person in charge of each work can easily be observed and the operability of the person in charge of each work can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a workflow support system for controlling the transfer of electronic documents between a plurality of persons in charge according to a preset workflow, and for automating the coordination of tasks within an arbitrary group. In order to improve the workability of each person in charge, dynamically change the electronic document flowing through the electronic route in the workflow so that the information necessary for each person in charge of processing can be easily displayed and processed. And an electronic document processing method in a workflow support system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent advances in computer technology, OS,
With the development of software technologies such as applications, the decline in equipment prices, the development of infrastructure such as communications and networks, and the development of the information processing industry, it becomes natural for individuals to own personal computers, and their use has spread. The rate has improved dramatically.

In particular, companies are rapidly introducing personal computers as a tool for improving white-collar productivity. Specifically, with the introduction of computers,
In addition to enabling the use of document creation software and spreadsheet software, unifying in-house documents with specific software and unifying files by converting paper documents into electronic documents,
The company is aiming for a significant improvement in internal business efficiency.

[0004] Furthermore, since the sharing of information does not easily progress just by using a personal computer in a stand-alone manner, the next step is to connect the personal computer via a network to further improve the productivity of business. Is planned. This dramatic increase in productivity can be achieved by sharing information through a network, receiving information from other people other than yourself, and immediately obtaining the boss's judgment, making decisions faster by speeding up communication. Is achieved quickly.

[0005] A tool for improving the productivity of a group including a plurality of members as well as individuals is called groupware.
Some have defined it as "a computer system designed to be used in groups of members and designed to increase group productivity." Representative of such groupware is, for example, NOTES (registered trademark of Lotus Corporation) software developed by Lotus Corporation.

Further, recently, not only information is simply shared, but also electronically created documents are evaluated and approved and sent to distribution destinations electronically using a network, a so-called workflow. Support systems are gradually being used. Sending the created document to specific people at the same time can be achieved by e-mail. However, the created electronic document is sequentially transmitted to a plurality of predetermined persons (business persons), and when the processing is completed, it is automatically transmitted to the next person (business persons). It is difficult for e-mail software to be able to monitor whether it is running, measure the time required for each process, and dynamically change the workflow.

[0007] For this reason, workflow support software has newly appeared in order to realize such a thing. For example, workflow support software for drafting systems is well known. This workflow support software uses a personal computer to fill in predetermined items in a company-defined drafting form that is determined in advance, and after completion of preparation, receives approval and approval from the supervisor in order, and then makes payment, and creates it again after payment It is a system that returns to the user (workflow support system). If there is any deficiency on the way, it is returned to the creator for rejection, and after correction, it can be put on the original approval route again.

[0008] In a workflow support system for flowing an electronic document to an electronic route on a workflow and performing a predetermined process in a predetermined step, a form of the electronic document is usually prepared, and the workflow is added to the prepared electronic document form. The electronic document is processed by adding necessary information or performing an approval act in each of the above steps. Therefore, the number of electronic documents flowing through the electronic route on the workflow is basically one.

[0009]

However, the conventional workflow support system has the advantage that only one electronic document is used and management is easy, but the workflow differs in a plurality of steps. Since it is common for business personnel to perform different processes, in a system where only one electronic document is used in a workflow, it cannot be said that an environment in which all business personnel can easily process is established. There was a problem that there is. Specifically, for example, information, items, and the like, which are used when a person in charge of the last step in the workflow processes the electronic document, are generally provided in a rear part of the electronic document. For this reason, it is inconvenient to scroll through the screen and skip items that have already been processed by the person in charge of the previous process, which are not necessarily helpful for the user's own process, and to search for items to be used for the process.

[0010] For this reason, a method has been proposed in which an unnecessary portion of an electronic document is not displayed for processing by a person in charge of processing, but a large number of items and input items existing in one electronic document have been proposed. In order to control the columns to display necessary items for each process in the workflow and not to display unnecessary items, complicated setting work is required. ,
Or, there is a problem that a great deal of labor is required when changing the workflow.

In addition, since the number of processes and the contents of processing in a workflow are usually different depending on the size and business contents of a company, necessary items of an electronic document are displayed for each process in a workflow, and unnecessary items are displayed. If you consider applying a workflow support system that can be controlled so that it is not displayed to other companies or other departments, it will be necessary to make time-consuming program corrections according to the size and business content of the company to which it applies Therefore, there is a problem that such a workflow support system is not versatile and inconvenient.

Further, in general workflow software, there is a problem that the number of items and input fields that can be set in one electronic document (form) is limited in design. In other words, it has not been possible to create an electronic document having more items and input fields than the number specified by the workflow software.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and by enabling the form of an electronic document to be dynamically changed in accordance with the contents of processing in each step of a workflow, the processing of each business person It is a first object of the present invention to display necessary information in an easy-to-read manner and to improve the workability of each business operator.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and by changing the form of an electronic document and changing the information display method while inheriting information up to the previous step in the workflow, A second object is to improve the workability of each worker.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and can be easily applied to a workflow of another different business by simply changing the form of an electronic document to be sent on the workflow to one suitable for the business. A third purpose is to make it possible.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and enables a plurality of types of electronic documents to flow on an electronic route on a workflow to display necessary information for each business person in charge. It is a fourth object of the present invention to be able to extremely easily achieve a process of not displaying or displaying.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and has been made in such a manner that a plurality of types of electronic documents can be flowed through an electronic route on a workflow, and a plurality of electronic documents other than a preset electronic route on the workflow can be provided. It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a workflow support system that can easily generate a derived route of a task according to the intention of a task clerk and execute a task, and can perform flexible processing.

Further, a plurality of types of electronic documents can be made to flow through an electronic route on the workflow so that an electronic document corresponding to the processing on the workflow can be prepared. A sixth object is to avoid being affected by the above constraint.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to claim 1, wherein an electronic document flowing through an electronic route of a computer world in a work flow (workflow) in a group is processed. In the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system for processing, a first document generation step of generating a first electronic document flowing through the electronic route according to a first form prepared in advance, and the first document generation step After the first electronic document is generated in the second electronic document flowing in the electronic route according to a second form including at least all information in the first electronic document in a predetermined step on a workflow And generating a second document.

An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a method for processing an electronic document in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in the computer world in a work flow in a group. Generating a first electronic document that flows through the electronic route according to a first form prepared in advance, and generating the first electronic document in the first document generating step. ,
In a predetermined step on a workflow, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is transferred to a second form prepared in advance, and the first electronic document is attached to the second form or a document link is attached. And a second document generating step of generating a second electronic document flowing through the electronic route.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system according to the second aspect, further comprising the step of executing the second document generation step before executing the second document generation step. In a predetermined process on a workflow, a third document generating step of generating a third electronic document flowing through the electronic route together with the first electronic document according to a third form prepared in advance is included. The second document generation step attaches or links the third electronic document to the second form when the second electronic document is generated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system according to the second or third aspect, further comprising the step of executing the second document generation step. A fourth document generating step of generating a fourth electronic document flowing through the electronic route together with the second electronic document in accordance with a fourth form prepared in advance in the predetermined step of the workflow. Is included.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system according to the third aspect, wherein the third document generation step includes the first document generation step. It can be executed simultaneously with the execution of the process.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic document processing method of the workflow support system according to the fourth aspect, the fourth document generation step includes the second document generation step. It can be executed simultaneously with the execution of the process.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to the second or third aspect, further comprising the step of executing the second document generation step. In the predetermined step on the workflow, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is taken over by a prepared fifth form, and the first electronic document is attached to the fifth form or The method includes a fifth document generation step of generating a fifth electronic document to be linked to a document and to be sent to an arbitrary person in charge in the workflow.

An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to claim 8 is the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the electronic document processing method further executes the second document generation step. In the predetermined step on the workflow, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is transferred to a previously prepared sixth form, and the second electronic document is attached to the sixth form or The method includes a sixth document generation step of generating a sixth electronic document to be linked to a document and to be sent to an arbitrary person in charge in the workflow.

An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to a ninth aspect is the electronic document processing method in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in a computer world in a work flow within a group. A first document generation step of generating a first electronic document flowing through the electronic route in accordance with a first form prepared in advance, and a predetermined step in a workflow, in accordance with a second form prepared in advance, A second electronic document that generates a second electronic document that flows through the electronic route together with the first electronic document;
And a document generation step.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic document processing method of the workflow support system according to the ninth aspect, the second document generation step includes the first document generation step. It can be executed simultaneously with the execution of the process.

An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to claim 11 is the electronic document processing method in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in the computer world in a work flow in a group (workflow). A first document generating step of generating a first electronic document flowing through the electronic route according to a first form prepared in advance, and a predetermined step in a workflow, wherein at least the first
The predetermined information in the electronic document is transferred to a second form prepared in advance, and the first form is stored in the second form.
A document generation step of generating a second electronic document to be attached to or linked to the electronic document described above and sent to an arbitrary person in charge in the workflow.

An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to a twelfth aspect is the electronic document processing method in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in a computer world in a work flow (workflow) in a group. A first document generation step of generating a first electronic document flowing through the electronic route according to a first form prepared in advance, and a second step prepared in a predetermined step on a workflow.
In a second document generation step of generating a second electronic document that flows through the electronic route together with the first electronic document according to the form of the first electronic document, and in a predetermined step in a workflow, at least the first electronic document is generated. The predetermined information in the document is transferred to a third form prepared in advance, and the first electronic document and the second electronic document are attached to the third form or linked to the document, so that any information on the workflow can be obtained. And a third document generation step of generating a third electronic document to be sent to the person in charge of the job.

Further, an electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to claim 13 is provided.
13. The electronic document processing method according to 9, 11, or 12, further comprising, when generating the first electronic document, another electronic document that is generated in association with the first electronic document and the first electronic document. A numbering step of numbering a management number for managing the electronic document, and managing the first electronic document, and when a new electronic document is generated in relation to the first electronic document, And a document management step of managing the generated electronic document using the management number.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to an application workflow support system relating to intellectual property rights.

In the embodiment, the electronic document processing method in the application workflow support system is described as follows: (1) Example of schematic system configuration of application workflow support system (2) Example of workflow supported by application workflow support system (3) Application workflow Specific Example of Electronic Document Processing Method in Support System (4) Effects of the First Embodiment

In the following description, the basic documents A,
The basic document B, the sub-document X, the derived document D, the invention notification form, and the evaluation form correspond to the electronic document of the present invention, and are distinguished from the electronic mail. Further, the term “electronic document” indicates all or any of these. Furthermore, those who process the electronic document in each step in the workflow are collectively referred to as business personnel.

(1) Example of Schematic Configuration of Application Workflow Support System FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an application workflow support system according to the present embodiment. The configuration of the application workflow support system according to the present embodiment is the same as a general workflow support system, and can be realized with various system configurations. Here, as one example, a plurality of clients (terminal devices) 102 to 105
And a plurality of servers 106 and 107 and a plurality of printers 108 and 109 connected to a local area network 101. In the present embodiment, NOTES (registered trademark of Lotus Corporation, USA) is developed by Lotus Corporation as groupware used in the application workflow support system shown in FIG.
Shall be used. In the following description, the term “system” means both the system shown in FIG. 1 and the groupware.

(2) Example of Workflow Supported by Application Workflow Support System FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of a workflow (work flow) supported by the application workflow support system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a workflow from the creation of an invention report (electronic document) relating to a completed invention to the reception of an intellectual property department (described as an intellectual property department). ), The inventor A (110) and the inventor B (11)
The workflow flows in the order of 1), inventor C (112), examiner (113), approver (114), and intellectual property department reception (115).

First, the creator / inventor A (110) fills in necessary items on the invention notification creation DB (116) to create an invention notification. The invention notification form will be specifically described later with reference to the drawings. Filler / inventor A
The invention report is called, the inventors B and C are designated as joint inventors, and the necessary information is entered in each item. At this time, when the inventor B and the inventor C are designated, the workflows 110 to 11 in FIG.
An electronic route to the intellectual property department is set in the order of 5. Then, when the inventor A (110) performs an electronic approval process related to transferring his / her invention to the company after creating the invention notification form (when the transfer is approved), an e-mail is transmitted to the inventor B (111). .

Upon receiving the e-mail, the inventor B (111) checks the contents of the invention notification form on the invention notification form creation DB (116) attached to the e-mail, and enters his / her invention into the company. Performs electronic approval processing for transfer to. Similarly, when the inventor C (112) receives the e-mail, the inventor C (112) checks the contents of the invention notification form on the invention notification form creation DB (116) attached to the e-mail,
An electronic approval process for transferring own invention to a company is performed.

When all the joint inventors approve the transfer of the invention to the company, the examiner (113) examines the invention and inputs the evaluation of the invention. Thereafter, when the notification of the invention is approved by the approver (114), an e-mail is transmitted to the intellectual property department receptionist (115), where the invention notification is received, and then the next step in the application workflow is performed. (Not shown: see FIG. 3). When the approver (114) approves the application, the invention notification is transferred from the invention notification DB (116) to the application intellectual property DB (11).
Is copied to 7). Note that if the data amount is reduced, it is possible to manage the application workflow with one document DB, but if the data amount is increased, a plurality of document DBs may be provided for distributed management.

As described in the section of the electronic document processing method below, the electronic document used in each step in the workflow shown in FIG. 2 is dynamically formed in consideration of the workability of the person in charge of each step. Changes. Therefore, in the following description, how the electronic document changes in each step in the workflow will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(3) Specific Example of Electronic Document Processing Method in Application Workflow Support System FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing an electronic document processing method in the application workflow support system. here,
An electronic document processing method in the application workflow support system will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. FIG. 3 corresponds to the workflow shown in FIG. 2, and shows how the electronic document changes in order to explain the processing of the electronic document.

In FIG. 3, “creator” is the creator / inventor A (110) in FIG. 2, and “approver” is the examiner (11).
3)-Approver (114), "Receive" to IP department reception (115), "Responsible" to IP department personnel (not shown in FIG. 2), "Approver" to IP The order approver (not shown in FIG. 2) corresponds to the person in charge of order processing in the intellectual property section (not shown in FIG. 2).

First, the basic document A is created by the creator. This basic document A corresponds to the invention notification form described above,
Hereinafter, it is described as “basic document A”. Here, an example of the invention notification form that is the basic document A will be described.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the invention notification form which is the basic document A. When the creator selects the command for creating the basic document A on his client, the form of the basic document A shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the screen. In FIG.
Reference numeral 401 denotes an entry display item for setting a creator's name, ID, and the like, which is preset in the system when the form is opened. 402, the selection item 402a or 402b is selected, and the invention notification form 400 is 100%.
A document form setting item for setting whether the document is an electronic document or a part of a paper document is shown. Also, 4
03 is a report number setting item for setting a report number, and when a report number acquisition button 403a is clicked,
A unique notification form number is automatically assigned and set and displayed on the system side.

Reference numeral 404 denotes an inventor setting item for setting information on the inventor, an inventor number display field 404a for displaying the number of inventors, and an inventor setting field for setting the inventor's name and ID. 404b. When setting the name of the inventor in the inventor setting column 404b,
By clicking a button 404c, an inventor's address book (not shown) is displayed from a predetermined database, and when the corresponding inventor is selected from this address book,
The information of the inventor is set in the inventor setting field 404b, and the number corresponding to the set number of inventors is calculated and displayed in the inventor number setting field 404a. Then, after setting the inventor's information in the inventor setting field 404b, when the kanji name conversion button 404d is clicked, the inventor setting field 404b is clicked.
Of the inventor is converted into a kanji name and displayed in an inventor transfer column (not shown).

Further, reference numeral 405 denotes an external announcement schedule setting item for setting whether or not there is a plan to announce the content of the invention to be notified in the invention notification form, for example, a conference or a publication, etc., outside. And set whether or not there is a schedule for external announcement. If there is a plan to be announced outside the company, enter the planned date (known date) and select one of the reason items 405b.
Set the reason for the external announcement. Although detailed description is omitted, the items set in the external announcement schedule setting item are used when setting the processing deadline until filing the invention based on the invention notification form in the application workflow support system according to the present embodiment. Used.

Although not shown in the drawings, the basic document A further includes an invention description field for describing the contents of the invention, and the inventor's approval and approval regarding the transfer of his invention to a company.
The column for assigning inventions for setting non-approval, the column for setting applicants for setting the applicant, the column for setting examiners for setting the examiner (113) shown in FIG. 2, and the examination results (evaluation results) by the examiner (113) are shown in FIG. An examination result input field to input, an approver setting field to set an approver (114), an approval result input field to input an approval result of an application by the approver (114), and an intellectual property section to set a person in charge of the intellectual property section A staff setting column and the like are provided.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of numbering the report number set in the report number setting item 403 shown in FIG. This notification form number is used for managing the basic document A, and also for managing other electronic documents generated in association with the basic document A together with the basic document A. When the creator clicks the notification form number acquisition button 403a, the creator's client 5
From 01, a request for numbering the notification form number is output to the server 504. The server 504 has a report number ledger 505 for managing the report number, and assigns a unique (unique) report number for each basic document A in response to a request from the client 501. The report number thus assigned is set and displayed in the report number setting item 403 of the basic document A. Note that there may be a plurality of servers depending on the size of the network. In this case, for example, only one specific server that assigns a notification form number from among a plurality of servers may be set so that a unique notification form number can be numbered for each basic document A. Good. When a numbering request is issued from a plurality of clients, a notification process number that does not overlap can be reliably numbered by making the subsequent process wait until the process of the one received earlier is completed.

Returning to FIG. 3, the creator selects the basic document A stored in the invention notification form creation DB (116) shown in FIG.
Is performed, and processing for inputting necessary information for each item described with reference to FIG. 4 is performed. When the creator finishes the creation of the basic document A, the system generates and transmits an e-mail requesting the approver to evaluate and approve the contents of the basic document A.

The system stores the information entered in the basic document A by the creator in the invention notification form creation DB (11).
6) (storing the basic document A), associating the basic document A with the e-mail of the content requested to be processed by the approver in the form of a document link (or attachment), and transmitting the document to the approver.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which a list of electronic mails received by the approver's client is displayed. The approver opens the unprocessed mail (usually displayed in red) from the list of e-mails, refers to the basic document A linked to the e-mail, and evaluates the basic document A (Perform the evaluation work of the invention). The evaluation work is performed by writing the evaluation result in the sub-document X (evaluation slip) flowing along the electronic route on the workflow together with the basic document A.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the sub-document X. The form of this sub-document X is stored in the invention notification DB (116) shown in FIG. 2, and is displayed on the approver's client screen by the approver selecting an evaluation command from a predetermined menu. . The sub-document X shown in FIG. 7 has a format in which a plurality of options prepared for each evaluation item are selected by marking one of the corresponding boxes, and the invention is evaluated. Each option is assigned a score according to its content, and when the evaluation for all the evaluation items is completed, the system calculates the total score of all the evaluation items. Then, the calculated total score is set at a predetermined location of the sub-document X and at a predetermined item of the basic document A.

Then, as a result of evaluating the basic document A, if the approver approves the report of the invention, an e-mail requesting the application is generated by the system and transmitted to the reception of the intellectual property department. At this time, the information entered in the sub-document X is stored in the invention notification form DB (116) together with the information of the basic document A, and is managed by the notification form number. In addition, the basic document A and the sub-document X are document-linked (or attached) to the e-mail transmitted to the reception of the intellectual property section by the system.

When the approver approves the notification of the invention,
At the same time that the e-mail is sent to the reception of the intellectual property department, the basic document A and the sub-document X are sent to the CD-RO
M, MO, etc., stored in a storage device, and Invention Notification D
B (116) is copied to the application intellectual property DB (117). The basic document A and the sub-document X stored in the CD-ROM or the MO are strictly managed by software so that no one can make any modification or the like. This makes it possible to at least prove that the invention was made at this time of approval.

Although the sub-document X has been described here as an evaluation table in which the evaluation of the invention is entered, it can be used for other purposes. Then, the sub-document X can be generated in any step in the workflow. For example, the creator and the approver may be the same person. In this case, the creation of the basic document A and the sub-document X are performed simultaneously. Here, the form of the basic document A and the form of the sub-document X are the same database (invention notification DB (116)).
Although the description has been made on the premise that the data is stored inside, it may be preferable to store the data in different databases depending on the size of the company and the method of constructing the network. Further, a plurality of sub-documents X can be generated in the electronic route on the workflow.

As described above, since the sub-document X is used together with the basic document A, it is possible to display the electronic document in a form optimal for the processing of the business operator. For example, in the case of FIG. 3, the use of the sub-document X facilitates the evaluation work of the approver. There is no need to open the document X, and it is sufficient to obtain necessary information from the basic document A. In particular, since the approver can open the basic document A and the sub-document X on the screen at the same time because of the two documents, the approver can confirm the contents of the invention in the basic document A, The evaluation result can be input to the document X, and the work efficiency can be improved. In addition, when the present invention is applied to the process of a person in charge of another process in the workflow shown in FIG.
It can be easily applied simply by changing the form to a form suitable for the job. Further, since the sub-document X can be generated according to the processing of the business operator, even if there are restrictions on the items that can be set in the electronic document and the number of input fields, the sub-document X is not affected. Can be

Subsequently, when the electronic mail transmitted by the system is received at the reception, the reception processing of the basic document A is performed. At this reception, a basic document B in a form optimal for processing in the intellectual property section is newly generated. Specifically, for example, by selecting a generation command of the basic document B from a menu at the reception, at least predetermined information in the basic document A is transferred to the form of the basic document B stored in the intellectual property DB 117 in advance. At the same time, a basic document B is generated by linking (attaching) the basic document A and the sub-document X to this form. For example, information relating to the notification department, the inventor, the applicant, the text of the invention, the drawings, the attached documents, etc. is passed from the basic document A to the basic document B. The basic document B will be specifically described later with an example.

When the basic document B is generated in the processing at the reception, an e-mail is generated by the system for requesting the person in charge of the patent department to perform the processing, and the basic document B is linked to the e-mail by a document link (attachment) ) And then sent to the patent department charge.

The information of the basic document B is stored in the application intellectual property DB
(117), and is managed by the notification form number together with the information of the basic document A and the information of the sub-document B. In the case where a management number (document number) for the intellectual property department is set at the reception, the above information may be managed using a management number for the intellectual property department instead of the notification form number. .

In this embodiment, the basic document B is generated by the processing at the reception. However, the above processing is not performed at the reception. In the process of sending an e-mail to the person in charge, the system may automatically perform processing for generating the basic document B.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the basic document B. The person in charge of the patent department opens the received e-mail and reads the basic document B linked (or attached) to the e-mail.
Is opened, a basic document B as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.
In the basic document B shown in FIG. 8, the notification form number is inherited from the basic document A, and the title of the invention is inherited from the basic document A. The descriptions of the invention rank, processing speed, processing deadline, and the like are set by the system based on the result of the invention evaluation. In the basic document B, the basic document A and the sub-document X are linked (or attached), and an invention evaluation result input column for a person in charge of the IP department to evaluate the invention is newly provided. Have been.

Like the basic document B, the form of the electronic document is changed to change the information display method while inheriting the contents of the basic document A. Can be displayed. Also,
Even when this display method is applied to the workflow of another process or another business in the workflow shown in FIG. 3, only the form of the basic document B is changed according to the processing. In addition, the person in charge of the intellectual property department displays the basic document B and the basic document A at the same time on the screen, so that the efficiency of the work of evaluating the invention can be improved.

Note that instead of the basic document B shown in FIG.
The system may generate a basic document B as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the basic document B. The basic document A together with information unique to the basic document B shown in FIG.
It is generated by inheriting all the information in it. That is, the basic document B shown in FIG. 9 does not allow the basic document A and the sub-document X to be referred to using a document link or the like as shown in FIG. All the information and other information in the basic document A can be displayed in a state suitable for the process of the process.

In order to generate such a basic document B, information to be displayed is common, but a plurality of forms are prepared so that the display form of the information can be changed in accordance with the processing of each process. Then, when the e-mail is transmitted from the previous step to the next step, the system sets such that information can be displayed in a form generated for use in the next step. The person in charge of the operation in the next step performs display processing of the information using the form set by the system, so that predetermined information is displayed at a corresponding position of the form.

By using the information display method as shown in the basic document B shown in FIG. 9, the basic document A shown in FIG. 4 and the sub-document X shown in FIG.
The information inside may be displayed in one electronic document.

Then, the person in charge of the intellectual property section
In addition to the evaluation of the invention according to the above, if the operator in charge of the previous process in the workflow, such as the creator who is the inventor, wants to ask a question regarding the contents of the basic document A (invention notification form 400), the derivation as an inquiry form When the command for generating the document D is selected, the form of the derived document D stored in the application intellectual property DB (117) is displayed on the screen.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the generation process of the derived document D. The person in charge of the intellectual property section selects the basic document (here, the basic document A) to generate the derived document D and asks a question or the like, and selects a generation command of the derived document D. The system calls the blank form of the derived document D stored in the application intellectual property DB (117), and, as shown in FIG. Generate D. Then, the system performs a process of linking (or attaching) a document to the derived document D that generated the basic document A,
It is stored in the application intellectual property DB (117). As a result, the derived document D after generation is displayed on the screen of the client of the person in charge of the intellectual property section.

When the above-described basic document B of FIG. 8 is generated, substantially the same processing as that described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 is performed. In addition, when generating the sub-document X shown in FIG. 7, depending on what kind of sub-document is to be generated, the processing shown in FIGS.
The information of the basic document A may be taken over.

FIG. 12 shows that the basic document (A and B), the sub-document X and the derivative document D are stored in a database (application intellectual property DB).
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state stored in the storage device and a method of displaying the storage conditions. As shown in FIG. 12, the basic document (A and B), the subdocument X, and the derivative document D are:
It is randomly stored in the application intellectual property DB (117),
These are managed by document numbers (report numbers), and related electronic documents can be easily called. Therefore, when a person in charge of the workflow tries to display these electronic documents, the system can classify these electronic documents according to the document numbers and display them on the client screen. As shown in FIG. 12, in the application workflow support system of the first embodiment,
Information indicating the current state of each electronic document can also be displayed on the screen.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the basic document A (or B), the sub-document X, and the derived document D. As shown in FIG. 13, the basic document A and the sub-document X are handled as one on the system, and both flow through the electronic route on the workflow. on the other hand,
In other words, since the derived document D flows through an electronic route different from the original electronic route on the workflow, it can be handled independently of the basic document A.

Returning to the description of FIG. 3 again, the person in charge of the intellectual property department writes a question in the derived document D generated as described above. When the creation of the derivative document D is completed, the system requests the creator who is the inventor to perform processing, and the derivative document D (to which the basic document B is linked (attached) to the document) is electronically linked. An email is generated and sent to the creator. Note that the derived document D has a form similar to the basic document B shown in FIG. 8, and therefore is not illustrated here.

When the creator receives the e-mail, the creator opens the received e-mail, confirms the question of the person in charge, and if necessary, links the basic document A (document notification) to the basic document B with a document link (or attached). Reference) and respond. Then, when the transmission is instructed, the person in charge of the intellectual property department is automatically answered by e-mail.

As described above, the business operator in the workflow creates the derived document D, and easily generates a derived route other than the electronic route in the workflow set in advance by the business operator's intention to execute the business. To be able to accomplish
Flexible processing can be performed.

Next, the person in charge of the intellectual property department decides the processing policy of the invention notification form and, for example, decides whether to apply, withdraw, or publish it in the public technical report. Send for approval. An e-mail with the basic document B attached is sent to the approver in the intellectual property section. Therefore, when the approver of the intellectual property department approves the application, an e-mail is sent to an ordering person in the intellectual property department requesting an application to an external patent agent. At this time, the basic document has been changed to an application request form C in the workflow. A basic document A (notification of invention) is attached to the application request form C. The process for changing from the basic document B to the application request C can be the same as the process for changing from the basic document A to the basic document B, and therefore detailed description is omitted here.

In the application request form C, the bibliographic items necessary for the application and the judgment items for the patent, such as the date of filing of the application, the name of the agent, and the special classification are copied. If the invention text and drawings are copied in the application form C, it is not necessary to attach the basic document A (invention notification form) itself. The basic document C is stored so that the document cannot be edited in the in-house DB at the same time when the order is placed to the agent.

As described above, the document flows in the workflow, but the basic document flows while dynamically transforming into a form most suitable for the work in each process, so that the processing is easy. Then, a necessary document is attached as a sub-document, a derivative document is created as needed, and flows while flowing backward in the workflow. Ultimately, these documents are stored in a database called a bandage, which can be referenced at a later date if needed.

Although the electronic document processing method has been described with reference to FIG. 3 in the present embodiment, the step of switching a basic document to a basic document of another form is not limited to the case shown in FIG. . Sub-document X and derived document D
Can be generated in any of the steps.

The security management of the application workflow support system according to the present embodiment includes, for example,
As shown in FIG. 14, an invention section prepares an invention notification form, an intellectual property section prepares an application request, and receives an external patent via an external connection section and a network via a public line (ISDN). A system for requesting applications from the office is constructed, and a division server in the invention section, an application server / specification preparation server in the intellectual property section, an external connection server in the external connection section, an office server on the network, etc. In addition, by making each department's management server independent and limiting the department servers that can be directly accessed by each department,
Safety can be improved.

(4) Effects of this Embodiment As described above, according to the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system according to this embodiment, the form of the electronic document can be changed in accordance with the processing in each step in the workflow. By making it possible to change dynamically, necessary information can be displayed in an easy-to-read manner in accordance with the processing of each business operator, so that the workability of each business operator can be improved.

In addition, since the information display method can be changed by changing the form of the electronic document while inheriting the information up to the previous process in the workflow, the workability of each business operator can be improved. Can be.

Further, since the form of the electronic document to be sent on the workflow is merely changed to one suitable for the business, it can be easily applied to a workflow for another different business.

Further, since a plurality of types of electronic documents can be flowed through the electronic route on the workflow, the processing for displaying or hiding necessary information for each business person can be achieved very easily. be able to.

Further, by allowing a plurality of types of electronic documents to flow on the electronic route on the workflow, a derived route other than the electronic route on the workflow set in advance can be easily generated by the business staff. As a result, it is possible to provide a workflow support system capable of performing flexible processing.

Further, since a plurality of types of electronic documents can be flowed through the electronic route on the workflow, and an electronic document corresponding to the processing on the workflow can be prepared, settable items, input fields, etc. It can be unaffected by number constraints.

The above-described electronic document processing method in the workflow support system according to the present embodiment is realized by executing a program prepared in advance according to the above-described procedure on a computer. This program is for hard disk, floppy disk, CD-RO
The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as M, MO, and DVD, and can be executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. This program can be distributed via the recording medium or via a network.

[0086]

As described above, according to the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 1), an electronic route flows according to a first form prepared in advance. A first document generation step of generating the first electronic document; and, after the first electronic document is generated in the first document generation step, at least all of the first electronic document in the predetermined step in the workflow are processed. A second document generation step of generating a second electronic document flowing through the electronic route according to a second form including the information of the electronic document according to the second form. Can be changed dynamically, so that the information necessary for the processing of each business operator can be easily viewed and an electronic document can be displayed, improving the workability of each business operator. . In addition, since the information display method is changed by changing the form of the electronic document while inheriting the information up to the previous process in the workflow, the workability can be improved for each person in charge of work, and It is possible to provide a workflow support system that can be easily applied to a plurality of different tasks only by making changes.

According to the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system for processing an electronic document of the present invention (claim 2), the first electronic document flowing through the electronic route is transferred according to the first form prepared in advance. First to generate
After the first electronic document is generated in the document generation step and the first document generation step, in a predetermined step on the workflow, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is stored in the second document prepared in advance. Taking over the form and attaching or linking the first electronic document to the second form to generate a second electronic document flowing through the electronic route. Since the form of the electronic document can be dynamically changed according to the processing contents of each process, the information necessary for the processing of each business person can be easily viewed and the electronic document can be displayed, and the workability of each business person can be improved. Can be planned.

According to the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 3), the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system according to claim 2 is further provided.
In a predetermined step in a workflow before executing the document generation step, a third electronic document that flows along an electronic route together with the first electronic document according to a third form prepared in advance is generated. Including three document generation steps,
When the second document generation step generates the second electronic document, information necessary for each step is displayed in order to attach or link the third electronic document to the second form,
Control for preventing unnecessary information from being displayed can be performed extremely easily.

According to the electronic document processing method for a workflow supporting system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 4), the electronic document processing method for a workflow supporting system according to claim 2 or 3 further comprises: In a predetermined step of the workflow after the execution of the second document generation step, a fourth electronic document that flows along an electronic route together with the second electronic document is generated according to a fourth form prepared in advance. Since the fourth document generation step is performed, necessary information can be displayed for each step, and control for preventing unnecessary information from being displayed can be performed extremely easily.

According to the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 5), the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system according to claim 3 is a method for processing a digital document. Since the generation process can be performed simultaneously with the execution of the first document generation process, even when the same business person needs to perform a large number of processes, only the switching of electronic documents is necessary. Control for displaying information and preventing unnecessary information from being displayed can be performed extremely easily.

According to the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 6), in the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system according to claim 4, the fourth document Since the generation process can be performed simultaneously with the execution of the second document generation process, even when the same business person needs to perform a large number of processes, only the switching of electronic documents is necessary. Control for displaying information and preventing unnecessary information from being displayed can be performed extremely easily.

According to the electronic document processing method for a workflow supporting system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 7), the electronic document processing method for a workflow supporting system according to claim 2 or 3 further comprises: In a predetermined step of the workflow before executing the second document generation step, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is transferred to a previously prepared fifth form, and the first form is transferred to the fifth form. Since a fifth document generation step of generating a fifth electronic document to be attached to or linked to an electronic document to generate a fifth electronic document to be sent to an arbitrary person in the workflow is included, for example, In the case of asking questions to the person in charge, it is possible to easily create an electronic document for that purpose and to perform processing using the electronic document Can be displayed easily visible information necessary to those persons, it is possible to improve the workability of the person in charge.

According to the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 8), the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system according to claim 2 or 4 further comprises: In a predetermined step of the workflow after the execution of the second document generation step, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is passed to a previously prepared sixth form, and the second information is transferred to the sixth form. Since a sixth document generation step of generating a sixth electronic document to be attached to or linked to an electronic document to generate a sixth electronic document to be sent to an arbitrary person in the workflow is included, for example, In the case of asking questions to the person in charge, it is possible to easily create an electronic document for that purpose and to perform processing using the electronic document Can be displayed easily visible information necessary to those persons, it is possible to improve the workability of the person in charge.

According to the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system for processing an electronic document of the present invention (claim 9), the first electronic document flowing through the electronic route is transferred according to the first form prepared in advance. First to generate
A second document that generates a second electronic document that flows through an electronic route together with the first electronic document according to a second form prepared in advance in the document generation step of the first step and a predetermined step in the workflow. Since it includes the generation step, it is possible to extremely easily perform control for displaying necessary information for each step or for preventing unnecessary information from being displayed.

According to the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 10), in the electronic document processing method for a workflow support system according to claim 9, the second document Since the generation process can be performed simultaneously with the execution of the first document generation process, even when the same business person needs to perform a large number of processes, only the switching of electronic documents is necessary. Control for displaying information and preventing unnecessary information from being displayed can be performed extremely easily.

According to the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system for processing an electronic document according to the present invention (claim 11), the first electronic document flowing through the electronic route is transferred according to the first form prepared in advance. First to generate
In the document generation step and the predetermined step in the workflow, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is transferred to a second form prepared in advance, and the first electronic document is attached to the second form. Or a second document generation step of generating a second electronic document to be linked to a document and sent to an arbitrary person in the workflow.
For example, when a question or the like is given to a person in charge of a previous process in a workflow, a second electronic document for that purpose can be easily created, and a person in charge of performing processing using the second electronic document. The necessary information can be displayed in an easy-to-view manner for the operator, and the workability of each business operator can be improved.

According to the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system for processing electronic documents of the present invention (claim 12), the first electronic document flowing through the electronic route is transferred according to the first form prepared in advance. First to generate
A second document that generates a second electronic document that flows through an electronic route together with the first electronic document according to a second form prepared in advance in the document generation step of the first step and a predetermined step in the workflow. In a generation step and a predetermined step in a workflow, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is transferred to a third form prepared in advance, and the first electronic document and the second information are transferred to the third form. Using a second electronic document to include a third document generating step of attaching or linking the electronic document to generate a third electronic document to be sent to an arbitrary person in the workflow Accordingly, it is possible to extremely easily perform control for displaying necessary information for each process and preventing unnecessary information from being displayed. In addition, for example, when asking a business person in charge of the previous process in the workflow, etc.,
A third electronic document for that purpose can be easily created, and necessary information can be displayed in an easy-to-read manner for business operators who perform processing using the third electronic document. Workability can be improved.

Further, according to the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system for processing an electronic document of the present invention (claim 13), the electronic document processing method according to claim 1, 2, 9, 11, or 12 is performed.
In the electronic document processing method in the workflow support system described in the above, further, when the first electronic document is generated, the first electronic document and another electronic document generated in association with the first electronic document are managed. Numbering step of assigning a management number for managing the first electronic document and generating a new electronic document using the management number when a new electronic document is generated in association with the first electronic document And a document management process for managing the processed electronic document, and performs control using a plurality of electronic documents to display necessary information for each process and to prevent unnecessary information from being displayed. Even if
Each electronic document can be easily associated and managed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an application workflow support system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of a workflow (work flow) supported by the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing an electronic document processing method in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an invention notification form which is a basic document A used in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of numbering a report form number set in a report form number setting item shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which a list of electronic mails received by the approver's client shown in FIG. 4 is displayed.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sub-document X that flows along an electronic route on a workflow together with a basic document A in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a basic document B in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the basic document B in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process of generating a derivative document D in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process of generating a derived document D in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which a basic document (A and B), a sub-document X, and a derivative document D are stored in a database and a method of displaying them in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a basic document A (or B), a sub-document X, and a derived document D in the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for describing security management of the application workflow support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Local area network 102-105 Client (terminal device) 106, 107 Server 108, 109 Printer

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in a computer world in a work flow (workflow) within a group, wherein the electronic route is processed according to a first form prepared in advance. A first document generating step of generating a first electronic document flowing through the first document generating step, and after generating the first electronic document in the first document generating step, at least in the predetermined step on the workflow, A second document generation step of generating a second electronic document flowing through the electronic route in accordance with a second form including all information in the electronic document. Method. 2. An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in a computer world in a work flow in a group, wherein the electronic route is processed according to a first form prepared in advance. A first document generating step of generating a first electronic document flowing through the first document generating step, and after generating the first electronic document in the first document generating step, at least in the predetermined step on the workflow, A second electronic document that flows through the electronic route by passing predetermined information in the electronic document to a second form prepared in advance and attaching or linking the first electronic document to the second form. And a second document generation step of generating the electronic document processing method. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, in a predetermined step on the workflow before executing the second document generation step, integrating with the first electronic document according to a third form prepared in advance. A third document generation step of generating a third electronic document flowing through an electronic route, wherein the second document generation step includes, when generating the second electronic document, adding the second form to the second form. 3. The electronic document processing method according to claim 2, wherein the third electronic document is attached or linked to the document. 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, in a predetermined step on the workflow after executing the second document generation step, integrating with the second electronic document according to a fourth form prepared in advance. 4. The electronic document processing method according to claim 2, further comprising a fourth document generating step of generating a fourth electronic document flowing through an electronic route. 5. The electronic document processing method according to claim 3, wherein the third document generation step can be executed simultaneously with the execution of the first document generation step. . 6. The electronic document processing method according to claim 4, wherein the fourth document generation step can be executed simultaneously with the execution of the second document generation step. . 7. In a predetermined step of the workflow before executing the second document generation step, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is converted into a prepared fifth form. Fifth document generation step of taking over and attaching or linking the first electronic document to the fifth form to generate a fifth electronic document to be sent to an arbitrary person in charge on the workflow The electronic document processing method in the workflow support system according to claim 2, wherein the electronic document processing method includes: 8. In a predetermined step on the workflow after the execution of the second document generation step, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is converted into a previously prepared sixth form. A sixth document generation step of generating a sixth electronic document to be passed to and attached to the sixth electronic form by attaching or linking the second electronic document to an arbitrary person in charge on the workflow. The electronic document processing method in the workflow support system according to claim 2, wherein the electronic document processing method comprises: 9. An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in a computer world in a work flow (workflow) in a group, wherein the electronic route is processed according to a first form prepared in advance. A first document generation step of generating a first electronic document flowing through the first electronic document; and a predetermined step in a workflow, the first electronic document being integrated with the first electronic document in accordance with a second form prepared in advance. A second document generating step of generating a second electronic document flowing through the electronic document processing method. 10. The method according to claim 10, wherein the second document generating step includes:
The electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to claim 9, wherein the electronic document processing method can be executed simultaneously with the execution of the document generation step. 11. An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in the computer world in a work flow (workflow) in a group, wherein the electronic route is processed according to a first form prepared in advance. A first document generation step of generating a first electronic document flowing through a document, and in a predetermined step on a workflow, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is transferred to a second form prepared in advance, and Attaching a first electronic document to the second form or linking the first electronic document to the second form, and generating a second electronic document to be sent to any person in charge on the workflow, a second document generating step; An electronic document processing method in a workflow system, comprising: 12. An electronic document processing method in a workflow support system for processing an electronic document flowing through an electronic route in a computer world in a work flow (workflow) in a group, wherein the electronic route is processed according to a first form prepared in advance. A first document generation step of generating a first electronic document flowing through the first electronic document; and a predetermined step in a workflow, the first electronic document being integrated with the first electronic document in accordance with a second form prepared in advance. And a second document generation step of generating a second electronic document flowing through the first and second documents. In a predetermined step on a workflow, at least predetermined information in the first electronic document is transferred to a third form prepared in advance. Attaching or linking the first electronic document and the second electronic document to the third form, A third document generation step of generating a third electronic document to be sent to an arbitrary person in charge in the workflow. 13. A management number for managing the first electronic document and another electronic document generated in association with the first electronic document when generating the first electronic document. A numbering step of numbering, and managing the first electronic document, and when a new electronic document is generated in relation to the first electronic document, the generated electronic document is generated using the management number. 13. The electronic document processing method in a workflow support system according to claim 1, further comprising: a document management step of managing the electronic document.