Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To improve the convenience of a drawing tool by making it easier to access desired information.SOLUTION: To solve the above problem, an information processing device includes: a drawing tool distribution unit configured to distribute a drawing tool that enables writing by multiple users and input of objects including text; and an item storage unit configured to store items on the drawing tool together with associated information, which is information associated with the items, with a single action.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for supporting online meetings and communications, and more particularly to an information processing device that provides a drawing tool capable of inputting objects including text, such as an online whiteboard. [Background technology]

[0002] Online meetings (also known as web conferences) often use online whiteboards, which allow meeting participants to write on a shared screen and share information. Online whiteboards are useful for organizing thoughts and ideas and summarizing opinions, and function as a support tool for online meetings.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for improving the efficiency of online conferences by displaying online conference screens including a sharing screen and a communication screen as an online conference support system. In this technology, an online whiteboard screen is disclosed as one of the communication screens. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6886750 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A common use of online whiteboards is to prepare an online whiteboard for each meeting topic, and use the online whiteboard to exchange opinions and share information as the meeting progresses.

[0006] Here, although there are many topics on the meeting agenda, each topic is not independent and unrelated to the others. Rather, it can be said that each topic is more often than not related to the others. Therefore, while proceeding with a meeting on one topic, there are many situations where you will want to refer to graphs, charts, opinions, and ideas that were created in a meeting on another topic.

[0007] In such a situation, conventional online whiteboards have the problem that it is cumbersome and requires, for example, the step of reading out the online whiteboard on which the graphs, opinions, etc. to be referred to are written, accessing the graphs, etc. stored on the board, copying them if necessary, and then returning to the online whiteboard related to the current topic and placing them again. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following information processing device, etc. That is, the present invention provides an information processing device having a drawing tool distribution unit that distributes a drawing tool that can be written on by multiple users and that can input objects including text, and an item storage unit that stores items on the drawing tool together with associated information that is information associated with the items, with a single action operation.

[0009] In addition to the above features, the present invention provides an information processing device further having an associated information display unit that displays the associated information saved together with the saved item when the saved item is placed on the drawing tool.

[0010] In addition to the above features, the present invention provides an information processing device further comprising an access information acquisition unit that acquires access information relating to access to the item.

[0011] In addition to the above features, an information processing device is provided in which the one-action operation is an operation on a save button on the drawing tool, and the item saving unit receives the operation on the save button and saves the item on the drawing tool at that time.

[0012] In addition to the above-mentioned features, the one-action operation is an operation on a save button that is displayed when specifying a range to be saved on the drawing tool, and the item saving unit saves the items that are placed in the specified range to be saved in response to the operation on the save button.

[0013] In addition to the above features, the one-action operation is the elapse of a predetermined time period when the drawing tool is stationary, and the item storage unit uses the elapse of the predetermined time period as a trigger to store all items placed on the drawing tool at that time.

[0014] The present invention also provides an information processing method executed by a computer, the information processing method including: a drawing tool distribution step of distributing a drawing tool that can be written on by multiple users and that can input objects including text; and an item saving step of saving an item on the drawing tool together with associated information, which is information associated with the item, with a single action.

[0015] Also provided is an information processing program that causes a computer to execute a drawing tool distribution step of distributing a drawing tool that allows writing by multiple users and allows input of objects including text, and an item saving step of saving an item on the drawing tool together with associated information that is information associated with the item, with a single action operation. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The present invention can improve the convenience of drawing tools such as online whiteboards. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] Conceptual diagram showing an example of an online whiteboard to be distributed [Figure 4] A conceptual diagram showing an example of how to save items on a board. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which accompanying information is displayed. [Figure 6] A conceptual diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration for implementing an information processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing an example of a flow of information processing by an information processing device; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0019] <Embodiment> <Summary> The information processing device of this embodiment is characterized in that it allows items such as text and figures to be saved with a single action on a distributed online whiteboard (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a board), and also saves information associated with the items to be saved (such as the name of the created board and information on the reference source). This configuration allows quick saving on an item-by-item basis, and makes it easy to grasp the connections between information including items, thereby improving the convenience of the online whiteboard.

[0020] The following describes the functions and processing flow of the information processing device, as well as the contents of the hardware. The functional blocks of the device described below can be realized as a combination of hardware and software. Specifically, if a computer is used, the hardware components include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), main memory, bus, or secondary storage device (hard disk drive, non-volatile memory, storage media such as CDs and DVDs, and drives for reading these media, etc.), input devices used for inputting information, printers, display devices, and other external peripheral devices, as well as interfaces for the external peripheral devices, communication interfaces, driver programs and other application programs for controlling these hardware devices, and user interface applications. Then, by the arithmetic processing of the CPU according to the program deployed on the main memory, data input from input devices and other interfaces and stored in the memory or hard disk is processed and stored, and commands for controlling the above hardware and software are generated. Alternatively, the functional blocks of the system may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0021] This invention can be realized not only as a system, but also as a method. A part of such an invention can be configured as software. Furthermore, a program used to cause a computer to execute such software, and a recording medium on which the program is fixed, are naturally included in the technical scope of this invention (the same applies throughout this specification).

[0022] <Functional configuration> 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information processing system includes an information processing device 100 and multiple user terminals 101, 102, 103, ..., which are communicatively connected to each other via a network 104. The information processing device distributes an online whiteboard on which each user can write.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, an information processing system 200 includes an information processing device 201 and a user terminal 202, and is configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network, and may further include a plurality of user terminals (not shown). The information processing device 201 has, as its basic configuration, a drawing tool distribution unit 203 and an item storage unit 204. In addition to the basic configuration, as shown in Fig. 2, it can also be configured to further have an associated information display unit 205 and an access information acquisition unit 206.

[0024] Specifically, the information processing device 201 can be realized by, for example, a personal computer, a server device, cloud computing, etc. Also, the information processing device 201 can be realized not only by a single device but also by a plurality of distributed elements.

[0025] Specifically, the user terminal 202 can be realized by a personal computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC, etc. Each component of the information processing device 201 will be described below.

[0026] <Drawing Tool Distribution Department> The drawing tool distribution unit 203 has a function of distributing a drawing tool that allows writing by multiple users and allows input of objects including text. This drawing tool is a tool that allows input and editing of objects such as text, pictograms, stamps (still or moving illustrated images expressing a wide variety of emotions and feelings such as joy, anger, sadness, and happiness), and figures from multiple users at the same time. An online whiteboard is a representative example of such a drawing tool. In addition, a presentation application that allows writing and editing of text and figures in a slideshow format also corresponds to the above-mentioned drawing tool.

[0027] In the following, an online whiteboard will be described as a drawing tool. Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a distributed online whiteboard. This online whiteboard is distributed and shared by users participating in communication such as a conference via a network. As shown in Fig. 3, the name of this board, "Design Workflow" 302, is written in the upper left corner of the board surface 301 of the online whiteboard. Furthermore, text (Problem) is written in a text box 303.

[0028] Also, a mouse pointer 304 with the name of the user (Tanaka) indicating the subject of the writing is displayed, and the writing is displayed in text on a sticky note 305. Also, multiple sticky notes can be displayed overlapping each other (306), or connected to other sticky notes with lines or the like (307). Also, the subject of the writing may be displayed not by the user's name, but by an icon 308 representing, for example, an animal (a cat in this figure).

[0029] The example shown in Figure 3 is an example, and on the online whiteboard, users can write in various ways, draw or attach images, prepare templates for various diagrams that can be written on, and save or output them. The displayed board surface 301 is only one area, and users can write in an infinite amount.

[0030] <Item Storage> The item saving unit 204 has a function of saving an item on the drawing tool together with associated information, which is information associated with the item, with a single action operation.

[0031] An item is one of the above-mentioned objects or a combination of multiple objects, such as a sticky note with text written on it, a diagram, or a combination of these.

[0032] The associated information includes, for example, the posting of the item, the name of the board on which it was created, link information for that board, the user who created the item, link information for the citation or reference source, and the number of times the item has been reused.

[0033] In addition, a one-action operation includes not only an operation that is strictly completed with one action, but also an operation that is a series of short-term actions. For example, as shown below, there is an operation on the save button that is displayed when specifying the range to be saved on the drawing tool.

[0034] The function of the item storage unit will be described below using an example. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how items on a board are stored. As shown in the figure, the name of the board, "Design Guidelines" 402, is displayed in the upper left corner of a board surface 401 shared by users. Various items such as a Venn diagram of three sets and lecture content 403 for a seminar are arranged on the board.

[0035] Here, by specifying a range to enclose the Venn diagram of the three sets as the target for saving (404), an operation button 405 for saving the Venn diagram of the three sets within this range is displayed, and the Venn diagram can be saved by clicking this button, etc. When saving, information associated with the item to be saved, in this example, information about the writing of the item, the created board called "Design Guideline", the user who created the item, the quoted link destination, etc. are also saved.

[0036] At the bottom of Fig. 4 is a diagram 406 showing an enlarged portion of the board surface described above, showing the state after the above-mentioned items have been saved. In Fig. 406, thumbnails 407 of the Venn diagram of the three saved sets are displayed superimposed around where the above-mentioned lecture content 403 is located, together with the text "Design Guideline Contents" showing the name of the board from which they were saved. In addition, multiple save destinations 408 are arranged above the thumbnails 407.

[0037] As shown in the figure, multiple destinations for saving items are prepared and arranged on the board in an overlapping manner. Here, by setting a genre for each destination, items can be categorized and saved. For example, each destination can be set as "favorites," "references," "minutes," "important data," "tasks," "customer requests," etc., and items according to the respective genres can be saved. This allows various items to be collected and accumulated in a form that is easy for each user to share, which becomes a valuable collection for the user. Also, the destination can be configured to save items in a hierarchy.

[0038] By arranging the storage destinations on the board so that the set genre is clear, the user can quickly access the desired item when they want to use the collected item again. Note that the number of storage destinations, genre, etc. can be changed by the user.

[0039] There are various ways to arrange the save destination and thumbnails of the saved items on the board. For example, when saving an item, a thumbnail of the item may be displayed when the saving of the target item is confirmed, and the thumbnail may disappear when the save destination of the displayed item is confirmed. When reusing an item, it is also possible to select the save destination of the item to be reused, and to display thumbnails of the items saved in that save destination. When multiple items are saved, the size of the displayed thumbnails may be adjusted, or thumbnails of all items may be displayed by scrolling.

[0040] In addition, by storing associated information, it is possible to access the associated information when using an item, and various information including items via the associated information is linked, allowing users to quickly access the information they need while transitioning between boards (excellent mobility).

[0041] In the example of FIG. 4, as described above, the one-action operation is an operation on the save button that is displayed when the range to be saved is specified, but there are other modes as well. One is to arrange a save button on the board in advance, and operate this save button as a one-action operation. In this case, all items that exist (are displayed) on the board surface when the save button is operated are saved. When only a portion of an item exists on the board surface, such items may be all included in the items to be saved, or items that are only partially displayed may be excluded from the items to be saved. Alternatively, items may be saved when a predetermined percentage of the whole image is displayed.

[0042] In another embodiment, the board being stationary for a predetermined time may be treated as a single action. In this case, the passage of the predetermined time is used as a trigger to save all items present on the surface of the board. Note that the above-mentioned save button may be displayed when the predetermined time has passed. Items that are partially displayed are handled in the same manner as above.

[0043] There are various interpretations of "static state." It may be interpreted as no operations related to the board being performed, or it may be interpreted as being static as long as no operations are performed, such as changing the scale of the screen or shifting the display area up and down or left and right.

[0044] <Additional information display section> The associated information display unit 205 has a function of displaying the associated information saved when the saved item is placed on the drawing tool. Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which associated information is displayed. As shown in the figure, the board surface 501 displays the name of the board, "Concept Making" 502, and further displays thumbnails 503 and 504 of the two saved items, "Design Guideline Content" and "Design Workflow Content."

[0045] Here, when a selection operation is performed to reuse the "design guideline content," a Venn diagram 505 of three sets is displayed on the board as shown in the figure below. At this time, "Source: Design Guideline" 506, which indicates the original board where this item was saved, is displayed as accompanying information. In addition, by providing a link function to the display of the accompanying information, the original board "Design Guideline" can be expanded (displayed) by performing a predetermined operation on the display. This configuration makes it easy to move between multiple boards via items, and it is possible to understand related information and the circumstances under which that information was generated, which contributes to stimulating the work and thinking of the user who is using the item. In addition, by tracing the source of the quote or reference, it is possible to reconfirm the basis and background of the information shown in the item.

[0046] <Access information acquisition section> The access information acquisition unit 206 has a function of acquiring access information, which is information regarding access to an item. The access information also includes information regarding access to associated information stored together with the item. In addition, the access information may include the mode of one-action operation when the item is stored.

[0047] By acquiring this access information, various things can be clarified. For example, frequently used items and boards that are frequently transitioned to can be clarified. Also, boards that are being watched closely (that have been stationary for a certain period of time) can be clarified. Also, it is possible to analyze how board transitions are being performed. Or, it is possible to analyze frequently used items and history data for each user. Furthermore, it is possible to configure the system to analyze this access information to accumulate various know-how and make recommendations to users.

[0048] <Hardware configuration> 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of hardware that realizes an information processing device. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 600 has a CPU 601 that performs various arithmetic processing, a RAM 602 that is a volatile recording medium, a storage 603 such as a flash memory or HDD that is a non-volatile storage medium, an input / output interface 604, and a communication interface 605, and is configured to be able to communicate with user terminals 606, 607 and other user terminals not shown via a network 608. The RAM 602 reads out programs that perform various arithmetic processing to cause the CPU 601 to execute them, and provides a work area (working area) for the programs. In addition, a plurality of addresses are assigned to the RAM 602, and the programs executed by the CPU 601 can exchange data with each other and perform processing by identifying and accessing the addresses (the same applies throughout this specification).

[0049] Here, the functions of the drawing tool distribution unit 203, the associated information display unit 205, and the access information acquisition unit 206 of the information processing device 201 in Fig. 2 are mainly realized by the CPU 601, the RAM 602, and the communication interface 605 in Fig. 6. Also, the functions of the item saving unit 204 of the information processing device 201 in Fig. 2 are mainly realized by the CPU 601, the RAM 602, and the storage 603 in Fig. 6.

[0050] <Processing flow> 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of the flow of information processing of an information processing device. As shown in the figure, first, a drawing tool that allows writing by multiple users and allows input of objects including text is distributed (S701: drawing tool distribution step). Then, an item on the drawing tool is saved with a single action together with associated information that is information associated with the item (S702: item saving step). Then, when the saved item is placed on the drawing tool, the associated information saved when the item was saved is displayed (S703: associated information display step). Then, access information that is information regarding access to the saved item is acquired (S704: access information acquisition step).

[0051] <Effects> According to the information processing apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience of drawing tools such as online whiteboards. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 100: Information processing device 101, 102, 103: User terminal 200: Information Processing Systems 201: Information processing device 202: User terminal 203: Drawing tool distribution department 204: Item storage section 205: Additional information display section 206: Access information acquisition unit 601:CPU 602:RAM 603: Storage 604: Input / Output Interface 605: Communication interface

Claims

1. a drawing tool distribution unit that distributes a drawing tool that allows writing by a plurality of users and allows input of objects including text; an item storage unit for storing an item on the drawing tool together with associated information that is information associated with the item, with a single action; An information processing device having the above configuration.

2. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an associated information display unit that displays the associated information saved together with the saved item when the saved item is placed on the drawing tool.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising an access information acquisition unit that acquires access information that is information regarding access to the item.

4. the one-action operation is an operation on a save button on the drawing tool, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the item saving section, upon receiving an operation on the save button, saves the item on the drawing tool at that time.

5. the one-action operation is an operation on a save button that is displayed when a range to be saved on the drawing tool is specified, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the item saving unit saves the items arranged in the designated range to be saved in response to an operation on the save button.

6. the one-action operation is the elapse of a predetermined time period in which the drawing tool is stationary; 3 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the item saving section saves all items arranged on the drawing tool at that time, using the lapse of the predetermined time as a trigger.

7. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a drawing tool distribution step of distributing a drawing tool that allows writing by a plurality of users and allows input of objects including text; an item saving step of saving the item on the drawing tool together with associated information that is information associated with the item by a single action; An information processing method comprising the steps of:

8. a drawing tool distribution step of distributing a drawing tool that allows writing by a plurality of users and allows input of objects including text; an item saving step of saving the item on the drawing tool together with associated information that is information associated with the item by a single action; An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the above.

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