Information processing apparatus, computer program product, and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing apparatus, a recording medium, and an information processing method, the information processing apparatus including a processor that generates a preview image used in previewing content data, in a case where content data in a state where the preview image is not present receives an operation related to display of the preview image, prompts a reason why the preview image is not present, and in a case where content data in a state where the preview image is not present and a first condition is satisfied, enables reception of an instruction from a user to create the preview image.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an information processing apparatus, a computer program product, and an information processing method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In patent document 1, there is disclosed a display apparatus characterized by having: an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information indicating a relevance of each of a plurality of images to which the respective images are preliminarily assigned, and assigns the identification information to an image displayed on a display unit; a mark image data storage unit that stores mark image data indicating a mark of a display mode of one or more other images relevant to the displayed image, and generated in accordance with display mode information indicating the display mode that establishes a corresponding relevance to the acquired identification information; and a display control unit that displays the mark based on the stored mark image data together with the displayed image on the display unit.

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-182256

[0004] In the display of a preview image in a display apparatus, there is a technique in which a preview image of each magnification is prepared in advance, and each preview image is displayed according to a user request. In a structure in which a user can only view a preview image prepared in advance, the user cannot view a preview image in a case where a preview image is not prepared, and even if the user wishes to create a preview image, the user cannot instruct the creation of a preview image. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides an information processing apparatus, a computer program product, and an information processing method that can improve the degree of freedom of viewing a preview image more than in a case where a user can only view a preview image prepared in advance.

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the first aspect has a processor that generates a preview image used in preview of content data, and in a case where content data in a state where the preview image is not prepared receives an operation related to display of a preview image, the processor prompts a reason why the preview image is not prepared, and in a case where content data in a state where the preview image is not prepared and a first condition is satisfied, the processor enables reception of an instruction from a user to create a preview image.

[0007] The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect includes a processor that generates a preview image used in preview of content data, and, in a case where the content data is in a state where the preview image cannot be displayed and an operation related to display of the preview image is received, the processor prompts a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed, and, in a case where the content data is in the state where the preview image cannot be displayed and a first condition is satisfied, the processor enables reception of an instruction to create the preview image from a user.

[0008] The information processing apparatus according to the third aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, in which the content data that satisfies the first condition is content data that does not have a preview image and for which a preview image can be displayed and generated.

[0009] The information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, in which the content data that satisfies the first condition is content data that is saved in a region in which display of a preview image is valid.

[0010] The information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, in which the content data that satisfies the first condition is content data of a type that is allowed to create a preview image as an object of display of a preview image.

[0011] The information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, in which the content data that satisfies the first condition is content data that grants a right to view a preview image to a user who has issued an instruction to display a preview image.

[0012] The information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, in which the processor does not enable reception of an instruction to create a preview image from a user for content data that does not satisfy the first condition.

[0013] The information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, in which the processor performs processing of automatically deleting a preview image that satisfies a second condition.

[0014] The information processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, in which the preview image that satisfies the second condition is a preview image that is generated before a prescribed time range.

[0015] The information processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, in which the preview image that satisfies the second condition is a preview image for which a last reference time is before a prescribed time range.

[0016] The information processing apparatus according to a eleventh aspect includes the information processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the processor receives an instruction to delete a preview image that satisfies a third condition.

[0017] The information processing apparatus according to a twelfth aspect includes the information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the preview image that satisfies the third condition is a preview image generated from content data that is content data that is a display target of the preview image and is content data of a type that is allowed to generate a preview image.

[0018] The information processing apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect includes the information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the preview image that satisfies the third condition is a preview image whose last reference time is before a prescribed time range.

[0019] The information processing apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect includes the information processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the processor performs processing of judging whether to generate a preview image on the content data that is newly logged in or updated, according to a fourth condition.

[0020] The information processing apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect includes the information processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the fourth condition allows the preview image to be generated in a case where a region in which the content data is stored is a region in which the preview image is allowed to be generated.

[0021] The information processing apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect includes the information processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the fourth condition allows the preview image to be generated in a case where an available capacity of a region in which the content data is stored is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0022] The recording medium according to a seventeenth aspect records a computer program for causing a computer to execute:

[0023] generating a preview image used for preview of content data;

[0024] in a case where an operation related to display of a preview image is received with respect to the content data in a state where the preview image is not present, prompting a reason why the preview image is not present; and

[0025] with respect to the content data in a state where the preview image is not present and that satisfies a first condition, enabling an instruction to generate a preview image to be received from a user.

[0026] The recording medium according to an eighteenth aspect records a computer program for causing a computer to execute:

[0027] generating a preview image used for preview of content data;

[0028] for the content data in the state where the preview image cannot be displayed, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, prompting a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed, and

[0029] for the content data in the state where the preview image cannot be displayed and the first condition is satisfied, enabling reception of an instruction to create the preview image from the user.

[0030] The information processing method according to the nineteenth aspect includes the steps of:

[0031] generating a preview image used for preview of content data,

[0032] for the content data in the state where the preview image is not present, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, prompting a reason why the preview image is not present,

[0033] for the content data in the state where the preview image is not present and the first condition is satisfied, enabling reception of an instruction to create the preview image from the user.

[0034] The information processing method according to the twentieth aspect includes the steps of:

[0035] generating a preview image used for preview of content data,

[0036] for the content data in the state where the preview image cannot be displayed, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, prompting a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed,

[0037] for the content data in the state where the preview image cannot be displayed and the first condition is satisfied, enabling reception of an instruction to create the preview image from the user.

[0038] According to the first aspect, compared to a case where the user can only view a preview image prepared in advance, the degree of freedom in viewing the preview image can be increased.

[0039] According to the second aspect, compared to a case where the user can only view a preview image prepared in advance, the degree of freedom in viewing the preview image can be increased.

[0040] According to the third aspect, for content data for which a preview image has not been created and for which a preview image can be displayed and generated, an instruction to create the preview image can be received.

[0041] According to the fourth aspect, for content data saved in a region where display of a preview image is valid, an instruction to create the preview image can be received.

[0042] According to the 5th aspect, an instruction to create a preview image can be received for content data of a type for which creation of a preview image is permitted as a display target of a preview image.

[0043] According to the 6th aspect, an instruction to create a preview image can be received for content data for which a user who has issued an instruction to display a preview image is granted a right to view a preview image.

[0044] According to the 7th aspect, content data for which a preview image can be displayed and generated can not receive an instruction to create a preview image with respect to content data that does not satisfy the 1st condition.

[0045] According to the 8th aspect, a preview image that satisfies the 2nd condition can be automatically deleted.

[0046] According to the 9th aspect, a preview image that is generated before a prescribed time range can be automatically deleted.

[0047] According to the 10th aspect, a preview image for which a last reference time is before a prescribed time range can be automatically deleted.

[0048] According to the 11th aspect, an instruction to delete a preview image that satisfies the 3rd condition can be received.

[0049] According to the 12th aspect, an instruction to delete a preview image that is generated from content data can be received, the content data being a display target of a preview image and being content data of a type for which creation of a preview image is permitted.

[0050] According to the 13th aspect, an instruction to delete a preview image for which a last reference time is before a prescribed time range can be received.

[0051] According to the 14th aspect, the content data that is newly logged in or updated can be judged whether to generate a preview image according to the 4th condition.

[0052] According to the 15th aspect, a preview image can be permitted to be generated in a case where an area in which content data is saved is an area in which generation of the preview image is permitted.

[0053] According to the 16th aspect, a preview image can be permitted to be generated in a case where an available capacity of an area in which content data is saved is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0054] According to the 17th aspect, a degree of freedom of viewing a preview image can be more improved compared to a case where a user can only view a preview image prepared in advance.

[0055] According to the 18th aspect, a degree of freedom of viewing a preview image can be more improved compared to a case where a user can only view a preview image prepared in advance.

[0056] According to the 19th aspect, compared to a case where the user can only view the preview image prepared in advance, the degree of freedom of viewing the preview image can be increased.

[0057] According to the 20th aspect, compared to a case where the user can only view the preview image prepared in advance, the degree of freedom of viewing the preview image can be increased.

[0058] Effects of Invention

[0059] According to the present application, compared to a case where the user can only view the preview image prepared in advance, the degree of freedom of viewing the preview image can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] Embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the outline structure of a document management system to which the present embodiment pertains;

[0062] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the document management server;

[0063] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the document management server;

[0064] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of office setting DB data;

[0065] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of cabinet DB data;

[0066] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of drawer DB data;

[0067] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of document DB data;

[0068] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of preview image DB data;

[0069] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a preview image display process based on the document management server;

[0070] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the document management server to the user terminal;

[0071] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the document management server to the user terminal;

[0072] Figure 12is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the document management server to the user terminal;

[0073] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the document management server to the user terminal;

[0074] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the document management server to the user terminal;

[0075] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the document management server to the user terminal.

[0076] Symbol explanation

[0077] 10 - document management server, 20A - user terminal, 20B - user terminal, 20C - user terminal, 30 - communication line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent constituent elements and parts are given the same reference symbols. Moreover, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation, and sometimes differ from actual ratios.

[0079] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the outline structure of the document management system to which the present embodiment pertains. Figure 1 The document management system shown is configured to include a document management server 10 and user terminals 20A to 20C as information processing apparatuses. The document management server 10 and the user terminals 20A to 20C are connected to each other through a communication line 30 such as the Internet or an intranet. The user terminals 20A to 20C are collectively referred to as user terminals 20. The communication line 30 can be a wired line or a wireless line, and can be a private line used only by specific users or a public line shared by an indefinite number of users.

[0080] The document management server 10 holds document data as an example of content data. The document data refers to digital data that becomes a document entity. Moreover, the document management server 10 provides the document data according to a request from a user. The document management server 10 not only provides the document data to the user terminals 20 but also displays a preview image generated from the document data on a screen of the user terminals 20. In the present embodiment, the preview image is an image used in a preview of the document data held in the document management server 10.

[0081] The user terminals 20A to 20C are terminals used by users of the document management system, and can be any terminal such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone.Figure 1 It is assumed that user A uses the user terminal 20A, user B uses the user terminal 20B, and user C uses the user terminal 20C. The user terminals 20A to 20C are collectively referred to as the user terminal 20.

[0082] In the following description, it is assumed that user A is a user who logs document data into the document management server 10, and user B is a user who requests the document management server 10 to generate a preview image of the document data logged into the document management server 10. Further, it is assumed that user C is a user who wishes to view the preview image generated by the document management server 10. User A uses the user terminal 20A to log the document data into the document management server 10. User B uses the user terminal 20B to instruct the document management server 10 to create a preview image of the document data. User C uses the user terminal 20C to view the preview image of the document data stored in the document management server 10.

[0083] Of course, user A and user B can be the same user, user A and user C can be the same user, and user B and user C can be the same user. Further, user A, user B, and user C can be the same user.

[0084] In the present embodiment, a preview image is an image displayed on a web browser and other software, and is used to display the content of the document data stored in the document management server 10 or to edit information attached to the document data. The preview image involved in the present embodiment is an image that is restricted so as not to be subjected to so-called operations such as download, editing, or upload by a user.

[0085] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the document management server 10.

[0086] As shown in Figure 2 , the document management server 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage 14, an input section 15, a display section 16, and a communication interface (I / F) 17. Each structure is connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 19.

[0087] The CPU 11 is a central operation processing unit that executes various programs or controls each section. That is, the CPU 11 reads a program from the ROM 12 or the memory 14 and executes the program using the RAM 13 as a work area. The CPU 11 performs the control of each structure described above and various operation processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the memory 14. In the present embodiment, a document management program that manages document data is stored in the ROM 12 or the memory 14.

[0088] The ROM 12 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 13 temporarily stores a program or data as a work area. The memory 14 is configured by a storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0089] The input section 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used for various inputs.

[0090] The display section 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display that displays various information. The display section 16 can adopt a touch panel method to function as the input section 15.

[0091] The communication interface 17 is an interface for communication with other devices such as the user terminal 20, and can use, for example, a standard such as ETHERNET (registered trademark), FDDI, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like.

[0092] Next, the functional structure of the document management server 10 will be described.

[0093] Figure 3 is a block diagram that shows an example of the functional structure of the document management server 10.

[0094] As shown in Figure 3 , the document management server 10 has a data registration section 101, a preview image production request section 102, a preview image production section 103, a preview display section 104, a non-display reason judgment section 105, and a production possibility judgment section 106 as the functional structure. Each functional structure is realized by the CPU 11 reading and executing the document management program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory 14. Also, as shown in Figure 3 , the document management server 10 has an office setting DB (database) 111, a cabinet DB 112, a drawer DB 113, a document DB 114, and a preview image DB 115. The office setting DB 111, the cabinet DB 112, the drawer DB 113, the document DB 114, and the preview image DB 115 can be generated in the memory 14, for example.

[0095] The document management server 10 according to the present embodiment manages document data in a hierarchy of three objects. In the present embodiment, the top-level object is referred to as an "office", the next-level object under the "office" is referred to as a "cabinet", and the next-level object under the "cabinet" is referred to as a "drawer". The "office" is, for example, an object created for one contract of a document management system. The "cabinet" is an object that can be generated one or more under the "office" for managing documents. The "drawer" is an object that can be generated one or more under the "cabinet" for managing documents. Each document data is saved in the "drawer".

[0096] Generally, "DB" is an abbreviation of "Database" that manages data in association with a predetermined primary key. However, "DB" in the present embodiment does not refer to various database applications for commercial and non-commercial use, but indicates a storage area that stores data. In addition, of course, a database application can be utilized in the management of the storage area that stores data.

[0097] The data registration unit 101 registers or updates document data according to a registration request of document data from a user, for example, the user A. The data registration unit 101 stores document data in the document DB 114 according to the settings registered in the office setting DB 111, the cabinet DB 112, and the drawer DB 113. The data registration unit 101 transmits an instruction for creating a preview image to the preview image creation unit 103 according to the settings registered in the office setting DB 111, the cabinet DB 112, and the drawer DB 113 if the document data is registered or updated. As for the data registration unit 101, document data is input when the document data is registered, and document data and a document identifier that uniquely identifies the document data are input when the document data is updated. Further, the data registration unit 101 outputs document data for which a preview image is created and the document identifier of the document data to the preview image creation unit 103 as an instruction for creating a preview image.

[0098] The data registration unit 101 refers to the settings registered in the office setting DB 111, the cabinet DB 112, and the drawer DB 113, and outputs an instruction for creating a preview image to the preview image creation unit 103 when the document data is registered or updated if a preview image can be created. On the other hand, the data registration unit 101 refers to the settings registered in the office setting DB 111, the cabinet DB 112, and the drawer DB 113, and does not output an instruction for creating a preview image to the preview image creation unit 103 when the document data is registered or updated if a preview image cannot be created.

[0099] The preview image creation request section 102 sends a creation instruction of a preview image of the document data stored in the document DB 114 to the preview image creation section 103 in accordance with a creation request of a preview image from a user, for example, the user B. The preview image creation request section 102 inputs a document identifier uniquely identifying the document data. Further, the preview image creation request section 102 outputs the document data for which the preview image is created and the document identifier of the document data to the preview image creation section 103 as the creation instruction of the preview image.

[0100] The preview image creation section 103 creates a preview image of the document data stored in the document DB 114. The preview image creation section 103 creates a preview image of the document data in accordance with a creation instruction of a preview image from the data registration section 101 or the preview image creation request section 102. The preview image creation section 103 inputs the document data for which the preview image is created and the document identifier of the document data. Further, the preview image creation section 103 outputs the created preview image and the input document identifier to the preview image DB 115.

[0101] The preview display section 104 performs a display process of a preview image in correspondence with an operation involved in the display of the preview image from a user, for example, the user C. In the operation involved in the display of the preview image, for example, there is a selection of the document data for which the preview image is to be displayed. Further, in the operation involved in the display of the preview image, for example, there is an operation of explicitly instructing the display of the preview image. The operation involved in the display of the preview image can be, for example, a double-click operation of a mouse on a line in the list-displayed document data information. Further, the operation involved in the display of the preview image can be an operation of explicitly instructing the display of the preview image after a selection operation such as a single-click on one of the list-displayed document data information. The document identifier of the document data for which the preview image is to be displayed is input to the preview display section 104. Further, the preview display section 104 outputs the preview image corresponding to the input document identifier and causes it to be displayed on the user terminal 20C of the user, for example, the user C.

[0102] The preview display section 104, when receiving an operation related to browsing of the preview image from the user, in a case where the preview image becomes non-display for some reason, transmits a judgment instruction of the reason why the preview image becomes non-display to the non-display reason judgment section 105. As the reason why the preview image becomes non-display, there are, for example, a case where the preview image is not created, or a case where the user does not have an access right (a right of creation and display of the preview image) to the document data. The preview display section 104, if acquiring the reason why the preview image becomes non-display from the non-display reason judgment section 105, transmits a judgment instruction of whether or not the preview image can be created to the creation possibility judgment section 106. The preview display section 104, in a case where the preview image cannot be displayed for some reason, displays the reason why the preview image becomes non-display acquired from the non-display reason judgment section 105 on the user terminal 20C of the user, for example, the user C. Also, the preview display section 104 displays a user interface for creating the preview image on the user terminal 20C of the user, for example, the user C, as long as the user is allowed to display the preview image and the user can create the preview image.

[0103] The non-display reason judgment section 105, in a case where the preview image becomes non-display for some reason, judges the reason why the preview image becomes non-display, and transmits the reason why the preview image becomes non-display to the preview display section 104. The document identifier is input to the non-display reason judgment section 105. The non-display reason judgment section 105 outputs the reason why the preview image of the document data corresponding to the input document identifier becomes non-display. As for the judgment flow of the reason why the preview image becomes non-display by the non-display reason judgment section 105, it will be described later.

[0104] The creation possibility judgment section 106 judges whether or not the preview image can be created by the user. The creation possibility judgment section 106 judges that the preview image can be created for the document data satisfying a prescribed condition (1st condition). The document data satisfying the 1st condition can be, for example, document data for which the preview image is not created and which can display and generate the preview image. The document data satisfying the 1st condition can be, for example, document data saved in an area in which display of the preview image is valid. The 1st condition can be, for example, that the document data of a type allowed to create the preview image is an object of display of the preview image. The document data satisfying the 1st condition can be, for example, document data that grants a right to browse the preview image to the user who has issued an instruction to display the preview image.

[0105] The production possibility judgment section 106 judges whether or not the preview image can be produced by the user. If the production possibility judgment section 106 judges that the preview image can be produced by the user, the preview display section 104 displays the user interface for receiving the production instruction of the preview image on the user terminal 20. The reason for non-display of the preview image is input to the production possibility judgment section 106. The production possibility judgment section 106 outputs information on whether or not the preview image can be produced by the user. The judgment flow of whether or not the preview image can be produced by the user by the production possibility judgment section 106 will be described later.

[0106] The office setting DB 111 is a database that stores settings of a top-level object, i.e., an "office". Figure 4 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of data of the office setting DB 111. The office setting DB 111 stores settings of content types and whether or not each content type becomes a display target of the preview image.

[0107] The cabinet DB 112 is a database that stores information of a lower-level object of the "office", i.e., a "cabinet". Figure 5 Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of data of the cabinet DB 112. The cabinet DB 112 stores a cabinet identifier that identifies the cabinet, and information on whether or not the cabinet has a usable capacity corresponding to the cabinet identifier. In the cabinet DB 112, the information on the usable capacity can be stored as a specific value such as a usable capacity value or a proportion of the usable capacity in the total capacity.

[0108] The drawer DB 113 is a database that stores information of a lower-level object of the "cabinet", i.e., a "drawer". Figure 6 Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data of the drawer DB 113. The drawer DB 113 stores a drawer identifier that identifies the drawer, and information on whether or not the drawer has a usable capacity corresponding to the drawer identifier. In the drawer DB 113, the information on the usable capacity can be stored as a specific value such as a usable capacity value or a proportion of the usable capacity in the total capacity.

[0109] The document DB 114 is a database that stores information of each document data stored in the drawer. Figure 7 Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data of the document DB 114. The document DB 114 stores a document identifier that uniquely identifies the document data, content (binary data) that is an entity of the document data, a drawer of a storage destination, a content type, and access right information. There can be a case where the information of the document identifier exists but the content (binary data) does not exist. Figure 7 The first row of the document DB 114 shown in Fig. 4 is an example of information where the information of the document identifier exists but the content does not exist.

[0110] The preview image DB 115 is a database that stores information of each preview image corresponding to each document data.Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the preview image DB 115. The preview image DB 115 stores a document identifier uniquely identifying document data, preview image data generated from the document data, and state information of the preview image. In the preview image DB 115, a record exists corresponding to the document data corresponding to the document identifier. In the example of Figure 8 In the example, for convenience of explanation, each of the document data is configured to have one preview image data, but can be configured to have a preview image data per page. In the preview image DB 115, there are provided three of "production completed", "not produced", and "not produced (also not in production)", as the state information of the preview image.

[0111] The preview image production section 103 can automatically delete the preview image satisfying a prescribed condition (2nd condition). The preview image satisfying the 2nd condition can be, for example, a preview image generated before a prescribed time range. The preview image satisfying the 2nd condition can be, for example, a preview image whose last reference time is before a prescribed time range.

[0112] Also, the preview image production section 103 can receive an instruction from the user terminal 20 to delete the preview image satisfying a prescribed condition (3rd condition). The preview image satisfying the 3rd condition can be, for example, a preview image generated from the document data which is the display object of the preview image and is the document data of a type allowed to produce the preview image. The preview image satisfying the 3rd condition can be, for example, a preview image whose last reference time is before a prescribed time range.

[0113] Also, the preview image production section 103 can judge whether to generate a preview image or not for the document data newly logged in or updated, according to a prescribed condition (4th condition). The 4th condition can be, for example, allowed to generate the preview image in a case where the drawer in which the document data is saved allows generation of the preview image. The 4th condition can be, for example, a condition allowed to generate the preview image in a case where the available capacity of the drawer in which the document data is saved is above a prescribed threshold value.

[0114] Next, the function of the document management server 10 will be described.

[0115] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of the preview image display processing based on the document management server 10. The CPU 11 reads the document management program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory 14, and expands to the RAM 13 to execute, whereby the preview image display processing is performed.

[0116] Next, an example of the action of the document management server 10 when the user C uses the user terminal 20C to view the preview image of the document data stored in the document management server 10 will be described.

[0117] If the operation involved in the display of the preview image of the document data received from the user C, the CPU 11 determines whether the preview image can be displayed (step S101). If it is determined that the preview image can be displayed (step S101: YES), the CPU 11 acquires the preview image of the document data designated by the user C from the preview image DB 115, and prompts the acquired preview image to the user terminal 20C (step S102). On the other hand, if it is determined that the preview image cannot be displayed (step S101: NO), the CPU 11 acquires the reason why the preview image cannot be displayed, and prompts the reason why the preview image cannot be displayed to the user terminal 20C (step S103).

[0118] After step S103, the CPU 11 determines whether the preview image can be created (step S104). For example, although it is a content type in which the preview image can be generated, and the user C is allowed to view the preview image of the document data, in a case where the preview image has not been generated, the CPU 11 determines that the preview image can be created.

[0119] If it is determined that the preview image can be created (step S104: YES), the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a user interface for enabling reception of a creation instruction of the preview image (step S105). On the other hand, if it is determined that the preview image cannot be created (step S104: NO), the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a user interface for disabling reception of a creation instruction of the preview image (step S106). The prompting of the user interface for enabling reception of a creation instruction of the preview image can be, for example, display of a button for receiving a creation instruction of the preview image. The user interface for disabling reception of a creation instruction of the preview image can be, for example, non-display of a button for receiving a creation instruction of the preview image, or display of a button while the button is displayed so as to be unselectable.

[0120] Next, an example of determination of the reason why the preview image cannot be displayed by the CPU 11, and an example of determination of whether the preview image can be created will be shown.

[0121] (Case where the display of the preview image is not set to be valid from the start by the drawer)

[0122] If the drawer storing the document data designated by the user C has not set the display of the preview image to be valid from the start, the preview image cannot be displayed on the user terminal 20C. Thus, the CPU 11 first refers to the drawer DB 113 to determine whether the drawer storing the document data designated by the user C has set the display of the preview image to be valid. The CPU 11 refers to the drawer DB 113, and if the display of the preview image has been set to be invalid, prompts the user terminal 20C with a message such as "The display of the preview image in the drawer is invalid, and thus the preview image cannot be displayed." as the reason why the preview image cannot be displayed.

[0123] For example, assume that the user C specifies the document data of the document identifier "doc001" of the document DB 114 Figure 7 If the document DB 114 is referred to, the drawer in which the document data is stored is "drawer001". If the drawer DB 113 is referred to, the drawer sets the display of the preview image to "invalid". Thus, in the case where the user C specifies the document data of the document identifier "doc001", the preview image of the document data cannot be displayed, and therefore the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a message such as "The display of the preview image in the drawer is invalid, and therefore the preview image cannot be displayed." Figure 6

[0124] (Case where the preview image cannot be displayed because the entity of the document data does not exist)

[0125] If the display of the preview image is set to valid, the CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114 to determine whether the entity of the document data specified by the user C exists. If the entity of the document data does not exist, the CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114 and prompts the user terminal 20C with a message such as "The document content does not exist, and therefore the preview image cannot be displayed." as a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed.

[0126] (Case where the preview image cannot be displayed because the content type is not an object of the display of the preview image)

[0127] If the entity of the document data exists, the CPU 11 refers to the office setting DB 111 to determine whether the document data specified by the user C is a content type that is an object of the display of the preview image. If the content type is not an object of the display of the preview image, the CPU 11 refers to the office setting DB 111 and prompts the user terminal 20C with a message such as "The content type of the document is specified as outside the object, and therefore the preview image cannot be displayed." as a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed.

[0128] (Case where the preview image cannot be displayed because there is no access authority)

[0129] If the entity of the document data exists, the CPU 11 refers to the office setting DB 111,

[0130] ​If the content type is the display object of the preview image, the CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114 to determine whether the user C has access authority to the preview image of the document data. If the access authority to the preview image exists, it means that the user has the right to view the preview image and the right to create the preview image. The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and if the user C does not have the access authority to the preview image of the document data, the user terminal 20C is prompted with a message such as "No access authority, so the preview image cannot be displayed." as a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed.

[0131] (Case where the preview image cannot be displayed because of being in the process of creation or not being created)

[0132] If the access authority to the preview image exists, the CPU 11 refers to the preview image DB 115 to determine whether the preview image is in the process of creation or not. The CPU 11 refers to the preview image DB 115, and if the preview image is in the process of creation, the user terminal 20C is prompted with a message such as "The preview image is in the process of creation, so the preview image cannot be displayed. Please access again later." as a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed.

[0133] (Case where the preview image cannot be displayed because of insufficient capacity)

[0134] If the preview image is not in the process of creation, the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a reason why the preview image cannot be created. For example, the CPU 11 refers to the drawer DB 113, and if it is determined that the creation has failed because the available capacity of the drawer has been exceeded, the user terminal 20C is prompted with a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed. The message at this time is, for example, "The available capacity of the drawer is insufficient, so the creation of the preview image has failed. The preview image cannot be displayed. Please perform the creation again after the available capacity is sufficiently ensured." and the like. Also, for example, the CPU 11 refers to the cabinet DB 112, and if it is determined that the creation has failed because the available capacity of the cabinet has been exceeded, the user terminal 20C is prompted with a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed. The message at this time is, for example, "The available capacity of the cabinet is insufficient, so the creation of the preview image has failed. The preview image cannot be displayed. Please perform the creation again after the available capacity is sufficiently ensured." and the like.

[0135] In a case where the preview image cannot be created because of insufficient available capacity of the cabinet or the drawer, the data that is not needed is deleted or the like to increase the available capacity of the cabinet or the drawer, whereby the preview image can be created. Thus, in a case where the preview image cannot be created because of insufficient available capacity of the cabinet or the drawer, the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a user interface for enabling the reception of a creation instruction of the preview image.

[0136] (Case where the preview image cannot be displayed because the file size exceeds the upper limit)

[0137] Even if the available capacity of the cabinet or the drawer is sufficient, if the file size of the document data exceeds the upper limit of the size at which a preview image can be created, the CPU 11 gives the user terminal 20C a reason for not being able to display the preview image. The upper limit value of the file size of the document data at which a preview image can be created can be set in the office setting DB 111, for example. The message at this time is "The file size of the document exceeds the upper limit, so the display of the preview image cannot be performed," or the like.

[0138] (Case where preview image cannot be displayed because not created in the past)

[0139] If the file size of the document data does not exceed the upper limit of the size at which a preview image can be created, the CPU 11 determines that the document data is one for which preview image creation has never been performed in the past or one for which preview image creation has failed in the past. The creation history of the preview image can be stored in the preview image DB 115, for example.

[0140] In the case of document data for which preview image creation has never been performed in the past, the CPU 11 determines whether the document data is of a content type for which a preview image can be created. If the document data is of a content type for which a preview image can be created, the CPU 11 gives the user terminal 20C a reason for not being able to display the preview image. The message at this time is "The preview image has not been created, so the display of the preview image cannot be performed," or the like. Also, in the case where document data of a content type for which a preview image can be created has been designated, the CPU 11 gives the user terminal 20C a user interface for enabling the reception of a creation instruction of a preview image.

[0141] On the other hand, if the document data is not of a content type for which a preview image can be created, the CPU 11 gives the user terminal 20C a reason for not being able to display the preview image. The message at this time is "It is a non-corresponding content type, so the display of the preview image cannot be performed," or the like.

[0142] In the case of document data for which preview image creation has failed in the past, the CPU 11 determines whether the document data is of a content type for which a preview image can be created. If the document data is of a content type for which a preview image can be created, the CPU 11 gives the user terminal 20C a reason for not being able to display the preview image. The message at this time is "The creation of the preview image has failed, so the display of the preview image cannot be performed," or the like. Also, in the case where document data of a content type for which a preview image can be created has been designated, the CPU 11 gives the user terminal 20C a user interface for enabling the reception of a creation instruction of a preview image.

[0143] On the other hand, if the document data is not of the content type for which a preview image can be created, the CPU 11 gives the user terminal 20C a reason for the inability to display the preview image. The message at this time is, for example, "includes data that does not correspond to the display of a preview image, and therefore the display of a preview image is not possible." and the like.

[0144] In the above-described determination processing, in the case where the user interface for enabling the reception of the creation instruction of the preview image is not presented to the user terminal 20C, the CPU 11 presents the user interface for disabling the reception of the creation instruction of the preview image to the user terminal 20C.

[0145] The order of the determination processing by the CPU 11 is not limited to the above-described order. For example, the CPU 11 can determine whether the user has access authority to the preview image after determining whether the display of the preview image in the drawer is valid.

[0146] Reference Figures 4 to 8 The above-described specific example of the determination processing is described with reference to each of the DBs illustrated.

[0147] It is assumed that the user C has requested the display of the preview image of the document data of the document identifier "doc001" using the user terminal 20C. The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114 and acquires the fact that the drawer in which the document data of the document identifier "doc001" is stored is "drawer001". The CPU 11 refers to the drawer DB 113 and acquires the fact that the preview display of "drawer001" is "invalid". Thus, the CPU 11 presents the user terminal 20C with a message such as "the display of the preview image in the drawer is invalid, and therefore the display of the preview image is not possible." and the like. Also, the CPU 11 presents the user terminal 20C with the user interface for disabling the reception of the creation instruction of the preview image.

[0148] Assume that the user C using the user terminal 20C has requested display of a preview image of the document data of the document identifier "doc002". The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and acquires the case where the drawer in which the document data of the document identifier "doc002" is stored is "drawer002". The CPU 11 refers to the drawer DB 113, and acquires the case where the preview display of "drawer002" is "valid". The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and acquires the case where the entity in which the document data of the document identifier "doc002" exists. The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and acquires the case where the content type of the document identifier "doc002" is "pdf". The CPU 11 refers to the office setting DB 111, and acquires the case where a pdf file becomes a display target of a preview image. The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and acquires the case where the user C does not have access authority to the document data of the document identifier "doc002". Thus, the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a message such as "No access authority, and thus display of the preview image is not possible." Also, the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a user interface for enabling reception of a production instruction of a preview image.

[0149] Assume that the user C using the user terminal 20C requests display of a preview image of the document data of the document identifier "doc003". The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and acquires the case where the drawer in which the document data of the document identifier "doc003" is stored is "drawer002". The CPU 11 refers to the drawer DB 113, and acquires the case where the preview display of "drawer002" is "valid". The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and acquires the case where the entity in which the document data of the document identifier "doc003" exists. The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and acquires the case where the content type of the document data of the document identifier "doc003" is "pdf". The CPU 11 refers to the office setting DB 111, and acquires the case where a pdf file becomes a display target of a preview image. The CPU 11 refers to the document DB 114, and acquires the case where the user C has access authority to the document data of the document identifier "doc003". The CPU 11 refers to the preview image DB 115, and acquires the case where the preview image data of the document identifier "doc003" is "not yet produced (neither is being produced)". The CPU 11 refers to the drawer DB 113, and acquires the case where the available capacity of drawer002 is "none (insufficient)". Thus, the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a message such as "The available capacity of the drawer is insufficient, and thus production of the preview image has failed. Display of the preview image is not possible. Please perform production again after sufficient available capacity is ensured." Also, the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20C with a user interface for enabling reception of a production instruction of a preview image.

[0150] Next, an example of a user interface provided by the document management server 10 to the user terminal 20 is shown.

[0151] Figures 10 to 14 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the document management server 10 to the user terminal 20. The CPU 11 provides the user interface composed of a folder display area 210, a list display area 220, and a preview image display area 230 to the user terminal 20.

[0152] The folder display area 210 is an area that displays a list of folders managed in a tree structure in the document management server 10. The list display area 220 is an area that displays a list of document data stored in each folder. If the user selects a folder displayed in the folder display area 210, the CPU 11 displays a list of document data stored in the folder in the list display area 220.

[0153] The preview image display area 230 is an area that displays a preview image of the document data selected by the user, which is displayed in the list display area 220. In Figure 10 an example in which a preview image 237 of the document data "No. 1" selected by the user from the list of document data displayed in the list display area 220 is displayed in the preview image display area 230 is shown.

[0154] In the preview image display area 230, a button 231 that receives a move to a previous document data, a button 232 that receives a move to a next document data, a name display part 233 that displays a name of the document data, a magnification change part 234 that receives a change in magnification of the preview image, an edit restriction part 235 that selects whether or not to restrict editing of the document data, a page change part 236 that receives a change in the preview page, and a preview image 237 of the document data selected in the list display area 220 are shown.

[0155] In addition, as described above, there are cases in which the preview image is not displayed for various reasons. Thus, in a case in which the preview image cannot be displayed, the CPU 11 displays the reason why the preview image cannot be displayed as a non-display reason in the preview image display area 230. In Figure 11 an example in which a non-display reason 241 is displayed in the preview image display area 230 is shown. In Figure 11 an example in which a content that the preview image of the document data selected by the user cannot be displayed because it is a content type that does not correspond to the display of the preview image is displayed in the non-display reason 241 is shown. Also, in Figure 12 an example in which a content that the preview image of the document data selected by the user cannot be displayed because the preview image is under production is displayed in the non-display reason 241 is shown.

[0156] Even in a case where the preview image cannot be displayed, as described above, the user is sometimes able to make the preview image. In this case, the CPU 11 displays a user interface for receiving an instruction of making the preview image in the preview image display area 230.

[0157] In Figure 13 the following example is shown: since the preview image has not been made, the content of the preview image of the document data selected by the user cannot be displayed, and the reason for non-display is displayed in the non-display reason 241. Also, in Figure 13 the following example is shown: the button 242 for receiving an instruction of making the preview image from the user is displayed in the preview image display area 230.

[0158] In Figure 14 the following example is shown: since the making of the preview image has failed, the content of the preview image of the document data selected by the user cannot be displayed, and the reason for non-display is displayed in the non-display reason 241. Also, in Figure 14 the following example is shown: the button 242 for receiving an instruction of making the preview image from the user is displayed in the preview image display area 230.

[0159] In a case where the user cannot display the preview image, for example, if the user aims the mouse cursor at a line of the document data displayed in the list display area 220, the CPU 11 can display the reason for non-display of the preview image in a so-called pop-up form. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface provided by the document management server 10 to the user terminal 20. Figure 15 In

[0160] In a case where the user can make the preview image, the CPU 11 can display a button for receiving the making of the preview image, for example, next to the file name of the document data displayed in the list display area 220.

[0161] Next, a use case of the document management system according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0162] The system administrator prohibits the preview function in the drawer A of the drawer identifier "drawer001", and does not make the preview image in order to save the capacity. Then, since the business of updating the attribute of the document data while simply confirming the content of the document data with the preview image is required, the system administrator has switched to enable the use of the preview function in the drawer A. The system administrator has also appropriately set the access right to each document and controlled so that only the user having the right can browse the preview image of the document data.

[0163] Under such a premise, the user C uses the user terminal 20 to operate the user interface shown in FIG. 24, and selects an arbitrary document data. At this time, the preview image is not made with respect to each document data, and thus the CPU 11 acquires the message "The preview image has not been made, and thus the preview image cannot be displayed." as the reason why the preview image cannot be displayed. Also, the CPU 11 inputs the reason to acquire the output that enables the reception of the making instruction of the preview image from the user. The CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20 with the acquired message and the button 242. Figure 10 The user C presses the button 242 displayed on the user terminal 20. The CPU 11 acquires the document data from the document DB 114 in correspondence with the user C pressing the button 242, and makes the preview image data. Also, the CPU 11 stores the made preview image data into the preview image DB 115.

[0164] Then, the user C again uses the user terminal 20 to select an arbitrary document data. The CPU 11 confirms the case where the non-display reason why the preview image cannot be acquired, that is, the case where the preview image can be displayed, and acquires the preview image of the object document from the preview image DB 115. Also, the CPU 11 prompts the user terminal 20 with the acquired preview image.

[0165] The document management server 10 has the structure as described above, and by performing the operation as described above, can improve the browsing degree of freedom of the preview image more than the case where the user can only browse the preview image prepared in advance. The document management server 10 can secure the minimum capacity for the preview image required for the entire service, and can display the preview image of the required document data. Also, in the case where the user desires to browse the preview image, when the preview image can be made, the document management server 10 can provide the user interface operated in such a manner that the preview image can be browsed on site.

[0166]

[0167] ​In the present embodiment, the non-display reason judgment section 105 judges the reason why the preview image is not displayed, and transmits the reason why the preview image is not displayed to the preview display section 104, but the present application is not limited to these examples. It can also be configured so that the reason why the preview image is not displayed is held as an attribute of each document data in the document DB 114. In the case where the reason why the preview image is not displayed is held in the document DB 114, the preview display section 104 can acquire the reason from the document DB, and output to the user terminal 20.

[0168] In the present embodiment, as an example of the content data, the document data is described, but the present application is not limited to these examples. As the content data, the present application can be applied to still image data, moving image data, music data, or other digital data. In the case of the still image data, the preview image can be an image in which the resolution or the number of pixels is reduced. In the case of the moving image data, the preview image can be an image in the arbitrary scene. In the case of the music data, the preview image can be a cover image of the music.

[0169] In addition, the preview image display processing performed by the CPU reading the software (program) in each of the above embodiments can be performed by various processors other than the CPU. As the processor in this case, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in which the circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or the like, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) having a circuit structure designed specifically for performing a certain processing, and the like are exemplified. Furthermore, the preview image display processing can be performed by one of these various processors, or can be performed by a combination of two or more processors of the same kind or different kinds (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs and a CPU and an FPGA, and the like). Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

[0170] Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, the preview image display processing program is stored (installed) in advance in a ROM or a memory, but is not limited thereto. The program can be provided in a manner recorded in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, the program can be configured to be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0171] In each of the above-described embodiments, the action executed by the CPU can be executed by a processor. The processor refers to a broad sense, and includes a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, or a special-purpose processor (for example, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, an FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, a programmable logic device, or the like).

[0172] Also, the action of the processor in each of the above-described embodiments can be configured not only by one processor, but also by a plurality of processors existing at physically separate locations in cooperation. Also, the order of the actions of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above-described embodiments, but can be changed as appropriate.

[0173] The above-described embodiments of the present application are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present application do not comprehensively and exhaustively include the present application, and do not limit the present application to the disclosed modes. It is obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains that various modifications and changes are self-evident. The present embodiments are selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present application and its application. Thus, other skilled persons in the art can understand the present application by various modified examples assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the present application is defined by the above claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus including a processor, the processor generates a preview image used in preview of content data, and for the content data in a state where the preview image is not present, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, a reason why the preview image is not present is prompted, and for the content data in a state where the preview image is not present and a first condition is satisfied, an instruction from a user to create the preview image is enabled to be received, the content data satisfying the first condition being content data for which the preview image is not created and for which the preview image is able to be displayed and generated, the processor makes it impossible for the content data not satisfying the first condition to receive the instruction from the user to create the preview image.

2. An information processing apparatus including a processor, the processor generates a preview image used in preview of content data, and for the content data in a state where the preview image cannot be displayed, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed is prompted, and for the content data in a state where the preview image cannot be displayed and a first condition is satisfied, an instruction from a user to create the preview image is enabled to be received, the content data satisfying the first condition being content data for which the preview image is not created and for which the preview image is able to be displayed and generated, the processor makes it impossible for the content data not satisfying the first condition to receive the instruction from the user to create the preview image.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content data satisfying the first condition is content data saved in a region where display of the preview image is valid.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content data satisfying the first condition is content data of a type allowed to create the preview image as an object of display of the preview image.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the content data satisfying the first condition is content data that grants a right to browse the preview image to a user who has issued an instruction to display the preview image.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor performs a process of automatically deleting a preview image satisfying a second condition.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the preview image satisfying the second condition is a preview image generated before a prescribed time range.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the preview image satisfying the second condition is a preview image for which a last reference time is before a prescribed time range.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor receives an instruction to delete a preview image satisfying a third condition.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the preview image satisfying the third condition is a preview image generated from content data that is content data as an object of display of the preview image and that is a type allowed to create the preview image.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The preview image satisfying the third condition is a preview image whose last reference time is before a prescribed time range.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The processor performs processing of judging whether to generate a preview image for the content data that is newly logged in or updated, according to a fourth condition.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The fourth condition allows generation of the preview image in a case where the area in which the content data is saved is an area that allows generation of the preview image.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The fourth condition allows generation of the preview image in a case where the available capacity of the area in which the content data is saved is above a threshold value.

15. A computer program product that causes a computer to execute the steps of: generating a preview image used for preview of content data; for the content data in a state where the preview image is not present, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, prompting a reason why the preview image is not present; and for content data in a state where the preview image is not present and satisfying a first condition, allowing reception of an instruction from a user to create the preview image, the content data satisfying the first condition being content data for which the preview image is not created and for which display and generation of the preview image are possible, for content data not satisfying the first condition, disallowing reception of the instruction from the user to create the preview image.

16. A computer program product that causes a computer to execute the steps of: generating a preview image used for preview of content data; for the content data in a state where the preview image cannot be displayed, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, prompting a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed; and for content data in a state where the preview image cannot be displayed and satisfying a first condition, allowing reception of an instruction from a user to create the preview image, the content data satisfying the first condition being content data for which the preview image is not created and for which display and generation of the preview image are possible, for content data not satisfying the first condition, disallowing reception of the instruction from the user to create the preview image.

17. An information processing method including the steps of: generating a preview image used for preview of content data, for the content data in a state where the preview image is not present, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, prompting a reason why the preview image is not present, for content data in a state where the preview image is not present and satisfying a first condition, allowing reception of an instruction from a user to create the preview image, the content data satisfying the first condition being content data for which the preview image is not created and for which display and generation of the preview image are possible, for content data not satisfying the first condition, disallowing reception of the instruction from the user to create the preview image.

18. An information processing method including the steps of: generating a preview image used for preview of content data, For the content data in a state where the preview image cannot be displayed, in a case where an operation related to display of the preview image is received, a reason why the preview image cannot be displayed is prompted, For the content data in a state where the preview image cannot be displayed and satisfying a first condition, an instruction from the user to create the preview image is enabled to be received, the content data satisfying the first condition being content data for which the preview image is not created and for which the preview image can be displayed and generated, For the content data not satisfying the first condition, an instruction from the user to create the preview image is disabled to be received.

Images