Information processing apparatus, storage medium, computer program product and method

Abstract

This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a storage medium, a computer program product, and an information processing method. The information processing apparatus includes a processor that performs the following processing: when a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another user, it establishes a corresponding association between a first image representing the file and a second image representing the message attached to the file and displays them; if the second image is selected, it displays the message.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing a method for managing electronic documents, which is capable of attaching messages as transmission items to electronic documents.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-339249

[0004] Previously, there was a technology that could send files with attached messages to the recipient, specifying the work content for the file, etc.

[0005] However, the aforementioned techniques result in a mixture of files with and without additional messages among the multiple files received by the recipient. In this situation, in order for the recipient to locate the file they need from the multiple files, it is desirable to be able to clearly see whether there are any additional messages displayed on the screen. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to enable the recipient to view whether there are any additional messages attached to the sent file and the messages themselves on a single screen when sending and receiving files that can have additional messages attached.

[0007] The information processing apparatus of the first type includes a processor that performs the following processing: when a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another user, it establishes a corresponding association between a first image representing the file and a second image representing the message attached to the file and displays them; and when the second image is selected, it displays the message.

[0008] In the information processing apparatus of the second method, in the information processing apparatus of the first method, the processor performs the following processing: when receiving a plurality of messages attached to the file, and when receiving the selection of the second image, displays the latest received message.

[0009] In the information processing apparatus of the third method, the processor performs the following processing: when receiving a plurality of messages attached to the file, it retains all the received messages; and displays all the messages received for the file on a predetermined screen.

[0010] In the information processing apparatus of the fourth method, in any of the information processing apparatuses of the first to third methods, the processor performs the following processing: displays the second image on a plurality of screens; and makes the display mode of the second image in the plurality of screens the same.

[0011] The information processing apparatus of the fifth method, in the information processing apparatus of the fourth method, includes an editing screen among the plurality of screens in which the document can be edited.

[0012] In the information processing apparatus of the sixth method, the processor performs the following processing: when the editing screen is displayed, the message is displayed.

[0013] In the information processing apparatus of any of the first to sixth methods, the processor performs the following processing: if the second image is selected, the message is displayed at a position that does not overlap with the first image.

[0014] The storage medium of the eighth type stores an information processing program for causing a computer to perform the following processes: when a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another user, a first image representing the file is associated with a second image representing the message attached to the file and displayed accordingly; when the second image is selected, the message is displayed.

[0015] The information processing method of the ninth method includes the following steps: when a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another user, a first image representing the file is associated with a second image representing the message attached to the file and displayed thereon; and when the second image is selected, the message is displayed.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the first method, when sending and receiving files that can have attached messages, the recipient can see whether there are any attached messages to the sent file and the messages themselves in one screen.

[0018] According to the second method, when multiple messages are attached to a file, the recipient can be given priority over other messages in knowing the latest message received.

[0019] According to the third method, the recipient can view all the received messages within a predetermined frame.

[0020] According to the fourth method, compared to the structure in which the second image is displayed in multiple frames, the recipient can easily determine whether there are any additional messages in the sent file.

[0021] According to method 5, the recipient can edit the file while confirming the message about the sent file.

[0022] According to method 6, even if the selection of image 2 is not accepted, a message is displayed in the editing screen.

[0023] According to the seventh method, compared with the structure of displaying the message at a position overlapping with the first image, the reduction in the visibility of the file shown in the first image can be suppressed.

[0024] According to method 8, when sending and receiving files that can have attached messages, the recipient can see whether there are any attached messages to the sent file and the messages in one screen.

[0025] According to method 9, when sending and receiving files that can have attached messages, the recipient can see whether there are any attached messages to the sent file and the messages in one screen. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0027] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the general structure of an information processing system;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a block diagram representing the hardware structure of an information processing device;

[0029] Figure 3 This is the first display example of an information processing system;

[0030] Figure 4 This is the second display example of an information processing system;

[0031] Figure 5 This is the third display example of an information processing system;

[0032] Figure 6 This is the fourth display example of an information processing system;

[0033] Figure 7 This is the fifth display example of an information processing system;

[0034] Figure 8 This is the 6th display example of an information processing system;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the display processing flow based on an information processing device;

[0036] Figure 10 This is the 7th display example of an information processing system;

[0037] Figure 11 This is the 8th display example of an information processing system;

[0038] Figure 12 This is the 9th display example of an information processing system;

[0039] Figure 13 This is the 10th display example of an information processing system;

[0040] Figure 14 This is the 11th display example of an information processing system;

[0041] Figure 15 This is the 12th display example of an information processing system;

[0042] Figure 16 This is the 13th display example of an information processing system;

[0043] Figure 17 This is the 14th display example of an information processing system;

[0044] Figure 18 This is the 15th display example of an information processing system;

[0045] Figure 19 This is the 16th display example of an information processing system;

[0046] Figure 20 This is the 17th display example of an information processing system;

[0047] Figure 21 This is the 18th display example of an information processing system;

[0048] Figure 22 This is the 19th display example of an information processing system;

[0049] Figure 23 This is the 20th display example of an information processing system;

[0050] Figure 24 This is the 21st display example of an information processing system;

[0051] Figure 25 This is the 22nd display example of an information processing system;

[0052] Figure 26 This is the 23rd display example of an information processing system;

[0053] Figure 27 This is the 24th display example of the information processing system.

[0054] Symbol Explanation

[0055] 20, 40 - Information processing device; 21, 41 - CPU (an example of a processor). Detailed Implementation

[0056] The information processing system 10 described below is an example of this embodiment.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general structure of the information processing system 10.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the information processing system 10 includes an information processing device 20 and an information processing device 40. The information processing device 20 and the information processing device 40 are connected via a network N and can communicate with each other. As an example, this network N can be the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The information processing system 10 is composed of two devices, information processing device 20 and information processing device 40, but it is not limited to this and can also be composed of three or more devices.

[0059] Information processing devices 20 and 40 send and receive files that can have messages attached within information processing system 10. For example, a file is an electronic version of a paper document such as a "quotation," "invoice," "purchase order," "delivery note," or "receipt." A message is character information that can be attached to a file; for example, it includes information about the file's destination.

[0060] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of information processing device 20 and information processing device 40. As an example, information processing device 20 and information processing device 40 can be general-purpose computer devices such as server computers or personal computers, or mobile terminals such as smartphones or tablets. In this embodiment, information processing device 20 and information processing device 40 are referred to as "personal computers". Furthermore, since information processing device 20 and information processing device 40 are basically based on a typical computer structure, information processing device 20 will be used as an example in the description.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the information processing device 20 includes a CPU 21 (Central Processing Unit), ROM 22 (Read Only Memory), RAM 23 (Random Access Memory), a storage unit 24, an input unit 25, a display unit 26, and a communication unit 27. These components are connected via a bus 28 to enable communication between them. The CPU 21 is an example of a "processor".

[0062] CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various parts. Specifically, CPU 21 reads programs from ROM 22 or memory 24 and executes the programs using RAM 23 as its working area. CPU 21 performs control and various arithmetic operations on the aforementioned structures according to the programs stored in ROM 22 or memory 24. In this embodiment, at least an information processing program for performing the display processing described later is stored in ROM 22 or memory 24. Furthermore, the information processing program can be pre-installed in the information processing device 20, or it can be appropriately installed in the information processing device 20 by storing it in a non-volatile storage medium or distributing it via network N. Examples of non-volatile storage media include CD-ROMs, optical disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), DVD-ROMs, flash memory, memory cards, etc.

[0063] ROM22 stores various programs and data. RAM23 serves as a working area for temporary storage of programs or data.

[0064] The storage unit 24 consists of storage devices such as HDD, SSD (Solid State Drive) or flash memory, and its storage includes various programs of the operating system and various data.

[0065] As an example, the input unit 25 includes pointing devices such as a mouse, various buttons, a keyboard, a microphone, and a camera, etc., for various input purposes.

[0066] As an example, the display unit 26 is a liquid crystal display that displays various information. The display unit 26 adopts a touch panel and can also function as an input unit 25.

[0067] Communication section 27 is an interface for communicating with other devices. This communication may use wired communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or wireless communication standards such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0068] When the above information processing program is executed, the information processing device 20 uses the above hardware resources to perform processing based on the information processing program.

[0069] Next, the process of sending a file with an attached message in the information processing system 10 will be explained. Hereinafter, as an example, we will explain the case where a user of the information processing device 20, i.e., user A, sends a file.

[0070] Figure 3 This is the first display example of the information processing system 10. When the CPU 21 executes the predetermined first application program, it causes... Figure 3The example shown is displayed on the display unit 26 of the information processing device 20. The first application is an application that reproduces paper documents such as "quotations," "invoices," "purchase orders," "delivery notes," and "receipts," as well as objects on a desk such as trays and bookshelves where paper documents are stored. In this embodiment, the first application is pre-installed in the device constituting the information processing system 10.

[0071] Figure 3 The display shown is an example of a list screen 50 that displays files, a virtual tray for storing files, a virtual bookshelf, etc., in a list format. The initial screen of list screen 50 is set as a "personal area" for each user's individual workspace. As an example, in Figure 3 The list screen 50 shown displays user A's personal area, and displays thumbnails 51A, 51B, and 51C representing a page of content of a file stored in that personal area, as well as filename displays 52A, 52B, and 52C representing the filenames corresponding to each thumbnail 51. Furthermore, a mouse pointer 15 is displayed on thumbnail 51A, pointing upwards towards the display unit 26 based on mouse operations as input unit 25.

[0072] Figure 4 This is the second display example of information processing system 10. Figure 4 The example shown is in Figure 3 The example shown illustrates the state after right-clicking the mouse.

[0073] exist Figure 4 On the list screen 50 shown, besides Figure 3 In addition to the content displayed in the main menu, a context menu 53 and a submenu 54 are also displayed.

[0074] Figure 4 The context menu 53 shown is displayed when the mouse is right-clicked on the thumbnail image 51A, and it shows a plurality of menus that can be executed on the thumbnail image 51.

[0075] Figure 4 The submenu 54 shown is displayed when the mouse is left-clicked on the "Send" menu of the context menu 53, which shows a plurality of destinations where files can be sent. In this embodiment, as the aforementioned "plural destinations", there are "personal areas" that serve as personal workspaces set for each user, and "shared areas" that serve as workspaces shared by a plurality of users.

[0076] Figure 5 This is the third display example of information processing system 10. Figure 5 The example shown is in Figure 4The display example shown is the state after left-clicking the "Shared Area" menu in submenu 54.

[0077] Figure 5 The display shown illustrates screen 60, where you select the destination for sending a file. Figure 5 The selection screen 60 shown includes a destination selection section 61, a file count display section 62, a message input section 63, a copy selection section 64, a filtering section 65, a page switching section 66, a send button 67, and a cancel button 68.

[0078] The destination selection section 61 is for selecting the destination of the file. Figure 5 In the shown destination selection unit 61, multiple candidate destinations, including shared area A, shared area B, and shared area C, are displayed as examples. Furthermore, a checkbox 61A is displayed to the left of each candidate, indicating that one can select a candidate from these multiple candidates. That is, in this embodiment, it is not possible to select multiple destinations as the file sending destination.

[0079] The file count display unit 62 is a part that displays the number of files, which is stored in each of a plurality of candidate file destinations displayed in the destination selection unit 61. Figure 5 In the file count display unit 62 shown, for example, the number of files in shared area A is "3", the number of files in shared area B is "1", and the number of files in shared area C is "0". Thus, the number of files stored in each shared area can be determined, and the file retention status can be monitored.

[0080] The message input section 63 is for inputting messages attached to a file. In this embodiment, as an example, after left-clicking inside the rectangle of the message input section 63 with the mouse, messages can be input via keyboard operation.

[0081] The copy selection unit 64 is a part that allows you to select whether to copy and send a file. The copy selection unit 64 has a checkbox 64A; when checkbox 64A is checked, the file is sent as a copy. Alternatively, the copy selection unit 64 is initially set to send the file in its original state when checkbox 64A is not checked.

[0082] The filtering unit 65 is responsible for filtering candidate destinations for files displayed in the destination selection unit 61. The filtering unit 65 includes a filtering condition input unit 65A that accepts input filtering conditions for the candidate destinations and an execution unit 65B that performs the filtering. In this embodiment, as an example, filtering conditions can be input via keyboard operation after left-clicking the rectangle inside the filtering condition input unit 65A. Then, in this embodiment, with filtering conditions input in the filtering condition input unit 65A, the filtering is performed when the execution unit 65B is left-clicked.

[0083] The page switching unit 66 is a unit that switches between candidates for the destination of a file displayed in the destination selection unit 61. The page switching unit 66 includes a page number display unit 66A that displays the current page number, a previous page switching unit 66B that switches the page displayed in the page number display unit 66A to the previous page, and a next page switching unit 66C that switches the page displayed in the page number display unit 66A to the next page. In this embodiment, as an example, page switching is performed when the previous page switching unit 66B or the next page switching unit 66C is left-clicked with the mouse.

[0084] The send button 67 is used to send a file to a destination that is checked in checkbox 61A of the send destination selection section 61. The send button 67 can be operated after any checkbox 61A is checked.

[0085] The cancel button 68 is used to change the display content of the display section 26 to the list screen 50.

[0086] Figure 6 This is the fourth display example of information processing system 10. Figure 6 The example shown is in Figure 5 In the example shown, the checkbox 61A of the destination selection unit 61 is marked with a check mark, and the state is after a message is entered in the message input unit 63.

[0087] exist Figure 6 In the sending destination selection unit 61 shown, a check mark is added to the check box 61A corresponding to the shared area B.

[0088] exist Figure 6 In the message input section 63 shown, for example, a message "Please confirm" is entered.

[0089] Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the selection screen 60 shown, a mouse pointer 15 is displayed on the send button 67.

[0090] Figure 7 This is the fifth display example of information processing system 10. Figure 7 The example shown illustrates left-clicking with the mouse. Figure 6 The example shown illustrates the state after the send button 67 is pressed.

[0091] exist Figure 7 On the selection screen 60 shown, besides Figure 6 In addition to the content displayed on the selection screen 60, a result display section 69 is also displayed in the center of the selection screen 60, indicating the processing result after the operation of the send button 67.

[0092] exist Figure 7 In the result display unit 69 shown, for example, the characters "Sent to shared area B." are displayed, indicating that the file was sent successfully. In this embodiment, when the file is sent successfully, the destination of the sent file is displayed in the result display unit 69.

[0093] Figure 8 This is the sixth display example of information processing system 10. Figure 8 The example shown illustrates left-clicking with the mouse. Figure 6 The example shown illustrates the state after button 67 is pressed.

[0094] exist Figure 8 In the selection screen 60 shown, besides Figure 6 In addition to the content displayed on the selection screen 60, a result display section 69 is also displayed in the center of the selection screen 60.

[0095] exist Figure 8 In the result display unit 69 shown, for example, the characters "Destination does not exist" are displayed, indicating that the file transmission failed. In this embodiment, in the case of file transmission failure, the reason for the failure is displayed in the result display unit 69. Figure 8 In the case shown, shared area B was deleted just before the file was to be sent, resulting in the message "Destination does not exist." being displayed. Furthermore, as cases of file sending failure, scenarios such as "the destination has reached its file limit," "access permissions in the destination's shared area were lost just before the file was sent," and "the file to be sent was deleted just before the file was sent" can be considered. Then, in the result display unit 69, the following characters can be displayed: If the destination has reached its file limit, "The file limit has been reached (e.g., 10). Please try again after deleting unnecessary files."; if access permissions in the destination's shared area were lost just before the file was sent, "Unable to access the destination."; and if the file to be sent was deleted just before the file was sent, "File does not exist." can be displayed.

[0096] Next, the process of displaying the received file in the information processing system 10 will be explained. Hereinafter, as an example, the process of displaying a file received by user B, the user of the information processing device 40, will be explained.

[0097] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the display processing flow of the received file. As an example of a "processor," the CPU 41 reads an information processing program from the ROM 42 or storage unit 44, expands it to the RAM 43, and executes it, thereby performing display processing via the information processing device 40.

[0098] exist Figure 9 In step S10, CPU41 determines whether a message is appended to the received file. If a message is appended (step S10: "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if CPU41 determines that no message is appended (step S10: "No"), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0099] In step S11, CPU 41 displays file information representing the received file on display unit 46. Then, the process ends. An example of file information display, which is an example of "first image", will be described later.

[0100] In step S12, CPU41 displays file information and an icon 17 indicating that a message has been appended to the received file (see reference). Figure 10 The image is displayed on display unit 46. Then, the process proceeds to step S13. An example of the display of icon 17, which is an example of "second image", will be described later.

[0101] In step S13, the CPU 41 determines whether to accept the selection of icon 17 displayed on the display unit 46. If it determines that the selection of icon 17 is accepted (step S13: "Yes"), it proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the CPU 41 determines that the selection of icon 17 is not accepted (step S13: "No"), it enters standby mode until the selection of icon 17 is accepted.

[0102] In step S14, CPU 41 displays the message attached to the file on display unit 46. Then, the process ends.

[0103] The following is an example of how user B of information processing device 40 displays information about user A. Figure 6 The following description uses an example of a file being sent to shared area B in the selection screen 60. CPU 41 displays the following example in the above description. Figure 9 The corresponding steps in the flowchart shown are displayed on display section 46.

[0104] Figure 10This is the seventh display example of the information processing system 10. After executing the first application, the CPU 41, upon receiving an instruction to display the shared area B in the list screen 50 of user B, causes... Figure 10 The example shown is displayed on the display unit 46 of the information processing device 40. Figure 10 In the list screen 50 shown, for example, a shared area B is displayed, along with a virtual tray 55 set in that shared area B. The virtual tray 55 can aggregate and store multiple types of files, including digitized paper documents and files generated by executing specific applications.

[0105] Then, Figure 10 The list screen 50 shown illustrates the state after a mouse pointer 15 is displayed on the virtual tray 55 and a left mouse click is made on the virtual tray 55. In this embodiment, if a left mouse click is made on the virtual tray 55, a dialog box 56 is displayed, which displays file information, etc., representing the file stored in the virtual tray 55.

[0106] In dialog box 56, thumbnails 51A and 51D representing a page of the file stored in virtual tray 55 are displayed as file information, along with filename displays 52A and 52D representing the filenames corresponding to each thumbnail 51. Thus, in this embodiment, the file information is set to be information that allows us to determine the file content.

[0107] Furthermore, below the thumbnail image 51A and to the left of the filename display 52A, an icon 17 indicating that a message has been attached to the file is displayed. Icon 17 is set to display an envelope mark within a circle.

[0108] In this embodiment, file information is displayed by establishing a corresponding association with icon 17. Here, "establishing a corresponding association and displaying" means displaying the file information in a way that determines the relevance between the file information and icon 17. In this embodiment, the relevance between the file information and icon 17 is shown by displaying the file information and icon 17 within the same screen displayed during the execution of the first application (e.g., list screen 50). Furthermore, in this embodiment, when multiple file information items are displayed within the same screen, the icon 17 is displayed close to one file information item (e.g., thumbnail image 51A) to indicate that icon 17 has established a corresponding association with that file information item.

[0109] Figure 11 This is the 8th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 11 The display example shown illustrates the position of mouse pointer 15 from... Figure 10 The example shown is the state after the movement. Figure 11In the list screen 50 shown, mouse pointer 15 is displayed on icon 17.

[0110] Figure 12 This is the 9th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 12 The example shown is in Figure 11 The example shown illustrates the state after left-clicking icon 17.

[0111] exist Figure 12 On the list screen 50 shown, besides Figure 11 In addition to the content displayed in the icon 17, a message display section 19 representing a message attached to the file is also displayed below icon 17. For example, this message display section 19 displays the characters "User A 2021 / 3 / 31 15:00:10 Please confirm". In this embodiment, the message display section 19 displays the username of the message sender, the date and time the message was sent, and the message body. Furthermore, when the mouse is left-clicked on icon 17, the message is not limited to being displayed as a message; when the mouse pointer 15 moves on icon 17, that is, when the mouse hovers over it, the message can also be displayed.

[0112] Previously, there was a technology that could send files with attached messages to the recipient, specifying the work content for the file, etc.

[0113] However, in the existing technology, the number of files received by the recipient often includes both files with and without additional messages. In this situation, in order for the recipient to find the file they need from the multiple files, it is desirable to be able to clearly see whether there are any additional messages displayed on the screen.

[0114] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another, CPUs 21 and 41 establish a corresponding association between the file information representing the file and the icon 17 with the attached message, and then display the message. Then, CPUs 21 and 41 display the message upon accepting the selection of icon 17. Thus, in this embodiment, among the multiple files received by the recipient, icon 17 is displayed on files with attached messages, and icon 17 is not displayed on files without attached messages.

[0115] With the above structure, according to this embodiment, when sending and receiving files to which additional messages can be attached, the recipient can view whether there are any additional messages attached to the sent file and the messages on a single screen. Here, "single screen" refers to the same screen displayed during the execution of the first application. As an example, Figures 10 to 12The list screen 50 shown is equivalent to the aforementioned "one screen". In contrast, the screen displayed by executing an application different from the first application becomes "another screen" relative to the aforementioned "one screen".

[0116] Then, in this embodiment, without executing an application different from the first application, the presence or absence of additional messages and messages is displayed on a single screen. Therefore, compared to structures displayed on different screens, the time required for the recipient to grasp the presence or absence of additional messages and messages can be shortened.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when icon 17 is selected, CPUs 21 and 41 display a message in a position that does not overlap with file information (see reference). Figure 12 Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a structure that displays messages at a position overlapping with file information, the reduction in the visibility of the file represented by the file information can be suppressed.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, CPUs 21 and 41 display icon 17 on multiple screens, and the display method of icon 17 in these multiple screens is the same. Here, in this embodiment, the multiple screens include the aforementioned list screen 50 and an editable file screen 70 (see reference). Figure 13 and Figure 14 ) and the resume screen 80 (refer to) showing the history of the sent files. Figure 15 and Figure 16 ).

[0119] As an example, user B of information processing device 40 can edit user A's... Figure 6 The editing screen 70 for the file "Receipt 1" sent to shared area B in the selection screen 60 shown will be explained.

[0120] Figure 13 This is the 10th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 13 The example shown is in Figure 12 The illustrated example shows the state after double-clicking the left mouse button on thumbnail image 51A. In this embodiment, in the list screen 50 displayed by executing the first application, if the left mouse button is double-clicked on any thumbnail image 51, a second application different from the first application is executed, thereby displaying the editing screen 70. The second application is an application that can edit the file represented by the thumbnail image 51 displayed on the list screen 50. In this embodiment, the second application is pre-installed in the apparatus constituting the information processing system 10.

[0121] exist Figure 13In the editing screen 70 shown, a thumbnail image 51A, a filename display 52A representing the filename corresponding to the thumbnail image 51A, and a magnified display 71 that enlarges the thumbnail image 51A are displayed as file information. Furthermore, an icon 17A is displayed below the thumbnail image 51A and to the left of the filename display 52A.

[0122] The enlarged display 71 shows the document text with the same content as the thumbnail image 51A, and at the bottom of the enlarged display 71 is an editing section 72 with multiple editing buttons 73 for performing various editing tasks. Furthermore, an icon 17B is displayed to the left of the editing section 72 within the enlarged display 71, and a mouse pointer 15 is displayed on the icon 17B.

[0123] Figure 14 This is the 11th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 14 The example shown is in Figure 13 The example shown depicts the state after left-clicking on icon 17B. Figure 14 On the editing screen 70 shown, besides Figure 13 In addition to the content displayed in the icon 17B, a message display section 19 is also displayed to the left of the icon. Figure 12 Similarly, in the list screen 50 shown, the message display unit 19 displays the characters "User A 2021 / 3 / 31 15:00:10 Please confirm".

[0124] According to this embodiment, by displaying the message attached to the file on the editing screen 70, the recipient can perform file editing work while receiving the confirmation message for the sent file.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the editing screen 70 is displayed, the message can continue to be displayed on the editing screen 70 even if the selection icon 17 is not accepted. That is, in this embodiment, the message continues to be displayed on the editing screen 70 until the editing screen 70 is no longer displayed on the display units 26 and 46. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the editing screen 70 is displayed, the recipient can efficiently perform document editing work while confirming the message.

[0126] Next, as an example, the history screen 80, which shows the history of files sent by user A of information processing device 20 to another user in a personal area or a shared area, will be described.

[0127] Figure 15 This is the 12th display example of the information processing system 10. Upon receiving an instruction to display the resume screen 80 in the list screen 50 of user A, the CPU 21 causes... Figure 15The example shown is displayed on the display unit 26 of the information processing device 20.

[0128] exist Figure 15 On the resume screen 80 shown, items 81 corresponding to the records include "Destination", "Date and Time of Sending", "File", "Status", "Date and Time of Update", "Message", and "Cancellation". However, item 81 is not limited to the types mentioned above and can also have other types.

[0129] The "Send Destination" section displays the name of the destination to which user A sent the file.

[0130] The "Date and Time of Sending" section displays the date and time that User A sent the file. Additionally, records in resume screen 80 are displayed in descending order of date and time of sending.

[0131] The project "Files" displays the name of the file sent by user A.

[0132] The "Status" section displays the status of files sent by user A. Within the file status, there are options for "Retrieved" (indicating another user has retrieved the file) and "Not Retrieved" (indicating other than retrieved). When a file's status is "Retrieved," the corresponding "Status" section displays "Retrieved"; when the file's status is "Not Retrieved," the corresponding "Status" section displays an empty column.

[0133] The update date and time of the file sent by user A are displayed in the "Update Date and Time" item. In this embodiment, as an example, if another user retrieves the file sent by user A, the date and time of retrieval are displayed in the corresponding "Update Date and Time" item. Conversely, if another user does not retrieve the file sent by user A, the same date and time as the corresponding "Sent Date and Time" item are displayed in the "Update Date and Time" item.

[0134] The "Messages" section of the project displays whether a message is attached to the file. In this implementation, as an example, if a message is attached to the file, icons 17C and 17D are displayed in the corresponding "Messages" section; if no message is attached to the file, the corresponding "Messages" section is displayed as an empty column. Figure 15 In the resume screen 80 shown, a mouse pointer 15 is displayed on the icon 17C of the record where the project "Destination" is "Shared Area B".

[0135] A checkbox is displayed for the "Cancel" item. In this embodiment, as an example, when the "Status" field for the corresponding item is empty, a checkmark can be placed on the checkbox for the "Cancel" item. Then, when the checkbox is checked, a confirmation screen (not shown) is displayed. If the user accepts the instruction to cancel file sending on this confirmation screen, the file is canceled. If the file has been canceled, it is returned to user A's personal area.

[0136] In addition, Figure 15 The document shows four types of records corresponding to item 81, but records other than those mentioned above are also displayed on the resume screen 80. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the records displayed on the resume screen 80 are set to the latest 100 records as an example. Then, in the resume screen 80, the displayed records can be rearranged using the item 81 corresponding to the record.

[0137] Figure 16 This is the 13th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 16 The example shown is in Figure 15 The example shown depicts the state after left-clicking icon 17C. Figure 16 On the resume screen shown in image 80, besides Figure 15 In addition to the content displayed in the icon 17C, a message display section 19 is also displayed below the icon 17C. In this message display section 19, [the following text appears to be incomplete and requires further context: "and..."] Figure 12 The list screen shown is 50 and Figure 14 The editing screen 70 shown also displays the characters "User A 2021 / 3 / 31 15:00:10 Please confirm".

[0138] As explained above, in this embodiment, the display method of icon 17 in list screen 50, editing screen 70, and resume screen 80 is the same as the display method of the envelope mark displayed in the circle (see reference). Figures 10 to 16 Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a structure where the display methods of icons 17 in multiple screens are different, it is possible for the recipient to easily determine whether there are any additional messages for the sent file.

[0139] Next, an example of how to display messages when multiple messages are attached to a file will be explained. Figure 17 This is the 14th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 17 The example shown is in Figure 12 The example shown is the state after right-clicking the thumbnail 51A and left-clicking the "Shared Area" menu in submenu 54.

[0140] Figure 17The example shown is a selection screen 60 displayed on the display unit 46 of the information processing device 40 of user B.

[0141] Figure 17 The message input section 63 shown is divided into a first region 63B above the dashed line 63A and a second region 63C below the dashed line 63A by the boundary of the dashed line 63A.

[0142] Area 1, section 63B, is the input section containing previously received additional messages. Figure 17 The text shows that user A is in... Figure 6 The characters "Please confirm" entered in the selection screen 60 shown.

[0143] Section 2, 63C, is where you input the message newly appended to the file. Figure 17 In the middle, area 2, 63C, is displayed as an empty column.

[0144] Figure 18 This is the 15th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 18 The example shown is in Figure 17 In the example shown, checkboxes 61A in the destination selection section 61 and 64A in the copy selection section 64 are marked with checkmarks, and the status after a message is entered in the second area 63C of the message input section 63.

[0145] exist Figure 18 In the selection screen 60 shown, the checkbox 61A corresponding to the shared area B in the destination selection unit 61 is marked with a check mark. In the second area 63C of the message input unit 63, for example, a message indicating "acknowledged" is entered. Furthermore, in... Figure 18 In the selection screen 60 shown, a mouse pointer 15 is displayed on the send button 67.

[0146] Figure 19 This is the 16th display example of the information processing system 10. Furthermore, as an example below, the following displays user B's information to user A of the information processing device 20. Figure 18 The following example illustrates the display of a file sent to shared area B in the selection screen 60. After executing the first application, the CPU 21, upon receiving an instruction to display shared area B in the list screen 50 of user A, causes... Figure 19 The example shown is displayed on the display unit 26 of the information processing device 20.

[0147] and, Figure 19 The list screen 50 shown illustrates the state after left-clicking the mouse on the virtual tray 55, with the mouse pointer 15 displayed on the virtual tray 55. Then, in Figure 19In the dialog box 56 shown, thumbnails 51A, 51D, and 51E are displayed as file information, along with filenames 52A, 52D, and 52E representing the filenames corresponding to each thumbnail 51. Furthermore, icon 17E is displayed below thumbnail 51A and to the left of filename display 52A, and icon 17F is displayed below thumbnail 51E and to the left of filename display 52E.

[0148] Figure 20 This is the 17th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 20 The display example shown illustrates the position of mouse pointer 15 from... Figure 19 The example shown is the state after the movement. Figure 20 In the list screen 50 shown, mouse pointer 15 is displayed on icon 17F.

[0149] Figure 21 This is the 18th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 21 The example shown is in Figure 20 The example shown illustrates the state after left-clicking icon 17F. Figure 21 On the list screen 50 shown, besides Figure 20 In addition to the content displayed in the icon 17F, a message display section 19 is also displayed below the icon 17F. As an example, this message display section 19 displays the latest message received, namely "User B 2021 / 4 / 1 13:00:20 Confirmed".

[0150] As described above, in this embodiment, when multiple messages are attached to a file, CPUs 21 and 41 display the most recently received message when the selection icon 17 is selected. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when multiple messages are attached to a file, the recipient can obtain the most recently received message before other messages.

[0151] Here, when CPUs 21 and 41 receive multiple messages appended to a file, upon selecting icon 17, they display the most recently received message, but retain all received messages in storage units 24 and 44. Then, CPUs 21 and 41 display all received messages for the file in selection screen 60, an example of a pre-defined screen (see reference). Figure 18 Therefore, according to this embodiment, the recipient can view all received messages on the selection screen 60.

[0152] (other)

[0153] In the above embodiment, the full text of the message attached to the file is displayed in the message display unit 19 (see reference). Figure 12 and Figure 21 (etc.), but if the amount of information in a message attached to a file exceeds a predetermined threshold, the message will be displayed as follows. For example, if the amount of information in a message exceeds the predetermined threshold, sometimes the full text of the message cannot be contained within the initial size of the frame of the message display section 19 that displays the message body, etc.

[0154] Figure 22 This is the 19th display example of information processing system 10. (And...) Figure 12 The example shown is the same. Figure 22 The display shown illustrates the state after left-clicking icon 17. However, Figure 22 The example shown displays a message in the message input section 63 of the selection screen 60 that reads "Meeting materials for ○ month ○ day. Please confirm." This is consistent with... Figure 12 The examples shown are different.

[0155] exist Figure 22 The message display unit 19 shows the characters "User A's meeting materials for ○ month ○ day, 2021 / 3 / 31 15:00:10. Please confirm." That is, the full text of the message entered into the message input unit 63 of the selection screen 60 is not displayed in the message display unit 19.

[0156] Figure 23 This is the 20th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 23 The example shown is in Figure 22 The example shown depicts the state after scrolling the message display unit 19 using the mouse. The message display unit 19 displays the message: "User A 2021 / 3 / 31 15:00:10. Please take care of me." That is, the message display unit 19 displays the message after scrolling the message. Figure 22 The following content of the message body displayed in the message display unit 19 shown.

[0157] As described above, if the amount of information in a message attached to a file exceeds a predetermined threshold, the full text of the message can be viewed by scrolling on the message display unit 19.

[0158] Figure 24 This is the 21st display example of information processing system 10. (And...) Figure 22 The example shown is the same. Figure 24 The example shown displays the characters "User A, meeting materials from ○ month ○ day, 2021 / 3 / 31 15:00:10. Please confirm" in message display unit 19. However, Figure 24 The message display section 19 shown has an enlargement button 19A in the upper right part of the frame, which enlarges the frame size of the message display section 19. Figure 22The examples shown are different.

[0159] Figure 25 This is the 22nd display example of information processing system 10. Figure 25 The example shown is in Figure 24 The display example shown is the state after clicking the zoom button 19A with the left mouse button.

[0160] Figure 25 The frame size of the message display unit 19 shown is the same as... Figure 24 The message display section 19 shown is enlarged, and the text "User A's meeting materials from 2021 / 3 / 31 15:00:10 ○ Month ○ Day. Please confirm." is displayed within the box. That is, in Figure 25 The message display unit 19 shown displays the full text of the message entered into the message input unit 63 on the selection screen 60.

[0161] in addition, Figure 25 The message display unit 19 shown has a frame size that is reduced to the upper right portion within the frame. Figure 24 The initial size of the shrink button 19B is shown.

[0162] As described above, if the amount of information in a message attached to a document exceeds a predetermined threshold, the full text of the message can be viewed by enlarging the frame size of the message display section 19.

[0163] In the above embodiment, a context menu 53 is displayed in the list screen 50. When the mouse is left-clicked on any of the sub-menus 54 of the "Send" menu in the context menu 53, namely "Personal Area" or "Shared Area", a selection screen 60 is displayed (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 However, the method for switching from list screen 50 to selection screen 60 is not limited to the above.

[0164] Figure 26 This is the 23rd display example of information processing system 10. Figure 26 The display shown illustrates another example of list screen 50. In Figure 26 In the list screen 50 shown, for example, thumbnails 51A, 51B, and 51C are displayed; filenames corresponding to each thumbnail 51 are displayed 52A, 52B, and 52C; and virtual tray icons 55A, 55B, and 55C are displayed corresponding to each personal area or shared area as the file sending destination. Furthermore, a mouse pointer 15 is displayed on thumbnail 51A. Additionally, for example, Figure 26 The virtual tray 55A shown corresponds to "Shared Area A", virtual tray 55B corresponds to "Shared Area B", and virtual tray 55C corresponds to "Shared Area C".

[0165] Figure 27 This is the 24th display example of information processing system 10. Figure 27 The example shown is in Figure 26 The example shown depicts a state after left-clicking the mouse on thumbnail image 51A to move it to a position overlapping with virtual tray 55A.

[0166] Here, in list screen 50, when any thumbnail image 51 is dragged and dropped onto any virtual tray 55, CPU 21 can switch from list screen 50 to selection screen 60. As an example, in... Figure 27 When the left mouse button is released while the thumbnail image 51A is moved onto the virtual tray 55A, the CPU 21 displays the destination selection unit 61 (see reference). Figure 5 The file transfer destination is selected as "Shared Area A" on selection screen 60.

[0167] In the above embodiment, an example of selecting a number of files to send in the list screen 50 was described. However, the number of files that can be selected in the list screen 50 is not limited to one, and multiple files can also be selected.

[0168] In the above embodiments, the "thumbnail display," in which a thumbnail image 51 and a filename display 52 are shown as file information in the list screen 50, has been described. However, the content displayed in the list screen 50 is not limited to the "thumbnail display." For example, the list screen 50 can switch between "thumbnail display" and "list display." The "list display" includes items such as "filename" and "file creator" as file information and displays records corresponding to each item. Furthermore, when the list screen 50 is displayed in "list display," an icon 17 is also displayed on files with attached messages.

[0169] In the above embodiment, "personal areas" and "shared areas" are provided as multiple sending destinations for the files in the list screen 50, but other sending destinations may also be included. As an example, in addition to the "personal areas" and "shared areas" used when requesting work on a file from another user, a "moving area" may also be provided for moving the file to another location without the purpose of enabling another user to work on it.

[0170] In the above embodiment, an example of a message being input into the message input unit 63 in the selection screen 60 has been described. However, even if a message is not input into the message input unit 63, a file can still be sent.

[0171] In the above embodiment, a locking function can be set in the information processing system 10 to restrict file editing. Then, for files with the locking function enabled, only the user who enabled the locking function can send the file on the selection screen 60. Furthermore, it can be configured such that even users who have enabled the locking function cannot send the original file, but can only send a copy of the file.

[0172] In the above embodiment, an instant zoom function for displaying the thumbnail image 51 can be provided in the information processing system 10. As an example, it can be configured such that when the mouse hovers over the thumbnail image 51 displayed in the list screen 50, the thumbnail image 51 is instantly zoomed in. Furthermore, if an icon 17 is associated with the thumbnail image 51, when the thumbnail image 51 is zoomed in using the instant zoom function, the icon 17 is displayed in association with the zoomed-in thumbnail image 51.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the message "accepting the selection of icon 17" is displayed when the left mouse button is clicked on icon 17, but the "accepting the selection of icon 17" is not limited to this. As an example, the "accepting the selection of icon 17" can be displayed when the mouse hovers over icon 17.

[0174] Furthermore, when accepting the selection of icon 17, if there are two types set, namely "left-clicking icon 17" and "mouse hovering over icon 17", the message display method for each operation can be different.

[0175] As an example, it can be set up as follows: when icon 17 is left-clicked with the mouse, the displayed message is displayed again until the part other than icon 17 or message display section 19 is left-clicked with the mouse.

[0176] As an example, it can be set up as follows: while the mouse hovers over icon 17, continue to display the message once more until the mouse pointer 15 leaves icon 17.

[0177] As an example, it can be set up as follows: when the mouse hovers over icon 17 and a message is displayed, and the left mouse button is clicked on icon 17, the displayed message is displayed again until the left mouse button is clicked on icon 17 again, at which point the mouse pointer 15 leaves icon 17.

[0178] In the above embodiments, Figure 17In the message input unit 63 shown, previously received additional messages are displayed in the first area 63B above the dotted line 63A. However, the method of displaying previously received additional messages is not limited to this. As an example, it can be configured such that previously received additional messages are displayed at the end of newly received additional messages in the selection screen 60.

[0179] Furthermore, if previously received additional messages are displayed in the message input section 63 on the selection screen 60, the user can choose whether to delete the message.

[0180] In the above embodiments, information processing device 20 and information processing device 40 are configured as "personal computers," and display processing is performed by these devices, displaying the results of the display processing. However, the structure of the information processing device is not limited to this. As an example, the structure could be configured as a "server computer," where only display processing is performed. In this case, the results of the display processing are displayed on various user terminals, such as personal computers, other than the information processing device.

[0181] In the above embodiments, processor refers to processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (such as CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and special-purpose processors (such as GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic devices, etc.).

[0182] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments can be configured not only by a single processor, but also by the coordinated operation of multiple processors located in physically separate positions. Moreover, the order of the processor's operations is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified.

[0183] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not exhaustively encompass the present 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 conceived as specific uses optimized for various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a processor, The processor performs the following processing: In the case where a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another user, a first image representing the file and a second image representing the message attached to the file are displayed. Upon acceptance of the selection of the second image, the content of the message is displayed, wherein the first image continues to be displayed in the same position before and after the display of the message content in response to the selection of the second image; and If the first image is selected, the content of the file corresponding to the first image is displayed, but the content of the message is not displayed.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: In the case of receiving multiple messages attached to the file, when the second image is selected, the latest message received is displayed.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: If a plurality of the messages are attached to the file, all of the messages received are retained; On a predetermined screen, all the messages received in connection with the file are displayed.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: Display the second image on multiple screens; The second image is displayed in the same way in the plurality of screens.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of screens includes an editing screen where the file can be edited.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: When the editing screen is displayed, the message is displayed.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: If the second image is selected, the message is displayed in a position that does not overlap with the first image.

8. A storage medium storing an information processing program for causing a computer to perform the following processes: In the case where a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another user, a first image representing the file and a second image representing the message attached to the file are displayed. Upon acceptance of the selection of the second image, the content of the message is displayed, wherein the first image continues to be displayed in the same position before and after the display of the message content in response to the selection of the second image; and If the first image is selected, the content of the file corresponding to the first image is displayed, but the content of the message is not displayed.

9. An information processing method, comprising the following steps: In the case where a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another user, a first image representing the file and a second image representing the message attached to the file are displayed; and Upon acceptance of the selection of the second image, the content of the message is displayed, wherein the first image continues to be displayed in the same position before and after the display of the message content in response to the selection of the second image; and If the first image is selected, the content of the file corresponding to the first image is displayed, but the content of the message is not displayed.

10. A computer program product comprising an information processing program for causing a computer to perform the following processes: In the case where a message is attached to a file sent by one user to another user, a first image representing the file and a second image representing the message attached to the file are displayed. Upon acceptance of the selection of the second image, the content of the message is displayed, wherein the first image continues to be displayed in the same position before and after the display of the message content in response to the selection of the second image; and If the first image is selected, the content of the file corresponding to the first image is displayed, but the content of the message is not displayed.

Images