Information processing device, recording medium and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing apparatus, a recording medium, and an information processing method are disclosed. The information processing apparatus includes a processor, characterized in that the processor performs the following processing: acquiring the usage history of a plurality of data stored in a storage device; and when information related to the plurality of data is first displayed on a screen, controlling information related to specific data whose usage history meets preset conditions to be displayed at a preset position on the screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a recording medium, and an information processing method. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a method for locking items selected by the user to distinguish them from related unlocked items, and displaying the locked items in a manner that gives them a higher priority than the related unlocked items.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes an image processing device that can prevent setting history from being unable to be displayed in the overall history by locking the setting history that the user frequently retrieves from the setting history, and can easily find the setting history in the overall history by displaying the locked setting history on top of other setting histories.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-222541

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-125686

[0006] When information related to multiple data stored in a storage device is displayed on the screen, for example, if the data is displayed in the order of storage or the order of data names, it is difficult to find information related to specific data that meets the preset conditions of usage history from the information related to multiple data. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to make it easier to find information related to specific data that meets preset conditions from the information related to the usage history when displaying information related to a plurality of data stored in a storage device on a screen, for example, compared to the case where the information is configured to be displayed in the order of storage or the order of data names.

[0008] The invention described in Scheme 1 is an information processing device, which includes a processor. The information processing device is characterized in that the processor performs the following processing: grasping the usage history of a plurality of data stored in a storage device, and when information related to the plurality of data is first displayed on a screen, controlling information related to specific data that meets the preset conditions of the usage history to be displayed at a preset position on the screen.

[0009] The invention described in Scheme 2, in the information processing device described in Scheme 1, is characterized in that the usage history is the number of times used within a preset period, wherein the preset condition is that the number of times used within the preset period exceeds a benchmark number.

[0010] The invention described in Scheme 3, in the information processing device described in Scheme 1, is characterized in that the usage history is the number of times the usage occurs within each period of a recurring period, and the preset condition is that the number of periods in the recurring period where the number of times the usage occurs is greater than a baseline number exceeds the baseline number of periods.

[0011] The invention described in Scheme 4, in the information processing apparatus described in Scheme 3, is characterized in that, when the number of periods in which the number of uses exceeds the reference number during the recurring period exceeds the reference number of periods, the processor controls the display of information related to the specific data at the preset position during a specific period in the recurring period.

[0012] The invention described in Scheme 5, in the information processing apparatus described in Scheme 4, is characterized in that, when the number of uses within the specific period exceeds the baseline number, the processor deactivates the state of controlling the display of information related to the specific data at the preset location within that specific period.

[0013] The invention described in Scheme 6, in the information processing apparatus described in Scheme 4, is characterized in that, upon the end of the specific period, the processor releases control over the display of information related to the specific data at the preset location.

[0014] The invention described in Scheme 7, in the information processing apparatus described in Scheme 4, is characterized in that, if the number of uses within the specific period is not greater than the baseline number, the processor does not control the display of information related to the specific data at the preset location in the next period of the specific period in the recurring period.

[0015] The invention described in Scheme 8, in the information processing apparatus described in Scheme 1, is characterized in that the processor performs the following processing: for each type of the plurality of data, it grasps the usage history, and when information related to the plurality of data is first displayed on the screen, it controls the information related to a specific type of data that meets a preset condition of the usage history to be displayed at a preset position on the screen.

[0016] The invention described in Scheme 9, in the information processing apparatus described in Scheme 8, is characterized in that the usage history is the number of times the usage occurs within each period of a recurring period, and the preset condition is that the number of periods in the recurring period where the number of times the usage occurs is greater than a baseline number exceeds the baseline number of periods.

[0017] The invention described in Scheme 10, in the information processing apparatus described in Scheme 9, is characterized in that, when the number of periods in which the number of uses exceeds the reference number during the recurring period exceeds the reference number of periods, the processor controls the display of information related to the specific type of data at the preset location during a specific period in the recurring period.

[0018] The invention described in claim 11, in the information processing apparatus described in claim 1, is characterized in that, in the event of a request to delete the specific data, the processor prohibits or restricts the deletion.

[0019] The invention described in Scheme 12 is a recording medium that records a program for enabling a computer to perform the following functions: a function to grasp the usage history of a plurality of data stored in a storage device; and a function to control information related to specific data whose usage history meets preset conditions to be displayed at a preset position on the screen when information related to the plurality of data is first displayed on the screen. The invention described in Scheme 13 is an information processing method comprising the following steps: grasping the usage history of a plurality of data stored in a storage device; and controlling information related to specific data whose usage history meets preset conditions to be displayed at a preset position on the screen when information related to the plurality of data is first displayed on the screen.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the first aspect of the present invention, when information related to a plurality of data stored in a storage device is displayed on a screen, for example, compared to the case where the data is displayed in the order of storage or the order of data names, it is easier to find information related to specific data that meets the preset conditions of the usage history from the information related to the plurality of data.

[0022] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is easy to find information related to specific data that the number of uses exceeds a benchmark number within a predetermined period from information related to a plurality of data.

[0023] According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is easy to find information related to specific data in which the number of periods in which the number of times of use exceeds the base number is found from information related to a plurality of data.

[0024] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the trouble caused by displaying information related to specific data in a predetermined location outside of a specific period during a recurring period.

[0025] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the trouble caused by continuing to display information related to specific data in a preset position even when the number of uses within a specific period exceeds the baseline number.

[0026] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the trouble caused by continuing to display information related to specific data in a predetermined position even after a specific period has ended.

[0027] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the trouble caused by displaying information related to specific data in a predetermined position in the next period of a specific period even though the number of uses in a specific period is not more than the benchmark number.

[0028] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to find information related to a specific type of data that satisfies a pre-set condition in the usage history from information related to a plurality of data.

[0029] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to find information related to a specific type of data whose number of times of use in a period of repeated occurrence exceeds the base number of periods from information related to a plurality of data.

[0030] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the trouble caused by displaying information related to a specific type of data in a predetermined location outside of a specific period during a recurring period.

[0031] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the possibility of mistakenly deleting specific data displayed at a predetermined location can be reduced.

[0032] According to the 12th aspect of the present invention, when information related to a plurality of data stored in a storage device is displayed on a screen, for example, compared to the case where the data is displayed in the order of storage or the order of data names, it is easier to find information related to specific data that meets the preset conditions of the usage history from the information related to the plurality of data.

[0033] According to the 13th aspect of the present invention, when information related to a plurality of data stored in a storage device is displayed on a screen, for example, compared to the case where the data is displayed in the order of storage or the order of data names, it is easier to find information related to specific data that meets the preset conditions of the usage history from the information related to the plurality of data. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0035] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a functional structure example of an information processing device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a file selection screen used for selecting files during the first to third operations of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the updated usage history in the first operation of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the updated locking information in the first operation of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a file list screen displaying a file list during the first or second operation of the information processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the updated usage history in the second operation of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the updated locking information in the second operation of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the locking determination unit in the second operation of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the updated usage history in the third operation of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the updated locking information in the third operation of the information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a file list screen displaying a file list during the third operation of the information processing apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Symbol Explanation

[0048] 10-Image processing device, 20-Information processing device, 21-Operation receiving unit, 22-Document retrieval unit, 23-Usage history storage unit, 24-Usage history acquisition unit, 25-Setting information storage unit, 26-Lock confirmation unit, 27-Lock information storage unit, 28-Display control unit, 29-Document deletion unit. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] [Summary of this implementation]

[0051] This embodiment provides an information processing device that, when it grasps the usage history of a plurality of data stored in a storage device and displays information related to the plurality of data on a screen for the first time, displays information related to specific data whose usage history meets preset conditions at a preset position on the screen.

[0052] In the first mode of the information processing device, the usage history can be the number of times used within a preset period, and the preset condition can be that the number of times used within the preset period exceeds a baseline number. Hereinafter, the operation of the first mode of the information processing device will be referred to as the "first operation".

[0053] In the second mode of the information processing device, the usage history can be the number of times the device is used within each period of a recurring period, and the preset condition can be that the number of periods in the recurring period where the number of times the device is used is greater than or equal to a base number of periods. Hereinafter, the operation of the second mode of the information processing device will be referred to as the "second operation".

[0054] In the third method of the information processing device, when the usage history of each type of multiple data stored in the storage device is grasped and the information related to the multiple data is first displayed on the screen, the information related to the specific type of data whose usage history meets the preset conditions is displayed at a preset position on the screen.

[0055] Furthermore, in the third mode of the information processing device, as in the first mode, the history can be the number of uses within a preset period, with the preset condition being that the number of uses within the preset period exceeds a baseline number. Alternatively, as in the second mode of the information processing device, the history can be the number of uses within each period of a recurring period, with the preset condition being that the number of periods in the recurring periods where the number of uses exceeds a baseline number exceeds a baseline number of periods. However, the latter will be described below as an example. And, hereinafter, the operation of the third mode of the information processing device will be referred to as the "third operation".

[0056] Here, "information processing device" can be applied to any device such as an image processing device or a personal computer. The following explanation will take the case of an image processing device as an example.

[0057] Furthermore, data can be summarized in file format or not. The following explanation will use files as an example.

[0058] Furthermore, information related to data can be any information that involves data. For example, information related to data includes the name, size, creation date, and time of the data.

[0059] Furthermore, the preset position for displaying information related to specific data refers to the preset position when information related to multiple data items is first displayed on the screen. Therefore, the preset position can move as the screen scrolls based on subsequent user actions. The preset position can be any position, such as the top of the file list, the bottom of the file list, or the left or right sides of the file list; the following explanation uses the top position of the file list as an example. And, hereinafter, the position displayed at the top of the file list will be referred to as "locked".

[0060] [Hardware Structure of Image Processing Device]

[0061] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the image processing apparatus 10 in this embodiment. As shown, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a processor 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, an operation panel 15, an image reading unit 16, an image forming unit 17, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I / F") 18.

[0062] The processor 11 implements the functions described later by loading various programs stored in ROM 13, etc., into RAM 12 for execution.

[0063] RAM12 is a memory used as operating memory for the processor 11. ROM13 is a memory for storing various programs executed by the processor 11.

[0064] HDD14 is, for example, a disk drive that stores image data read by the image reading unit 16 or image data used in image formation in the image forming unit 17. In this embodiment, it is assumed that HDD14 is used, in particular, as a safe or secure container for storing files. Here, the files may be document files created by software, image files read by the image reading unit 16 or received by the communication I / F 18, document files that document the image files, etc.

[0065] The operation panel 15 is, for example, a touch panel, used to display various information or accept user input. Here, the operation panel 15 includes a display showing various information and a position detection plate that detects the position indicated by a finger or stylus. Alternatively, a display and keyboard can be used instead of a touch panel.

[0066] The image reading unit 16 reads images recorded on recording media such as paper. Here, the image reading unit 16 is, for example, a scanner, and can be a CCD method that uses a lens to reduce the reflected light relative to the light illuminating the original from the light source and receives it by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS method that uses a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) to receive the reflected light relative to the light sequentially illuminating the original from the LED light source.

[0067] The image forming unit 17 forms an image on a recording medium such as paper. Here, the image forming unit 17 is, for example, a printer, and can be an electrophotographic method that forms an image by transferring toner attached to a photoreceptor onto a recording medium, or an inkjet method that forms an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium.

[0068] The I / F18 communication system receives and sends various types of information to other devices via communication lines.

[0069] [Functional Structure of Information Processing Device]

[0070] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a functional structure example of the information processing apparatus 20 in this embodiment. Here, the information processing apparatus 20 can be considered, for example, as the processor 11 of the image processing apparatus 10 (see reference). Figure 1 The programs that implement the functions described later will be downloaded from ROM13 (see reference). Figure 1 Read from RAM12 (reference) Figure 1 The information processing device 20 is a device that performs operations in the process of processing. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 20 includes an operation acceptance unit 21, a document retrieval unit 22, a usage history storage unit 23, a usage history acquisition unit 24, a setting information storage unit 25, a lock confirmation unit 26, a lock information storage unit 27, a display control unit 28, and a document deletion unit 29.

[0071] The operation reception unit 21 receives user operations on the operation panel 15. User operations include retrieving files from the box stored in HDD 14, requesting the display of a list of files stored in HDD 14, and deleting files stored in HDD 14.

[0072] If the operation receiving unit 21 accepts a user operation to select and retrieve a file from the HDD 14, the file retrieval unit 22 retrieves the selected file from the HDD 14. It is conceivable that the file retrieval unit 22 retrieves the file for purposes such as printing or sending to another device, but it can retrieve the file for any processing purpose. Furthermore, the file retrieval unit 22 stores the history of file retrievals (i.e., the history of file usage) in the usage history storage unit 23.

[0073] When the information processing device 20 performs the first or second operation, the history storage unit 23 stores the usage history of each of the plurality of files. Here, the usage history can be the number of times each file has been used or the date each file was used. Details of the usage history at this time will be described later.

[0074] When the information processing device 20 performs its third operation, the history storage unit 23 stores the usage history of files of each of a plurality of file types. Here, the usage history can be the number of times a file of each file type has been used, or it can be the date of use of a file of each file type. Details of the usage history at this time will be described later.

[0075] When the information processing device 20 performs the first operation or the second operation, the usage history acquisition unit 24 acquires the usage history of each of the plurality of files from the usage history storage unit 23. In this embodiment, this processing by the usage history acquisition unit 24 is performed as an example of acquiring the usage history of the plurality of data stored in the storage device.

[0076] When the information processing device 20 performs its third operation, the usage history acquisition unit 24 acquires the usage history of each of the plurality of file types from the usage history storage unit 23. In this embodiment, this processing by the usage history acquisition unit 24 is performed as an example of acquiring the usage history for each type of the plurality of data stored in the storage device.

[0077] The setting information storage unit 25 stores the setting information referenced by the locking determination unit 26 when determining whether to lock each file.

[0078] When the information processing device 20 performs its first operation, the setting information includes a baseline number of times. In this case, the baseline number of times refers to the number of times the file is used within a pre-set period required to lock the file.

[0079] When the information processing device 20 performs the second or third operation, the setting information includes a lock period, a base number of uses, and a base period count. The lock period refers to the period during which the file is locked. This is assumed to occur repeatedly, for example, on a specified day of the month or a specified day of the week. The base number of uses, when the information processing device 20 performs the second operation, refers to the number of times the file is used within the required lock period; when the information processing device 20 performs the third operation, it refers to the number of times the file type of the file is used within the required lock period. The base period count, when the information processing device 20 performs the second operation, refers to the number of lock periods during which the number of times the file is used within the required lock period is greater than or equal to the base number of uses; when the information processing device 20 performs the third operation, it refers to the number of lock periods during which the number of times the file type of the file is used within the required lock period is greater than or equal to the base number of uses.

[0080] Furthermore, the information storage unit 25 can store a uniform lock period, base number of times, and base period number regardless of the file or file type, but it can also store different lock periods, base number of times, and base period number for each file or file type.

[0081] Furthermore, the configuration information may also include the type of processing for storing the file to be locked in the HDD14, the identification information of the file to be locked, the date and time to be locked, and the purpose of using the file to be locked.

[0082] When the information processing device 20 performs the first or second operation, the lock determination unit 26 determines that the file whose usage history obtained by the usage history acquisition unit 24 meets the preset conditions for locking, and stores the information for fixing the file to be displayed at the top of the list in the lock information storage unit 27. In this embodiment, as an example of information related to multiple data, a file list is used, and as an example of specific data whose usage history meets the preset conditions, a file whose usage history meets the preset conditions is used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example of controlling the display of information related to specific data at a preset position on the screen when information related to multiple data is first displayed on the screen, the lock determination unit 26 performs this processing.

[0083] Specifically, when the information processing device 20 performs its first operation, the lock determination unit 26 determines to lock the file if the number of times the file is used exceeds a reference number within a preset period. Here, the lock determination unit 26 can lock the file for display only during the lock period after locking it.

[0084] Furthermore, when the information processing device 20 performs the second operation, the lock determination unit 26 determines to lock the file when the number of lock periods exceeding the base number of times the file has been used exceeds the base number of lock periods. Here, the lock determination unit 26 can lock the file for display only during the lock period after locking the file. In this embodiment, as an example of a specific period among the recurring periods, the lock period after locking is used is used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example of controlling the display of information related to specific data at a preset position during the specific period when the number of periods exceeding the base number of times the file has been used exceeds the base number of lock periods, this processing by the lock determination unit 26 is performed.

[0085] When the information processing device 20 performs its third operation, the lock determination unit 26 determines that a file of a file type whose usage history obtained by the usage history acquisition unit 24 meets preset conditions is being locked, and stores information for fixing the file at the top of the list in the lock information storage unit 27. In this embodiment, a file list is used as an example of information related to multiple data items, and a file of a file type whose usage history meets preset conditions is used as an example of specific type of data whose usage history meets preset conditions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, this processing by the lock determination unit 26 is performed as an example of controlling the display of information related to specific type of data at a preset position on the screen when information related to multiple data items is first displayed on the screen.

[0086] Specifically, in this case, the lock determination unit 26 determines to lock the file when the number of lock periods exceeding a base number of times the file has been used exceeds a base number of lock periods. Here, the lock determination unit 26 can lock the file for display only during the lock period after locking the file. In this embodiment, as an example of a specific period among recurring periods, a lock period after locking is used is used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example of controlling the display of information related to a specific type of data at a preset position during a specific period when the number of periods exceeding a base number of times the file has been used exceeds a base number of lock periods, this processing by the lock determination unit 26 is performed.

[0087] Furthermore, the locking determination unit 26 can also unlock the file and display its status after locking it. The following three conditions can be considered as unlocking conditions.

[0088] First, the user has given this instruction. In this case, the locking determination unit 26 unlocks the displayed state when the user gives the instruction.

[0089] The second condition is that the file is used a predetermined number of times during the next lock period after it has been locked. Let's assume the file is locked by being used a predetermined number of times during the lock period. For example, the file might be locked by being used once at the end of the month or twice at the end of the month. In this case, for example, the lock determination unit 26 can unlock the display when the file is used a predetermined number of times during the next lock period. This is an example of unlocking the display of information related to specific data at a predetermined position during a specific period when the number of uses within a specific period exceeds a base number.

[0090] The third condition is the end of the lock period after the file is locked. Suppose the file is locked by being used a predetermined number of times during the lock period. For example, the file might be locked by being used once at the end of the month or by being used twice at the end of the month. In this case, for example, the lock determination unit 26 can release the locked display state at the end of the lock period. This is an example of releasing the state where information related to specific data is displayed at a predetermined location when a specific period ends.

[0091] Furthermore, if a file is locked by using it a predetermined number of times during the locking period, the locking determination unit 26 may also not lock the file from the next time it is not used during that period. For example, a file might be used once at the end of each month over several months, and therefore locked at the end of the month, but if the locked file is not used from a certain point in time, then the file will not be locked from the end of the following month. This is an example of not controlling the display of information related to specific data at a predetermined location in the next period of a recurring period when the number of uses within a specific period is not greater than a baseline number.

[0092] Furthermore, the locking determination unit 26 can also lock an important file when it is stored in the HDD 14. For example, an important file can be locked by the locking determination unit 26 when it is stored in the HDD 14 as a file transmitted via fax secure reception.

[0093] Furthermore, the locking determination unit 26 can make the determination of whether to lock the file different depending on the user who owns the box where the file is stored, or it can be the same for all users.

[0094] Furthermore, the locking determination unit 26 can also change its decision on whether to lock the file based on the purpose of retrieving the file. For example, the locking determination unit 26 can make the decision on whether to lock the file different depending on whether the file is retrieved for printing or for sending to another device.

[0095] Furthermore, the locking determination unit 26 can lock the file only when an individual owns the box containing the HDD14. That is, when multiple users share the box containing the HDD14, the file can remain unlocked unless instructed by a user.

[0096] Furthermore, the locking determination unit 26 can also determine whether to lock the file by combining the file's attributes, the type of image processing device 10, etc. For example, in the case of sharing a box with other image processing devices, if the frequently printed files have high image quality and many pages, and the image processing device 10 is a high-level device, the file can be locked.

[0097] The lock information storage unit 27 stores lock information indicating whether a file is locked (i.e., whether the file is pinned to the top of the list). Details of this lock information will be described later.

[0098] When the operation receiving unit 21 receives a user operation requesting to display a list of files stored in the HDD 14, the display control unit 28 controls the file list to be displayed on the operation panel 15. At this time, the display control unit 28 controls the file to be displayed in a locked state (i.e., fixed at the top of the list), and the file specifies that it should be locked using the lock information stored in the lock information storage unit 27.

[0099] Furthermore, the display control unit 28 can also be configured to associate messages, icons, etc., indicating that a file has been locked based on pre-set conditions according to its usage history with the locked files in the list. For example, the display control unit 28 can display different icons for files locked based on pre-set conditions according to their usage history than for files locked based on user instructions.

[0100] Furthermore, when multiple conditions are used to determine whether a file is locked, the display control unit 28 can also control these conditions to be prioritized and displayed according to priority. For example, the display control unit 28 can make the icon displayed for a file locked based on a certain condition met by the file's usage history different from the icon displayed for a file locked based on another condition with a different priority than that condition met by the file's usage history.

[0101] Furthermore, the display control unit 28 can also be configured to associate with locked files on the list to display a string indicating the purpose of the file.

[0102] When the operation receiving unit 21 receives a user operation to delete a file stored in the box of HDD 14, the file deletion unit 29 deletes the file. Alternatively, when the operation receiving unit 21 receives a user operation to delete the box of HDD 14, the file deletion unit 29 deletes the box. In this case, the file deletion unit 29 can refer to the lock information stored in the lock information storage unit 27 to restrict the deletion of the specified locked file or the box containing such a file. For example, the file deletion unit 29 can display a warning screen when deleting a file or box, which notifies that it is locked and asks whether it can be deleted directly. Furthermore, if the administrator of the image processing device 10 owns the box to be deleted, the file deletion unit 29 can display that deletion is not possible to prevent deletion. Furthermore, when determining whether a box is locked for each user, the file deletion unit 29 can allow only the user who determined that the box is locked, or that user and the administrator of the image processing device 10, to perform the deletion. In this embodiment, the file deletion unit 29 performs the processing of requesting the deletion of specific data as an example of prohibiting or restricting deletion.

[0103] [The first action of the information processing device]

[0104] In the first operation, the setting information storage unit 25 stores setting information including a base number of uses. As described above, the base number of uses refers to the number of times the file is used within a pre-set period required to lock the file. Here, the base number of uses is set to "9".

[0105] First, if the user selects a file from the HDD14, the operation receiving unit 21 accepts the operation.

[0106] Figure 3 This is an example of a file selection screen 310 used for selecting files. Here, as highlighted in the thick box, the file "Invoice A" in line 311 has been selected.

[0107] Therefore, the file retrieval unit 22 retrieves the selected file from the box of HDD 14. Then, the file retrieval unit 22 updates the usage history 410 stored in the usage history storage unit 23 by retrieving the file from the box of HDD 14.

[0108] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of usage history 410 after such an update. As shown, usage history 410 establishes a corresponding association between file ID, filename, and usage count. The file ID is the identification information of the corresponding file, the filename is the name of the corresponding file, and the usage count is the number of times the corresponding file was retrieved within a pre-defined period. Here, in... Figure 3Before retrieving document "Invoice A", assume the usage count is "9". By retrieving document "Invoice A" and adding "1" to the usage count, the usage count becomes "10".

[0109] Next, the history acquisition unit 24 acquires the usage history of each file. Then, the history acquisition unit 24 transfers the usage history of each file to the locking determination unit 26.

[0110] Therefore, the locking determination unit 26 compares the number of times each file is used in the usage history received from the usage history acquisition unit 24 with the baseline number stored in the setting information storage unit 25. Based on the comparison result, the locking determination unit 26 determines whether to lock each file and updates the locking information 510 stored in the locking information storage unit 27.

[0111] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of the updated lock information 510. As shown, lock information 510 establishes a corresponding association between file ID, file name, and lock flag. As mentioned above, the file ID is the identification information of the corresponding file, and the file name is the name of the corresponding file. The lock flag indicates that the corresponding file is locked; "ON" indicates locked, and "OFF" indicates unlocked. Here, the usage count corresponding to file "Invoice A" is "10". Since this exceeds the baseline count of "9", the lock flag corresponding to file "Invoice A" is "ON".

[0112] Next, if the user requests to display a list of files stored in the box of HDD14, the operation receiving unit 21 will accept the operation.

[0113] Therefore, the display control unit 28 controls the display of the file list stored in the HDD 14 on the operation panel 15. At this time, the display control unit 28 refers to the lock information stored in the lock information storage unit 27 to lock the files with the lock flag "ON". That is, the display control unit 28 controls the files with the lock flag "ON" to be moved and fixed at the top of the list, and displays an icon indicating that they are locked.

[0114] Figure 6 This is an example diagram of a file list screen 610 that displays a list of files. Here, as outlined in a thick box, the file "Invoice A" in line 611 is displayed at the top of the list and is shown with a locked icon 612.

[0115] [The second action of the information processing device]

[0116] In the second operation, the setting information storage unit 25 stores setting information including the lock period, the base number of uses, and the base period number. As mentioned above, the lock period refers to the period during which the file is locked. The base number of uses refers to the number of times the file is used within the lock period required for locking the file. The base period number refers to the number of lock periods required for locking the file, where the number of times the file is used within the lock period is greater than or equal to the base number of uses. Here, the lock period is set to the 25th to the 31st of each month, the base number of uses is set to "1", and the base period number is set to "3".

[0117] First, if the user selects a file from the HDD14's compartment, the operation receiving unit 21 accepts the operation. Additionally, the file selection screen used for selecting files... Figure 3 The file selection screen shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0118] Therefore, the file retrieval unit 22 retrieves the selected file from the box of HDD 14. Then, the file retrieval unit 22 updates the usage history 420 stored in the usage history storage unit 23 by retrieving the file from the box of HDD 14.

[0119] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an example of usage history 420 after such an update. As shown, usage history 420 establishes a corresponding association between usage date, file ID, filename, etc. The usage date is the date the corresponding file was retrieved, the file ID is the identification information for the corresponding file, and the filename is the name of the corresponding file. Here, only the usage history shown is illustrated. Figure 3 The usage history of document "Invoice A" is extracted from the database. That is, between the usage history of document "Invoice A", there may be usage history of documents "Application Form B", "Invoice B", "Memorandum", and "Application Form A", but these usage histories are considered not to meet the locking conditions and are omitted from the illustration.

[0120] Next, the history acquisition unit 24 acquires the usage history of each file. Then, the history acquisition unit 24 transfers the usage history of each file to the locking determination unit 26.

[0121] Therefore, the lock determination unit 26 compares the number of lock periods of usage history received from the usage history acquisition unit 24 within the lock period stored in the setting information storage unit 25 with the number of base periods stored in the setting information storage unit 25 for each file. Based on the comparison result, the lock determination unit 26 determines whether to lock each file and updates the lock information 520 stored in the lock information storage unit 27.

[0122] Figure 8This diagram illustrates an example of the updated lock information 520. As shown, lock information 520 establishes a corresponding association between file ID, file name, lock flag, lock date, and temporary release flag. As mentioned above, the file ID is the identification information for the corresponding file, and the file name is the name of the corresponding file. The lock flag indicates that the corresponding file is locked; "ON" indicates locked, and "OFF" indicates unlocked. The lock date is the date the lock flag becomes "ON" when it was already "ON". The temporary release flag indicates that the corresponding file needed to be locked but has been temporarily released; "ON" indicates temporarily released, and "OFF" indicates not temporarily released. Here, during the period from the 25th to the 31st of each month, the number of periods during which file "Invoice A" is retrieved more than once is "4". Since this exceeds the base period number of "3", the lock flag corresponding to file "Invoice A" is "ON".

[0123] Here, the operation of the locking determination unit 26 when determining whether to lock a file by transferring the usage history of a file from the usage history acquisition unit 24 will be explained.

[0124] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the locking determination unit 26 at this time. Furthermore, this operation is performed by periodically transferring the usage history of files from the usage history acquisition unit 24. Hereinafter, the files from which the usage history is transferred from the usage history acquisition unit 24 will be referred to as "object files".

[0125] As shown in the figure, the lock determination unit 26 first refers to the lock information stored in the lock information storage unit 27 to determine whether the lock flag corresponding to the object file is "ON" (step S201).

[0126] First, we will explain the case in step S201 where the lock flag corresponding to the object file is not determined to be "ON" (i.e., it is determined to be "OFF").

[0127] In this case, the lock determination unit 26 determines whether the current date and time are within the lock period stored in the setting information storage unit 25 (step S202).

[0128] If it is determined in step S202 that the current date and time are within a locked period, the lock determination unit 26 counts the number of locked periods in which the number of times the object file has been used exceeds a reference number (step S203). Here, for example, the number of times the object file has been used can be obtained from the usage history of the object file transferred by the usage history acquisition unit 24. Furthermore, for example, the locked periods can be obtained from the setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 25. Then, the lock determination unit 26 determines whether the number of locked periods counted in step S203 exceeds the reference number of periods stored in the setting information storage unit 25 (step S204).

[0129] If it is determined in step S204 that the number of locked periods exceeds the reference number of periods, the lock determination unit 26 sets the lock flag to "ON" (step S205) and the temporary release flag to "OFF" (step S206) in the lock information of the object file stored in the lock information storage unit 27, and ends the process.

[0130] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S202 that the current date and time are within the lock period, or if it is not determined in step S204 that the number of lock periods exceeds the reference number of periods, the lock determination unit 26 will not set the lock flag corresponding to the object file to "ON" and will end the process.

[0131] Next, the case where the locking flag corresponding to the object file is determined to be "ON" in step S201 will be explained.

[0132] In this case, the lock determination unit 26 determines whether the current date and time are within the lock period stored in the setting information storage unit 25 (step S207).

[0133] If it is determined in step S207 that the current date and time are within the lock period, then the lock determination unit 26 determines whether the lock period includes the lock date (step S208). Here, for example, the lock date can be obtained from the lock information stored in the lock information storage unit 27.

[0134] If it is determined in step S208 that the locking period includes the locking date, then the locking determination unit 26 ends the process. This is because, during the locking period, it is preferable to lock until the end of the locking period.

[0135] If it is not determined in step S208 that the lock period includes the lock date, the lock determination unit 26 counts the number of times the object file is used during the lock period (step S209). Here, for example, the number of times the object file is used can be obtained from the usage history of the object file transferred by the usage history acquisition unit 24. Then, the lock determination unit 26 determines whether the number of times the object file is used counted in step S209 is greater than or equal to the reference number stored in the setting information storage unit 25 (step S210).

[0136] If it is determined in step S210 that the number of times the object file has been used is greater than the baseline number, then the lock determination unit 26 sets the temporary release flag to "ON" in the lock information of the object file stored in the lock information storage unit 27 (step S211) and ends the process.

[0137] If the number of times the object file is used is not determined to be more than the baseline number in step S210, the locking determination unit 26 will not set the temporary release flag to "ON" and will end the process.

[0138] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S207 that the current date and time are within the lock period, the lock determination unit 26 sets the temporary release flag to "ON" in the lock information of the object file stored in the lock information storage unit 27 (step S212). Furthermore, the lock determination unit 26 counts the number of times the object file was used during the previous lock period (step S213). Here, for example, the number of times the object file was used last time can be obtained from the usage history of the object file transferred by the usage history acquisition unit 24. Then, the lock determination unit 26 determines whether the number of times the object file was used in step S213 is greater than or equal to the reference number stored in the setting information storage unit 25 (step S214).

[0139] If the number of times the object file is used is not determined to be more than the baseline number in step S214, the lock determination unit 26 sets the lock flag to "OFF" in the lock information of the object file stored in the lock information storage unit 27 (step S215) and ends the process.

[0140] If the number of times the object file is used is determined to be more than the baseline number in step S214, the locking determination unit 26 will not set the locking flag to "OFF" and will end the process.

[0141] Then, if the user requests to display a list of files stored in the box of HDD14, the operation receiving unit 21 will accept the operation.

[0142] Therefore, the display control unit 28 controls the file list stored in the HDD 14 to be displayed on the operation panel 15. At this time, the display control unit 28 refers to the lock information stored in the lock information storage unit 27 to lock the files with the lock flag "ON". That is, the display control unit 28 controls the files with the lock flag "ON" to be moved and fixed at the top of the list, and displays an icon indicating that they are locked. In addition, the file list screen that displays the file list is similar to... Figure 6 The file list shown is identical, so explanations are omitted.

[0143] [The third action of the information processing device]

[0144] In the second operation, it is determined whether to lock each file, but in the third operation, it is determined whether to lock each file type. The file type can be determined, for example, by reading the content of a form using an image reading device. In the third operation, the setting information storage unit 25 also stores setting information including the lock period, the base number of uses, and the base period count. The lock period is the same as in the second operation. However, the base number of uses and the base period count differ from those in the second operation. The base number of uses is the number of times the file type of the file is used within the lock period required to lock the file. The base period count is the number of lock periods during which the number of times the file type of the file is used within the lock period required to lock the file exceeds the base number of uses. Here, the lock period is set to the 25th to the 31st of each month, the base number of uses is set to "2", and the base period count is set to "3".

[0145] First, if the user selects a file from the HDD14's compartment, the operation receiving unit 21 accepts the operation. Additionally, the file selection screen used for selecting files... Figure 3 The file selection screen shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted.

[0146] Therefore, the file retrieval unit 22 retrieves the selected file from the box of HDD 14. Then, the file retrieval unit 22 updates the usage history 430 stored in the usage history storage unit 23 by retrieving the file from the box of HDD 14.

[0147] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of usage history 430 after such an update. As shown, usage history 430 establishes corresponding associations for usage date, file ID, file name, and file type ID. The usage date is the date the corresponding file was retrieved, the file ID is the identification information for the corresponding file, the file name is the name of the corresponding file, and the file type ID is the identification information for the corresponding file type. Here, only the usage history shown is displayed. Figure 3The usage history of document "Invoice A" and document "Invoice B," which are both invoices, is extracted from the database. That is, between the usage history of document "Invoice A" and "Invoice B," there may be usage history of document "Application Form B," "Memorandum," and "Application Form A," but these usage histories are considered not to meet the locking conditions and are omitted from the illustration.

[0148] Next, the history acquisition unit 24 acquires the usage history of each file type. Then, the history acquisition unit 24 transfers the usage history of each file type to the locking determination unit 26.

[0149] Therefore, the lock determination unit 26 compares the number of lock periods for which the usage dates received from the usage history acquisition unit 24 include usage history within two or more lock periods, stored in the setting information storage unit 25, with the base period number stored in the setting information storage unit 25 for each file type. Based on this comparison result, the lock determination unit 26 determines whether to lock the file of each file type and updates the lock information 530 stored in the lock information storage unit 27.

[0150] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of the updated lock information 530. As shown, lock information 530 establishes a corresponding association between file ID, file name, file type ID, lock flag, lock date, and temporary release flag. As mentioned above, the file ID is the identification information for the corresponding file, the file name is the name of the corresponding file, and the file type ID is the identification information for the type of the corresponding file. The lock flag indicates that the corresponding file is locked; "ON" indicates locked, and "OFF" indicates unlocked. The lock date is the date the lock flag becomes "ON" when it was initially set to "ON". The temporary release flag indicates that the corresponding file needed to be locked but has been temporarily released; "ON" indicates temporarily released, and "OFF" indicates not temporarily released. Here, during the period from the 25th to the 31st of each month, the number of periods during which documents of the invoice type are retrieved more than twice is "4". Since this exceeds the baseline period number of "3", the lock flag corresponding to the document of the invoice type is set to "ON".

[0151] Here, the operation of the locking determination unit 26, which determines whether to lock a file of a certain type when the usage history of a file type is transferred from the usage history acquisition unit 24, is basically the same as... Figure 9 The actions in the flowchart shown are the same. That is, in the second action, a file is processed. Figure 9 The flowchart actions, but in the third action example, multiple files of a file type are processed separately. Figure 9 The flowchart shows the actions.

[0152] Then, if the user requests to display a list of files stored in the box of HDD14, the operation receiving unit 21 will accept the operation.

[0153] Therefore, the display control unit 28 controls the display of the file list stored in the HDD 14 on the operation panel 15. At this time, the display control unit 28 refers to the lock information stored in the lock information storage unit 27 to lock the files with the lock flag "ON". That is, the display control unit 28 controls the files with the lock flag "ON" to be moved and fixed at the top of the list, and displays an icon indicating that they are locked.

[0154] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of a file list screen 630 displaying a list of files. Here, as highlighted in bold, file "Invoice B" at line 631 and file "Invoice A" at line 633 are displayed at the top of the list, with icons 632 and 634 indicating that they are locked. Furthermore, this file list screen 630 can be displayed when a user logs in during the locked period.

[0155] [processor]

[0156] In this embodiment, processor refers to processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and special-purpose processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0157] Furthermore, the actions of the processor in this embodiment can be performed not only by a single processor, but also by a plurality of processors physically located in adjacent positions. Moreover, the order of the processor's actions is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and can be changed.

[0158] [program]

[0159] The processing performed by the information processing device 20 in this embodiment is prepared, for example, as an application software or other program.

[0160] That is, the program implementing this embodiment can be regarded as a program for enabling the computer to perform the following functions: the function of mastering the usage history of multiple data stored in the storage device; and the function of controlling the display of information related to specific data whose usage history meets the preset conditions at a preset position on the screen when information related to multiple data is first displayed on the screen.

[0161] Furthermore, the program for implementing this embodiment can be provided either through a communication unit or stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0162] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus including a processor, the information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: the processor executing processes of: grasping a use history of a plurality of files stored in a storage device; when information related to the plurality of files is first displayed in a manner that the plurality of files are displayed in a file list on a screen, controlling information related to a first file of the plurality of files that satisfies a predetermined condition of the use history to be displayed before other files of the plurality of files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition in a manner that the first file is fixed to an upper portion of the file list; the predetermined condition including a first use frequency recorded in the use history exceeding a reference frequency within a first predetermined period; the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list includes: when the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list, the remaining files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition are not fixed to any specific position of the file list; in a case where the plurality of files are arranged in a second predetermined period, all of the remaining files are arranged except for the first file that is fixed to the upper portion of the file list; and after the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list, if a second use frequency recorded in the use history within the second predetermined period does not exceed the reference frequency, the state in which the first file is fixed to the file list is released, wherein the second predetermined period in the use history is a period that is constituted by the same consecutive number of days that repeats every month, the state in which the first file is fixed to the file list is released in response to the second predetermined period in which the second use frequency recorded in the use history does not exceed the reference frequency, including: the state in which the first file is fixed to the file list is released in response to a number of the second predetermined periods in which the second use frequency recorded in the use history does not exceed the reference frequency exceeding a reference number of periods. 2.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in a case where a number of the second predetermined periods in which the second use frequency recorded in the use history is the reference frequency or more exceeds the reference number of periods, the processor controls information related to the first file to be displayed at the upper portion of the file list within the second predetermined period. 3.The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, in a case where a number of the second predetermined periods in which the second use frequency recorded in the use history is the reference frequency or more exceeds the reference number of periods, the processor releases the state of controlling information related to the first file to be displayed at the upper portion of the file list within the second predetermined period. 4.The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, in a case where the second predetermined period ends, the processor releases the state of controlling information related to the first file to be displayed at the upper portion of the file list.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in a case where the number of periods in which the second number of uses recorded in the use history exceeds the reference number of periods exceeds the reference number of periods, the processor controls information related to the second file of the specific type to be displayed at the top of the file list for a period of the second predetermined period.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs processing of: grasping the use history for each type of the plurality of files, controlling information related to a second file of a specific type for which the use history satisfies a predetermined condition to be displayed at the top of the file list when information related to the plurality of files is first displayed in a screen.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the use history is a number of uses in each of a plurality of recurring periods, the predetermined condition is a condition that a number of periods in which the number of uses in the recurring periods is equal to or greater than a reference number of uses exceeds a reference number of periods.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein in a case where the number of periods in which the number of uses in the recurring periods is equal to or greater than the reference number of uses exceeds the reference number of periods, the processor controls information related to the second file of the specific type to be displayed at the top of the file list for a specific period in the recurring periods.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the first file is requested to be deleted, the processor prohibits or restricts the deletion.

10. A recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to function as: a function of grasping a use history of a plurality of files stored in a storage device; and when information related to the plurality of files is first displayed in a screen in a manner that the plurality of files are displayed in a file list, controlling information related to a first file of the plurality of files for which the use history satisfies a predetermined condition to be displayed before all other files of the plurality of files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition in a manner that the first file is fixed at the top of the file list; the predetermined condition includes that a first number of uses recorded in the use history for a first predetermined period exceeds a reference number of uses; the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list includes: when the first file is fixed at the top of the file list, the remaining files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition are not fixed at any specific position of the file list; in a case where the plurality of files are arranged for a second predetermined period, the remaining all files are arranged except for the first file that is fixed at the top of the file list; and after the first file is fixed at the top of the file list, if a second number of uses recorded in the use history for the second predetermined period does not exceed the reference number of uses, the state in which the first file is fixed at the top of the file list is released. the second predetermined period in the use history is a period of the same number of consecutive days that occurs every month, in response to the second predetermined period in which the second use count recorded in the use history does not exceed the reference number of times occurring, releasing the state in which the first file is fixed to any position in the file list, in response to the number of the second predetermined period in which the second use count recorded in the use history does not exceed the reference number of times occurring exceeding a reference number of periods, releasing the state in which the first file is fixed to any position in the file list.

11. An information processing method comprising the steps of: acquiring a use history of a plurality of files stored in a storage device; and when information related to the plurality of files is first displayed in a manner that the plurality of files are displayed in a file list on a screen, controlling information related to a first file of the plurality of files that satisfies a predetermined condition of the use history to be displayed before other files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition of the use history in a manner that the first file is fixed to an upper portion of the file list; the predetermined condition includes a first use count recorded in the use history exceeding a reference number of times within a first predetermined period; the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list includes: when the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list, the remaining files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition are not fixed to any specific position in the file list; in a case where the plurality of files are arranged in a second predetermined period, the remaining files are arranged except for the first file that is fixed to the upper portion of the file list; and after the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list, if a second use count recorded in the use history within the second predetermined period does not exceed the reference number of times, releasing the state in which the first file is fixed to any position in the file list, the second predetermined period in the use history is a period of the same number of consecutive days that occurs every month, in response to the second predetermined period in which the second use count recorded in the use history does not exceed the reference number of times occurring, releasing the state in which the first file is fixed to any position in the file list, a program for causing a computer to function as:

12. A computer program product, characterized in that, a function of acquiring a use history of a plurality of files stored in a storage device; and a function of controlling information related to a first file of the plurality of files that satisfies a predetermined condition of the use history to be displayed before other files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition of the use history in a manner that the first file is fixed to an upper portion of a file list when information related to the plurality of files is first displayed in a manner that the plurality of files are displayed in the file list on a screen. when information related to the plurality of files is first displayed in a manner that the plurality of files are displayed in a file list on a screen, controlling information related to a first file of the plurality of files that satisfies a predetermined condition of the use history to be displayed in a manner that the first file is fixed to an upper portion of the file list, before other files of the plurality of files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition; the predetermined condition includes that a first use count recorded in the use history within a first predetermined period exceeds a reference count; the first file being fixed to the upper portion of the file list includes that, when the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list, the remaining files that do not satisfy the predetermined condition are not fixed to any specific position of the file list; in a case where the plurality of files are arranged in a second predetermined period, the remaining files are arranged except for the first file that is fixed to the upper portion of the file list; and after the first file is fixed to the upper portion of the file list, if a second use count recorded in the use history within the second predetermined period does not exceed the reference count, the state in which the first file is fixed to the file list is released, wherein the second predetermined period in the use history is a period that is repeatedly formed every month and has the same consecutive number of days, releasing the state in which the first file is fixed to the file list in response to the second predetermined period in which the second use count recorded in the use history does not exceed the reference count includes: releasing the state in which the first file is fixed to the file list in response to a number of the second predetermined period in which the second use count recorded in the use history does not exceed the reference count exceeding a reference number of periods.

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