Non-transitory computer readable medium

Abstract

The present application relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a processor to function as an information processing device. The information processing device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive an input of a natural sentence describing the content of a process for a process object; a generating unit configured to generate a series of processes including the process according to the received natural sentence; and a display control unit configured to perform control to display content information representing the content of the generated series of processes.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2018-170844, No. 2018-170845, and No. 2018-170846, all filed on September 12, 2018. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Background Art

[0004] Recently, a system has been proposed which has a function of automatically generating an object program source by using a software specification written in a natural language as an input (see JP-A 6-214776).

[0005] The system described in JP-A6-214776 includes a terminal device for inputting software specifications, a processing device for processing the input software specifications, and a storage device for storing the input software specifications and information prepared by internal processing. The system generates a target software product by using a software specification written in a natural language as input information. Summary of the invention

[0006] Various aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing a non-transitory computer-readable medium that constructs a processing flow corresponding to an input statement and displays its contents even when a statement input by an operator is described using a natural statement that does not follow certain rules.

[0007] Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure address the above advantages and / or other advantages not described above. However, various aspects of the non-limiting embodiments do not need to address the advantages described above, and various aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may not address the advantages described above.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a processor to function as an information processing device. The information processing device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive an input of a natural sentence that describes the content of a process for a processing object; a generating unit configured to generate a series of processes including the process according to the received natural sentence; and a display control unit configured to perform control to display content information representing the content of the generated series of processes.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the first aspect, the display control section performs control to display the content information according to an operator who gives an instruction to execute the series of processes.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer readable medium according to the second aspect, when the generated series of processes includes a transfer process of transferring a process object between a plurality of operators, the display control section performs control to display transfer information indicating the transfer process.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the third aspect, when the series of processes includes a process to be performed according to a predetermined condition, the display control section performs control to display the predetermined condition.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the input natural sentence is changed, the display control section performs control to change and display the content information according to the changed natural sentence.

[0013] According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-temporary computer-readable medium according to the fifth aspect, the information processing device further includes a completion unit, which is configured to: when the input natural sentence does not include a specific element, complete the natural sentence with the specific element, and the display control unit performs control to change and display content information according to the natural sentence completed by the completion unit with the specific element.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the sixth aspect, the display control section performs control to display an input assisting section configured to prompt an operator to input a specific element to the natural sentence.

[0015] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of the sixth to seventh aspects, the information processing device further includes a warning unit, which is configured to: output warning information indicating a warning when the input natural sentence does not meet a predetermined standard.

[0016] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a processor to function as an information processing device. The information processing device includes: a generating unit configured to generate a series of processes for a processing object according to an operation of arranging display objects; and a display control unit configured to perform control to display the contents of the generated series of processes in natural sentences.

[0017] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the ninth aspect, the display control section performs control to display the content of the series of processes in natural sentences according to an instruction of an operator.

[0018] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the tenth aspect, the display control section performs control to display the content of the series of processes in natural sentences when the display object is operated.

[0019] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the eleventh aspect, the display control section performs control to emphatically display a portion of the natural sentence associated with the operated display object.

[0020] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects, a display object is changed, and the display control section performs control to change and display a natural sentence according to the changed display object.

[0021] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the thirteenth aspect, the display control section performs control to emphasize the display of the changed natural sentence.

[0022] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the fourteenth aspect, the display control section performs control to display only the changed portion of the natural sentence.

[0023] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program, which enables a processor to function as an information processing device. The information processing device includes: a first receiving unit configured to receive an input of a natural sentence as follows, the input of which describes the content of the processing for the processing object; a second receiving unit configured to receive an operation of arranging a display object corresponding to the processing; a switching unit configured to switch which of (i) the control performed by the first receiving unit and (ii) the control performed by the second receiving unit is enabled; and a generating unit configured to generate a series of processing according to the natural sentence or operation received by the first receiving unit or the second receiving unit enabled by the switching unit.

[0024] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the fifteenth aspect, the switching section switches which one of the first receiving section and the second receiving section is enabled according to an operation performed by an operator.

[0025] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the seventeenth aspect, the switching section switches from a state in which the first receiving section is enabled to a state in which the second receiving section is enabled according to an indicator representing a state of the generated series of processes.

[0026] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the eighteenth aspect, when the indicator is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the switching section switches from a state in which the first receiving section is enabled to a state in which the second receiving section is enabled.

[0027] According to the twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of aspects 16 to 19, the information processing device further includes a display control unit, which is configured to: when the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit does not meet a predetermined standard, execute control to display the switching unit.

[0028] According to a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, in the non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the twentieth aspect, when the first receiving section does not receive an input of a natural sentence within a predetermined time, the display control section performs control to display the switching section.

[0029] With the first aspect of the present disclosure, even when a sentence input by an operator is described with a natural sentence that does not follow certain rules, it is possible to construct a processing flow corresponding to the input sentence and display its contents.

[0030] With the second aspect of the present disclosure, constructed processes can be individually displayed for respective operators.

[0031] With the third aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to visually display the exchange of processing objects between a plurality of operators.

[0032] With the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, when a process of branching according to a condition is included, the branching condition can be displayed.

[0033] With the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the operator can check whether the constructed process is appropriately changed.

[0034] With the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, even when information is missing in a natural sentence input by an operator, a processing flow can be constructed and displayed.

[0035] With the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, when information is missing in a natural sentence, an operator can be assisted to input information.

[0036] By utilizing the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent an unexpected processing flow from being constructed based on input statements.

[0037] With the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to check the contents of a series of processes generated according to the operation of arranging display objects by using natural sentences.

[0038] With the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the contents of a generated series of processes can be checked by using natural sentences at the timing when the operator wants to check.

[0039] With the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operator can check the contents of the generated series of processes by using natural sentences in synchronization with the operation.

[0040] With the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the operator can specify and check a part corresponding to the content of the operation.

[0041] With the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operator can specify and check the part corresponding to the change.

[0042] With the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the specification of the part corresponding to the change can be displayed in an obvious manner.

[0043] With the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to make the portion irrelevant to the change not be displayed.

[0044] With the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to construct a processing flow in a more appropriate method than a method including only one of inputting a natural sentence and operating a display object.

[0045] With the seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, a processing flow can be constructed by inputting a natural sentence or operating a display object according to the operator's intention.

[0046] According to the eighteenth and nineteenth aspects of the present disclosure, it is possible to switch to a method of operating a display object according to a construction state of a processing flow without depending on an operation performed by an operator.

[0047] With the twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, even when an input natural sentence does not satisfy a specific standard, a processing flow can be constructed by a method of operating a display object.

[0048] By utilizing the twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, even if a natural sentence is not input within a specific time, a processing flow can be constructed by operating a display object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0050] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of an information processing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating a workflow from a natural sentence and displaying the workflow;

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating a workflow for sending a processing object;

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating a workflow related to a process performed by an approver;

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen when a natural sentence that does not satisfy a criterion is input;

[0055] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen that displays a configuration diagram when a natural sentence is changed.

[0056] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a work screen when a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criteria is input;

[0057] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen that displays an icon list screen and a switching screen;

[0058] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating a sentence from a configuration diagram and displaying the generated sentence;

[0059] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work screen that displays a setting screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, substantially the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. Figures 2 to 10 The size ratios between the images shown in the figure are not necessarily the same as the actual size ratios.

[0061] [Overview of Exemplary Embodiments]

[0062] According to this exemplary embodiment, the information processing device includes: a receiving unit, which is configured to receive an input of a natural sentence describing the content of a processing on a processing object; a generating unit, which is configured to generate a series of processing including the processing based on the received natural sentence; and a display control unit, which is configured to perform control to display content information representing the content of the generated series of processing.

[0063] The term "process target" refers to an object on which an information processing device is to perform processing. Examples of processing targets include documents such as application forms, contracts, specification sheets, and label forms. Here, the term "document" refers to characters, figures, images, moving images, voices, and combinations of some of these. The term "processing" refers to work performed by a function that an information processing device has. The term "series of processing" refers to a processing flow constructed by associating at least one process with another process (the processing flow may also be referred to as a "workflow").

[0064] The term "display object" refers to a graphic that represents the function or content of a process in the form of a diagram. The term "processing object" refers to an object on which an information processing device is to perform processing. Examples of processing objects include documents such as application forms, contracts, specification sheets, and label forms. The term "series of processes" refers to a process flow constructed by associating at least one process with another process (the process flow may also be referred to as a "workflow").

[0065] The term "natural sentence" refers to a sentence described in a language that people often use. A "natural sentence" in the present exemplary embodiment is any sentence whose meaning can be analyzed and from which words can be extracted. A "natural sentence" includes, for example, a sentence including words that have the same meaning and pronunciation but are described with a plurality of different characters (i.e., expression variations). In addition to the written language used when writing a document, a "natural sentence" also includes, for example, the spoken language used in oral communication in daily life.

[0066] The term "content information" refers to information indicating the content of a series of processes constructed. For example, the following configuration diagram falls into the "content information". That is, in the configuration diagram, a graph obtained by simplifying a diagram illustrating the content of a corresponding process, a graph illustrating the state of a process object, and a symbol indicating the exchange of a process object are arranged, whereby the configuration diagram visually indicates the content of the process.

[0067] [Exemplary Embodiment]

[0068] (Configuration of information processing equipment)

[0069] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system of an information processing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the information processing device 1 corresponds to an image forming device (such as a personal computer or a multifunction machine) or a portable information terminal (such as a tablet terminal or a multifunction mobile phone (smartphone)).

[0070] As in Figure 1As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the information processing apparatus 1 includes a control section 11 that controls various parts, a storage section 12 that stores various types of data, a display section 13 that displays information, and an input section 14 that inputs information.

[0071] For example, the control unit 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and an interface. The CPU operates according to the program 120 recorded in the storage unit 12, thereby serving as, for example, a first receiving unit 110A, a second receiving unit 110B, a switching unit 111, a sentence analysis unit 112, a sentence correction unit 113, a complement unit 114, a generation unit 115, an editing unit 116, a display control unit 117, a sentence generation unit 118, and a warning unit 119. The first receiving unit 110A is an example of a receiving unit. The details of the respective components 110 to 119 will be described later.

[0072] For example, the storage section 12 includes a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a hard disk. The storage section 12 stores various data such as a program 120, a constituent element conversion dictionary 121, reference information 122, a workflow constituent element list 123, screen information 124, and user information 125. Further, in this specification, the term "storage" (storage device) is used when information is written to the storage section 12, and the term "record" is used for a case where specific contents are written to various information and a case where various types of information are updated.

[0073] The constituent element conversion dictionary 121 is a conversion dictionary that replaces words extracted by analyzing natural sentences with elements constituting a workflow. Here, a workflow is a process flow (also called a "series of processes") constructed in association with each other so that at least one process is continuously executed on a process object.

[0074] The term "natural sentence" refers to a sentence described in the language used by people in daily life (hereinafter, also referred to as "natural language"), and includes, in addition to the written language used when writing the sentence, for example, the spoken language used in oral communication in daily life.

[0075] Specifically, “natural sentences” include the following sentence types.

[0076] (a) sentences that are described with different symbols due to differences in the types of characters used in the symbols (such as hiragana, katakana, kanji (Chinese characters), and the alphabet) and inconsistent use of kana when using kanji characters (multiple) even though the sentences have the same meaning and pronunciation (i.e., the sentences have different written forms); and

[0077] (b) Sentences that have the same meaning but differ in notation to some extent due to: (i) differences in the arrangement of constituent elements (such as subject, object, predicate, modifiers, and adverbs); (ii) omission of any of these constituent elements; (iii) differences in sentence-ending forms (such as the "ですます(desumasu)" pattern and the "だである(dadearu)" pattern); (iv) differences in wording caused by the use of dialects, synonyms, and abbreviations; and (v) formal grammatical differences caused by misspellings and omissions of Japanese particles (such as "て(te)", "に(ni)", "を(wo)", and "は(ha)").

[0078] Furthermore, the "natural sentence" in the present exemplary embodiment may further include a sentence type that needs to be described according to certain rules such as machine language, function, and programming. Moreover, the language is not limited to Japanese.

[0079] The constituent element conversion dictionary 121 may be fixed information, or the constituent element conversion dictionary 121 may be periodically updated by a machine learning function such as deep learning.

[0080] The reference information 122 is information used as a reference for determining the state of the input natural sentence. For example, the reference information 122 includes: a first standard for determining whether the sentence is in a state where the sentence analysis unit 112 (which will be described later) can analyze the sentence, a second standard for determining whether the sentence needs to be changed by the sentence correction unit 113 and the complement unit 114 (which will be described later), and a third standard for determining whether the execution conditions required for executing the workflow generated by the generation unit 115 (which will be described later) are met. The reference information 122 is an example of a predetermined standard.

[0081] The following are examples of situations where the first criterion is not met:

[0082] (1-A) when the expression changes beyond a predetermined range; and

[0083] (1-B) When the grammar of a natural sentence does not satisfy a specific standard, etc.

[0084] Standards (1-A) and (1-B) are examples of predetermined standards.

[0085] The following are examples of situations where the second criterion is not met:

[0086] (2-A) When the meaning of a natural sentence can be analyzed but the natural sentence lacks structure (for example, when multiple descriptions related to a process are included in one sentence but the description of the entity is omitted in the second and subsequent descriptions. For example, see Figure 3 );as well as

[0087] (2-B) When a change in expression within a predetermined range is included (for example, when a processing object described as "travel expense application form" is simply described as "application form" when the processing object is used for the second time or later. For example, see Figure 3 ).

[0088] The following are examples of situations where the third criterion is not met:

[0089] (3-A) When the workflow is not started (for example, when the main setting values ​​(such as entity and destination) are not set, such as when the destination is not specified even if the process of transferring the process object is included. For example, see Figure 5 and Fig. 9 );as well as

[0090] (3-B) When the workflow is stopped midway (for example, when there is a discrepancy in the set values ​​or process flow. For example, see Figure 7 ).

[0091] The main setpoints are examples of specific elements.

[0092] The workflow constituent element list 123 is a table showing a list of elements constituting a workflow (hereinafter, may be referred to as "workflow constituent elements") such as entities representing execution of processing, processing objects as objects to be processed, functions for executing processing (hereinafter, may be referred to as "tools" for short). Examples of "processing" include: creating a document, placing an electronic seal on a document (hereinafter, may be referred to as "date stamp"), and sending and receiving a document to a specific destination.

[0093] The screen information 124 is information about various screens displayed on the display unit 13 by the display control unit 117 (the display control unit 117 will be described later) and graphics constituting each screen. Examples of the screen include: a work screen 3 (for example, see Figure 2 ), icon list screen 5 (for example, see Figure 8 ), switch screen 7 (for example, see Figure 8 ) and setting screen 9 (see, for example, Fig.10 ).

[0094] Examples of graphics include icons representing tools (see, for example, Figure 8). Further, the term "icon" refers to: (i) a thing that represents the content of an entity, a processing object, a process, or a function through a diagram; (ii) a thing that adds letters or symbols to a thing that represents an entity, a processing object, a process, or a function through a diagram; or (iii) a thing that includes only letters and symbols. The details of the screen and the icon will be described later.

[0095] The user information 125 is information in which user identification information for identifying a user and user attribute information indicating attributes of the user are recorded in association with each other. For example, the user identification information includes: the name of the user and the ID of the user. Also, for example, the user attribute information includes: information indicating the affiliation to which the user belongs (for example, an organization (such as a company, department, department, and group); hereinafter, this user attribute information is also referred to as a "tenant").

[0096] Next, details of the respective components 110 to 119 of the control section 11 will be described. The first receiving section 110A receives a natural sentence describing the content of a process input through the input section 14. The second receiving section 110B receives an operation of moving an icon displayed on the display section 13.

[0097] The switch section 111 switches which of (i) the control of the first receiving section 110A and (ii) the control of the second receiving section 110B is enabled. When the switch section 111 switches to enable the control of the first receiving section 110A, the first receiving section 110A receives the input of the natural sentence. The second receiving section 110B does not receive the operation of moving the icon.

[0098] In contrast, when the switch section 111 switches to enable the control of the second receiving section 110B, the second receiving section 110B receives the operation of moving the icon. The first receiving section 110A does not receive the input of the natural sentence.

[0099] The switching section 111 may switch from a state in which the first receiving section 110A is enabled to a state in which the second receiving section 110B is enabled, based on, for example, an index indicating the degree of completion of the constructed workflow (hereinafter, the index may be referred to as "completion"). The completion may be evaluated based on, for example, the display amount of displayed icons (e.g., the number of icons and the number of connection symbols (which will be described later)), the presence / absence of display of a frame, and the setting conditions of association between processes that meet the connection symbol.

[0100] When the degree of completion becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the switch section 111 may switch from a state where the first receiving section 110A is enabled to a state where the second receiving section 110B is enabled. When the degree of completion becomes greater than a predetermined value, the switch section 111 may switch from a state where the second receiving section 110B is enabled to a state where the first receiving section 110A is enabled.

[0101] As an example of a case where the degree of completion is equal to or less than a predetermined value, in a state where an icon is not displayed in the workflow display area 30 to be described later (for example, see Figure 2 ), that is, when generating a framework serving as a basis for a workflow (the framework will be referred to as an "overview"), the switching section 111 may enable the first receiving section 110A, and preferably construct a workflow by using an input natural sentence.

[0102] As an example of a case where the degree of completion is greater than a predetermined value, when detailed adjustment or change is made in a state where a specific workflow is constructed, the switching section 111 may enable the second receiving section 110B and construct the workflow preferably by using an operation of moving an icon.

[0103] The sentence analysis unit 112 analyzes the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110A, extracts elements constituting the natural sentence (hereinafter, these elements may be referred to as sentence constituent elements), compares these elements with the constituent element conversion dictionary 121 of the storage unit 12 to extract the workflow constituent elements, and extracts the content included in the natural sentence by further analyzing the extracted workflow constituent elements. The analysis performed by the sentence analysis unit 112 includes, for example, morphological analysis, grammatical analysis, semantic analysis, and context analysis.

[0104] When the natural sentence input into the input unit 14, that is, the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110A does not satisfy the standard (specifically, the second standard) recorded in the reference information 122, the sentence correction unit 113 corrects the sentence so that the standard is satisfied. In addition, the term "correction" includes: adding a specific description to the natural sentence (the specific description may be referred to as a "complement"), deleting at least one description from the natural sentence, and replacing at least a part of the description of the natural sentence with another description. Correction is an example of change.

[0105] When the input natural sentence does not satisfy the criterion (specifically, the third criterion (particularly 3-A)) recorded in the reference information 122, the complement unit 114 corrects the natural sentence to change the natural sentence into a natural sentence having information that can construct a workflow.

[0106] The phrase "workflow can be constructed" means providing information for constructing a temporary workflow according to a natural sentence, that is, providing information for determining workflow constituent elements. For example, the case where the main setting value is not omitted falls within the phrase "workflow can be constructed".

[0107] For example, when a destination is not described in the process of sending a process object, the completion section 114 completes a predetermined person as a temporary destination to change to a natural sentence forming a temporary workflow. The destination is an example of a specific element.

[0108] The generation unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110A based on the result of the analysis performed by the sentence analysis unit 112. Specifically, the generation unit 115 compares the sentence constituent elements extracted by the sentence analysis unit 112 with the workflow constituent element list 123 stored in the storage unit 12, specifies, for example, entities, processing objects, tools, etc. corresponding to each constituent element, and combines them to construct a workflow (see, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0109] In addition, the generating unit 115 generates a workflow for processing an object according to the operation of moving the moving icon received by the second receiving unit 110B. Specifically, the generating unit 115 analyzes the arrangement of icons (which may be referred to as a "layout") according to the operation of moving the icon received by the second receiving unit 110B to obtain the relationship between the icons, specifies entities, processing objects, and tools, and combines them to construct a workflow.

[0110] The editing section 116 edits the workflow generated by the generating section 115 according to the changes of the natural sentence. Examples of editing the workflow include: adding a process to the workflow, deleting a process from the workflow, changing the order of the processes constituting the workflow, and changing the set values ​​of the processes constituting the workflow. "Changes" include: (i) changes made by the operator's operation and (ii) changes made by the sentence correction section 113 and the complement section 114 described above.

[0111] The display control section 117 performs control to display a display object, such as a configuration diagram 500 representing a workflow (see, for example, Figure 2 ) and natural sentences. In the following description, the phrase "performs control to display on the display unit 13" may be simply described as "display". Further, it may be described as "displayed on the display unit 13" using a display object as an object, or simply as "displayed".

[0112] The sentence generation unit 118 generates a sentence describing the content of the workflow. Specifically, the sentence generation unit 118 extracts the constituent elements of the workflow generated by the generation unit 115 according to the operation of moving the icon received by the second receiving unit 110B, converts the extracted workflow constituent elements into sentence constituent elements, and generates a sentence describing the content of the workflow. For example, the sentence describing the content of the workflow is described in a natural sentence.

[0113] When the input natural sentence does not meet the standard recorded in the reference information 122, the warning section 119 outputs a warning. The warning method performed by the warning section 119 may be a known method, such as a method of displaying a warning message indicating a warning (the warning message may be referred to as an "error message"), a method of outputting a sound (alarm or buzzer), and a method of turning on an LED. In addition, the warning section 119 may output a warning according to various standards in different ways.

[0114] The display unit 13 includes a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. In addition to the operation unit for operating the mouse and keyboard, the input unit 14 may also use, for example, a recognition unit (such as a microphone) for recognizing voice and a reading unit for reading written information by scanning a document (such as a program document). Further, the display unit 13 and the input unit 14 may be integrated to form a touch panel monitor capable of inputting and displaying information.

[0115] The display unit 13 and the input unit 14 are not necessarily provided inside the information processing device 1, but may be provided in an external device such as a terminal device (PC or portable information terminal). In this case, the information processing device 1 further includes a network communication unit, and various types of information and signals may be transmitted to and received from the terminal device via a network. A plurality of terminal devices may be provided according to the number of operators.

[0116] (Operation of Exemplary Embodiment)

[0117] Next, we will refer to Figures 2 to 10 An example of the operation of the information processing device 1 is described below. In the following, the operation of the information processing device 1 is divided into two parts:

[0118] (1) generating workflows based on natural sentences and displaying their contents, and

[0119] (2) Edit the workflow to generate a natural sentence and display the operation of the natural sentence.

[0120] Each operation in the operation will be described in detail below. Hereinafter, a specific example of a workflow including a process related to applying for travel expenses and a process related to generating an approval for applying for travel expenses will be described. In addition, an application form (specifically, a travel expense application form) will be given as an example of a statement to be processed (processing object).

[0121] (1) Generate a workflow based on natural sentences and display its contents

[0122] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen for generating a workflow based on a natural sentence and displaying the workflow. Figure 2 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the work screen 3 is provided with, for example, a workflow display area 30 as an area for displaying the configuration of a generated workflow and a sentence display field 31 for displaying sentence(s).

[0123] A configuration diagram 500 representing a workflow is displayed in the workflow display area 30. The configuration diagram 500 is a schematic diagram illustrating the content of the processing to be performed in the workflow. Specifically, the configuration diagram 500 visually illustrates the manner in which entity processes which processing object, that is, who does what and how. The configuration diagram 500 is an example of content information. The natural sentences input to the input unit 14 and the natural sentences generated by the sentence generation unit 118 are displayed in the sentence display column 31.

[0124] (1-1) Workflow for generating a travel expense application form for applying for travel expenses

[0125] When the applicant inputs a natural sentence to the input section 14, the first receiving section 110A receives the input natural sentence. The "applicant" is an example of an operator.

[0126] Next, the display control section 117 displays the natural sentence received by the first receiving section 110A in the sentence display field 31. In addition, the sentence analyzing section 112 analyzes the natural sentence, and refers to the constituent element conversion dictionary 121 to extract elements constituting the workflow.

[0127] For example, when a natural sentence 312 described as "the applicant prepares a travel expense application form" is input (hereinafter, the natural sentence 312 may be referred to as the "first natural sentence 312"), the sentence analysis unit 112 analyzes the first natural sentence 312 and extracts sentence constituent elements (such as "applicant" representing the entity, "travel expense application form" representing the processing object, and "preparation" representing the processing).

[0128] When the input natural sentence does not meet the first criterion recorded in the reference information 122 described above (for example, when the sentence cannot be analyzed), the display control unit 117 can display a message prompting the applicant to re-enter the natural sentence, and the warning unit 119 can output a warning prompting the applicant to re-enter the natural sentence.

[0129] In addition, when the input natural sentence does not meet the second criterion recorded in the reference information 122 described above (for example, when the natural sentence includes certain expression changes), the sentence correction unit 113 can appropriately correct the natural sentence, and the sentence analysis unit 112 can analyze the natural sentence corrected by the sentence correction unit 113.

[0130] The generation unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the first natural sentence 312. Specifically, the generation unit 115 compares the workflow constituent elements extracted by the analysis of the sentence analysis unit 112 with the workflow constituent element list 123, and specifies the entity, processing object, tool, etc. corresponding to each sentence constituent element.

[0131] More specifically, the generating section 115 specifies the application entity as corresponding to “applicant,” specifies the “travel expense application form” as corresponding to the travel expense application form, and specifies the preparation tool as corresponding to “preparation.” The generating section 115 also combines these specified information to construct a workflow.

[0132] The display control unit 117 performs control to display a configuration diagram 500 illustrating the content of the generated workflow. The configuration diagram 500 visually indicates that the generated workflow is a process in which the applicant prepares a travel expense application form. Figure 2 The configuration diagram 500 corresponding to the first natural sentence 312 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes an applicant icon 50A corresponding to an applicant, a travel expense application form icon 510 corresponding to a travel expense application form, and a preparation tool icon 52 corresponding to “prepare”.

[0133] Further, the display control section 117 may perform control to display the content of processing according to the operator. Specifically, the display control section 117 may display the configuration diagram 500 using a frame R that separates the content of processing for each operator as an entity that executes the workflow. In other words, the operator (in Figure 2 In the example of the applicant) performs processing related to the tools displayed in box R.

[0134] (1-2) Generate a workflow to send travel expense request forms to approvers

[0135] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen 3 for generating a workflow for sending a processing object. Figure 2 The contents described are basically the same as those described above, and redundant description will be omitted. When the applicant inputs a natural sentence to the input unit 14, the first receiving unit 110A receives the input natural sentence, the display control unit 117 displays the natural sentence in the sentence display column 31, and the sentence analysis unit 112 analyzes the natural sentence to extract elements constituting the workflow.

[0136] For example, when a natural sentence 313 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "second natural sentence 313") described as "the applicant puts a date stamp on the application form and sends it to the approver" is input, the sentence analysis unit 112 analyzes the second natural sentence 313 and extracts sentence constituent elements, such as "applicant", "application form", "date stamp", "stamp", "approver" and "send".

[0137] The sentence analysis unit 112 further analyzes the extracted sentence constituent elements and specifies that the second natural sentence 313 includes two contents, namely, "the applicant affixes a date stamp on the application form" and "the applicant sends the application form with the date stamp to the approver". Sending is an example of delivery. The process of sending is an example of delivery processing.

[0138] Furthermore, the sentence correction unit 113 corrects the “application form” to “travel expense application form” and completes the “applicant” as the application entity before “sending it to the approver.” The sentence analysis unit 112 can analyze the second natural sentence 313 corrected and completed by the sentence correction unit 113 .

[0139] The generation unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the second natural sentence 313. The display control unit 117 performs control to display a configuration diagram 500 according to the generated workflow. The configuration diagram 500 visually represents that the generated workflow is a process in which the applicant prepares a travel expense application form, affixes a date stamp on the prepared travel expense application form, and sends it to the approver.

[0140] As in Figure 3 In addition to the Figure 2 In addition to the applicant icon 50A, travel expense application form icon 510 and preparation tool icon 52 shown in the figure, the configuration diagram 500 corresponding to the second natural sentence 313 also includes an approver icon 50B, a stamp tool icon 53, a sending tool icon 54, a first connection symbol 501A and a second connection symbol 501B.

[0141] An arrow 540 extending from the first connector 501A to the second connector 501B is shown between the first connector 501A and the second connector 501B. The arrow 540 indicates that the processing object is sent from the applicant to the approver. The arrow 540 is an example of transferring information.

[0142] (1-3) Generating workflow related to processing by approvers

[0143] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen 3 for generating a workflow related to a process performed by an approver. When the approver inputs a natural sentence to the input unit 14, the first receiving unit 110A receives the input natural sentence, the display control unit 117 displays the natural sentence in the sentence display column 31, and the sentence analysis unit 112 analyzes the natural sentence to extract elements constituting the workflow. The approver is an example of an operator.

[0144] For example, when the natural sentence 314 is described as "the approver confirms the contents of the application form", when approved, a date stamp is affixed to the application form and it is sent to the applicant. When rejected, "return it to the applicant" is input (hereinafter, this may be referred to as the "third natural sentence 314"), and the sentence analysis unit 112 analyzes the third natural sentence 314 to extract sentence constituent elements such as "approver", "contents of the application form", "confirm", "when approved", "date stamp", "stamp", "applicant", "send", "when rejected" and "return".

[0145] Furthermore, the sentence analysis unit 112 further analyzes the extracted sentence constituent elements, and specifies that the third natural sentence 314 includes four contents, namely, (i) "the approver confirms the contents of the application form"; (ii) "approving the application form" or "rejecting the application form" is a condition for performing post-confirmation processing; (iii) "when approved, the approver puts a date stamp on the application form and sends it to the applicant"; and (iv) "when rejected, it is returned to the applicant". "Approve" and "reject" are examples of predetermined conditions. "Return" is an example of delivery. The process of returning is an example of delivery processing.

[0146] The generation unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the third natural sentence 314. The display control unit 117 performs control to display a configuration diagram 500 according to the generated workflow. The configuration diagram 500 visually represents that the generated workflow is a process in which the applicant prepares a travel expense application form, affixes a date stamp on the prepared travel expense application form and sends it to the approver, and thereafter, the approver confirms the travel expense application form and performs processing according to the confirmed result.

[0147] As in Figure 4 In addition to the Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition to the constituent elements illustrated in the figure, the configuration diagram 500 corresponding to the third natural sentence 314 also includes: a confirmation tool icon 55, an approval symbol 61, a rejection symbol 62, a third connection symbol 502A and a fourth connection symbol 503A.

[0148] The approval symbol 61 indicates a condition for executing the next process on the travel expense application form (e.g., a process of affixing a date stamp on the travel expense application form and sending it to the applicant). Further, the rejection symbol 62 indicates a condition for executing the next process on the travel expense application form (e.g., a process of returning the application form to the applicant).

[0149] Arrows 540A to 540C respectively shown between the first connection symbol 501A and the second connection symbol 501B, between the third connection symbol 502A and the approval symbol 61, and between the fourth connection symbol 503A and the rejection symbol 62 indicate the direction in which the travel expense application form (see "510") is sent between the applicant and the approver. The applicant and the approver are examples of a plurality of operators. Arrows 540A to 540C are examples of information transfer.

[0150] (1-4) When natural sentences change

[0151] Will refer to Figures 5 to 7 To describe how the workflow changes when the natural sentence changes. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the work screen 3 when a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criteria recorded in the reference information 122 is input. Figure 5 The diagram shows the replacement of Figure 3 The "applicant" shown in the figure is a case where a person having the user identification information 50Ca (reference character string "fx30710") is the applicant.

[0152] When a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criteria recorded in the reference information 122 described above is input, the warning section 119 outputs an error message as in Figure 5 The warning symbol 32 indicating a warning is shown in FIG. For example, the warning symbol 32 is a symbol including an exclamation mark to draw attention. The warning symbol 32 is an example of warning information. Figure 5 , a case where the approver as the destination is not described in the second natural sentence 313 describing the sending application form will be described as an example of a case where the criterion (3-A) is not satisfied among the criteria recorded in the reference information 122 specifically.

[0153] In addition, when the second natural sentence 313A that does not describe an approver as the destination of the application form is input, the completion section 114 completes a specific person as a temporary approver. The "specific person" can be set according to the type of the application form.

[0154] For example, the "specific person" corresponds to a boss or a supervisor who belongs to the same tenant as the applicant specified by the user information 125 stored in the storage section 12. A list that can be a candidate for the "specific person" may be set in advance according to the user information 125. The specific person is an example of a predetermined person.

[0155] The generation unit 115 generates a workflow corresponding to the natural sentence completed by the provisional approver by the completion unit 114 .

[0156] The display control unit 117 performs control to display a configuration diagram 500 representing the workflow. Figure 5 As illustrated in , the configuration diagram 500 includes a worker icon 50D related to a person having user identification information 50Da (see a character string "fx20494") set as a temporary approver.

[0157] In addition, the display control unit 117 may highlight the worker icon 50D and / or the user identification information 50Da. For example, the display control unit 117 may highlight the worker icon 50D and / or the user identification information 50Da. Figure 8 )'s color, the user identification information 50Da may be displayed in bold or italic letters, or may be made to flash and displayed.

[0158] Further, the display control section 117 performs control to further display a first chat bubble symbol 8A including a first message 80A (e.g., "Set destination"). The first chat bubble symbol 8A prompts the operator to input a destination. The first chat bubble symbol 8A may be displayed to indicate a destination to be set. The first chat bubble symbol 8A is an example of an input auxiliary section.

[0159] Figure 6 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of displaying the work screen 3 of the configuration diagram 500 when the natural sentence is changed. As an example, the following case will be described: Figure 5 The second natural statement 313A of the destination of the illustrated application form adds a destination to change. Figure 6 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , when the destination information 313Ba is input to the second natural sentence 313A by operating the input section 14 , the editing section 116 edits the workflow generated by the generating section 115 according to the change.

[0160] As in Figure 6 , the display control unit 117 performs control to display the changed second natural sentence 313B with the added destination information 313Ba in the sentence display column 31, and changes the configuration diagram 500 according to the destination information 313Ba input as the added destination information, and displays the changed configuration diagram 500. The phrase "changing the configuration diagram 500" means changing the layout of various icons constituting the configuration diagram 500, or changing the content displayed on the icons or the display method of the icons.

[0161] Specifically, the display control unit 117 performs control to change the worker icon 50D associated with a person having user identification information 50Da (see character string "fx20494") and set as a temporary approver to a worker icon 50E associated with a person having user identification information 50Ea (see character string "fx17761") involving added destination information 313Ba, and displays the changed worker icon.

[0162] Figure 7 1 is a diagram illustrating another example of the work screen 3 when a natural sentence that does not satisfy the criteria recorded in the reference information 122 is input. Figure 7 In the description, a case where the approver as the destination is described as "applicant" in the second natural sentence describing the sending application form will be described as an example of a case where the criterion (3-B) is not satisfied among the criteria recorded in the reference information 122. Figure 7 In the example illustrated in , since the applicant is set as the approver, the process may be stopped halfway when the workflow is executed. That is, this example is an example of a case where a discrepancy occurs between the set values.

[0163] When the second natural sentence 313C describing the approver as "applicant" is input, the generation unit 115 generates a workflow temporarily setting the applicant as the approver. The display control unit 117 performs control to display a configuration diagram 500 representing the workflow. Figure 7 As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the configuration diagram 500 includes an applicant icon 50A set as an approver. The display control section 117 may emphasize the color of the applicant icon 50A.

[0164] The display control section 117 performs control to display a second chat bubble symbol 8B including a second message 80B of "Wrong destination. Set the correct destination". The second chat bubble symbol 8B prompts the operator to re-enter the correct destination. The second chat bubble symbol 8B may be displayed to indicate a destination to be re-entered (e.g., the applicant icon 50A). The second chat bubble symbol 8B is an example of an input assisting section. The warning section 119 may output a warning symbol 32, for example, at a position indicating the second natural sentence 313C.

[0165] In addition, although not shown, when the second natural sentence 313 is corrected and the "applicant" described as the approver in the second natural sentence 313 is changed to another person suitable for the approver, the reference Figure 6 The described operation is similar, the editing section 116 edits the workflow according to the change, and the display control section 117 performs control to change the configuration diagram 500 according to the change of the second natural sentence 313 and display the changed configuration diagram 500 .

[0166] In the example described above, the case where the input natural sentence does not satisfy the standard recorded in the reference information 122 has been described. The same operation is performed when a change is made according to the operation of the operator when the input natural sentence satisfies the standard recorded in the reference information 122. That is, the editing section 116 edits the workflow according to the change of the natural sentence displayed in the sentence display column 31, and the display control section 117 performs control to change the configuration diagram 500 according to the change of the natural sentence and display the changed configuration diagram 500.

[0167] (2) Operation of generating a natural sentence based on the configuration diagram and displaying the generated natural sentence

[0168] (2-1) Operations that form a configuration diagram

[0169] Figure 8 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen 3 displaying an icon list screen and a switching screen. The icon list screen 5 is a list showing respective icons representing workflow constituent elements. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the icon list screen 5 includes the operator icon 50, the application form icon 51, the preparation tool icon 52, the stamping tool icon 53, and the sending tool icon 54 as described above. Figure 8 Although not shown in the figure, the icon list screen 5 includes a confirmation tool icon 55 .

[0170] Examples of the operator icon 50 include an applicant icon 50A, an approver icon 50B, and other worker icons 50C, 50D, and 50E representing people with specific user identification information. In addition, examples of the application form icon 51 include a travel expense application form icon 510. Figure 8 The icons illustrated in are merely examples, and the icons are not limited thereto.

[0171] The switching screen 7 indicates that the operator switches from (1) the operation of generating a workflow through the natural sentence described above and displaying the content (hereinafter, this operation may be referred to as "operation (1)") to (2) the operation of editing the workflow to generate a natural sentence and displaying the generated natural sentence (hereinafter, this operation may be referred to as "operation (2)"). The switching screen 7 includes, for example, a switching button 70 for switching between operation (1) and operation (2). Further, the phrase "sentence priority" indicates operation (1), and the phrase "drawing priority" indicates operation (2). The switching screen 7 is an example of the switching section 111.

[0172] When switching from "drawing priority" (i.e., the state in which operation (2) is selected) to "statement priority" (i.e., the state in which operation (1) is selected) is performed by switching button 70, switching section 111 switches from the state in which control of second receiving section 110B is enabled to the state in which control of first receiving section 110A is enabled. Switch button 70 is an example of switching section 111.

[0173] When switching from "statement priority" (i.e., the state of selecting operation (1)) to "drawing priority" (i.e., the state of selecting operation (2)) is executed by switching button 70, the switching unit 111 switches from the state in which the control of the first receiving unit 110A is enabled to the state in which the control of the second receiving unit 110B is enabled.

[0174] Further, when “sentence priority” is selected by the switch button 70 , the input guidance sentence 310 (eg, “When inputting in text form, enter the work procedure here”) giving guidance to the operator regarding inputting the sentence is displayed in the sentence display column 31 .

[0175] The display control unit 117 may perform control to display the switching screen on the display unit 13 according to the display instruction of the operator. In addition, when the natural sentence received by the first receiving unit 110A does not satisfy the various standards (particularly the standard (1-A) or (1-B)) recorded in the reference information 122, the display control unit 117 may perform control to display the switching screen 7 on the display unit 13. Further, when the first receiving unit 110A does not receive the input of the natural sentence within a predetermined time, the display control unit 117 may perform control to display the switching screen 7 on the display unit 13.

[0176] In the case where the switching screen 7 is not displayed, the display switching screen 7 may be executed to switch between (i) enabling control of the first receiving section 110A and (ii) enabling control of the second receiving section 110B according to the degree of completion of the workflow.

[0177] Fig. 9 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen 3 for generating a statement from a configuration diagram and displaying the generated statement. When "Drawing Priority" is selected by the switch button 70, control by the second receiving section 110B is enabled so that a configuration diagram 500 representing a workflow in the workflow display area 30 can be prepared.

[0178] When the various icons 50 to 55 displayed on the icon list screen 5 are operated, the second receiving section 110B receives the operation. Fig. 9As illustrated in FIG. 1 , when a configuration drawing 500 is prepared by arranging an operator icon 50, an application form icon 51, and a preparation tool icon 52 side by side in the workflow display area 30, the generation section 115 analyzes the layout of the configuration drawing 500 and generates a workflow corresponding to the configuration drawing 500. Further, the sentence generation section 118 generates a natural sentence describing the content of the workflow generated by the generation section 115.

[0179] As an example, in Fig. 9 In the case of the configuration diagram 500 shown in FIG. 1 , the sentence generating unit 118 generates the first natural sentence 312A describing “prepare an application form”.

[0180] The generated natural sentence is displayed in the sentence display column 31 by the display control section 117. For example, the display control section 117 may perform control to display the natural sentence generated by the sentence generation section 118 according to the display instruction of the operator. Alternatively, the display control section 117 may perform control to display the natural sentence generated by the sentence generation section 118 when the operator's icon is operated (i.e., in real time).

[0181] Although not shown, the display control unit 117 may perform control to emphatically display a portion of the natural sentence associated with the icon on which the move operation is being performed. Fig. 9 When the operation of moving the preparation tool icon 52 illustrated in the figure is performed, control can be performed to display the corresponding character string "Prepare" in a natural sentence in an obvious manner (such as color change, bold type or make it flash).

[0182] (2-2) Operations to change the configuration diagram

[0183] When the icon is changed, the editing unit 116 edits the workflow according to the icon change. Examples of "icon change" include: icon layout change (ie, icon movement, icon addition, icon deletion) and change of setting values ​​that make icons function.

[0184] (a) Changes in icon layout

[0185] Return to reference Figure 6 , an example of changing the icon layout will be described as an example of the operation of changing the configuration diagram. The sentence generation section 118 changes the natural sentence according to the edited workflow. Further, the display control section 117 performs control to display the changed natural sentence.

[0186] For example, as in Figure 6As illustrated in the figure, when a person having user identification information 50Ea which is a character string "fx17761" is set as a worker icon representing an approver (see 50E), the editing unit 116 edits the workflow according to the setting, and the sentence generating unit 118 changes the natural sentence according to the editing of the workflow, and the display control unit 117 performs control to display the changed natural sentence.

[0187] Although not shown, the display control section 117 may perform control to emphatically display a changed portion of the natural sentence. Alternatively, the display control section 117 may perform control to display only a changed portion.

[0188] (b) Change of setting value

[0189] Next, an example of changing the setting value will be described as another example. Fig. 9 As illustrated in the example of , when the operator icon 50 is simply arranged, that is, when nothing is set for the operator icon 50, a sentence that does not include a subject corresponding to the entity that prepares the application form is generated. In this case, the warning unit 119 outputs a warning symbol 32 indicating that no applicant is set around the first natural sentence 312A.

[0190] Further, the generation unit 115 may generate a workflow with a predetermined person (a person having user identification information 50a (reference character string "fx30710")) as a provisional applicant. In this case, the display control unit 117 may perform control to display the user identification information 50a (reference character string "fx30710") related to the predetermined person in the configuration diagram 500.

[0191] Further, the “predetermined person” may be limited according to the user information 125 . For example, the predetermined person may be selected from users belonging to the same tenant recorded in the user information 125 .

[0192] Further, the display control section 117 performs control to display a third chat bubble symbol 8C including a third message 80C such as "Set Worker". The third chat bubble symbol 8C prompts the operator to set the applicant. The third chat bubble symbol 8C may be displayed to indicate the applicant to be set. The third chat bubble symbol 8C is an example of an input auxiliary section.

[0193] In addition, when the application form icon 51 is simply arranged, that is, when nothing is set for the application form icon 51, the display control section 117 performs control to display a fourth chat bubble symbol 8D including a fourth message 80D (e.g., "Set the type of application form"). The fourth chat bubble symbol 8D prompts the operator to set the type of application form. The fourth chat bubble symbol 8D may be displayed to indicate the type of application form to be set. The fourth chat bubble symbol 8D is an example of an input auxiliary section.

[0194] Further, in this case, the display control section 117 may perform control to highlight and display the object character string 311 indicating “application form” in the first natural sentence 312A displayed in the sentence display field 31 .

[0195] Fig.10 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a work screen 3 displaying a setting screen. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the setting screen 9 is provided with a setting value input field 90 for inputting a setting value. The operator can set the setting value by inputting the setting value on the setting screen 9. Fig.10 The setting screen 9 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a screen for setting the applicant. The same applies to the setting of the type of application form and the setting of other setting values. A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0196] When the configuration diagram 500 is changed by an operation of setting a setting value or an operation of moving an icon using the setting screen 9, the editing section 116 edits the workflow according to the change in the position of the icon. Further, the sentence generating section 118 generates a natural sentence describing the content of the workflow edited by the editing section 116. That is, the sentence generating section 118 changes the natural sentence according to the change of the configuration diagram 500.

[0197] For example, when the applicant is set, the sentence generation unit 118 adds the subject "applicant" to the beginning of the first natural sentence 312A. Although not shown, the display control unit 117 performs control to add the character string "applicant" for display in real time or in synchronization with the operation of moving the icon according to the display instruction performed by the operator.

[0198] Likewise, when the type of application form is set (for example, a travel expense application form is set), the sentence generation section 118 changes the object character string 311 from "application form" to "travel expense application form". Although not shown, the display control section 117 performs control to change "application form" to "travel expense application form" for display. Further, the display control section 117 performs control to change the user identification information 50a in the configuration diagram 500 to the character string "applicant" for display (for example, see Figure 2 ).

[0199] In the example described above, the workflow is changed by setting the setting value using the setting screen 9. Alternatively, the workflow may be changed by changing the sentence displayed in the sentence display column 31.

[0200] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but various modifications and implementations may be made without changing the gist of the present disclosure.

[0201] Each of the components 110 to 119 of the control section 11 may be implemented by a hardware circuit such as a reconfigurable circuit (field programmable gate array (FPGA)) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0202] Further, without changing the subject matter of the present disclosure, a part of the constituent elements of the exemplary embodiment may be changed or modified. Moreover, without changing the subject matter of the present disclosure, steps may be added, removed, changed or replaced in the process of the exemplary embodiment. In addition, the program used in the exemplary embodiment may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium (such as a CD-ROM), and may be stored in an external server (such as a cloud server) and used via a network.

[0203] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other persons skilled in the art can understand the present invention for each embodiment and with various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. It is intended that the scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program, the program causing a processor to function as an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive an input of a natural sentence that describes the content of a process for a process object, wherein the natural sentence is described as an applicant preparing an application form; a generating unit configured to generate a series of processes including the process according to the received natural sentence; as well as a display control section configured to perform control to display content information indicating the content of the generated series of processes, wherein, when the generated series of processes includes a transfer process of transferring the process object between a plurality of operators including the applicant and the approver, the display control section performs control to display transfer information indicating the transfer process, When the application form is approved, affixing a date stamp on the application form and sending the application form with the date stamp to the applicant, When the application form is rejected, the application form is returned to the applicant.

2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein: When the natural sentence does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, the display control section performs control to display the content information according to an operator who instructs execution of the series of processes.

3. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein: When the series of processes includes a process to be performed according to a predetermined condition, the display control section performs control to display the predetermined condition.

4. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When the input natural sentence is changed, the display control section performs control to change and display the content information according to the changed natural sentence.

5. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 4, wherein The information processing device further includes a completion unit, wherein the completion unit is configured to complete the natural sentence with the specific element when the input natural sentence does not include the specific element, and The display control section performs control to change and display the content information according to the natural sentence completed by the completion section using the specific element.

6. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 5, wherein: The display control section performs control to display an input assisting section configured to prompt an operator to input the specific element to the natural sentence.

7. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The information processing apparatus further includes a warning section configured to output warning information indicating a warning when the input natural sentence does not satisfy a predetermined standard.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program, the program causing a processor to function as an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: a generating unit configured to generate a series of processes for a processing object according to an operation of arranging and displaying the objects; as well as a display control section configured to perform control to display the contents of the generated series of processes in natural sentences describing that the applicant prepares an application form, wherein, when the generated series of processes includes a transfer process of transferring the process object between a plurality of operators including the applicant and the approver, the display control section performs control to display transfer information indicating the transfer process, When the application form is approved, affixing a date stamp on the application form and sending the application form with the date stamp to the applicant, When the application form is rejected, the application form is returned to the applicant.

9. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein: When the natural sentence does not satisfy a predetermined criterion, the display control section performs control to display the content of the series of processes in the natural sentence according to an instruction of an operator.

10. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein: The display control section performs control to display the content of the series of processes using the natural sentence when the display object is operated.

11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein: The display control unit performs control to emphatically display a portion of the natural sentence associated with the operated display object.

12. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: When the display object is changed, the display control section performs control to change and display the natural sentence according to the changed display object.

13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, wherein: The display control section performs control to emphatically display the changed natural sentence.

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein: The display control section performs control to display only a changed portion of the natural sentence.

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program, the program causing a processor to perform the following operations: A first function is executed to receive an input of a natural sentence as follows: the input of the natural sentence describes the content of a process for a process object; executing a second function to receive an operation to arrange a graphical representation on a display according to said process; switching which of the following is enabled: (i) the first function and (ii) the second function; generating a series of processes according to the natural sentence or operation received by executing the first function or the second function that is enabled; as well as displaying a switching screen according to an operator who instructs execution of the series of processes; wherein, when the natural sentence received by the first function does not meet a predetermined standard, the processor performs control to display a screen for switching between the first function and the second function; and When the first function does not receive an input of the natural sentence within a predetermined time, the processor performs control to display a screen for switching between the first function and the second function.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein: The processor switches which of the first function and the second function is enabled according to an operation performed by the operator.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein: The processor switches from a state in which the first function is enabled to a state in which the second function is enabled according to an indicator indicating a state of the generated series of processes.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein: When the index is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the processor switches from a state in which the first function is enabled to a state in which the second function is enabled.

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