Information Processing Apparatus and Computer-Readable Medium

Abstract

Information processing apparatus and computer-readable medium. The information processing apparatus includes: a display unit that, when the displayed document is a distributed document or a document that has been distributed, the document has not been viewed, and the viewing period set for the document expires within a first predetermined period, displays the document in a first display mode by switching the document display mode from a second display mode to the first display mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a computer-readable medium storing an information processing program. Background Art

[0002] JP-A-2005-190135 aims to provide an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program that can easily grasp the security level of each document data to be accessed and can efficiently execute access to the document data. JP-A-2005-190135 discloses the following: performing user authentication on a user who requests access to a document file for which user access rights are set, when the user authentication is successful, calculating the security level of the user for the document file based on the user access rights for the document file, and generating an operation screen including icon images corresponding to at least a part of the pages constituting the document file based on the calculated security level.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5747344 aims to improve the visibility of documents to be processed for users by displaying a thumbnail image of document data in a larger size than the size of the document data before a lapse of time period after a lapse of time period when displaying the thumbnail image of the registered document data, and to prevent processing omission caused by sorting document data in an information processing apparatus. Japanese Patent No. 5747344 discloses a document management system including: a document management server for managing document data, date and time information corresponding to the document data, and a lapse time period for determining a lapse of time starting from the date and time information; and an information processing apparatus for displaying the document data, and wherein the document management server includes: a thumbnail image generation unit that generates a plurality of thumbnail image data of different sizes corresponding to the document data; a date and time information acquisition unit that acquires the date and time information of the document data in a folder to be displayed on the information processing apparatus; a thumbnail image acquisition unit that acquires the thumbnail image data of a predetermined size corresponding to the lapse time period of each document data in the folder generated by the thumbnail image generation unit, such that the thumbnail image data of the document data after the lapse time period is displayed in a larger size than the thumbnail image data of the document data before the lapse time period according to the lapse time period starting from the date and time information, so as to identify and display to the user the document data in the folder that has passed a predetermined time period when displaying the document data according to the sorting condition in the display unit of the information processing apparatus; and a thumbnail image transmission unit that transmits the thumbnail image data acquired by the thumbnail image acquisition unit to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus includes: a thumbnail image reception unit that receives the thumbnail image data corresponding to each document data in the folder from the document management server; and a display control unit that displays the thumbnail image data received by the thumbnail image reception unit on a document list display screen. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] There is provided a document with a viewing period set. Without knowing that the viewing period is approaching, if the viewing period has passed, the document can be deleted.

[0005] Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to providing an information processing apparatus and a computer-readable medium storing an information processing program capable of reminding a user that a viewing period is approaching in a case where the document is a document for which a viewing period has been set but has not been viewed.

[0006] [1]According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including: a display unit that, when the displayed document is a distributed document or a document that has been distributed, the document has not been browsed, and the browsing period set for the document expires within a first predetermined period, displays the document in a first display mode by switching the document display mode from a second display mode to the first display mode.

[0007] [2]In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when a user who needs to browse the document has a predetermined relationship with the distributor or creator of the document within a second predetermined period, the display unit may display the document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0008] [3]In the information processing apparatus according to [2], at least the following users may be determined as users having a predetermined relationship: a user who has met the distributor or creator, or a user with whom information has been exchanged between the user and the distributor or creator.

[0009] [4]In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when a first user who needs to browse the document has a predetermined relationship with a second user who needs to browse the document within a third predetermined period, the second user being different from the first user, the display unit may display the document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0010] [5]In the information processing apparatus according to [4], at least the following users may be determined as the first users having a predetermined relationship: a user who has met the second user, or a user with whom information has been exchanged between the user and the second user.

[0011] [6]In the information processing apparatus according to [1], the display unit may repeatedly switch the document display mode between the first display mode and the second display mode.

[0012] [7]In the information processing apparatus according to [6], when the browsing period expires within a fourth predetermined period, the fourth predetermined period being shorter than the first predetermined period, the display unit may shorten the interval of repeated switching by the display unit.

[0013] [8]In the information processing apparatus according to [6], when a user who needs to browse the document has a relationship with the distributor or creator of the document within a fifth predetermined period, the display unit may shorten the interval of repeated switching of the document display mode by the display unit.

[0014] [9]In the information processing apparatus according to [6], when a first user who needs to view a document and a second user who needs to view a document have a predetermined relationship within a sixth predetermined period, the display unit may shorten the interval at which the display unit repeats switching of the document display mode, where the second user is different from the first user.

[0015]

[10] In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when the number of documents in a folder for which the document display mode is to be switched to a first display mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, or when the ratio of the number of documents in a folder for which the document display mode is to be switched to a first display mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, the display unit may display the folder in a first folder display mode by switching the folder display mode from a second folder display mode to the first folder display mode.

[0016]

[11] In the information processing apparatus according to

[10] , the display unit may repeatedly switch the folder display mode between the first folder display mode and the second folder display mode.

[0017]

[12] In the information processing apparatus according to

[11] , when the number of documents in the folder for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode increases, the display unit may shorten the interval at which the display unit repeats switching of the folder display mode.

[0018]

[13] In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when the number of documents for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or when the ratio of the documents for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode among the displayed documents is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the display unit reduces the number of documents to be displayed in the first display mode.

[0019]

[14] In the information processing apparatus according to

[13] , the display unit may sort the documents in one of the following orders: descending order of the number of people who need to view the document, descending order of the number of people who have viewed the document, ascending order of the number of days until the viewing deadline, and ascending order of the length of the viewing period set for the document, and display the documents ranked from the first position to a predetermined position in one of the orders in the first display mode.

[0020]

[15] In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when the first document that has been displayed and a second document associated with the first document have not been viewed, the display unit may display the first document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0021]

[16] In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when a second document associated with a displayed first document has not been viewed, even when the first document has been viewed, the display unit can display the first document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0022]

[17] In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when at least one of the displayed first document and the second document associated with the first document has been viewed, the display unit can display the first document in the second display mode without switching the document display mode.

[0023]

[18] In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when the displayed first document and the second document associated with the first document are not viewed simultaneously, the display unit can display the first document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0024]

[19] In the information processing apparatus according to [1], when writing to a document, the display unit can change the document display mode of the document and display the document in the changed document display mode.

[0025]

[20] In the information processing apparatus according to [6], when writing to a document, the display unit can shorten the interval of repeated switching of the display unit.

[0026]

[21] In the information processing apparatus according to [1], the display unit can display a reduced image of the first page of a document whose browsing period has expired in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0027]

[22] In the information processing apparatus according to

[21] , the display unit can repeatedly switch the document display mode between the first display mode and the second display mode.

[0028]

[23] In the information processing apparatus according to

[22] , the display unit adjusts the display period for displaying the reduced image in the first display mode according to the level of the browsing permission set for the document.

[0029]

[24] In the information processing apparatus according to

[23] , the display unit can adjust the display period for displaying the reduced image in the first display mode so that as the level of the browsing permission set for the document becomes higher, the display period for displaying the reduced image in the first display mode becomes longer.

[0030]

[25] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing an information processing program for causing a computer to function as follows: a display unit that switches at least between a first display mode and a second display mode for displaying a document, and when the displayed document is a distributed document or a document that has been distributed, the document has not been viewed, and the viewing period set for the document expires within a first predetermined period, the document display mode is switched from the second display module to the first display mode to display the document in the first display mode.

[0031] According to the information processing apparatus of [1], when the document corresponds to a document for which a viewing period has been set and has not been viewed, the user can be reminded that the viewing period is approaching.

[0032] According to the information processing apparatus of [2], when there is a predetermined relationship between the distributor or creator of the document and the user, the user can be reminded that the viewing period of the document is approaching.

[0033] According to the information processing apparatus of [3], in any one or both of the case where the user meets with the distributor or creator and the case where information has been exchanged between the user and the distributor or creator, the user can be reminded that the viewing period of the document is approaching.

[0034] According to the information processing apparatus of [4], when there is a relationship between the second user viewing the target document and the first user, the user can be reminded that the document viewing period is approaching.

[0035] According to the information processing apparatus of [5], in any one or both of the case where the first user and the second user meet and the case where information has been exchanged between the first user and the second user, the user can be reminded that the document viewing period is approaching.

[0036] According to the information processing apparatus of [6], the document display mode can be repeatedly switched between the first display mode and the second display mode to remind the user that the document viewing period is approaching.

[0037] According to the information processing apparatus of [7], the repetition interval can be shortened to remind the user that the remaining days of the document viewing period are getting shorter.

[0038] According to the information processing apparatus of [8], the repetition interval can be shortened to remind the user that the user has a predetermined relationship with the distributor or creator of the document.

[0039] According to the information processing apparatus of [9], the repetition interval can be shortened to remind the user that the first user and the second user have a predetermined relationship.

[0040] The information processing apparatus according to

[10] can remind the user that there are documents in the folder that have a set viewing period but have not been viewed yet.

[0041] The information processing apparatus according to

[11] can repeatedly switch the document display mode between the first display mode and the second display mode to remind the user that the document viewing period is approaching.

[0042] The information processing apparatus according to

[12] can shorten the repetition interval to remind the user that the number of documents whose document display mode is to be switched in the folder has increased.

[0043] The information processing apparatus according to

[13] , when the number of documents whose document display mode is to be switched increases, can reduce the number of documents to be displayed by switching the document display mode.

[0044] The information processing apparatus according to

[14] can reduce the size of the document to be viewed and switch the document display mode.

[0045] The information processing apparatus according to

[15] can remind the user that the first document and the second document have not been viewed yet.

[0046] The information processing apparatus according to

[16] , by switching the display mode of the first document to remind the user, can remind the user that the second document has not been viewed yet.

[0047] The information processing apparatus according to

[17] , when any one of the first document and the second document is viewed, the display mode of the first document can be the normal second display mode.

[0048] The information processing apparatus according to

[18] can change the display mode of the first document to remind the user that the first document and the second document have not been viewed simultaneously.

[0049] The information processing apparatus according to

[19] can remind the user that the document is a document that has a set viewing period, has not been viewed yet, and has been written to.

[0050] The information processing apparatus according to

[20] can shorten the repetition interval to remind the user that the document has been written to.

[0051] The information processing apparatus according to

[21] can remind the user that the document is a document whose viewing period has expired.

[0052] The information processing apparatus according to

[22] can use the repetition of changing the display mode of the reduced image of the first page of the document and returning the display mode to the original display mode to remind the user that the document is a document whose viewing period has expired.

[0053] The information processing apparatus according to

[23] can adjust the display time of a reduced image whose display mode has been changed according to the browsing authority of a document.

[0054] The information processing apparatus according to

[24] can extend the display time of a reduced image whose display mode has been changed when the document browsing authority is high.

[0055] The computer-readable medium according to

[25] can notify a user that a browsing period is approaching in the case of a document for which a browsing period has been determined but which has not yet been browsed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 is a conceptual module configuration diagram of a configuration example of this exemplary embodiment;

[0058] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a system configuration using this exemplary embodiment;

[0059] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0060] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of a document management table;

[0061] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0062] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0063] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of a transmission and reception management table;

[0064] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of a meeting management table;

[0065] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0066] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0067] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0068] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0069] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0070] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0071] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0072] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0073] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0074] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0075] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0076] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0077] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0078] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0079] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0080] Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0081] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0082] Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram of a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0083] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment;

[0084] Figure 28is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment; and

[0085] Figure 29 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer for implementing the present exemplary embodiment. Detailed Embodiment

[0086] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0087] Figure 1 A conceptual module configuration diagram showing a configuration example of the present exemplary embodiment.

[0088] A module generally refers to logically separable components such as software (computer programs) and hardware. Therefore, the modules in the present exemplary embodiment refer not only to the modules in a computer program but also to the modules in a hardware configuration. Thus, the present embodiment also serves as a description of a computer program (a program for causing a computer to execute various processes, a program for causing a computer to function as various units, a program for causing a computer to implement various functions), a system, and a method for these modules. However, for ease of explanation, the terms "store", "be stored", and terms equivalent thereto are used, but in the case where the embodiment is a computer program, these terms mean that the computer program is stored in a storage device or is controlled to be stored in a storage device. In addition, a module can correspond one-to-one with a function, but in installation, one module can be configured by one program, or multiple modules can be configured by one program. Conversely, one module can be configured by multiple programs. Multiple modules can be executed by one computer, or one module can be executed by computers in a distributed or parallel environment on multiple computers. One module can include another module. Hereinafter, "connect" is used not only for the case of physical connection but also for the case of logical connection (transmission of data, indication, reference relationship between data, login, etc.). "Predetermined" means being determined before the target processing is executed. Before the processing according to the present exemplary embodiment starts (of course, even after the processing according to the present exemplary embodiment starts, if it is before the target processing), it is used by including the meaning of being determined according to the situation and conditions at that time or according to the situation and conditions up to that time. When there are multiple "predetermined values", these values can be different values, or two or more values (of course, including all values) can be the same. The description "execute B when it is A" is used in the meaning of "determine whether it is A, and when it is determined that it is A, execute B". However, cases where it is not necessary to determine whether it is A are excluded. Unless otherwise specified, the case of listing things such as "A, B, and C" is an exemplary list and includes the case of selecting only one of those (for example, only A).

[0089] In addition to the case where the system or device has a configuration in which multiple computers, hardware, devices, etc. are connected via a communication unit such as a network (including one-to-one communication connections), it also includes the case where the system or device is implemented by one computer, hardware, device, etc. The terms "device" and "system" can be used interchangeably. Of course, a "system" does not include a merely artificially arranged social "system" (social system).

[0090] In the case where each module performs multiple processes for each process or within each module, target information is read from the storage device for each process, and the processing result is written to the storage device after the process is executed. Therefore, the description of reading from the storage device before executing the process and writing to the storage device after executing the process can be omitted. The storage device here can include a hard disk drive, a random access memory (RAM), an external storage medium, a storage device via a communication channel, registers in a central processing unit (CPU), etc.

[0091] The information processing apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment has a display control function for a viewing period, and includes a document management module 105, a user management module 110, a period management module 115, and a display module 120, as Figure 1 shown in the example of

[0092] A document (also referred to as a file) is text data, numerical data, graphic data, image data, moving image data, audio data, etc., or a combination thereof, and refers to something that can be the target of storage, editing, searching, etc. and can be exchanged as a separate unit between systems or users, and includes things similar to these. Specifically, a document includes a document created by a document creation program (so-called word processing software), an image read by an image reading device (scanner, etc.), a web page, etc.

[0093] A viewing period can be set for a document. Without using the present exemplary embodiment, a document that "should be noted" cannot be accessed without paying attention to the viewing period.

[0094] Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 is configured to switch the display mode of a document that has not been viewed and whose viewing period is approaching, and display the document in the switched display mode.

[0095] The document management module 105 is connected to the period management module 115. The document management module 105 stores information about the document. The information about the document includes the document, attribute information attached to the document, etc. For example, the document includes information indicating whether the document is a distributed document or a document that has been distributed, the viewing period, the users who must view it, the users who have viewed it, the date and time of viewing (year, month, day, hour, minute, second or smaller, or a combination thereof).

[0096] The user management module 110 is connected to the deadline management module 115. The user management module 110 stores information about users. The information about users includes information indicating that users have met each other, information indicating that information has been exchanged between users, etc.

[0097] The deadline management module 115 is connected to the document management module 105, the user management module 110, and the display module 120. The deadline management module 115 performs document viewing deadline management. Specifically, among the documents displayed on the display device, distributed documents or already distributed documents that have not been viewed and whose viewing deadlines expire within a predetermined time period from now are extracted.

[0098] The display module 120 is connected to the deadline management module 115. The display module 120 controls the display of documents on the display device. For example, the display module 120 switches the display mode of the document according to the processing result of the deadline management module 115 (among the documents displayed on the display device, distributed documents or distributed documents being distributed that have not been viewed and whose viewing deadlines expire within a predetermined time period from now). "Switching the display mode" can be changing the shape, pattern or color, dynamically changing (such as flashing, animating, etc.) the shape, pattern or color, blinking (the target of the blinking change is whether to perform blinking, the time period of performing blinking, the interval of blinking, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0099] In the case where the document is a distributed document or an already distributed document that has not been viewed among the displayed documents and whose viewing deadline expires within a predetermined time period from the current time, the display module 120 switches the display mode of the document and displays the document in the switched display mode of the document.

[0100] Here, the "displayed document" refers to the document displayed on the display device (including the document itself, symbols representing the document, etc.), and includes, for example, the icons of the documents displayed on the screen of the personal computer used by the user, the display screen of the portable terminal, etc. Examples of the display device include liquid crystal displays, organic electroluminescence (EL), etc. Specifically, the "document displayed on the display device" can be the document icon on the desktop, the document icon in the folder window, the document icon in the window of the Internet browser, etc.

[0101] The "distributed document" is a document that the user needs to view. The user here is the person who must view it. Examples of distribution include, for example, sending by email, registering in a specified folder (a folder that stores documents that a predetermined user must view), etc.

[0102] The "already distributed document" is a document that user A requests other user B to view. Here, user A is the creator or distributor of the document (including the person who can change the viewing deadline).

[0103] "Not yet viewed" corresponds to the case where the target document has not been opened. "The distributed document has not been viewed" indicates the state where the target user (the user himself / herself) has not viewed the document. The case of switching the display mode of the document and displaying it in the switched display mode indicates that the user himself / herself has not viewed the document. On the other hand, "the document that has been distributed has not been viewed" indicates the state where the document distributed by the creator or distributor has not been viewed by the user who must view the document. In the case of switching the display mode of the document and displaying the document in the switched display mode, the creator or distributor can know that the document has not been viewed by another user (the user who must view).

[0104] "When the viewing deadline expires within a predetermined time period from the current time" means that the document viewing deadline is approaching.

[0105] The display module 120 can switch the display mode of the document and display the document in the switched display mode on the condition that the user viewing the document has a relationship with the distributor or creator of the document within a predetermined time period.

[0106] Here, "the case of having a relationship" can correspond to either or both of the case where the user meets with the distributor or creator and the case where information has been exchanged between the user and the distributor or creator.

[0107] Then, "exchanging information between the user and the distributor or creator" corresponds to, for example, using email, using the message sending and receiving function such as a social networking service (SNS), etc. In addition to sending and receiving, "exchanging" includes only sending (only receiving).

[0108] The display module 120 can switch the display mode of the document and display the document in the switched display mode on the condition that a first user viewing the document has a relationship with another second user viewing the document within a predetermined time period.

[0109] Here, "the case of having a relationship" can correspond to either or both of the case where the first user and the second user have met each other and the case where information has been exchanged between the first user and the second user.

[0110] As "switching the display mode of the document and displaying the document in the switched display mode", the display module 120 can repeat switching the display mode and returning to the original display mode.

[0111] When the remaining time before the viewing deadline becomes short, the display module 120 can shorten the interval of the repetition.

[0112] Under the condition that there is a relationship between the user browsing the document and the distributor or creator of the document within a predetermined period, the display module 120 may shorten the repetition interval.

[0113] Under the condition that there is a relationship between a first user browsing the document and another second user browsing the document within a predetermined period, the display module 120 may shorten the repetition interval.

[0114] The display module 120 is a folder including multiple documents, and when the number of documents whose display mode is to be switched in the folder is greater than or equal to a predetermined number or when the ratio of the documents in the folder is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the display mode of the folder is switched and the folder is displayed in the switched display mode.

[0115] The display module 120 may repeatedly switch the display mode of the folder and return to the original display mode.

[0116] When the number of documents whose display mode is to be switched in the folder increases, the display module 120 may shorten the repetition interval.

[0117] The display module 120 may, when the number of documents whose display mode is to be switched is greater than or equal to a predetermined number or when the ratio of the documents whose display mode is to be switched among the displayed documents is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, reduce the number of documents to be displayed by switching the display mode.

[0118] The display module 120 may perform any one of the following: (1) sort the documents in descending order of the number of people who must browse the documents, (2) sort the documents in descending order of the number of people who have browsed the documents, (3) sort the documents in ascending order of the number of days until the browsing deadline, and (4) sort the browsing periods in ascending order, switch the display mode of the documents up to a predetermined ranking, and display the documents in the switched display mode.

[0119] Here, "sort the browsing periods in ascending order" can be performed to recommend early browsing because the browsing period itself is set short.

[0120] The display module 120 may, when there is a second document associated with the first displayed document and the first document and the second document have not been browsed, switch the display mode of the first displayed document and display the first document in the switched display mode.

[0121] The case of "a document associated with the displayed document" may be exemplified as the case where the displayed document includes a link to the related document.

[0122] The second document may not be the "displayed document". Specifically, this is the case where the icon of the second document is not displayed on the screen of the personal computer, portable terminal, etc. used by the user.

[0123] In the case where there is a second document associated with the displayed first document and the second document has not been viewed, even if the first document has been viewed, the display module 120 may switch the display mode and display the first document in the switched display mode.

[0124] In the case where there is a second document associated with the displayed first document and any one of the documents has been viewed, the display module 120 may not switch the display mode of the first document.

[0125] In the case where there is a second document associated with the displayed first document and the first document and the second document have not been viewed simultaneously, the display module 120 may switch the display mode of the first document and display the first document in the switched display mode.

[0126] In the case of writing to a document, the display module 120 may change the display mode of the document and display the document in the changed display mode.

[0127] Here, the case of "writing to a document" corresponds to, for example, the case of adding a comment to the document.

[0128] The case of "changing the display mode" corresponds to, for example, the case of adding a mark (such as a pencil mark) indicating writing to the document.

[0129] In the case of writing to a document, the display module 120 may shorten the repetition interval.

[0130] In the case of displaying a document whose viewing period has expired, the display module 120 may display a reduced image of the first page of the document and switch the display mode of the reduced image to display the reduced image in the switched display mode.

[0131] Here, usually a document with an expired viewing period is made inaccessible (for example, deleted). However, a request is executed to the administrator to make the document viewable again, and even after the viewing time has expired, instead of deleting the document, the document is made viewable as it is, etc. "The case of displaying a document whose viewing period has expired" refers to this kind of situation.

[0132] The display module 120 may repeatedly switch the display mode and return to the original display mode.

[0133] The display module 120 may adjust the display period of the reduced image displayed in the switched display mode according to the level of the viewing permission of the document.

[0134] Then, in the case where the level of the browsing authority of the document is set to high, the display module 120 may extend the display time period for displaying the reduced image in the switched display mode.

[0135] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration using the present exemplary embodiment.

[0136] Figure 2A An example of a standalone type system configuration is shown.

[0137] The information processing apparatus 100 includes a display 205. The display module 120 changes the display mode of the target document icon displayed on the display 205 and displays the document icon.

[0138] Figure 2B An example of a network type system configuration is shown.

[0139] User terminal 210 includes a display 215. Document management device 250 includes information processing device 100. User terminal 210A, user terminal 210B, user terminal 210C, user terminal 210D, document management device 250, and user management device 260 are connected to each other via communication channel 290. Communication channel 290 can be a wireless or wired communication channel, or a combination thereof, and can be, for example, the Internet, an intranet, or the like as a communication infrastructure. The functions of information processing device 100 can be implemented as a cloud service. Document management device 250 can have the functions of document management module 105, and user management device 260 can have the functions of user management module 110. Information processing device 100 can use document management device 250 instead of document management module 105 and use user management device 260 instead of user management module 110.

[0140] When displaying the document icon on the display 215 , each user terminal 210 changes the display mode of the target document icon and displays the target document icon in the changed display mode according to the control of the information processing apparatus 100 of the document management apparatus 250 .

[0141] The user 230 who must browse the document confirms that the display mode of the document icon in the display 215 has changed, and understands that the document is a document whose browsing deadline is approaching. In other words, the user 230 is prompted to browse the target document.

[0142] User 230, who is the creator or distributor of the document to be browsed, confirms that the display mode of the document icon on the display 215 has changed and understands that the document is one whose browsing deadline is approaching but has not been browsed by another user 230. User 230, as the creator or distributor, can remind (e.g., using email reminders, message sending and receiving functions in SNS, etc.) the non-browsing user 230.

[0143] In Figures 3 to 10 the example shown, it is determined whether an animation is displayed in the browsing state of the document.

[0144] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (an example of basic processing) according to the present exemplary embodiment. The document icon displayed on the display device is the target, and the document icon not displayed on the display device is not the target.

[0145] In step S302, the remaining days of the browsing deadline are obtained for the displayed document icon. For example, the remaining days of the browsing deadline can be calculated according to the document management table 400.

[0146] In step S304, it is determined whether the remaining days are shorter than the threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining days are shorter than the threshold α, the process proceeds to step S306; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S308. The threshold α is a predetermined value.

[0147] In step S306, the display is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and an animation display is executed.

[0148] In step S308, normal display is executed.

[0149] Figure 4It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the document management table 400. The document management table 400 is stored in the document management module 105. The document management table 400 includes a document ID field 405, a document name field 410, a creation date and time field 415, a creator field 420, a distributor field 425, a distribution date and time field 430, a viewing period field 435, a viewing range field 440, a viewing date and time field 445, and a viewer field 450, etc. In the present exemplary embodiment, the document ID field 405 stores information for uniquely identifying a document identifier (ID). The document name field 410 stores the document name of the document. The creation date and time field 415 stores the creation date and time of the document. The creator field 420 stores the creator of the document. The distributor field 425 stores the distributor of the document. The distribution date and time field 430 stores the distribution date and time of the document. The viewing period field 435 stores the viewing period of the document. The viewing range field 440 stores the viewing range of the document. Specifically, it stores the users who must view the document. The viewing date and time field 445 stores the viewing date and time of the document. The viewer field 450 stores the viewers of the document.

[0150] For example, in the case where the target user 230 is not a user in the creator field 420 or the distributor field 425 (i.e., neither the creator nor the distributor) and does not exist in the viewer field 450, the remaining days (the number of days from now to the viewing period) can be calculated based on the viewing period field 435. In the case where the target user 230 is a user in the creator field 420 or the distributor field 425, when all the users in the viewing range field 440 are not included in the viewer field 450 (when any one of the users in the viewing range field 440 is not included in the viewer field 450, that is, when there is a user 230 who has not viewed the document), the remaining days (the number of days from now to the viewing period) can be calculated based on the viewing period field 435.

[0151] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 Shows a further consideration of the viewing period ratio Figure 3 An example of the processing in a case closer to the flowchart example shown in the example. The document icon displayed on the display device is the target, and the document icon not displayed on the display device is not the target.

[0152] The processing of steps S502 to S508 is equivalent to Figure 3 The processing of steps S302 to S308 in the flowchart example shown in the example.

[0153] In step S502, the remaining days of the viewing period of the displayed document icon are obtained.

[0154] In step S504, it is determined whether the remaining number of days is shorter than a threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining number of days is shorter than the threshold α, the process proceeds to step S506; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S508.

[0155] In step S506, it is displayed to switch between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and an animation display is executed.

[0156] In step S508, normal display is executed.

[0157] In step S510, it is determined whether the remaining number of days is shorter than a threshold β (β < α). When it is determined that the remaining number of days is shorter than the threshold β, the process proceeds to step S512; otherwise, the process ends.

[0158] In step S512, the interval time of the animation switch is shortened.

[0159] Figure 6 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the process according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 An example of the process in the case where the document distributor or creator has recently worked together is shown. The document icon displayed on the display device is the target, and the document icon not displayed on the display device is not the target.

[0160] The processes of steps S602 to S608 are equivalent to Figure 3 the processes of steps S302 to S308 in the flowchart shown in the example of

[0161] In step S602, the remaining number of days of the browsing period of the displayed document icon is obtained.

[0162] In step S604, it is determined whether the remaining number of days is shorter than a threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining number of days is shorter than the threshold α, the process proceeds to step S606; otherwise, it proceeds to step S608.

[0163] In step S606, it is displayed to switch between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and an animation display is executed.

[0164] In step S610, the transmission and reception history information of the document is obtained. For example, the transmission and reception management table 700 can be obtained.

[0165] In step S612, it is determined whether another document is sent to and received from the distributor (or can be the creator) of the document within the threshold γ days. When it is determined that the transmission and reception of another document have been executed, the process proceeds to step S614; otherwise, the process ends. Here, "another document" is a document different from the document of the target document icon.

[0166] In step S614, the interval time of the animation transition is shortened. That is, the transition period in the display process in step S606 is shortened to attract more attention.

[0167] In step S608, normal display is performed.

[0168] Immediately after step S606, the steps S510 and S512 of the flowchart shown in the example of Figure 5 can be added.

[0169] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the transmission and reception management table 700. The transmission and reception management table 700 is stored in the user management module 110. The transmission and reception management table 700 includes a transmission and reception ID field 705, a date and time field 710, a sender field 715, a receiver field 720, and a document field 725. In the present exemplary embodiment, the transmission and reception ID field 705 stores information (transmission and reception ID) for uniquely identifying the transmission and reception. The date and time field 710 stores the date and time when the transmission and reception are performed. The sender field 715 stores the sender in the transmission and reception. The receiver field 720 stores the receiver in the transmission and reception. The document field 725 stores the document in the transmission and reception.

[0170] The determination can be made using the meeting management table 800 instead of the transmission and reception management table 700. That is, in steps S610 and S612, the meeting history of the target user is obtained (step S610), and it is determined whether the target user has met with the distributor (or, can be the creator) of the document within the threshold γ days (step S612).

[0171] Figure 8It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the meeting management table 800. The meeting management table 800 is stored in the user management module 110. The meeting management table 800 includes a meeting ID field 805, a date and time field 810, a participant number field 815, a participant 1 field 820a, a participant 2 field 820b, and a location field 830. In the present exemplary embodiment, the meeting ID field 805 stores information (meeting ID) for uniquely identifying a meeting. The date and time field 810 stores the date and time when the meeting is executed. The participant number field 815 stores the number of people in the meeting. A plurality of participant fields 820 continue according to the number in the participant number field 815. The participant 1 field 820a stores participant 1. The participant 2 field 820b stores participant 2. The location field 830 stores the location where the meeting is executed. The meeting management table 800 can be created using, for example, the global positioning system (GPS) built into the portable terminal obtained by each user 230, or the schedule of each user 230 can be obtained from the schedule management system to extract meeting items (meetings, etc.). Specifically, when browsing (or creating) a target document using GPS and the document browsing history (editing history), nearby users can be extracted.

[0172] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 It shows an example of processing of the situation of working with the user most recently within the public range of the document. The document icon displayed on the display device is the target, and the document icon not displayed on the display device is not the target.

[0173] The processing of steps S902 to S908 is equivalent to Figure 3 the processing of steps S302 to S308 in the flowchart shown in the example of

[0174] In step S902, the remaining days of the browsing period of the displayed document icon are obtained.

[0175] In step S904, it is determined whether the remaining days are shorter than the threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining days are shorter than the threshold α, the processing proceeds to step S906, otherwise the processing proceeds to step S908.

[0176] In step S906, the display is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and an animation display is executed.

[0177] In step S908, normal display is executed.

[0178] In step S910, the public range information of the document is obtained. For example, the document management table 400 (browsing range field 440) can be obtained.

[0179] In step S912, obtain the transmission and reception history information of the document. For example, the transmission and reception management table 700 can be obtained.

[0180] In step S914, determine whether another document is transmitted to and received from a number of people equal to or greater than the threshold ω% of the public range within the threshold γ days. When it is determined that a document is transmitted to and received from a number of people equal to or greater than the threshold ω%, the process proceeds to step S916; otherwise, the process ends.

[0181] In step S916, shorten the interval time of the animation switch.

[0182] Immediately after step S906, steps S510 and S512 of the flowchart shown in the example of Figure 5 can be added.

[0183] The conference management table 800 can be used instead of the transmission and reception management table 700, and in steps S912 and S914, the conference history of the target user can be obtained (step S912), and it can be determined (step S914) whether the user meets with a number of people equal to or greater than the threshold ω% within the threshold γ days.

[0184] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0185] In Figure 10 example (1) is a processing example of the flowchart shown in the example of Figure 3 example (2) is a processing example of the flowchart shown in the example of Figure 5 example (3) is a processing example of the flowchart shown in the example of Figure 6 example (4) is a processing example of the flowchart shown in the example of Figure 9

[0186] As Figure 10 shown in example (1) of, when "the expiration date of browsing is approaching", the document icons are displayed by switching between normal and translucent states, such as document image (normal) 1002, document icon (semi-translucent) 1004, document icon (semi-translucent) 1004, and document icon (semi-translucent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi-translucent) 1004, etc. The switching interval is longer than in other cases.

[0187] As Figure 10 ​As shown in Example (2) in, in "Closest Expiration Date of Browsing", the document icons are displayed such that the switching interval between normal and semi - transparent is shortened, such as document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, and so on.

[0188] such as Figure 10 As shown in the example of (3) in, in "Document Distributors Will Soon Work Together", the document icons are displayed such that the switching interval between normal and semi - transparent is shortened, such as document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, and so on.

[0189] such as Figure 10 As shown in Example (4) in, in the case where "the user will soon work with people (groups) within the scope of document disclosure", the document icons are displayed such that the switching interval between normal and semi - transparent is shortened, such as document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, document icon (normal) 1002, document icon (semi - transparent) 1004, and so on.

[0190] In Figures 11 to 13 the example shown in, it is determined whether to display an animation in the browsing state of the documents in the folder.

[0191] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment. The folder icon displayed on the display device is the target, and the folder icon not displayed on the display device is not the target.

[0192] In step S1102, the documents in the folder displayed on the display device are acquired.

[0193] In step S1104, the number of documents to be displayed as animations among the documents in the folder is counted. It can be counted according to Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 the flowcharts shown in the examples of to count the documents to be displayed as animations.

[0194] In step S1106, it is determined whether the number of counted documents is greater than a threshold value δ. When it is determined that the number of counted documents is greater than the threshold value δ, the process proceeds to step S1108; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1110. The ratio to the number of documents in the target folder can be set as the threshold value. Specifically, "determine whether the number of counted documents / the number of documents in the target folder is greater than a threshold value ε" can be used.

[0195] In step S1108, the target folder is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and an animated display is performed.

[0196] When it is decided to change the display mode of the folder, the documents stored in the folder and whose display mode has been changed (documents switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display) can be displayed in normal display.

[0197] When the number of counted documents exceeds a threshold value α, the folder can be displayed on the screen for displaying the document list (for example, Figure 19 the screen), and the display of the documents stored in the folder can be stopped. That is, displaying the folder can replace the display of the deleted documents on the screen.

[0198] In step S1110, normal display is performed.

[0199] Figure 12 It is a flowchart showing a processing example according to this exemplary embodiment. The folder icon displayed on the display device is the target, and the folder icon not displayed on the display device is not the target.

[0200] The processing of steps S1202 to S1208 and S1214 is equivalent to Figure 11 the processing of steps S1102 to S1110 in the flowchart shown in the example of

[0201] In step S1202, the documents in the folder displayed on the display device are acquired.

[0202] In step S1204, the number of documents to be animated is counted among the documents in the folder. The documents to be animated can be counted according to Figure 3 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 9 the flowchart shown in the example of

[0203] In step S1206, it is determined whether the number of counted documents is greater than a threshold value δ. When it is determined that the number of counted documents is greater than the threshold value δ, the process proceeds to step S1208; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1114. The ratio to the number of documents in the target folder can be set as the threshold value. Specifically, "determine whether the number of counted documents / the number of documents in the target folder is greater than a threshold value ε" can be used.

[0204] In step S1208, the target folder is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and an animated display is executed.

[0205] In step S1210, it is determined whether the number of counted documents is greater than a threshold value δ2. When it is determined that the number of counted documents is greater than the threshold value δ2, the process proceeds to step S1212; otherwise, the process ends. The threshold value δ2 is a value greater than the threshold value δ. The ratio of the number of documents in the target folder can be set as the threshold value. Specifically, "determine whether the number of counted documents / the number of documents in the target folder is greater than a threshold value ε2" can be used. The threshold value ε2 is a value greater than the threshold value ε.

[0206] In step S1212, the interval time of the animated switch is shortened.

[0207] In step S1214, normal display is executed.

[0208] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0209] In Figure 13 the example (1) is a processing example of the flowchart shown in the example according to Figure 11 and the example (2) is a processing example of the flowchart shown in the example according to Figure 12 the example.

[0210] As Figure 13 shown in example (1) in, when "the number of documents to be animatedly displayed in the folder is small", the folder icon is displayed by switching between normal and semi-transparent, such as folder icon (normal) 1302, folder icon (semi-transparent) 1304, folder icon (semi-transparent) 1304, folder icon (semi-transparent) 1304, folder icon (normal) 1302, folder icon (normal) 1302, folder icon (normal) 1302, folder icon (semi-transparent) 1304, etc. The switching interval is longer than in other cases.

[0211] As Figure 13As shown in the example (2), in the case where "the number of documents to be animated in the folder is large", the folder icon switches between normal and semi-transparent and is displayed, making the interval shorter, such as folder icon (normal) 1302, folder icon (semi-transparent) 1304, folder icon (normal) 1302, folder icon (semi-transparent) 1304, folder icon (normal) 1302, folder icon (semi-transparent) 1304, folder icon (normal) 1302, folder icon (semi-transparent) 1304, and so on.

[0212] Figures 14 to 19 The example shown can handle the case where there are many document icons to be displayed in the animation.

[0213] Figure 14 It is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment. If many document icons displayed on the display device are animated, it becomes a burden on the user's vision, making it difficult to determine which one to browse. Therefore, when there are many document icons to be animated, the number of document icons is reduced.

[0214] In step S1402, the documents displayed on the screen are acquired.

[0215] In step S1404, the number of documents to be animated is counted. It can be counted according to Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 shown in the flowchart of the example.

[0216] In step S1406, it is determined whether the counted number of documents is greater than the threshold θ. When it is determined that the counted number of documents is greater than the threshold θ, the process proceeds to step S1408, otherwise the process proceeds to step S1412. The ratio of the counted number of documents to the number of documents displayed on the screen can be greater than the threshold λ. Specifically, "determine whether the counted number of documents / the number of documents displayed on the screen is greater than the threshold λ" can be used.

[0217] In step S1408, the documents to be animated are selected. The detailed processing of step S1408 can use any flowchart shown in the example of Figures 15 to 18 described later.

[0218] In step S1410, the switching between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display is performed, and the animation display is performed.

[0219] In step S1412, the documents to be animated are animated as they are.

[0220] Figure 15 It is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0221] In step S1502, obtain the people who must view each document to be displayed as an animation.

[0222] In step S1504, perform sorting in descending order according to the number of people who must view each document.

[0223] In step S1506, select the documents up to the μ-th position. That is, the document icons that many people must view are positioned to be displayed as an animation.

[0224] Figure 16 It is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0225] In step S1602, obtain the number of people who have viewed each document to be displayed as an animation.

[0226] In step S1604, perform sorting in ascending order according to the number of people who have viewed each document.

[0227] In step S1606, select the documents up to the μ-th position. That is, the document icons that many people have viewed are positioned as the targets to be displayed as an animation.

[0228] Figure 17 It is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0229] In step S1702, calculate the number of days until the viewing deadline of each document to be displayed as an animation. Specifically, the remaining number of days from today to the date in the viewing deadline field 435 of the document management table 400 can be calculated.

[0230] In step S1704, perform sorting in ascending order according to the remaining number of days.

[0231] In step S1706, select the documents up to the μ-th position. That is, the document icons that many people have viewed are positioned to be displayed as an animation.

[0232] Figure 18 It is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0233] In step S1802, calculate the number of days of the viewing period of each document to be displayed as an animation. Specifically, the number of days between the date in the distribution date and time field 430 and the date in the viewing deadline field 435 of the document management table 400 can be calculated.

[0234] In step S1804, perform sorting in ascending order according to the number of days.

[0235] In step S1806, select the documents up to the μ-th position. That is, the document icons with short viewing periods are positioned to be animatedly displayed.

[0236] Figure 19 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the process according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 19 Shows according to Figure 14 the processing example of the flowchart shown in the example of

[0237] On screen 1900, nine document icons are displayed. It is explained in such a way that the nine document icons are divided into three display modes (normal display, animated display, animated display target but normal display). As the document icons that are originally animated display targets but are normally displayed, three document icons are displayed. As the document icons for animated display, four document icons are displayed. Specifically, document icon (animated display target but normal display) 1912A, document icon (animated display) 1914A, document icon (animated display target but normal display) 1912B, document icon (normal display) 1910A, document icon (normal display) 1910B, document icon (animated display) 1914B, document icon (animated display target but normal display) 1912C, document icon (animated display) 1914C, and document icon (animated display) 1914D are displayed.

[0238] In Figures 20 to 24 the shown example, it is determined whether to perform animated display in the browsing states of multiple documents (the target document and the documents linked from the target document).

[0239] Figure 20 It is a flowchart showing an example of the process according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0240] In step S2002, obtain the remaining days of the viewing period of the displayed document icons.

[0241] In step S2004, determine whether the remaining days are shorter than the threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining days are shorter than the threshold α, the process proceeds to step S2006; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2010.

[0242] In step S2006, determine whether both the target document and the documents linked from the target document have not been browsed. When it is determined that neither the target document nor the documents have been browsed, the process proceeds to step S2008; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2010.

[0243] In step S2008, the target document is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and animated display is performed.

[0244] In step S2010, normal display is performed.

[0245] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0246] In step S2102, the remaining number of days of the viewing period of the displayed document icon is obtained.

[0247] In step S2104, it is determined whether the remaining number of days is shorter than a threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining number of days is shorter than the threshold α, the process proceeds to step S2106; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2110.

[0248] In step S2106, it is determined whether the document at the link destination in the target document has not been viewed. When it is determined that the document at the link destination has not been viewed, the process proceeds to step S2108; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2110. All documents (documents that have been viewed and documents that have not been viewed) are targets.

[0249] In step S2108, the target document is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and animated display is performed.

[0250] In step S2110, normal display is performed.

[0251] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0252] In step S2202, the remaining number of days of the viewing period of the displayed document icon is obtained.

[0253] In step S2204, it is determined whether the remaining number of days is shorter than a threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining number of days is shorter than the threshold α, the process proceeds to step S2206; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2210.

[0254] In step S2206, it is determined whether either the target document or the document at the link destination in the target document has not been viewed. When it is determined that either the target document or the document has not been viewed, the process proceeds to step S2210; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2208.

[0255] In step S2208, the target document is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and animated display is performed.

[0256] In step S2210, normal display is performed.

[0257] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0258] In step S2302, obtain the remaining number of days of the viewing period of the displayed document icon.

[0259] In step S2304, determine whether the remaining number of days is shorter than a threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining number of days is shorter than the threshold α, the process proceeds to step S2306; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2310.

[0260] In step S2306, determine whether neither the target document nor the document at the link destination in the target document has been viewed. When it is determined that neither the target document nor the document has been viewed, the process proceeds to step S2308; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2310.

[0261] In step S2308, the target document is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and an animation display is executed.

[0262] In step S2310, normal display is executed.

[0263] Figure 24 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the process according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0264] Figure 24 The target document and the document at the link destination in the target document are shown. The target document 2400 is an example of the target document, and the document 2410 is an example of the document at the link destination. The target document 2400 includes a document name string 2402 with a reference label, and when the user selects the document name string 2402 with the reference label, the document 2410 linked by the document name string 2402 with the reference label is displayed.

[0265] In Figure 20 In step S2006 in the flowchart shown in the example of, "neither the target document nor the document at the link destination in the target document has been viewed" means that neither the target document 2400 nor the document 2410 has been viewed.

[0266] In Figure 21 In step S2106 in the flowchart shown in the example of, "the document at the link destination in the target document has not been viewed" means that the document 2410 has not been viewed.

[0267] In Figure 22 In step S2206 in the flowchart shown in the example of, "either the target document or the document at the link destination in the target document has been viewed" means that either the target document 2400 or the document 2410 has been viewed.

[0268] In Figure 23In step S2306 in the flowchart shown in the example, "the target document and the document at the link destination in the target document are not both viewed simultaneously" means that the target document 2400 and the document 2410 are not both viewed simultaneously (within one screen). Even if both the target document 2400 and the document 2410 are viewed, when the target document 2400 and the document 2410 are not viewed simultaneously, the target document 2400 and the document 2410 are also positioned for animated display.

[0269] Figure 25 and Figure 26 The example shown involves animated display processing when writing to a document.

[0270] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0271] In step S2502, the remaining number of days of the viewing period of the displayed document icon is obtained.

[0272] In step S2504, it is determined whether the remaining number of days is shorter than a threshold α. When it is determined that the remaining number of days is shorter than the threshold α, the process proceeds to step S2506; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2514.

[0273] In step S2506, display is switched between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display, and animated display is executed.

[0274] In step S2508, it is determined whether there is an annotation.

[0275] In step S2510, it is determined whether an annotation is attached. When it is determined that an annotation is attached, the process proceeds to step S2512; otherwise, the process ends.

[0276] In step S2512, the interval time of the animation switch is shortened, and a pen icon is also attached.

[0277] In step S2514, normal display is executed.

[0278] Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram of a processing example according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0279] Writing to a document corresponds to new writing to a document, adding annotations (such as electronic tags), etc. It can be said that the importance of viewing such documents is increasing. The interval time of the animation switch of such documents is shortened, and a pen icon indicating writing is also attached. The time for writing can be limited to the time after document distribution, or can be limited to the time after document creation.

[0280] Specifically, the pen icon (normal) 2612 is attached to the document icon (normal) 2602, and the states of the document icon (normal) 2602 and the pen icon (normal) 2612 are alternately displayed with the states of the document icon (semi-transparent) 2604 and the pen icon (semi-transparent) 2614. Also, the switching interval is shortened.

[0281] Figure 27 and Figure 28 The example shown in relates to the animation display process when the document viewing deadline has passed. Even after the document viewing deadline has passed, the document can be displayed instead of being immediately deleted. This is because there are cases where the user wants to view the document again after the viewing deadline has passed. Then, there are situations where the user wants to request the viewing permission for a document whose viewing deadline has passed.

[0282] In this case, by displaying the document icon in which the first page of the document is made into a thumbnail, it becomes easy to understand that the document the user wants to request to view is "definitely this document". However, even when a malicious third party peeks, it provides clues for guessing the document content. Therefore, an animation is displayed so that the content cannot be guessed by a brief glance. Then, according to the state of "the viewing permission for the document", the time of the document's semi-transparency is increased or decreased.

[0283] For example, when the user has the viewing permission for the document, the time of the semi-transparent state can be made longer. Additionally, as the document viewing permission becomes stricter (e.g., "narrow public range", "only people with high positions can view", etc.), the semi-transparency time can be made longer.

[0284] With this configuration, a user who has already viewed the document can still make a decision (although it is information about clues), but it makes it difficult for a malicious third party who is viewing the document for the first time (because they have to view it carefully) to read the document.

[0285] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the process according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0286] In step S2702, the viewing deadline of the document is obtained.

[0287] In step S2704, it is determined whether the viewing deadline has expired. When it is determined that the viewing deadline has passed, the process proceeds to step S2706; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2712.

[0288] In step S2706, the thumbnail image of the first page of the target document is used as the document icon, the switching between normal display and semi-transparent (or transparent) display is performed, and animation display is performed.

[0289] In step S2708, it is determined whether there is a viewing restriction. When it is determined that there is a viewing restriction, the process proceeds to step S2710; otherwise, the process ends.

[0290] In step S2710, the time of semi-transparent display is extended.

[0291] In step S2712, normal display is executed.

[0292] Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the process according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0293] As Figure 28 shown in example (1) below, in the case of "no viewing restriction on the document", the document thumbnail icons are alternately displayed in normal display and semi-transparent display, such as document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, and so on.

[0294] As Figure 28 shown in example (2) below, in the case of "there is a viewing restriction on the document", the document thumbnail icons are displayed as, for example, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, and so on, such that the time period during which the semi-transparent display mode is applied is extended.

[0295] As Figure 28 shown in example (3) below, in the case of "strict document viewing restrictions (for example, 'narrow disclosure scope', 'only people with high-level positions can view', etc.)", the document thumbnail icons are displayed as, for example, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (normal) 2802, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, document thumbnail icon (semi-transparent) 2804, and so on, such that the time period during which the semi-transparent display mode is applied is further extended, resulting in a relatively short time period during which the normal display mode is applied.

[0296] Reference will be made to Figure 29Describe an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Figure 29 The configuration shown is constituted by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or the like. And an example of a hardware configuration including a data reading unit 2917 such as a scanner and a data output unit 2918 such as a printer is shown.

[0297] The central processing unit (CPU) 2901 is a control unit that executes processing according to a computer program, and the execution order of various modules (i.e., each module such as the deadline management module 115 and the display module 120) described in the above exemplary embodiment is described.

[0298] The read only memory (ROM) 2902 stores programs, operation parameters, etc. used by the CPU 2901. The random access memory (RAM) 2903 stores programs used during the execution of the CPU 2901, parameters that are appropriately changed during execution, and other items during execution. These components are interconnected via a host bus 2904 configured by a CPU bus or the like.

[0299] The host bus 2904 is connected to an external bus 2906, such as a peripheral component interconnect / interface (PCI) bus, via a bridge 2905.

[0300] The keyboard 2908 and the pointing device 2909 such as a mouse are devices operated by an operator. The display 2910 is a liquid crystal display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT), etc., and displays various information as text or image information. A touch screen or the like provided with the functions of both the pointing device 2909 and the display 2910 can be adopted. In this case, in order to implement the function of the keyboard, a keyboard (also referred to as a so-called software keyboard, on-screen keyboard, etc.) can be drawn on the screen (touch screen) by software to implement the keyboard function without being physically connected as in the keyboard 2908.

[0301] The hard disk drive (HDD) 2911 contains a hard disk (which can be a flash memory or the like), drives the hard disk, and allows recording or reproduction of programs or information to be executed by the CPU 2901. The HDD 2911 implements the functions of the document management module 105, the user management module 110, etc. In addition, it stores various other types of data, various computer programs, etc.

[0302] The drive 2912 reads data or programs recorded on a removable recording medium 2913 (such as an installed disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and semiconductor memory) and provides the data or programs to the RAM 2903 connected via the interface 2907, the external bus 2906, the bridge 2905, and the host bus 2904. The removable recording medium 2913 can also be used as a data recording area.

[0303] The connection port 2914 is a port for connecting to an external connection device 2915 and includes a connection unit such as USB or IEEE 1394. The connection port 2914 is connected to the CPU 2901 etc. through the interface 2907, the external bus 2906, the bridge 2905, the host bus 2904, etc. The communication unit 2916 is connected to a communication channel and performs data communication processing with the outside. The data reading unit 2917 is a scanner, for example, and performs document reading processing. The data output unit 2918 is a printer, for example, and performs document data output processing.

[0304] In the exemplary embodiment of the computer program among the above exemplary embodiments, the system having this hardware configuration reads the computer program as software, and the software and hardware resources cooperate to implement the above exemplary embodiment.

[0305] Figure 29 The hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 shown in is an example of a configuration. This exemplary embodiment is not limited to Figure 29 the configuration shown in, and any configuration capable of executing the modules described in this exemplary embodiment can be adopted. For example, some modules can be configured by dedicated hardware (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA)), some modules can be in an external system and connected through a communication channel, and in addition, Figure 29 the multiple systems shown in can be connected to each other through a communication channel and can cooperate with each other. In particular, in addition to personal computers, the modules can be incorporated into portable information communication devices (including portable phones, smart phones, mobile devices, wearable computers, etc.), home information devices, robots, copiers, fax machines, scanners, printers, and multifunction machines (image processing apparatuses having any two or more functions such as scanners, printers, copiers, fax machines, etc.).

[0306] In the comparison processing in the description of the above exemplary embodiment, the terms “greater than or equal to”, “less than or equal to”, “greater than”, and “less than (fewer than)” are illustrative terms, and as long as there is no contradiction in their combination, these terms can be used as the terms “greater than”, “less than (fewer than)”, “greater than or equal to”, and “less than or equal to” respectively.

[0307] The above program can be provided by being stored in a recording medium, or the program can be provided through the communication unit. In this case, for example, the above program can be regarded as an invention of “a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon”.

[0308] "A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon" means a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for program installation, execution, program distribution, etc.

[0309] For example, the recording medium includes digital versatile discs (DVDs) such as "DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, etc." which are standards established in the DVD Forum and "DVD+R, DVD+RW" which are standards established in DVD+RW, optical discs (CDs) such as read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD recordable (CD-R), CD rewritable (CD-RW), etc., Blue-ray (registered trademark) discs, magneto-optical discs (MO), floppy discs (FD), magnetic tapes, hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), flash memories, random access memories (RAM), secure digital (SD) memory cards, etc.

[0310] All or part of the program can be recorded on the recording medium for storage, distribution, etc. All or part of the program can be transmitted through communication using a transmission medium such as a wired network, a wireless communication network, or a combination thereof for local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, extranets, etc., or can be carried on a carrier wave.

[0311] In addition, the program can be part or all of another program, or can be recorded on the recording medium together with a separate program. The program can be divided and recorded on multiple recording media. The program can be recorded in any form such as compressed or encrypted as long as it is recoverable.

[0312] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been provided. This is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention in various embodiments and various variations suitable for the particular purposes contemplated. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus comprising: a display unit that, when the displayed document is a distributed document or a document that has been distributed, the document has not been viewed, and the viewing period set for the document expires within a first predetermined period, displays the document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode; wherein, when the folder includes a plurality of documents and the number of documents for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, or when the folder includes a plurality of documents and the ratio of the number of documents for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, the display unit displays the folder in the first folder display mode by switching the folder display mode from the second folder display mode to the first folder display mode; wherein the display unit repeatedly switches the folder display mode between the first folder display mode and the second folder display mode, and wherein, when the number of documents for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode in the folder increases, the display unit shortens the interval at which the display unit repeatedly switches the folder display mode.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a user who needs to view the document has a predetermined relationship with the distributor or creator of the document within a second predetermined period, the display unit displays the document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least the following users are determined as the users having the predetermined relationship: a user who has met with the distributor or the creator, or a user with whom information has been exchanged between the user and the distributor or the creator.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a first user who needs to view the document has a predetermined relationship with a second user who needs to view the document within a third predetermined period, the second user being different from the first user, the display unit displays the document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least the following users are determined as the first users having the predetermined relationship: a user who has met with the second user, or a user with whom information has been exchanged between the user and the second user.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit repeatedly switches the document display mode between the first display mode and the second display mode.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein In a case where the browsing period expires within a fourth predetermined period, which is shorter than the first predetermined period, the display unit shortens an interval at which the display unit repeats switching.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in a case where a user who needs to browse the document has a relationship with a distributor or creator of the document within a fifth predetermined period, the display unit shortens an interval at which the display unit repeats switching of the document display mode.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein in a case where a first user who needs to browse the document has a predetermined relationship with a second user who needs to browse the document within a sixth predetermined period, and the second user is different from the first user, the display unit shortens an interval at which the display unit repeats switching of the document display mode.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where a number of documents for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or in a case where a ratio of documents for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode among displayed documents is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the display unit reduces a number of documents to be displayed in the first display mode.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the display unit performs sorting of documents in one of the following orders: a descending order of the number of people who need to browse the document, a descending order of the number of people who have browsed the document, an ascending order of the number of days until the browsing period, and an ascending order of a length of a browsing period set for the document, and displays, in the first display mode, documents ranked from a first position to a predetermined position in the one of the orders.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where a first displayed document and a second document associated with the first document have not been browsed, the display unit displays the first document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where a second document associated with a first displayed document has not been browsed, even when the first document has been browsed, the display unit displays the first document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where at least one of a first displayed document and a second document associated with the first document has been browsed, the display unit displays the first document in the second display mode without switching the document display mode.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein In the case where the first document that has been displayed and the second document associated with the first document are not browsed simultaneously, the display unit displays the first document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein In the case of writing to the document, the display unit changes the document display mode of the document and displays the document in the changed document display mode.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein In the case of writing to the document, the display unit shortens the interval at which the display unit repeats switching.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The display unit displays a reduced image of the first page of the document whose browsing period has expired in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein The display unit repeatedly switches the document display mode between the first display mode and the second display mode.

20. The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The display unit adjusts the display time period for displaying the reduced image in the first display mode according to the level of the browsing permission set for the document.

21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein The display unit adjusts the display time period for displaying the reduced image in the first display mode such that as the level of the browsing permission set for the document becomes higher, the display time period for displaying the reduced image in the first display mode becomes longer.

22. A computer-readable medium storing an information processing program for causing a computer to function as follows: A display unit that switches at least between a first display mode and a second display mode for displaying a document, and in the case where the displayed document is a distributed document or a document that has been distributed, the document has not been browsed, and the browsing period set for the document expires within a first predetermined period, displays the document in the first display mode by switching the document display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode, Among them, In the case where a folder includes a plurality of documents and the number of documents whose document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, or in the case where a folder includes a plurality of documents and the ratio of the number of documents whose document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, the display unit displays the folder in the first folder display mode by switching the folder display mode from the second folder display mode to the first folder display mode, wherein the display unit repeatedly switches the folder display mode between the first folder display mode and the second folder display mode, and Wherein, when the number of documents in the folder for which the document display mode is to be switched to the first display mode increases, the display unit shortens the interval at which the display unit repeats switching of the folder display mode.

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