File arrangement system

Abstract

To retrieve a target message document and an insertion file in a short time, from among a large number of messages received or transmitted in the past through a communication system.SOLUTION: A file arrangement system comprises: a data storage unit which stores an arrangement object file included in a message region received or transmitted through a communication system; a data extraction unit which extracts the arrangement object file from the communication system so as to recognize character information; and a management server to which analysis object data extracted by the data extraction unit are inputted. The management server comprises: a data analysis unit which creates a plurality of candidate character strings from the analysis object data; a tag imparting processing unit which selects a plurality of specific character strings which are different from each other from among the plurality of candidate character strings to create a plurality of pieces of corresponding tag information; and an index storage unit which records a storage region on the data storage unit of the arrangement object file corresponding to the analysis object data and a plurality of pieces of tag information in association with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a file organization system, and more particularly to a system for organizing files transmitted or received over a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the trend toward digitization has been remarkable, and the opportunities for exchanging paper documents in business have drastically decreased, with communication via e-mail and chat becoming mainstream. In particular, in chat, where messages are exchanged within rooms that can only be accessed by multiple authenticated users, it is expected that a huge number of messages will be exchanged even in a single day.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a chat system that is equipped with a function for automatically generating recorded data when a message is selected in a chat room to which multiple users belong, by linking the selected message with the sending date and time and the sender. This system allows users to review past exchanges more quickly and efficiently by checking the recorded data than by looking at the entire exchange in the chat room. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7270943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Email and chat are not only used to write message documents in the message area and send them, but are also used to send various files such as image files, PDF files, drawing files, presentation files, and table format files by pasting them into the message area or attaching them outside the message area. In the following, the various files sent in the above manner will be collectively referred to as "inserted files."

[0006] In particular, due to the recent sophistication of chat functions, a single user may form many chat rooms and send many messages and files within each chat room. Note that a chat room here refers to a system that is designed so that only authenticated users (hereinafter referred to as "authenticated users") can access the room and that authenticated users can view and download messages and files sent within the room.

[0007] When the frequency of sending and receiving a large number of message documents and inserted files through e-mail or chat increases, it takes time and effort for a user to find a desired message document or inserted file. In particular, it is assumed that the naming rules for file names vary depending on the file creator, so that it is even more difficult to find an inserted file sent in a chat room than a file that the user created himself.

[0008] The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is limited to allowing the user to look back on only the messages specified by the user, and is not suitable for searching for the desired message document or inserted file from among a huge number of message documents and inserted files.

[0009] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a file organization system that makes it possible to quickly search for a desired message document or inserted file from among a large number of messages that have been previously received or sent through at least one of the communication systems of email and chat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The file organization system according to the present invention comprises: a data storage unit that stores one or more types of files to be organized that belong to a group consisting of a message document, a file in the body of a message inserted into a message area, and a file attached to the message area, the message document being included in a message area received or transmitted through at least one of a communication system of email and chat; a data extraction unit that extracts the files to be organized from the communication system in a manner that allows at least character information included in the files to be organized to be recognized; a management server to which data to be analyzed, which is data extracted by the data extraction unit, is input; The management server includes: a data analysis unit that extracts character information from the analysis target data and creates a plurality of candidate character strings; a tagging processing unit that selects a plurality of specific character strings different from each other from the plurality of candidate character strings and creates a plurality of pieces of tag information corresponding to the plurality of specific character strings, respectively; The system further comprises an index storage unit that records a storage area on the data storage unit of the file to be organized that corresponds to the data to be analyzed, in association with a plurality of pieces of tag information.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the storage area (storage destination) in the data storage unit of the file to be organized received or transmitted through the communication system is automatically recorded in the index storage unit in a state associated with tag information designated based on character information contained in the file to be organized. As a result, by inputting a keyword corresponding to a file that the user wishes to search for, preparations are made for automatically extracting the file to be organized to which the tag information corresponding to the keyword has been added.

[0012] The data storage unit may exist within the management server, or may exist in a server different from the management server.

[0013] For example, the data extraction unit is configured to extract the organization target file itself and input the extracted organization target file to the management server as the analysis target data, The data storage unit may be disposed within the management server.

[0014] In this configuration, all files to be organized that are received or transmitted through the communication system are recorded in the data storage unit of the management server. In this case, in the management server, the data analysis unit analyzes the character information in the files to be organized that are recorded in the data storage unit to generate multiple candidate character strings, and the tagging processing unit assigns tag information corresponding to each candidate character string.

[0015] Also, for example, the data extraction unit is configured to input data that has been preprocessed on the file to be organized to a degree that allows recognition of character information included in the file to be organized to the management server as the data to be analyzed, The data storage unit may be located in an external server associated with the communication system, separate from the management server.

[0016] The external server referred to here may be, for example, a server in a mail system or a server in a chat system. Also, the "pre-processing" referred to here may be, for example, a process of extracting data including text information from the files to be organized using an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0017] In this configuration, the index storage unit records a storage area in an external server other than the management server in which the file to be organized is recorded, in association with tag information attached to the file to be organized.

[0018] The tag assignment processing unit may be configured to, when a pre-registered specific string is present among the multiple candidate strings, the specific string corresponding to the tag information already recorded in the index storage unit, create at least the tag information corresponding to the pre-registered specific string.

[0019] If the tag assignment processing unit determines that among the multiple candidate strings, there is one that is not completely identical to the pre-registered specific string, but is conceptually identical because it differs only in the character notation format compared to the pre-registered specific string, it may create the tag information corresponding to at least the pre-registered specific string.

[0020] The "character display format" here refers to one or more of the following groups: kanji, hiragana, katakana, and alphanumeric characters. Also, "ideologically identical" refers to something that is recognized as having the same meaning in socially accepted terms, such as differences in the presence or absence of spaces, the use of particles, the order in which words appear, etc., but the content itself is recognized as being the same.

[0021] In particular, when insert files are exchanged using a chat system or the like, individual differences are likely to occur in the naming rules for the insert files and the writing style of the body of the insert files. However, according to the above method, when the tagging processing unit determines that the files are conceptually the same, the same tag information is assigned, so that when the user later inputs a keyword corresponding to a file that he or she wishes to search, the file is likely to have tag information corresponding to the keyword assigned, making it possible to perform a search with fewer omissions.

[0022] The file organization system further includes a client tool capable of communicating with the management server, The management server includes: an input / output interface that receives input of information related to the primary keyword transmitted from the client tool; an index matching processor that matches the primary keyword received via the input / output interface with the specific character string that corresponds to the tag information recorded in the index storage unit; The index matching processing unit When a primary specific string that is the specific string corresponding to the primary keyword is identified, a candidate data group is identified, which is a group of the analysis target data to which primary tag information that is the tag information corresponding to the primary specific string is added; A secondary identification string, which is the identification string corresponding to the tag information different from the primary tag information attached to each of the analysis target data belonging to the candidate data group, and candidate file identification information for identifying the organization target file corresponding to each of the analysis target data belonging to the candidate data group may be transmitted to the client tool via the input / output interface.

[0023] According to the above system, when a user inputs a keyword (primary keyword) corresponding to a file to be searched via a client tool, the index matching processor identifies a group of data to be analyzed to which tag information corresponding to a specific character string (primary specific character string) corresponding to the primary keyword is attached. Then, information (candidate file specific information) for identifying a file to be organized corresponding to each of the identified groups of data to be analyzed is transmitted to the client tool together with other tag information attached to the same file.

[0024] Here, the "candidate file specification information" refers to information for allowing a user to recognize a file to be organized, and typically includes a file name. Other examples of information include the creator, creation date and time, updater, update date and time, file size, destination, sender, character strings included in the header of the text, and one or more types of character strings that frequently appear in the text.

[0025] When the index matching processing unit identifies a group of files to be organized to which tag information (primary tag information) corresponding to the primary keyword specified by the user is added, the index matching processing unit transmits information about each file to be organized (the above-mentioned candidate file identification information) to the client tool together with tag information different from the primary tag information that is added to each file to be organized. This allows the user to narrow down the group of files to be organized identified by the primary keyword by, for example, specifying a different keyword based on the above-mentioned "different tag information." In addition, when the user checks the candidate file identification information and finds that it is highly likely to match the file that the user wanted to search for, the user can select the file (file to be organized) identified by the candidate file identification information and instruct the necessary processing such as reading it into an application program or downloading it.

[0026] As a typical example, the client tool includes a display processing unit that performs processing to output information to a display, The display processing unit may perform processing for displaying the candidate file specification information on the display in a state where the candidate file specification information has been sorted for each of the secondary specification character strings transmitted from the management server.

[0027] In this way, when the user specifies a secondary identification string, in addition to the tag information corresponding to the initially specified primary keyword, candidate file identification information for files to be organized to which tag information corresponding to the secondary identification string is added is listed on the display. In other words, the candidate file identification information is narrowed down. This makes it easier for the user to check the displayed candidate file identification information and find the file they wish to search for.

[0028] Typically, the management server includes a data reading unit that reads the files to be organized that are recorded in the data storage unit, when information indicating that the candidate file specifying information displayed on the display has been selected is input, the input / output interface outputs the selected candidate file specifying information to the data reading unit; The data reading unit may be configured to perform a process of transmitting from the data storage unit to the client tool either the file to be organized that corresponds to the candidate file identification information, or read information specified by the client tool from among the information contained in the file to be organized that corresponds to the candidate file identification information.

[0029] Here, the read information specified by the client tool includes, for example, information necessary to view the file through an Internet browser, information corresponding to a thumbnail image corresponding to the first page view of the file, sender and destination information, file size, file type, etc.

[0030] With the above configuration, the user can check the contents of the file he or she wishes to search.

[0031] The primary keyword may be, for example, one or more of the following: information on the sending date of the file to be organized, information on the receiving date of the file to be organized, information on the sender of the file to be organized, information on the destination of the file to be organized, information on the type that can uniquely identify the contents of the file to be organized, and information on the business genre to which the contents of the file to be organized belong. However, the primary keyword may be information other than the above examples.

[0032] Here, "information on the type that can uniquely identify the contents of the file to be organized" refers to information that indicates the type that can identify the file to be organized, such as proposals, invoices, presentation materials, schedules, meeting minutes, brainstorming materials, etc. Also, "information on the business genre that belongs to the contents of the file to be organized" may be information on relatively broad concepts such as sales, accounting, human resources, and general affairs, as well as information on relatively specific concepts such as project A and project B.

[0033] The primary keyword may be configured to be inputtable into an input form displayed on the display while the client tool is running. Also, the primary keyword may be configured to be selectable from a group of candidates displayed on the display.

[0034] Here, the group of candidates for primary keywords displayed on the display may be those registered in advance by the user, or may be based on the results of learning based on search history and transmission history of files to be organized.

[0035] For example, in the latter case, the management server includes a primary keyword creation unit that creates a candidate group of the primary keyword based on the tag information related to the transmission date and time among the tag information recorded in the index storage unit, when the client tool is started, the primary keyword creation unit creates a group of candidates for the primary keyword based on a client tool start date and time and the tag information related to a transmission date and time, and transmits the group of candidates for the primary keyword to the client tool; the display processing unit performs processing for displaying a group of candidates for the primary keyword created by the primary keyword creating unit on the display; The primary keyword may be selectable from a group of candidates for the primary keyword displayed on the display.

[0036] For example, invoices tend to be sent to specific people in specific companies on roughly the same day each month. If it is learned that invoices tend to be sent at the beginning of the month, when the client tool is started at the beginning of the month, information about the invoices will automatically be displayed on the display as one of the primary keyword candidates.

[0037] As another example, when a project deadline is approaching, the frequency of messages to a specific company or specific person in a limited period of time tends to increase significantly. When it is learned that the frequency of messages to a specific company or specific person in charge is significantly higher than that of other recipients, when the client tool is started, information about the company or person in charge is automatically displayed on the display as one of the primary keyword candidates. This makes it easier to shorten the time it takes for the user to specify a primary keyword.

[0038] the index matching processing unit, when there is a priority candidate data group in which a plurality of pieces of analysis target data belonging to the candidate data group are assigned with a plurality of pieces of secondary tag information different from the primary tag information and the plurality of pieces of secondary tag information are the same combination of the plurality of pieces of analysis target data, transmits to the client tool a plurality of the secondary identification character strings corresponding to the plurality of pieces of secondary tag information and the candidate file identification information for identifying the organization target files corresponding to each of the pieces of analysis target data belonging to the priority candidate data group; The display processing unit may perform processing to display the candidate file identifying information corresponding to the priority candidate data group higher on the display than the candidate file identifying information not corresponding to the priority candidate data group.

[0039] According to the above configuration, a combination of files to which multiple sets of identical tag information are attached is listed at the top of the display, making it easier to further narrow down the search.

[0040] When there are multiple pieces of candidate file identification information corresponding to the priority candidate data group, the display processing unit may be configured to display on the display the multiple pieces of candidate file identification information corresponding to the priority candidate data group in a state where the candidate file identification information is sorted in descending or ascending order based on any one of date and time information belonging to the transmission / reception date and time, the last update date and time, and the creation date and time of the file to be organized identified by the candidate file identification information.

[0041] Here, "descending order" refers to the order of the newest date and time, and "ascending order" refers to the order of the oldest date and time. In addition, the system may be configured to be able to switch between descending order and ascending order as appropriate.

[0042] Furthermore, the display processing unit may be configured to sort the plurality of pieces of candidate file identification information corresponding to the priority candidate data group in descending order based on the date and time information, and to display the candidate file identification information with the most recent date and time on the display with the latest notation information attached.

[0043] In particular, when documents are sent via a chat system, it is expected that the documents will be updated by many users from time to time. According to the above configuration, the latest files can be recognized at a glance, improving convenience.

[0044] when the input / output interface detects that, in a state in which the input of the primary keyword has been accepted, the input of an additional keyword different from the primary keyword has been accepted without accepting the input of the candidate file identification information, the input / output interface outputs information relating to the additional keyword to the index matching processing unit; The index matching processing unit Narrowing down the candidate data group already identified based on the primary keyword to the candidate data group to which the tag information corresponding to the specific character string corresponding to the additional keyword is added; The specific character string corresponding to the tag information different from the tag information corresponding to the primary keyword and the tag information corresponding to the additional keyword, and the candidate file identification information for identifying the files to be organized corresponding to each of the data to be analyzed belonging to the narrowed-down candidate data group may be transmitted to the client tool via the input / output interface.

[0045] With the above configuration, the result of narrowing down the candidate file specifying information based on the additional keyword is sent to the client tool side.

[0046] The additional keywords, like the primary keywords, may be one or more of the following: information on the sending date of the file to be organized, information on the receiving date of the file to be organized, information on the sender of the file to be organized, information on the destination of the file to be organized, information on the type that can uniquely identify the contents of the file to be organized, and information on the business genre to which the contents of the file to be organized belong. However, the additional keywords may be information other than the above examples.

[0047] Here, the additional keyword may be input by selecting the secondary specific character string displayed on the display.

[0048] The candidate file specifying information can be narrowed down in multiple stages. That is, each time the input / output interface receives an input of the additional keyword, The index matching processing unit may narrow down the candidate data group that has already been identified to one to which the tag information corresponding to the specific string corresponding to the input additional keyword has been added, and may transmit to the client tool via the input / output interface the tag information corresponding to the primary keyword and the specific string corresponding to the tag information that is different from the tag information corresponding to the additional keyword, as well as the candidate file identification information for identifying the files to be organized that correspond to each of the data to be analyzed that belong to the narrowed down candidate data group.

[0049] However, it is possible that the same user belongs to many chat groups. In this case, there may be circumstances where the user wishes to exclude messages and files received through a specific chat group from the search target. As a specific example, in a group to which the user belongs for the purpose of receiving regular reports from the system, the number of messages and files sent is large, but the messages and files do not need to be checked on a daily basis, and therefore the user wishes to exclude them from the search target.

[0050] From this viewpoint, the client tool has a usage association unit that associates a user of the client tool with a user of the communication system configured by the chat, When the file to be organized is sent within a group consisting of a plurality of members belonging to the chat, the data extraction unit additionally extracts a group identifier for identifying the group, the index storage unit stores, in a case where the group identifier is included in the file to be organized, the storage area of ​​the file to be organized on the data storage unit, the plurality of pieces of tag information, and the group identifier in association with each other; the usage association unit is configured to be able to designate a linked group, which is the group with which a user of the client tool wishes to be associated, among the plurality of groups to which the user of the communication system belongs; The index matching processing unit may be configured to match only the specific character string corresponding to the tag information associated with the files to be organized, excluding the files to be organized that are associated with the group identifier corresponding to the group other than the linked group, from the information recorded in the index storage unit, with the keywords input from the client tool. Effect of the Invention

[0051] According to the file organization system of the present invention, tag information is automatically associated with message documents and inserted files contained in many messages previously received or sent through at least one of the communication systems of email and chat, making it possible to quickly search for a desired message document or inserted file among past messages. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of an overall configuration including a file organization system and a communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a file organization system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a client tool. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of an advance preparation step. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a schematic flow of a process of a file search step. [Figure 7]11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display when a client tool is running. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display when a client tool is running. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a display when a client tool is running. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client tool in a second embodiment of the file organization system. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a partial display screen of a display mode when a client tool is running. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a screen for performing a process of associating a new group with a user who uses a client tool. [Figure 13] 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management server in a third embodiment of a file organization system. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Each embodiment of the file organization system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0054] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of an overall configuration including a file organization system and a communication system.

[0055] The file organization system 1 includes a management server 10, a data extraction unit 20, and a client terminal 30. The communication system 70 and the file organization system 1 can be connected via a network N1 such as the Internet line.

[0056] The communication system 70 is a system capable of transmitting and receiving message documents and inserted files between specific individuals or between specific multiple people via a network N1, and typically includes an email system, a chat system, etc. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication system 70. The communication system 70 includes a communication management device 71, and client terminals 78, 78, ... that can be connected to the communication management device 71 via the network N1.

[0057] The communication management device 71 includes an input / output interface 73, a communication processing unit 74, and a storage unit 75. The input / output interface 73 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other computers including client terminals 78, 78, ... via a network N1, for example, and includes a functional unit for executing processing required for the transmission and reception. The communication processing unit 74 is a functional means for performing processing such as expanding a message document or an inserted file transmitted from the client terminals 78, 78, ... to a specified destination. The communication processing unit 74 is a mail management program if the communication system 70 is an email system, and is a chat management program if the communication system 70 is a chat system. In the following embodiment, a case where the communication system 70 is a chat system will be described as an example.

[0058] The storage unit 75 is an area for recording a group of data received through the input / output interface 73, and is realized by a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 75 may be configured as a cloud storage. That is, the storage unit 75 may be located in a location physically separated from the communication processing unit 74. In this case, the storage unit 75 and the communication processing unit 74 are electrically connected via the network N1.

[0059] 1 is a functional means for extracting, in a recognizable manner, character information contained in messages transmitted and received within the communication system 70, and is, for example, a processor operated according to a predetermined program. In the file organization system 1 of this embodiment, the data extraction unit 20 extracts the messages themselves transmitted and received within the communication system 70.

[0060] Here, the messages sent and received within the communication system 70 may include not only the message text contained in the message area, but also files in the body of the message inserted into the message area and files attached to the message area. In this specification, these are collectively referred to as "files to be organized."

[0061] Specifically, when a message Z1 including a message document ZA1, an attachment ZB1, and a file (attached file) ZB2 pasted into the text is transmitted and received within the communication system 70, in this embodiment, the data extraction unit 20 extracts the message document ZA1, the attachment ZB1, and the attached file ZB2 as files to be organized from the communication system 70. The files to be organized extracted by the data extraction unit 20 are transmitted to the management server 10.

[0062] In a fourth embodiment described later, data extracted from the file to be organized in a manner that allows the character information contained in the file to be organized to be recognized (data to be analyzed) is extracted by the data extraction unit 20 and transmitted to the management server 10, rather than the file to be organized itself. This data to be analyzed is data that is the subject of character information analysis within the management server 10. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the file to be organized itself is transmitted to the management server 10, and the character information contained in the file to be organized is analyzed within the management server 10. That is, in this embodiment, the file to be organized also serves as the data to be analyzed.

[0063] 1, the data extraction unit 20 is depicted as being disposed independently of both the management server 10 and the communication system 70, but this is merely one embodiment. For example, the data extraction unit 20 may be provided within the communication system 70. In this case, the function of the data extraction unit 20 may be integrated into the communication processing unit 74.

[0064] Furthermore, when the data extraction unit 20 is independent of the communication system 70, the communication system 70 and the data extraction unit 20 may exchange information via an API. For example, when the communication system 70 receives a message from a client terminal 78, the communication processing unit 74 may expand the message to a specified destination and transmit it to the data extraction unit 20 via the API.

[0065] In this embodiment, the data extraction unit 20 extracts files to be organized that have been transmitted and received within the communication system 70, and transmits the files to the management server 10. Fig. 3 is a block diagram that shows a schematic detailed configuration of the file organization system 1, including the configuration of the management server 10. In addition to the management server 10, Fig. 3 also shows a client terminal 30 that can be connected to the management server 10 via a network N1. This client terminal 30 may be the same information processing terminal as the client terminal 78 that constitutes the communication system 70 shown in Fig. 2, or may be a different information processing terminal.

[0066] The management server 10 includes an input / output interface 11 , a data storage unit 12 , a data analysis unit 13 , a tagging processing unit 14 , an index storage unit 15 , an index matching processing unit 16 , and a data reading unit 17 .

[0067] The input / output interface 11 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data between the data extraction unit 20 and the client terminal 30 via the network N1, and includes a functional unit that executes processing required for the transmission and reception. The data analysis unit 13, the tagging processing unit 14, and the index matching processing unit 16 are functional means that perform predetermined processing on the input information signal, and are configured with hardware or software. The data storage unit 12 and the index storage unit 15 are areas for recording data input through the input / output interface 11 and data obtained by execution of each of the functional means, and are realized by storage devices.

[0068] The client terminal 30 includes an input / output interface 31, a client tool 34, a storage unit 35, and a display 36.

[0069] The input / output interface 31 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the management server 10 via the network N1, and includes a functional unit that executes the processes required for the transmission and reception. The client tool 34 is a program installed in the client terminal 30, and includes functional means for executing the tool. The memory unit 35 is an area for recording data input through the input / output interface 31 and data obtained by execution by the client tool 34, and is realized by a storage device. The display 36 is a display means.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functions executed by the client tool 34, which include a display processing unit 41, a keyword input unit 42, and a candidate file specifying information selection unit 43.

[0071] Below, the operations of the functional means shown in Figures 3 and 4 will be described while explaining the processing performed by the file organization system 1 with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the file organization system 1, the execution of a preparation step S1 shown in Figure 5 and a search step S2 shown in Figure 6 is scheduled.

[0072] For convenience of explanation, the following reference symbols may be referred to as appropriate, but in order to avoid complexity, these reference symbols will not appear in the drawings. Data to be analyzed: DT1, DT2, … Files to be organized: FT0, FT1, FT2, … Message document: ZA1 Attachment: ZB1 Attached file: ZB2 Tag information: TG0,TG1,TG2,TG3,TG4,… Keywords: KW11, KW12, KW21,… User: U1 String information: XA1,XA2,…

[0073] <Preparation step S1> First, the advance preparation step S1 will be described.

[0074] (Step #11) As described above, when the organization target file FT1 is transmitted or received within the communication system 70, the data extraction unit 20 extracts the organization target file FT1 and transmits it to the management server 10.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the management server 10 receives the organization target file FT1 transmitted from the data extracting unit 20 via the input / output interface 11, the management server 10 records the file FT1 in a predetermined storage area of ​​the data storage unit 12.

[0076] (Step #12) The data analysis unit 13 extracts character information contained in the organization target file FT1 and creates a plurality of candidate character strings. As described above, in this embodiment, the organization target file FT1 also serves as the analysis target data DT1.

[0077] The data analysis unit 13 may include an OCR function or a trained model based on AI technology. In addition, known technology can be used as a technology for extracting character information from documents containing character information. When the file FT1 to be organized is image information, character information contained in the image information is extracted based on the OCR function or trained model. In addition, the data analysis unit 13 may include a morphological analysis system, a character string word vectorization system, a natural language processing system such as bert (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), a clustering system such as K-means, a convolutional neural network model system such as CNN, a TF-IDF (Term Frequency - Inverse Document Frequency) system, etc.

[0078] The message document ZA1, which is the file FT1 to be organized, contains information such as the subject, sender, destination, and sending date and time, as appropriate, in addition to the contents of the main text, and this character information is also extracted. Also, the attached file ZB1 and attached file ZB2, which are the files to be organized FT1, contain information on the file name, creator, creation date and time, updater, update date and time, and other properties, in addition to the contents of the file itself, and this character information is also extracted.

[0079] The data analysis unit 13 extracts the character information contained in the file FT1 to be organized in this way and creates multiple candidate character strings. The "candidate character strings" here refer to character strings to which a corresponding tag is expected to be added in the next step #13.

[0080] (Step #13) The tagging processing unit 14 selects multiple different character strings from the multiple candidate character strings created by the data analysis unit 13, and creates tag information corresponding to each of them. The character strings selected here are called "specific character strings."

[0081] For example, from among multiple candidate character strings created by the data analysis unit 13, the tag assignment processing unit 14 selects specific character strings such as "ABC Company," "Invoice," "January 2023," and "Person in Charge Alpha," and creates tag information TG1, TG2, TG3, and TG4 corresponding to each of them.

[0082] If there is a candidate character string that matches or conceptually matches a specific character string corresponding to tag information already registered in the index storage unit 15 described later among the multiple candidate character strings created by the data analysis unit 13, the tagging processing unit 14 assigns the tag information to this candidate character string. This will be described later.

[0083] (Step #14) When the tag assignment processing unit 14 determines the tag information TG1, TG2, ... to be assigned to the file FT1 to be organized, the index memory unit 15 records in association with the recording destination (storage area) of the file FT1 to be organized on the data memory unit 12 and the tag information TG1, TG2, ... assigned to the file FT1 to be organized.

[0084] The advance preparation step S1 including the above steps #11 to #14 may be performed each time a file to be organized FT1 is transmitted or received within the communication system 70. That is, the multiple files to be organized FT1, FT2, ... are sequentially recorded in the data storage unit 12, and the association information between the storage areas of the multiple files to be organized FT1, FT2, ... and the tag information is sequentially recorded in the index storage unit 15.

[0085] In step #13, the tag assignment processing unit 14 may use, as the tag information to be assigned to the file to be organized FT1, the same tag information that has already been assigned to another file to be organized FT0 and recorded in the index memory unit 15.

[0086] Specifically, suppose that a file to be organized FT0, which is different from the file to be organized FT1, contains a character string "product Q1" and that tag information TG0 is assigned to this character string. If the character string "product Q1" is included in a plurality of candidate character strings obtained by the data analysis unit 13 performing an analysis on the file to be organized FT1, the tag assignment processing unit 14 may assign the tag information TG0 to the file to be organized FT1.

[0087] Furthermore, in step #13, if the string does not completely match the string corresponding to the already registered tag information TG0, but when compared with the candidate string extracted from the file to be organized FT1, it can be determined that the only difference is the character notation format and that the string is conceptually the same, then this tag information TG0 may be attached to the file to be organized FT1.

[0088] As a specific example, this corresponds to a case where tag information TG0 is associated with "product Q1" and the candidate character strings extracted from the file to be organized FT1 include "product Q1" and "products related to Q1", etc.

[0089] As another specific example, when tag information TG0 is associated with "Yamada Taro," the candidate character strings extracted from the file FT1 to be organized include "Yamada Taro," "Yamada Taro," "Yamada Taro," "Taro Yamada," etc.

[0090] <Search step S2> Next, the search step S2 will be described. This search step S2 is a process flow that is executed when the user operates the client terminal 30 to execute the client tool 34 to search for a specific file.

[0091] (Step #21) The user executes the client tool 34 and inputs a keyword via the keyword input unit 42 .

[0092] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display 36 when the client tool 34 is executed by operating the client terminal 30. In the example of Fig. 7, areas 42a, 42b, and 42c on the display 36 are provided as the keyword input section 42.

[0093] Areas 42a and 42b are areas where multiple keyword candidates are displayed on the screen, and a keyword is input by selecting one of the keyword candidates by clicking, etc. Area 42c is a window that accepts the input of character information from the user.

[0094] The area 42b is an area where keyword candidates registered by the user are displayed. The registered keyword candidates can be freely changed by the user. The area 42a is an area where the client tool 34 automatically extracts and displays keyword candidates. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the most recently used keyword candidates are displayed in the area 42a, but keyword candidates based on the results of learning by the management server 10 may be displayed in the area 42a. This point will be described later in the third embodiment.

[0095] Display 36 is provided with area 36a where a list of files is displayed, and areas 36b and 36c where information about a selected file is displayed. By executing client tool 34, what information is displayed and where on display 36 is determined based on processing by a display processing unit 41. Display processing unit 41 stores rules in advance regarding what information is to be displayed in what area, and performs display processing based on these rules.

[0096] In the example of Fig. 7, a check box for selecting one file from the group of files displayed in area 36a is displayed, and this check box corresponds to the "candidate file specification information selection section 43." In the example of Fig. 7, information on a specific file (AAA material.pdf) selected in the candidate file specification information selection section 43 is displayed in areas 36b and 36c. However, in order to avoid complexity, detailed data is omitted from Fig. 7.

[0097] While checking the information displayed on the display 36, the user selects a keyword candidate displayed in the area 42a or 42b, or actually inputs a keyword into the area 42c, thereby specifying a keyword.

[0098] (Step #22) When a keyword is designated by the user, information related to the keyword is transmitted from the client terminal 30 to the management server 10 via the network N1. The management server 10 performs a comparison in the index comparison processing unit 16 between the input keyword and a specific character string corresponding to the tag information recorded in the index storage unit 15.

[0099] For example, if the specified keyword is "ABC Company," the index matching processing unit 16 confirms that the specified keyword is consistent with the specific character string "ABC Company" corresponding to the tag information TG1 recorded in the index storage unit 15.

[0100] Then, the index matching processor 16 identifies a data group (here, a file group to be organized) associated with the tag information TG1 corresponding to the keyword "ABC Company" from the index storage unit 15. The data group identified in this way is called a "candidate data group."

[0101] (Step #23) FIG. 8 shows an example of a display screen on the display 36 when the keyword "K_A1" is specified by the user in step #21.

[0102] In step #21, the keyword "K_A1" is designated, and in step #22, when the index matching processor 16 identifies a candidate data group to which tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_A1" has been assigned, information for identifying files to be organized that belong to this candidate data group (candidate file identifying information) is transmitted from the management server 10 to the client terminal 30. At this time, the candidate file identifying information also includes information on a character string corresponding to another tag information assigned to the file to be organized identified by the candidate file identifying information.

[0103] 8, area 36a of display 36 displays a list of information for identifying files to be organized that have tag information corresponding to keyword "K_A1" attached thereto (candidate file identifying information). Note that "candidate file identifying information" here refers to information for identifying files to be organized, and includes information such as file name and update date and time. In addition, although not displayed on display 36, the candidate file identifying information also includes information regarding the storage destination of the files to be organized in data storage unit 12.

[0104] In the example of FIG. 8, a group of candidate data to which tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_A1" is added is displayed in the area 36a of the display 36, and keyword candidates for narrowing down are displayed in the area 42a. In this example, it is shown that the group of candidate data to which tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_A1" is added further includes tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_B1", tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_B2", and tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_B3". That is, the display processing unit 41 of the client tool 34 performs a process of displaying the candidate file specification information on the display 36 in a state where the information is sorted by specific character strings (secondary specific character strings) corresponding to tag information different from the tag information corresponding to the initially specified keyword "K_A1". The secondary specific character strings here correspond to "K_B1", "K_B2", "K_B3", ..., which are candidates for additional keywords.

[0105] (Step #24, Step #30) For example, when the desired file is found from the group of files displayed in area 36a of FIG. 8 (Yes in step #24), the user operates the candidate file identification information selection unit 43 to select a file, in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. 7.

[0106] When the candidate file specifying information selection unit 43 is operated on the client terminal 30 side to select the candidate file specifying information, information to that effect is transmitted to the management server 10. The data reading unit 17 of the management server 10 reads out the corresponding file to be organized itself or the reading information specified in the client tool 34 from the data storage unit 12, and transmits it to the client terminal 30.

[0107] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when a file is selected in the candidate file specification information selection unit 43, information about the file is displayed on the display 36. As a detailed example, a thumbnail image is displayed in the area 36b1 of FIG. 8, and a character string corresponding to the tag information attached to the corresponding file is displayed in the area 36b2. Information about the attributes of the corresponding file is displayed in the area 36c. However, the type of information to be displayed may be appropriately specified on the client tool 34 side.

[0108] In addition, when the instruction button 47a is pressed, the selected file may be opened in a corresponding application, and when the instruction button 47b is pressed, the selected file may be downloaded to the client terminal 30. In this case, the corresponding file to be organized is read out from the data storage unit 12 and transmitted to the client terminal 30.

[0109] (Steps #25 and #26) On the other hand, there may be cases where the target file cannot be immediately found from the group of files displayed in the area 36a in Fig. 8 (No in step #24). In this case, the user may specify further keywords to narrow down the search.

[0110] 9 is a diagram showing a typical display screen on the display 36 when the keyword "K_B1" is further specified in the state shown in FIG. 8. That is, this screen corresponds to a state in which the keyword "K_B1" has been selected by the user from among the keyword candidates displayed in the area 42a. In other words, this state corresponds to a state in which the additional keyword "K_B1" has been input by the keyword input unit 42 in addition to the primary keyword "K_A1".

[0111] When the additional keyword is specified, information on the keyword is transmitted from the client terminal 30 to the management server 10 via the network N1, as in step #22. The management server 10 narrows down the candidate data group already specified in step #22 in the index matching processing unit 16 to a candidate data group to which tag information corresponding to a specific character string corresponding to the additional keyword (here, the keyword "K_B1"). In this example, the candidate data group specified in step #22 corresponds to a data group specified as a data group associated with the tag information TG1 corresponding to the keyword "K_A1" when "K_A1" is input as the primary keyword. That is, in this step #26, from the candidate data group specified as a data group associated with the tag information TG1 corresponding to the keyword "K_A1", a data group also associated with the tag information TG2 corresponding to the keyword "K_B1" is further narrowed down and re-specified as a candidate data group.

[0112] Information for identifying files to be organized that belong to the candidate data group narrowed down by this process (candidate file identification information) is transmitted from the management server 10 to the client terminal 30. In the example of Fig. 9, a candidate data group to which tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_B1" is added in addition to tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_A1" is displayed in the area 36a of the display 36, and keyword candidates for further narrowing down are displayed in the area 42a. Here, it is shown that among the candidate data group to which both tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_A1" and tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_B1" are added, there are those that further include tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_C1" and tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_C2".

[0113] (Step S27) Then, when the target file is found from the group of files displayed in the area 36a in Fig. 9 (Yes in step #27), the user operates the candidate file specification information selection unit 43 to select one file, in the same manner as described above with reference to Fig. 7. Then, the data reading unit 17 of the management server 10 reads out the corresponding file to be organized itself or the reading information specified in the client tool 34 from the data storage unit 12, and transmits it to the client terminal 30 (step #30).

[0114] 9. If the target file cannot be found from the group of files displayed in the area 36a in Fig. 9 (No in step #27), the process returns to step #25 again and the user specifies additional keywords to further narrow down the search. Similar processing is then repeated.

[0115] 7 to 9, the transition of information displayed on display 36 is similar to the transition of information displayed when a process of descending into a directory hierarchy in a computer is performed. However, unlike the directory structure of a computer, the information displayed in area 42a is keyword candidates and is unrelated to the address of the storage area in which the data is recorded. Furthermore, it is possible to search for a target file even if the directory name is unknown. Note that the information displayed in area 42a changes each time the primary keyword is changed.

[0116] In other words, according to this system, by specifying a keyword, it becomes possible to find a target file (file to be organized) with the same operational feel as if it were a directory structure.

[0117] The following describes a detailed example of the file organization system 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0118] 〈1〉 As described above, Fig. 8 corresponds to a display example of the display 36 in a state where "K_A1" is selected as the primary keyword. In this case, the candidates for additional keywords displayed in the area 42a may be displayed in the order of the number of files to be organized to which tag information corresponding to each keyword is attached. For example, in the example of Fig. 8, the number of files to be organized to which both tag information corresponding to "K_A1" and tag information corresponding to "K_B1" are attached may be the largest, followed by the number of files to be organized to which both tag information corresponding to "K_A1" and tag information corresponding to "K_B2" are attached, followed by the number of files to be organized to which both tag information corresponding to "K_A1" and tag information corresponding to "K_B3" are attached, and so on.

[0119] 8, the candidate files displayed in the area 36a may be displayed in order of the most recent update date and time. The files may be displayed in order of the oldest update date and time, or in an order specified by the user. Other rules for sorting include the date and time of transmission or reception of the files to be organized, the date and time of creation of the files to be organized, etc.

[0120] Furthermore, among the files included in the group of candidate files, those that are recognized as files that have been updated by appending to or modifying the same original file may be displayed in area 36a with a notation indicating that they are the "latest version," such as the "AAA materials.pdf" file in Figure 7, which has the latest date and time.

[0121] <3> For example, as shown in Fig. 7, when a file (AAA material.pdf in this example) is selected in the candidate file specification information selection unit 43, the client tool 34 may have a function for the user to add a comment to the file. In detail, when a comment input acceptance button is pressed in a selected state, a comment input screen may be displayed on the display 36 (not shown). When this function is installed, the candidate files displayed in the area 36a may also be displayed with a description of whether or not a comment has been added to the file. In the example of Fig. 7, it is displayed that a comment has been added to the file "AAB Company 202301 Invoice.pdf".

[0122] Note that this comment may be added by multiple users.

[0123] <4> In the case where the communication system 70 is a chat system, the file organization system 1 may be equipped with a function for excluding target files other than target files transmitted and received within a predetermined group registered in the chat from targets to be searched through the file organization system 1. The details of this will be described later in the section on the second embodiment.

[0124] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment of the file organization system of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0125] The file organization system 1 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the client tool 34 includes a usage association unit 44, as shown in FIG.

[0126] The usage association unit 44 is a functional means for associating a user who uses the client tool 34 with a user of the communication system 70 configured by chat. An area 44a for displaying a group associated by the usage association unit 44 is provided on the display 36 of the client tool 34 during execution, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9. However, if the usage association function is not provided, it is of course possible that the area 44a for displaying a group associated by the usage association unit 44 is not provided on the display 36 of the client tool 34.

[0127] Fig. 11 corresponds to an enlarged view of the display content on the display 36 when the display information in the area 44a is opened. In the example of Fig. 11, it is shown that three groups, group G_A1, group G_A2, and group G_A3, are associated with a user who uses the client tool 34.

[0128] Fig. 12 is an example of a screen for associating a group to which a user belongs with a new user who uses the client tool 34 on a communication system 70 configured by chat. For example, when an edit button 44b displayed in an area 44a on the display 36 shown in Fig. 11 is selected, a part of the display contents on the display 36 may transition to the state shown in Fig. 12. Also, it may be possible to specify a linked group displayed in an area 44c and then perform a predetermined operation to remove the group from the link.

[0129] 12, a registration screen for a new group to be associated is displayed. In other words, the button 44d corresponds to one implementation of the utilization association unit 44.

[0130] For example, assume that user U1 belongs to many groups (G_A1, G_A2, G_A3, G_A4, ...) on a communication system 70 configured by chat. Here, according to the example shown in Fig. 11, among the many groups to which this user U1 belongs, groups G_A1, G_A2, and G_A3 are associated with the client tool 34. On the other hand, for groups G_A4, ..., user U1 can send and receive messages on the communication system 70, but are not associated with the file organization system 1.

[0131] The process executed by the file organization system 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 6, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0132] (Step #12) The data analysis unit 13 extracts character information contained in the file FT1 to be organized, and creates a plurality of candidate character strings. Here, the data analysis unit 13 includes, as character information contained in the file FT1 to be organized, identification information (hereinafter referred to as "group identifier") of a chat group in the communication system 70 used to transmit the file FT1 to be organized. For example, if the file FT1 to be organized is a file transmitted within group G_A1, the data analysis unit 13 extracts character information corresponding to group G_A1.

[0133] The group identifier here is information that can uniquely identify both the chat system belonging to the communication system 70 and the chat group formed in the chat system. For example, different group identifiers are assigned to chat group α1A in chat system α1, chat group α1B in chat system α1, chat group β1A in chat system β1, and chat group β1B in chat system β1. The above description of "group G_A1" and the like will be discussed assuming that the type of chat system as the communication system 70 is also identified. However, it goes without saying that when the available chat system in the file organization system 1 is limited to a single system, there is no need to assign identification information for identifying the chat system being used.

[0134] (Step #13) The tagging processing unit 14 selects a plurality of mutually different character strings from a plurality of candidate character strings created by the data analysis unit 13, and creates tag information corresponding to each of them. Here, in this embodiment, tag information corresponding to a chat group in the communication system 70 used to transmit the file FT1 to be organized is also created. That is, if the file FT1 to be organized is a file transmitted within the group G_A1, the tagging processing unit 14 also assigns tag information corresponding to the group G_A1 to the file FT1 to be organized.

[0135] In this embodiment, the tagging processing unit 14 may also assign tag information indicating that the file FT1 to be organized has not been sent to a group within the chat system, in other words, has been sent to an individual.

[0136] (Step #22) When a keyword is designated by the user, information regarding the keyword is transmitted from the client terminal 30 to the management server 10 via the network N1. At this time, information regarding the user (hereinafter referred to as "user information") is also transmitted from the client terminal 30 to the management server 10. Note that, in the first embodiment, the user information may also be transmitted to the management server 10.

[0137] The user information includes information (hereinafter, referred to as "linked group information") about groups in the communication system 70 that the user has associated with the client tool 34. In the case of user U1 illustrated in Fig. 11, user information including linked group information indicating that three groups, group G_A1, group G_A2, and group G_A3, are associated with the client tool 34 is transmitted to the management server 10.

[0138] The management server 10, in the index matching processing unit 16, matches the input keyword with a specific character string corresponding to the tag information recorded in the index storage unit 15, and identifies a data group (here, a file group to be organized) associated with the tag information corresponding to the keyword from the index storage unit 15. However, in this embodiment, a data group to which tag information corresponding to a group other than the group corresponding to the linked group information is attached is excluded from the identification target. Specifically, among the data groups to which tag information TG1 corresponding to the specified keyword is attached, those to which tag information corresponding to other group identifiers other than group G_A1, group G_A2, and group G_A3 is attached are excluded from the identification target.

[0139] Thereafter, the same processes as steps #23 to #30 described above in the first embodiment are carried out.

[0140] The number of messages exchanged within a chat group can be enormous. Depending on the usage pattern of a user, it is conceivable that the user may belong to many chat groups and may wish to exclude messages exchanged within a specific chat group from search results.

[0141] According to the file organization system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to search only for files to be organized that have been exchanged within a chat group and that have been previously associated with the client tool 34 by the usage association unit 44. In addition, by operating the usage association unit 44, it is easy to add or delete groups to be associated.

[0142] On the other hand, the advance preparation step S1 (steps #11 to #14) is also executed for files to be organized that have been exchanged within unlinked chat groups. In other words, tagging processing is also performed for files to be organized that have been exchanged within unlinked chat groups, and the results are recorded in the index storage unit 15. Therefore, if you want to add a linked group later, you can operate the usage association unit 44 to change the contents of the linked group information included in the user information and add a group, and then the files to be organized that have been exchanged within the newly added group can be included in the search results.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the case where the user information is transmitted to the management server 10 when the user specifies a keyword is illustrated, but the timing of transmitting the user information to the management server 10 is arbitrary. For example, when the client tool 34 is executed, user authentication may be performed between the client tool 34 and the management server 10, and the user information may be transmitted to the management server 10 at that time. In addition, the user information once transmitted may be recorded in a user information storage unit (not shown) in the management server 10 until the user information is updated. In this case, the index matching processing unit 16 may read out the linked group information described in the user information from the user information storage unit during the matching process, and exclude from the specified target a data group to which tag information related to a group other than the group corresponding to the linked group information is attached.

[0144] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the file organization system of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0145] The file organization system 1 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the management server 10 includes a primary keyword creation unit 45, as shown in FIG.

[0146] The primary keyword creation unit 45 is a functional means for creating initial keyword (primary keyword) candidates to be displayed in the area 42a of the display 36 when the client tool 34 is started up, as exemplified in Fig. 7. An example of a procedure in which the primary keyword creation unit 45 creates primary keyword candidates will be described below.

[0147] (Step #13) As described above in the first embodiment, the tagging processing unit 14 selects multiple mutually different character strings from multiple candidate character strings created by the data analysis unit 13, and creates tag information corresponding to each of them.

[0148] Here, the multiple candidate character strings created by the data analysis unit 13 include information related to the destination, the sending date and time, and the like.

[0149] The tagging processor 14 creates new tag information based on the correlation between the character string information corresponding to the destination and the character string information corresponding to the sending date and time. For example, when character string information XA1, XA2, ..., which is the same destination, is extracted from a plurality of files to be organized FT1, FT2, ..., and further, when there is a certain regularity in the character string information corresponding to the sending date and time, the tagging processor 14 learns the regularity and creates new tag information. Hereinafter, this tag information is referred to as "learned tag information" for convenience.

[0150] As one example (hereinafter referred to as "Example 1" for convenience), assume that multiple pieces of character string information, such as "ABC Company" and "invoice", are extracted from multiple files to be organized FT1, FT2, ..., and furthermore, character string information related to the sending date and time corresponding to the beginning of the month is extracted from each of the files to be organized FT1, FT2, .... At this time, the tag assignment processing unit 14 creates and assigns new tag information (learned tag information) TG3 corresponding to the "beginning of the month" to these files to be organized FT1, FT2, ..., in addition to tag information TG1 corresponding to "ABC Company" and tag information TG2 corresponding to "invoice". This Example 1 corresponds to the case where a user or a chat group to which the user belongs sends an invoice to ABC Company at the beginning of each month.

[0151] In another example (hereinafter referred to as "Example 2" for convenience), a common character string information of "ABC Company" is extracted from a large number of files to be organized FT1, FT2, ..., and character string information related to a sending date and time within the last few days is extracted from each of the files to be organized FT1, FT2, .... In this case, the tag assignment processing unit 14 creates and assigns new tag information (learned tag information) TG4 corresponding to "frequently" to these files to be organized FT1, FT2, ..., in addition to tag information TG1 corresponding to "ABC Company". Example 2 corresponds to a case where various documents such as proposals and design documents have been frequently exchanged between the user or a chat group to which the user belongs and ABC Company within the last one to several days.

[0152] In case 2, the criterion for determining whether the tagging processing unit 14 creates learning tag information TG4 corresponding to "frequent" may be arbitrarily changed or set by the user by operating the client tool 34. The criterion may include information on the period (one day, two days, etc.) and information on the number of messages sent to the same destination (10, 50, etc.).

[0153] In particular, as in Case 2, when the tag assignment processing unit 14 has the function of creating learning tag information TG4 corresponding to "frequent," after the period that is the criterion for determining whether or not something corresponds to "frequent" has elapsed, a process may be performed to remove the assignment of learning tag information TG4 corresponding to "frequent" from the files to be organized FT1, FT2, ... to which learning tag information TG4 corresponding to "frequent" has been assigned.

[0154] (Step #14) As described above in the first embodiment, when the tag assignment processing unit 14 determines the tag information TG1, TG2, ... assigned to the file FT1 to be organized, the storage area of ​​the file FT1 to be organized in the data storage unit 12 and the tag information TG1, TG2, ... assigned to the file FT1 to be organized are associated and recorded in the index storage unit 15. Here, the learning tag information based on the correlation between the destination and the sending date and time, created in step #13 of this embodiment, is also recorded in the index storage unit 15 in a state associated with the file FT1 to be organized.

[0155] The other steps executed in the advance preparation step S1 are common to the first embodiment.

[0156] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing a part of the processing procedure of the search step S2 executed in the file organization system 1 of this embodiment.

[0157] (Step #31) When the client tool 34 is executed by a user, a connection is made from the client terminal 30 to the management server 10 using the functions of the client tool 34. At this time, as described in the second embodiment, user authentication may be performed between the client tool 34 and the management server 10.

[0158] (Step #32) The primary keyword creating unit 45 checks whether or not learned tag information related to the date and time when the client tool 34 was executed is recorded in the index storage unit 15 .

[0159] Taking the above-mentioned case 1 as an example, if the date and time when the client tool 34 was executed is the beginning of the month, when the primary keyword creation unit 45 detects the presence of learning tag information TG3 corresponding to "beginning of the month" from the index memory unit 15, it creates a string that is a candidate for a primary keyword, including a string that corresponds to this learning tag information TG3 (here, "beginning of the month") and the strings that correspond to the tag information TG1 and TG2 that are attached together with "beginning of the month" (here, "ABC Company" and "Invoice").

[0160] Taking Case 2 as an example, when the primary keyword creation unit 45 detects the presence of learned tag information TG4 corresponding to "frequently" from the index memory unit 15, it creates a character string that is a candidate for the primary keyword, including a character string that corresponds to this learned tag information TG4 (here, "frequently") and a character string that corresponds to the tag information TG1 that is added together with "frequently" (here, "ABC Company").

[0161] The management server 10 transmits the candidate(s) of the primary keyword created by the primary keyword creation unit 45 to the client terminal 30. The display processing unit 41 of the client tool 34 displays the transmitted candidate(s) of the primary keyword, for example, in an area 42a of the display 36. At this time, information for identifying the files to be organized FT1, FT2, ... to which tag information corresponding to the primary keyword listed at the top of the area 42a has been added (candidate file identification information) may be displayed as a list in the area 36a.

[0162] The following processing is common to steps #21 to #30 described above in the first embodiment.

[0163] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the file organization system of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0164] In the first embodiment described above, the data extraction unit 20 extracts the organization target file FT1 transmitted and received within the communication system 70 and transmits it to the management server 10, and the extracted organization target file FT1 is recorded in the data storage unit 12 in the management server 10. In the present embodiment, the data extraction unit 20 transmits to the management server 10 not the organization target file FT1 itself transmitted and received within the communication system 70, but data (analysis target data) DT1 obtained by performing a predetermined process on the organization target file FT1.

[0165] The data to be analyzed DT1 is common to the file to be organized FT1 in that it is data from which character information contained in the file to be organized FT1 can be extracted and recognized, but it is not the file to be organized FT1 itself. In other words, in this embodiment, the data storage unit 12 shown in Fig. 3 records the data to be analyzed DT1, but does not record the file to be organized FT1 itself.

[0166] On the other hand, the file FT1 to be organized is usually recorded in a storage unit 75 as shown in Fig. 2 in the communication system 70. That is, in this embodiment, the storage unit 75 also serves as a "data storage unit".

[0167] That is, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the data analysis unit 13 extracts character information contained in the analysis target data DT1 instead of the organization target file FT1, and creates multiple candidate character strings. The index storage unit 15 stores the area of ​​the storage unit 75 in the communication system 70 for the organization target file FT1 in association with the tag information TG1, TG2, ... assigned to the analysis target data DT1 corresponding to the organization target file FT1. The rest is similar to the contents described in the first embodiment, so a description will be omitted.

[0168] [Another embodiment] Another embodiment of the file organization system 1 will be described below.

[0169] <1> The file organization system 1 may be equipped with a function that allows the user to delete or modify, at his or her discretion, some of the tag information TG1, TG2, ... that has been assigned to the file FT1 to be organized (or the data to be analyzed DT1) by the tag assignment processing unit 14 while the client tool 34 is running.

[0170] 7, the tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_C1", the tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_C2", the tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_C3", and the tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_C4" are shown to the file "AAA material.pdf" in the area 36b of the display 36. The user may click on the keyword "K_C1" displayed in the area 36b of the display 36 and then select "Delete" or "Edit" (not shown) to delete or modify the tag information corresponding to the keyword "K_C1" that was assigned to the file "AAA material.pdf".

[0171] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, when a specific file (here, the file “AAA materials.pdf”) is selected in the candidate file identification information selection unit 43, the user can click an “Add tags” button (not shown) and enter a keyword on the displayed reception screen to add tag information specified by the user to the file “AAA materials.pdf.”

[0172] <2> The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1: File organization system 10: Management server 11: Input / Output Interface 12: Data storage unit 13: Data Analysis Department 14: Tagging processing section 15: Index storage section 16: Index matching processing unit 17: Data reading section 20: Data extraction section 30: Client terminal 31: Input / Output Interface 34: Client tools 35: Storage section 36: Display 41: Display processing section 42: Keyword input section 43: Candidate file specific information selection section 44: Usage Partnership Department 45: Primary Keyword Creation Department 70: Communication Systems 71: Communication management device 73: Input / Output Interface 74: Communication processing section 75: Storage section 78: Client terminal

Claims

1. a data storage unit that stores one or more types of files to be organized that belong to a group consisting of a message document, a file in the body of a message inserted into a message area, and a file attached to the message area, the message document being included in a message area received or transmitted through at least one of a communication system of email and chat; a data extraction unit that extracts the files to be organized from the communication system in a manner that allows at least character information included in the files to be organized to be recognized; a management server to which data to be analyzed, which is data extracted by the data extraction unit, is input; The management server includes: a data analysis unit that extracts character information from the analysis target data and creates a plurality of candidate character strings; a tagging processing unit that selects a plurality of specific character strings different from each other from the plurality of candidate character strings and creates a plurality of pieces of tag information corresponding to the plurality of specific character strings, respectively; A file organization system comprising: an index memory unit that records the storage area on the data memory unit of the file to be organized that corresponds to the data to be analyzed in association with a plurality of pieces of tag information.

2. the data extraction unit is configured to extract the organization target file itself and input the extracted organization target file to the management server as the analysis target data; 2. The file organization system according to claim 1, wherein the data storage unit is disposed in the management server.

3. the data extraction unit is configured to input data that has been preprocessed for the file to be organized to a degree that allows recognition of character information included in the file to be organized to the management server as the data to be analyzed; 2. The file organization system according to claim 1, wherein the data storage unit is disposed in an external server associated with the communication system, the external server being different from the management server.

4. The file organization system of claim 1, characterized in that, when there is a pre-registered specific string among the multiple candidate strings, which is a specific string corresponding to the tag information already recorded in the index memory unit, the tag assignment processing unit creates at least the tag information corresponding to the pre-registered specific string.

5. The file organization system described in claim 4, characterized in that when the tag assignment processing unit determines that among the multiple candidate strings, there is one that is not completely identical to the already-registered specific string, but is conceptually identical because it differs only in character notation format compared to the already-registered specific string, it creates at least the tag information corresponding to the already-registered specific string.

6. A client tool capable of communicating with the management server is further provided, The management server includes: an input / output interface that receives input of information related to the primary keyword transmitted from the client tool; an index matching processor that matches the primary keyword received via the input / output interface with the specific character string that corresponds to the tag information recorded in the index storage unit; The index matching processing unit When a primary specific string that is the specific string corresponding to the primary keyword is identified, a candidate data group is identified, which is a group of the analysis target data to which primary tag information that is the tag information corresponding to the primary specific string is added; The file organization system of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a secondary identification string, which is the identification string corresponding to the tag information different from the primary tag information attached to each of the analysis target data belonging to the candidate data group, and candidate file identification information for identifying the organization target file corresponding to each of the analysis target data belonging to the candidate data group are transmitted to the client tool via the input / output interface.

7. the client tool includes a display processing unit that performs processing to output information to a display; The file organization system according to claim 6, characterized in that the display processing unit performs a process of displaying the candidate file identification information on the display in a state where the candidate file identification information is sorted by the secondary identification string transmitted from the management server.

8. the index matching processing unit, when there is a priority candidate data group in which a plurality of pieces of analysis target data belonging to the candidate data group are assigned with a plurality of pieces of secondary tag information different from the primary tag information and the plurality of pieces of secondary tag information are the same combination of the plurality of pieces of analysis target data, transmits to the client tool a plurality of the secondary identification character strings corresponding to the plurality of pieces of secondary tag information and the candidate file identification information for identifying the organization target files corresponding to each of the pieces of analysis target data belonging to the priority candidate data group; The file organization system according to claim 7, characterized in that the display processing unit performs processing to display the candidate file identification information corresponding to the priority candidate data group higher on the display than the candidate file identification information that does not correspond to the priority candidate data group.

9. 9. The file organization system according to claim 8, characterized in that, when there are multiple pieces of candidate file identification information corresponding to the priority candidate data group, the display processing unit performs a process of displaying the multiple pieces of candidate file identification information corresponding to the priority candidate data group on the display in a state where they are sorted in descending or ascending order based on any one of date and time information belonging to the transmission / reception date and time, the last update date and time, and the creation date and time of the file to be organized identified by the candidate file identification information.

10. The file organization system according to claim 9, characterized in that the display processing unit performs a process of sorting the plurality of pieces of candidate file identification information corresponding to the priority candidate data group in descending order based on the date and time information, and displaying the candidate file identification information with the most recent date and time on the display with the latest notation information attached.

11. the management server includes a data reading unit that reads the files to be organized that are recorded in the data storage unit; when information indicating that the candidate file specifying information displayed on the display has been selected is input, the input / output interface outputs the selected candidate file specifying information to the data reading unit; The file organization system described in claim 7, characterized in that the data reading unit performs a process of transmitting from the data storage unit to the client tool the file to be organized that corresponds to the candidate file identification information, or read information specified by the client tool from among the information contained in the file to be organized that corresponds to the candidate file identification information.

12. when the input / output interface detects that, in a state in which the input of the primary keyword has been accepted, the input of an additional keyword different from the primary keyword has been accepted without accepting the input of the candidate file identification information, the input / output interface outputs information relating to the additional keyword to the index matching processing unit; The index matching processing unit Narrowing down the candidate data group already identified based on the primary keyword to the candidate data group to which the tag information corresponding to the specific character string corresponding to the additional keyword is added; The file organization system described in claim 7, characterized in that the specific character string corresponding to the tag information different from the tag information corresponding to the primary keyword and the tag information corresponding to the additional keyword, and the candidate file identification information for identifying the files to be organized corresponding to each of the analysis target data belonging to the narrowed down candidate data group are transmitted to the client tool via the input / output interface.

13. 13. The file organization system according to claim 12, wherein the additional keyword is input by selecting the secondary specific character string displayed on the display.

14. Each time the input / output interface accepts an input of the additional keyword, The file organization system described in claim 12, characterized in that the index matching processing unit narrows down the candidate data group to which the tag information corresponding to the specific string corresponding to the input additional keyword is attached from the candidate data group that has already been identified, and transmits to the client tool via the input / output interface the tag information corresponding to the primary keyword and the specific string corresponding to the tag information different from the tag information corresponding to the additional keyword, and the candidate file identification information for identifying the files to be organized corresponding to each of the analysis target data belonging to the narrowed down candidate data group.

15. the management server includes a primary keyword creation unit that creates a candidate group of the primary keyword based on the tag information related to a transmission date and time among the tag information recorded in the index storage unit, when the client tool is started, the primary keyword creation unit creates a group of candidates for the primary keyword based on a client tool start date and time and the tag information related to a transmission date and time, and transmits the group of candidates for the primary keyword to the client tool; the display processing unit performs processing for displaying a group of candidates for the primary keyword created by the primary keyword creating unit on the display; 8. The file organization system according to claim 7, wherein the primary keyword is selectable from a group of a plurality of candidates for the primary keyword displayed on the display.

16. The file organizing system of claim 12, characterized in that the primary keyword and the additional keyword correspond to one or more of the following group: information regarding the sending date of the file to be organized, information regarding the receiving date of the file to be organized, information regarding the sender of the file to be organized, information regarding the destination of the file to be organized, information regarding a type that can uniquely identify the contents of the file to be organized, and information regarding the business genre to which the contents of the file to be organized belong.

17. the client tool has a usage association unit that associates a user of the client tool with a user of the communication system configured by the chat, When the file to be organized is sent within a group consisting of a plurality of members belonging to the chat, the data extraction unit additionally extracts a group identifier for identifying the group, the index storage unit stores, in a case where the group identifier is included in the file to be organized, the storage area of ​​the file to be organized on the data storage unit, the plurality of pieces of tag information, and the group identifier in association with each other; the usage association unit is configured to be able to designate a linked group, which is the group with which a user of the client tool wishes to be associated, among the plurality of groups to which the user of the communication system belongs; The file organization system described in claim 6, characterized in that the index matching processing unit compares only the specific string corresponding to the tag information associated with the file to be organized, excluding the file to be organized that is associated with the group identifier corresponding to the group other than the linked group, among the information recorded in the index memory unit, with the keywords input from the client tool.

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