Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of processing from application to examination of a workflow.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises a control unit. The control unit displays, on a display unit, an application form including one or more input fields into which information regarding a workflow application is input in response to an accepted operation. The control unit displays, on the display unit, an auxiliary image that assists in inputting information into a first input field based on difficulty information that indicates the difficulty of inputting information into the first input field included in the one or more input fields and proficiency information that indicates user proficiency with the application form.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a workflow system is known that can omit screening processes and the like after a workflow application is made depending on the skill of a user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-223539 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, a workflow system such as that described in Patent Document 1 can improve the efficiency of the process from workflow application to review. However, this workflow system cannot prevent erroneous input of information by a user when applying for a workflow, and sometimes causes the workflow application to be sent back. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the process from workflow application to review, which is not desirable.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method capable of improving the efficiency of the processes from application to examination of a workflow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment has a control unit. The control unit causes a display unit to display an application form including one or more input fields into which information related to a workflow application is input in response to a received operation. The control unit causes the display unit to display an auxiliary image for assisting a user in inputting information into a first input field based on difficulty information indicating a difficulty of inputting information into a first input field included in the one or more input fields and proficiency information indicating a user's proficiency with the application form. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an application form management table that manages application forms. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an application item management table for managing application items. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a user management table for managing users of the information processing device 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a proficiency management table for managing proficiency levels associated with application forms. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an application history management table for managing the history of applications made using the application form. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a return history management table for managing the return of an application made using an application form. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a return details management table for managing details of a return of an application made using an application form. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an application form that the information processing device 1 causes the information processing terminal 10 to display. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an auxiliary image. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device 1. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of an auxiliary image display process. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a skill update process. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a difficulty level update process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An information processing device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. As an example of the information processing device according to the embodiment, an information processing device 1 will be described.

[0009] (Configuration of information processing device) The configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 1.

[0010] The information processing device 1 is a device that provides a workflow system used in an organization to which a plurality of users belong. The organization may be any organization.

[0011] The information processing device 1 is, for example, a server. Instead of a server, the information processing device 1 may be another information processing device such as a workstation or a desktop PC (Personal Computer).

[0012] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 is communicably connected to N information processing terminals 10. Each of these N information processing terminals 10 is an information processing terminal operated by one of N users belonging to an organization. N may be any integer equal to or greater than 2. For convenience of explanation, each of these N information processing terminals 10 is indicated by the same reference numeral. However, some or all of these N information processing terminals 10 may be different types of information processing terminals. Each of these N information processing terminals 10 is, for example, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a multi-function mobile phone terminal (smartphone), a mobile phone terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0013] The information processing device 1 communicates with each of the N information processing terminals 10 wirelessly or via wires. The information processing device 1 may communicate with some or all of the N information processing terminals 10 via different communication networks, or may communicate with each of the N information processing terminals 10 via the same communication network. Through such communication, the information processing device 1 accepts operations from each of the N users via each of the N information processing terminals 10. As an example, a case where these N information processing terminals 10 have already logged in to the information processing device 1 will be described. That is, in this embodiment, a description of the process related to the login to the information processing device 1 by these N information processing terminals 10 will be omitted. As an example, the configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described by taking the process of the information processing device 1 when an operation is accepted from a first user among the N users as an example. For convenience of explanation, the information processing terminal 10 of the first user among the N information processing terminals 10 will be referred to as a first information processing terminal. The process performed by the information processing device 1 in response to an operation received from the first user via the first information processing terminal is similar to the process performed by the information processing device 1 in response to an operation received from any one of the N users other than the first user via the information processing terminal 10. For ease of explanation, the operation received from the first information processing terminal will be simply referred to as a first user operation.

[0014] The information processing device 1, for example, displays a workflow selection image on the display unit of the first information processing terminal, which allows the first user to select a desired workflow to be used to make an application from among one or more types of workflows, in response to a first user operation. The display unit of the first information processing terminal is, for example, a display device including a display such as a liquid crystal display, among the devices included in the first information processing terminal, but is not limited to this. For convenience of explanation, displaying an image on the display unit of the first information processing terminal will be referred to as displaying the image on the first information processing terminal. For convenience of explanation, an image displayed on the display unit of the first information processing terminal will be referred to as the image displayed on the first information processing terminal.

[0015] In response to an operation accepted via a workflow selection image displayed on the first information processing terminal, the information processing device 1 displays, on the first information processing terminal, an application form for the workflow selected by the operation. The application form is an image including one or more input fields into which information on the application for the workflow is input. That is, the application form is an image that accepts information on the application for the workflow. Each of the one or more input fields is associated with one of the application items in the application. That is, information entered into a certain input field among the one or more input fields is information on the application item associated with the input field. For example, when the application item is "name of office supplies to be purchased," the information entered into the input field is information indicating the name of the desired office supplies that the first user wants to purchase. The application form further includes a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that accepts an operation to cause the information processing device 1 to start the application. When the information processing device 1 accepts the operation via the GUI, the information processing device 1 starts the application for the workflow based on the information entered into each of the one or more input fields.

[0016] The information processing device 1, which provides a workflow system that allows workflow applications in this way, can improve the efficiency of the process from workflow application to review. However, if erroneous information is entered into one or more of the above-mentioned input fields, the workflow system may cause the workflow application to be sent back. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the process from workflow application to review, which is not desirable.

[0017] Therefore, the information processing device 1 displays an auxiliary image on the first information processing terminal based on the difficulty information associated with each of the one or more input fields displayed on the first information processing terminal and the proficiency information associated with the application form including the one or more input fields. The difficulty information associated with a certain input field is information indicating the difficulty of inputting information into the input field, for example, an index indicating the difficulty, but is not limited thereto. The proficiency information associated with a certain application form is information indicating the user's proficiency with respect to the application form, for example, an index indicating the proficiency, but is not limited thereto. A certain auxiliary image is an image associated with a certain input field of the one or more input fields, and is an image that assists in inputting information into the input field. The auxiliary image may be an image displayed as an image included in the application form, or may be an image displayed as a pop-up image separately from the application form. This allows the information processing device 1 to suppress the occurrence of erroneous input of information in the application form, and as a result, the efficiency of the process from application to examination of the workflow can be improved. For convenience of explanation, the application of the workflow will be simply referred to as an application.

[0018] (Various tables used by information processing device) Various tables used by the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 8. The information processing device 1 displays such an auxiliary image by using various information contained in the tables shown in Figs. 2 to 8.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an application form management table for managing application forms. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the application form management table is a table that associates application form identification information, application name information, and application summary information. The application form identification information is information for identifying an application form, and is information that serves as a primary key of the application form management table. The application name information is information indicating the name of an application. The application summary information is information indicating the summary of an application. For this reason, for example, the top record of the application form management table indicates that the name of an application made using an application form identified by "fIDA" is "First Application" and the summary of the application is "AAAAAA". Each record of the application form management table shown in FIG. 2 may be configured to include other information in addition to the application form identification information, application name information, and application summary information. The application form management table shown in FIG. 2 may be replaced with information in another format that associates application form identification information, application name information, and application summary information.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an application item management table that manages application items in an application. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the application item management table is a table that associates application item identification information, application item name information, application form identification information, difficulty level information, and difficulty level setting date information. The application item identification information is information that identifies an application item in an application and is information that serves as a primary key of the application item management table. The application item name information is information that indicates the name of the application item in an application. The application form identification information included in a certain record of the application item management table is application form identification information of an application form that includes an input field into which information on the application item indicated by the application item identification information included in the record is input. The difficulty level information included in a certain record of the application item management table indicates the difficulty level associated with the input field into which information on the application item indicated by the application item identification information included in the record is input. The difficulty level may be treated as the difficulty level associated with the application item. For convenience of explanation, the difficulty level associated with the input field into which information on a certain application item is input will be referred to as the difficulty level associated with the application item. The difficulty setting date information included in a record of the application item management table is information indicating the date on which the difficulty level indicated by the difficulty level information included in the record is associated with the application item indicated by the application item identification information included in the record. From the above, for example, the top record of the application item management table indicates that the application item identified by "iIDA" is an application item included in the application form identified by "fIDA". For example, the top record of the application item management table further indicates that the difficulty level associated with the application item identified by "iIDA" is "1". For example, the top record of the application item management table further indicates that the date on which the difficulty level is associated with the application item is "2023 / 08 / 02". Each record of the application item management table shown in FIG. 3 may be configured to include other information in addition to the application item identification information, application item name information, application form identification information, difficulty level information, and difficulty level setting date information.The application item management table shown in FIG. 3 may be replaced with information in another format that associates application item identification information, application item name information, application form identification information, difficulty level information, and difficulty level setting date information.

[0021] When the information processing device 1 combines two tables, the application item management table and the application form management table, it can identify various pieces of information as follows. For example, in this case, the information processing device 1 can identify application items associated with one or more input fields included in each application form. For example, in this case, the information processing device 1 can identify the difficulty level associated with each identified application item and the date on which the difficulty level is associated with each application item.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user management table for managing users of the information processing device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the user management table is a table that associates user identification information, user name information, and password information. The user identification information is information for identifying a user of the information processing device 1, and is information that serves as a primary key of the user management table. The user name information is information indicating the name of the user. The password information included in a record of the application item management table is information indicating a password associated with a user indicated by the user identification information included in the record. The password is a password for the user to log in to the information processing device 1 via the information processing terminal 10 of the user. For this reason, for example, the top record of the user management table indicates that the name of the user identified by "uIDA" is "first user" and the password associated with the user is "first password". Each record of the user management table shown in FIG. 4 may be configured to include other information in addition to the user identification information, user name information, and password information. The user management table shown in FIG. 4 may be replaced with information in another format that associates user identification information, user name information, and password information.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a proficiency management table that manages proficiencies associated with application forms. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the proficiency management table is a table that associates proficiency management identification information, user identification information, application form identification information, and proficiency information. The proficiency management identification information is information that serves as a primary key of the proficiency management table. In other words, the proficiency management identification information is information that identifies each record included in the proficiency management table. The proficiency management identification information may be any information that serves as a primary key of the proficiency management table. The user identification information included in a record of the proficiency management table is user identification information of a user to which the proficiency managed by the record is associated. The application form identification information included in a record of the proficiency management table is application form identification information of an application form to which the proficiency managed by the record is associated. The proficiency information included in a record of the proficiency management table indicates the proficiency associated with an application form identified by the application form identification information included in the record. The proficiency information included in the record is also the proficiency associated with the user identified by the user identification information included in the record. For this reason, for example, the top record of the proficiency management table is identified by "pIDA". For example, the top record of the proficiency management table indicates that the proficiency associated with the user identified by "uIDA" and the application form identified by "fIDA" is "1". Each record of the proficiency management table shown in FIG. 5 may include other information in addition to the proficiency management identification information, the user identification information, the application form identification information, and the proficiency information. The proficiency management table shown in FIG. 5 may be replaced with information of another format that associates the proficiency management identification information, the user identification information, the application form identification information, and the proficiency information.

[0024] When the information processing device 1 combines three tables, the proficiency management table, the user management table, and the application form management table, it can identify various information as follows. For example, in this case, the information processing device 1 can identify the proficiency of each user for each application form.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an application history management table that manages the history of applications made using an application form. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the application history management table is a table that associates application history identification information, application date and time information, user identification information, and application form identification information. The application history identification information is information that serves as a primary key of the application history management table. In other words, the application history management identification information is information that identifies each record included in the application history management table. The application history management identification information may be any information that serves as a primary key of the application history management table. The application history identification information included in a record of the application history management table is information that identifies the history of applications made using an application form identified by the application form identification information included in the record. The application date and time information included in a record of the application history management table is information indicating the date and time when an application was made using an application form identified by the application form identification information included in the record. The user identification information included in a record of the application history management table is user identification information of a user who made an application using an application form identified by the application form identification information included in the record. The application form identification information included in a record of the application history management table is the application form identification information of the application form used in the application made by the user identified by the user identification information included in the record at the date and time indicated by the application date and time information included in the record. For this reason, for example, the top record of the application history management table is identified by "aIDA". For example, the top record of the application history management table indicates that the user identified by "uIDD" made an application on "2023 / 08 / 02 10:24:35" using the application form identified by "fIDA". Each record of the application history management table shown in FIG. 6 may be configured to include other information in addition to the application history identification information, application date and time information, user identification information, and application form identification information. The application history management table shown in FIG. 6 may be replaced with information of another format that associates the application history identification information, application date and time information, user identification information, and application form identification information.

[0026] When the information processing device 1 combines three tables, the application history management table, the user management table, and the application form management table, it can identify various pieces of information as follows. For example, in this case, the information processing device 1 can identify the date and time when each user made an application and the application form used in each application.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a return history management table that manages the return of an application made by an application form. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the return history management table is a table that associates return history identification information, application date and time information, user identification information, and application form identification information. The return history identification information is information that serves as a primary key of the return history management table. In other words, the return history management identification information is information that identifies each record included in the return history management table. The return history management identification information may be any information that serves as a primary key of the return history management table. The return history identification information included in a record of the return history management table is information that identifies the history of return of an application made using an application form identified by the application form identification information included in the record. The application date and time information included in a record of the return history management table is information indicating the date and time when an application was made using an application form identified by the application form identification information included in the record. The user identification information included in a record of the return history management table is user identification information of a user who made an application using an application form identified by the application form identification information included in the record. The application form identification information included in a record of the return history management table is the application form identification information of the application form used in the application made by the user identified by the user identification information included in the record at the date and time indicated by the application date and time information included in the record. For this reason, for example, the top record of the return history management table is identified by "bIDA". For example, the top record of the return history management table indicates that an application made by a user identified by "uIDD" using an application form identified by "fIDA" on "2023 / 08 / 02 10:24:35" was returned. Each record of the return history management table shown in FIG. 7 may be configured to include other information in addition to the return history identification information, application date and time information, user identification information, and application form identification information. The return history management table shown in FIG. 7 may be replaced with information of another format that associates the return history identification information, application date and time information, user identification information, and application form identification information.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a return details management table that manages details of the return of an application made by an application form. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the return details management table is a table that associates return details identification information, return history identification information, application item identification information, and return reason information. The return details identification information is information that serves as a primary key of the return details management table. In other words, the return details management identification information is information that identifies each record included in the return details management table. The return details identification information may be any information that serves as a primary key of the return details management table. The return details identification information included in a record of the return details management table is information that identifies details of the return of the history identified by the return history identification information included in the record. The application item identification information included in a record of the return details management table is application item identification information of the application item that caused the return of the history identified by the return history identification information included in the record. The return reason information included in a record of the return details management table is information that indicates the reason why the history identified by the return history identification information included in the record was returned. Therefore, for example, the top record of the return details management table is identified by "cIDA". For example, the top record of the return details management table indicates that the application item that caused the return of the history identified by "bIDA" is the application item identified by "iIDA". For example, the top record of the return details management table indicates that the reason for the return of the history identified by "bIDA" is "DDDDDD". Each record of the return details management table shown in FIG. 8 may be configured to include other information in addition to the return details identification information, the return history identification information, the application item identification information, and the return reason information. The return details management table shown in FIG. 8 may be replaced with information of another format that associates the return details identification information, the return history identification information, the application item identification information, and the return reason information.

[0029] When the information processing device 1 combines four tables, the return details management table, the return history management table, the user management table, and the application form management table, it can identify various pieces of information as follows: For example, in this case, the information processing device 1 can identify the user who made the application that caused the return, the application form used for the application, the date and time when the application was made, and the reason why the application was returned.

[0030] (Specific example of application form displayed on information processing terminal 10 by information processing device) A specific example of an application form that the information processing device 1 causes to be displayed on the information processing terminal 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an application form that the information processing device 1 causes to be displayed on the information processing terminal 10.

[0031] Image PA shown in Fig. 9 is an example of an application form. Image PA includes application name information AN and user name information UN. Image PA further includes application date and time information AD, application item name information IAN, an input field IAR, application item name information IBN, an input field IBR, application item name information ICN, an input field ICR, and application summary information BR. Image PA may include other GUIs in addition to these.

[0032] The information processing device 1 displays, for example, an application form specified by a first user operation. At this time, the information processing device 1 identifies the user identification information of the first user by a process related to login, the description of which is omitted in this embodiment. The information processing device 1 identifies the user name of the first user based on the identified user identification information and the user management table. After identifying the user name, the information processing device 1 generates information indicating the current date and time as application date and time information AD. After generating the application date and time information AD, the information processing device 1 identifies application form identification information that identifies the application form specified by the first user operation. The information processing device 1 identifies each of application name information AN, application item name information IAN, application item name information IBN, application item name information ICN, and application summary information BR based on the application form identification information, the application form management table, and the application item management table. The information processing device 1 generates image information indicating an image PA based on each of the user name information UN indicating the identified user name, the generated application date and time information AD, the identified application name information AN, application item name information IAN, application item name information IBN, application item name information ICN, and application summary information BR. When generating the image information, the information processing device 1 generates image information indicating the image PA including each of the input fields IAR, IBR, and ICR based on, for example, predetermined CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) or the like.

[0033] The information processing device 1 performs auxiliary image display processing when an operation for inputting information into any of the input fields IAR, IBR, and ICR is performed on the image PA. The auxiliary image display processing is processing including a process for determining whether or not to display an auxiliary image and a process for displaying an auxiliary image according to the determination result. For example, the information processing device 1 performs auxiliary image display processing for the input field IAR when an operation for inputting information into the input field IAR is performed. For example, the information processing device 1 performs auxiliary image display processing for the input field IBR when an operation for inputting information into the input field IBR is performed. For example, the information processing device 1 performs auxiliary image display processing for the input field ICR when an operation for inputting information into the input field ICR is performed. This allows the information processing device 1 to improve the efficiency of processing from application to review in the workflow.

[0034] (Specific examples of auxiliary images that the information processing device displays on the information processing terminal 10) Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an auxiliary image. The image PB shown in Fig. 10 is an example of an auxiliary image. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the image PB is an image displayed separately from the application form as a pop-up image, but as described above, it may be an image displayed as an image included in the application form. As an example, a case will be described where the image PB is an auxiliary image for the input field IAR shown in Fig. 9.

[0035] In the image PB, for example, one or more procedures for inputting information into the input field IAR are shown, and procedure information is displayed in a predetermined order as an order in which the user should perform the procedures. Each of "Step 1", "Step 2", and "Step 3" shown in FIG. 10 is an example of such procedure information. That is, the first user can know from the image PB that he or she must perform three procedures in the order of "Step 1", "Step 2", and "Step 3" in order to input information into the input field IAR. For convenience of explanation, the procedure that the first user is going to perform among these three procedures will be referred to as the target procedure. In the image PB, the display mode of the procedure information indicating the target procedure is different from the display mode of the procedure information indicating a procedure different from the target procedure. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the target procedure is "Step 1". In FIG. 10, the display mode of "Step 1" is shown by hatching. This allows the first user to visually and easily identify which of the three procedures the first user is going to perform.

[0036] The image PB includes, for example, a question area QR and an answer area AR. The question area QR is an area in which question information indicating a question to the first user according to the target procedure is displayed. The answer area AR is an area in which a GUI for accepting an answer to the question indicated by the question information displayed in the question area QR is displayed.

[0037] In the question area QR, if the target procedure is "Step 1," question information corresponding to "Step 1" is displayed. In the question area QR, if the target procedure is "Step 2," question information corresponding to "Step 2" is displayed. In the question area QR, if the target procedure is "Step 3," question information corresponding to "Step 3" is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 10, since the target procedure is "Step 1," an example of question information for when the target procedure is "Step 1" is displayed in the question area QR.

[0038] In the answer area AR shown in FIG. 10, an example of a GUI that accepts an answer to a question indicated by question information when the target procedure is "Step 1" is displayed. The three check boxes shown in FIG. 10 are an example of such a GUI. Such a GUI may be an input field instead of a check box, or may be another type of GUI. In the answer area AR, when the target procedure is "Step 1", a GUI that accepts an answer to a question indicated by question information corresponding to "Step 1" is displayed. In the answer area AR, when the target procedure is "Step 2", a GUI that accepts an answer to a question indicated by question information corresponding to "Step 2" is displayed. In the answer area AR, when the target procedure is "Step 3", a GUI that accepts an answer to a question indicated by question information corresponding to "Step 3" is displayed. The GUI displayed in the answer area AR may be, for example, a chatbot that displays an answer to a user's question by inputting the user's question.

[0039] The image PB further includes, for example, a button BA and a button BB.

[0040] The button BA is a GUI that accepts an operation to cancel the acceptance of an answer via a GUI included in the answer area AR. When the information processing device 1 accepts an operation via the button BA, the information processing device 1 cancels the acceptance of the answer, for example, by resetting the GUI to an initial state.

[0041] The button BB is a GUI that accepts an operation to confirm the acceptance of an answer via a GUI included in the answer area AR. When the information processing device 1 accepts an operation via the button BB, it selects a procedure to be executed next to the current target procedure as a new target procedure. Then, the information processing device 1 updates the display of the image PB according to the newly selected target procedure. In this case, if there is no procedure to be executed next to the current target procedure, the information processing device 1 converts information corresponding to all answers accepted in the answer area AR into information to be input into the input field IAR. The information processing device 1 accepts the information after such conversion as information to be input into the input field IAR. After accepting the information, the information processing device 1 causes the first information processing terminal to delete the display of the image PB and inputs the accepted information into the input field IAR.

[0042] In this way, the auxiliary image can prompt the first user to answer one or more questions, thereby prompting the first user to input information into an input field associated with the auxiliary image. In other words, the auxiliary image assists the first user in inputting information into the input field, and as a result, the occurrence of erroneous input of information into the application form can be suppressed.

[0043] The configuration of the auxiliary image shown in Fig. 10 is merely an example, and any configuration may be used as long as it is capable of assisting in inputting information into each input field included in an application form. For example, an auxiliary image for a certain display field included in an application form may be configured to include information indicating the cause of a return that occurred in a previous application using that application form, if the previous application using that application form was returned. The information may be, for example, a message indicating the cause, or an error code indicating the cause.

[0044] (Functional configuration of information processing device) The functional configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1.

[0045] The information processing device 1 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The information processing device 1 also communicates with each information processing terminal 10 and the like via the communication unit 13. The information processing device 1 may be configured to include an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. The information processing device 1 may be configured to include a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0046] The control unit 11 controls the entire information processing device 1. The control unit 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 11 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 12 to realize various functions of the information processing device 1. The control unit 11 accepts operations on the information processing device 1 from each information processing terminal 10 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 performs processing according to the accepted operation. For example, the control unit 11 causes the first information processing terminal to display an application form specified by the accepted operation in response to the accepted operation. For example, the control unit 11 performs auxiliary image display processing in response to the accepted operation.

[0047] The storage unit 12 is a storage device including, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The storage unit 12 may be an external storage device connected via a digital input / output port such as a universal serial bus (USB) instead of being built into the information processing device 1. The storage unit 12 stores various information, various programs, various images, etc. that are processed by the information processing device 1. For example, the storage unit 12 stores the tables shown in each of FIGS. 2 to 8.

[0048] The communication unit 13 includes, for example, a digital input / output port such as a USB, an Ethernet (registered trademark) port, an antenna for wireless communication, and the like.

[0049] (Auxiliary image display processing) The auxiliary image display process will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the auxiliary image display process. As an example, a case where the application form management table and the application item management table are stored in the storage unit 12 at a timing before the process of ACT110 shown in FIG. 12 is performed will be described. As an example, a case where the user management table, the proficiency management table, the application history management table, the return history management table, and the return detail management table are stored in the storage unit 12 at the timing will be described. As an example, a case where an application form to which information is to be input is displayed on the first information processing terminal at the timing will be described. For convenience of explanation, the application form will be referred to as a target application form. As an example, a case where the information processing device 1 specifies application form identification information of the target application form at the timing will be described. When the information processing device 1 receives an operation to input information into one of one or more input fields included in the target application form displayed on the first information processing terminal, the information processing device 1 executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. As an example, a case where an operation to input information into a first input field of the one or more input fields at the timing will be described. As an example, a case will be described in which the information processing device 1 identifies application item identification information of the application item associated with the first input field at that timing. As an example, a case will be described in which the information processing device 1 identifies user identification information of the first user at that timing. Any method may be used to identify the application form identification information, the application item identification information, and the user identification information.

[0050] After accepting an operation to input information into the first display field, the control unit 11 specifies the difficulty level of the application item associated with the first display field (ACT 110). Specifically, in ACT 110, the control unit 11 specifies the difficulty level based on the application item identification information specified in advance and the application item management table stored in the storage unit 12.

[0051] Next, the control unit 11 identifies the first user's proficiency with the target application form based on the application form identification information and user identification information identified in advance and the proficiency management table stored in the storage unit 12 (ACT120). In the flowchart shown in Fig. 12, the process of ACT120 may be performed in the reverse order to the process of ACT110, or may be performed in parallel with the process of ACT110.

[0052] Next, the control unit 11 judges whether or not the difficulty level determined in ACT 110 is lower than the mastery level determined in ACT 120 (ACT 130).

[0053] When the control unit 11 determines that the difficulty level determined in ACT110 is lower than the proficiency level determined in ACT120 (ACT130-YES), the control unit 11 waits until the operation of inputting information into the first input field is completed (ACT140). The method by which the control unit 11 determines whether the operation is completed or not may be any method.

[0054] When the control unit 11 determines that the operation of inputting information into the first input field has ended (ACT140-YES), the control unit 11 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0055] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the difficulty level identified in ACT110 is equal to or higher than the proficiency level identified in ACT120 (ACT130-NO), it generates an auxiliary image for the first input field. Then, the control unit 11 outputs auxiliary image information indicating the generated auxiliary image to the first information processing terminal, and causes the first information processing terminal to display the auxiliary image (ACT150). If the auxiliary image is not a pop-up image but an image included in a target application form, the control unit 11 generates a target application form including the auxiliary image in ACT150. Then, the control unit 11 outputs target application form information indicating the generated target application form to the first information processing terminal, and causes the first information processing terminal to display the target application form.

[0056] Next, the control unit 11 waits until an operation is received from the first user via the auxiliary image displayed on the first information processing terminal in ACT150 (ACT160).

[0057] When the control unit 11 determines in ACT150 that an operation has been received from the first user via the auxiliary image displayed on the first information processing terminal (ACT160-YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the operation of the first user via the auxiliary image has ended (ACT170). For example, when the control unit 11 receives information corresponding to all answers received in the answer area AR included in the image PB, which is an example of the auxiliary image, as information entered in the first input field in ACT170, the control unit 11 determines that the operation of the first user via the image PB has ended. The control unit 11 may be configured to determine that the operation of the first user via the auxiliary image has ended by another method.

[0058] When the control unit 11 determines that the operation of the first user via the auxiliary image has not ended (ACT170-NO), it performs a process according to the operation accepted in ACT160 (ACT180). The process is, for example, an operation on the GUI displayed in the answer area AR included in the image PB, but is not limited to this.

[0059] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the first user's operation via the auxiliary image has ended (ACT170-YES), the control unit 11 transitions to ACT140 and waits until the operation of inputting information into the first input field is ended.

[0060] As described above, the information processing device 1 displays an auxiliary image for assisting the user in inputting information into the first input field on the first information processing terminal based on the difficulty information indicating the difficulty of inputting information into the first input field and the proficiency information indicating the user's proficiency with the target application form. This enables the information processing device 1 to improve the efficiency of the process from application to screening of the workflow.

[0061] (Proficiency update process to update user's proficiency regarding application forms) With reference to FIG. 13, a proficiency update process for updating a user's proficiency regarding an application form will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the proficiency update process. For example, when an application using an application form is approved, the information processing device 1 performs the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. As an example, a case where an application using the above-mentioned target application form is approved will be described. As an example, a case where the information processing device 1 has already identified the user identification information of the first user and the application form identification information of the target application form will be described. Any method may be used to identify the user identification information and the application form identification information. Any method may be used to determine whether or not the application using the target application form has been approved.

[0062] After the application by the target application form is approved, the control unit 11 identifies the first user's proficiency with respect to the target application form (ACT210). Specifically, in ACT210, the control unit 11 identifies the proficiency based on the application form identification information of the target application form, the user identification information and application form identification information identified in advance, and the proficiency management table.

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 judges whether or not a return of the application by the target application form made by the first user has occurred (ACT220). In FIG. 13, the process of ACT220 is indicated by "Returned?". Specifically, in ACT220, the control unit 11 extracts all records including application history identification information associated with the pre-specified user identification information and application form identification information from the application history management table. The control unit 11 specifies application date and time information indicating the latest date and time from among the extracted records. The control unit 11 judges whether or not the return history identification information associated with the specified application date and time information and the pre-specified user identification information and application form identification information is included in the return history management table. If the control unit 11 judges that the return history identification information is included in the return history management table, it judges that a return of the application has occurred. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 judges that the return history identification information is not included in the return history management table, it judges that a return of the application has not occurred.

[0064] When the control unit 11 determines that the application using the target application form made by the first user has not been returned (ACT220-NO), the control unit 11 increases the proficiency level identified in ACT210 (ACT230). Specifically, in ACT230, the control unit 11 determines an increase value for increasing the proficiency level. A default value is previously determined for the increase value. For convenience of explanation, the default value of the increase value will be referred to as a first default value. The first default value is, for example, 1, but may be another value instead. When determining the increase value, the control unit 11 determines a first correction value determined according to a value related to the increase in the first user's proficiency level regarding the target application form. The value is, for example, the elapsed time since the first user made the previous application using the target application form, the first user's years of service, the first user's period of engagement in the business related to the application using the target application form, the time required by the first user to input information into the target application form, etc. The value may be another value instead of some or all of these, or in addition to these. After determining the first correction value, the control unit 11 determines a value obtained by adding the determined first correction value to the first default value as the increase value.

[0065] The initial value of the first correction value is, for example, 0, but is not limited to this. For example, when the elapsed time since the first user made the previous application using the target application form is less than a first threshold value determined in advance, the control unit 11 adds a first predetermined value to the first correction value. The first threshold value is, for example, 1 week, but may be a time shorter than 1 week or may be a time longer than 1 week. The first predetermined value is, for example, 0.5, but may be a value less than 0.5 or may be a value greater than 0.5. On the other hand, when the elapsed time exceeds the first threshold value, the control unit 11 does not add anything to the first correction value. For example, when the first user's years of service exceed a second threshold value determined in advance, the control unit 11 adds a second predetermined value to the first correction value. The second threshold value is, for example, 10 years, but may be a number of years shorter than 10 years or may be a number of years longer than 10 years. The second predetermined value is, for example, 0.7, but may be a number of years less than 0.7 or may be a number of years greater than 0.7. On the other hand, the control unit 11 does not add anything to the first correction value when the length of service is equal to or less than the second threshold. For example, the control unit 11 adds a third predetermined value to the first correction value when the first user's engagement period in the work related to the application by the target application form exceeds a third threshold. The third threshold is 5 years, but may be shorter than 5 years or longer than 5 years. The third predetermined value is 1.0, but may be a value less than 1.0 or a value greater than 1.0. On the other hand, the control unit 11 does not add anything to the first correction value when the engagement period is equal to or less than the third threshold. For example, the control unit 11 adds a fourth predetermined value to the first correction value when the time required by the first user to input information into the target application form is less than a fourth threshold. The fourth threshold is 5 minutes, but may be shorter than 5 minutes or longer than 5 minutes. The fourth predetermined value is, for example, 1.2, but may be a value less than 1.2 or may be a value greater than 1.2. On the other hand, when the time taken by the first user to input information into the target application form exceeds the fourth threshold, for example, the control unit 11 does not add anything to the first correction value. The control unit 11 performs part or all of the addition of the predetermined value to the first correction value.

[0066] The control unit 11 may be configured not to add such a first correction value to the first default value. In this case, the increase value by which the mastery level is increased in ACT 230 is the first default value itself.

[0067] After determining the increase value, the control unit 11 adds the determined increase value to the proficiency level identified in ACT210. The control unit 11 generates proficiency level information indicating the proficiency level after adding the increase value. The control unit 11 replaces the proficiency level information indicating the first user's proficiency with respect to the target application form with the generated proficiency level information based on the application form identification information of the target application form, the user identification information and application form identification information specified in advance, and the proficiency level management table. This allows the information processing device 1 to update the first user's proficiency with respect to the target application form. After the processing of ACT230 is performed, the control unit 11 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13.

[0068] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the application using the target application form made by the first user has been returned (ACT220-YES), the control unit 11 reduces the proficiency level identified in ACT210 (ACT240). Specifically, in ACT240, the control unit 11 determines a reduction value for reducing the proficiency level. A default value is previously determined for the reduction value. For convenience of explanation, the default value of the reduction value will be referred to as a second default value for explanation. The second default value is, for example, 1, but may be another value instead. When determining the reduction value, the control unit 11 determines a second correction value determined according to a value related to the reduction of the first user's proficiency level regarding the target application form. The value is, for example, the elapsed time since the first user made the previous application using the target application form, the first user's years of service, the first user's period of engagement in the business related to the application using the target application form, the time required by the first user to input information into the target application form, etc. The value may be another value instead of some or all of these, or in addition to these. After determining the second correction value, the control unit 11 determines a value obtained by adding the determined second correction value to the second default value as the decrease value.

[0069] The initial value of the second correction value is, for example, 0, but is not limited to this. For example, when the elapsed time since the first user made the previous application using the target application form exceeds a predetermined fifth threshold, the control unit 11 adds a fifth predetermined value to the second correction value. The fifth threshold is one month, but may be a time shorter than one month or may be a time longer than one month. The fifth predetermined value is, for example, 0.5, but may be a value less than 0.5 or may be a value greater than 0.5. On the other hand, when the elapsed time is equal to or less than the fifth threshold, the control unit 11 does not add anything to the second correction value. For example, when the first user's years of service are less than a predetermined sixth threshold, the control unit 11 adds a sixth predetermined value to the second correction value. The sixth threshold is three years, but may be a number shorter than three years or may be a number longer than three years. The sixth predetermined value is, for example, 0.3, but may be a number less than 0.3 or may be a number greater than 0.5. On the other hand, the control unit 11 does not add anything to the second correction value when the length of service exceeds the sixth threshold. For example, the control unit 11 adds a seventh predetermined value to the second correction value when the first user's engagement period in the work related to the application by the target application form is less than a predetermined seventh threshold. The seventh threshold is one year, but may be a period shorter than one year or longer than one year. The seventh predetermined value is, for example, 0.7, but may be a value less than 0.7 or a value greater than 0.7. On the other hand, the control unit 11 does not add anything to the second correction value when the engagement period exceeds the seventh threshold. For example, the control unit 11 adds an eighth predetermined value to the correction value when the time required by the first user to input information into the target application form exceeds a predetermined eighth threshold. The eighth threshold is 10 minutes, but may be a time shorter than 10 minutes or longer than 10 minutes. The eighth predetermined value is, for example, 1.0, but may be a value less than 1.0 or may be a value greater than 1.0. On the other hand, when the time taken by the first user to input information into the target application form is equal to or less than the eighth threshold, the control unit 11 does not add anything to the second correction value. The control unit 11 performs a part or all of the addition of the predetermined value to the second correction value.

[0070] The control unit 11 may be configured not to add such a second correction value to the second default value. In this case, the decrement value by which the mastery level is decremented in ACT 240 is the second default value itself.

[0071] After determining the reduction value, the control unit 11 subtracts the determined reduction value from the proficiency identified in ACT210. The control unit 11 generates proficiency information indicating the proficiency after subtracting the reduction value. The control unit 11 replaces the proficiency information indicating the first user's proficiency regarding the target application form with the generated proficiency information based on the application form identification information of the target application form, the user identification information and application form identification information specified in advance, and the proficiency management table. This allows the information processing device 1 to update the first user's proficiency regarding the target application form. After the processing of ACT240 is performed, the control unit 11 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13.

[0072] As described above, when a first user applies for a workflow using a target application form, the information processing device 1 increases the first user's proficiency with the target application form. On the other hand, when an application using the target application form is returned to the first user, the information processing device 1 decreases the first user's proficiency with the target application form. This allows the information processing device 1 to update the first user's proficiency with the target application form depending on the use of the target application form.

[0073] (Difficulty update process to update the difficulty of application items) With reference to FIG. 14, a difficulty level update process for updating the difficulty level of an application item will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the difficulty level update process. For example, when an application using an application form is sent back, the information processing device 1 performs the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. As an example, a case where an application using a target application form made by a first user is sent back will be described. As an example, a case where the information processing device 1 has already identified the user identification information of the first user and the application form identification information of the target application form will be described. Any method may be used to identify the user identification information and the application form identification information.

[0074] When a return of an application by a target application form made by a first user occurs, the control unit 11 identifies one or more application items that caused the return as cause items one by one (ACT310). Specifically, the control unit 11 extracts, for example, in ACT310, all records including application history identification information associated with the user identification information and application form identification information identified in advance from the application history management table. The control unit 11 identifies application date and time information indicating the latest date and time from among the extracted records. The control unit 11 identifies return history identification information associated with the identified application date and time information and the user identification information and application form identification information identified in advance. The control unit 11 extracts all application item identification information associated with the identified return history identification information from the return details management table. The control unit 11 identifies each of the application items identified by each of all the extracted application item identification information as cause items. The control unit 11 may be configured to identify one or more application items that caused the return as cause items one by one by another method.

[0075] Next, the control unit 11 selects each of the one or more cause items identified in ACT310, one by one, and repeats the processes of ACT330 to ACT360 for each selected cause item (ACT320).

[0076] After selecting a cause item in ACT320, the control unit 11 identifies the difficulty level associated with the selected cause item and the date on which the difficulty level is associated with the cause item (ACT330). Specifically, the control unit 11 identifies the difficulty level and the date based on, for example, the application item identification information of the cause item and the application item management table. The control unit 11 may be configured to identify the difficulty level and the date by other methods.

[0077] Next, the control unit 11 calculates the number of times that an application using the target application form has been sent back within a period from the date specified in ACT330 back by a predetermined time as the number of sends backs (ACT340). In FIG. 14, the process of ACT340 is indicated by "counting the number of sends backs". The predetermined time is, for example, one month, but may be shorter or longer than one month. Specifically, the control unit 11 extracts, for example, in ACT340, from the send back history management table all records that include application date and time information indicating a date and time included in the period. The control unit 11 calculates the number of extracted records as the number of sends backs. The control unit 11 may be configured to calculate the number of sends backs by other methods.

[0078] Next, the control unit 11 judges whether the number of returns calculated in ACT 340 exceeds a predetermined ninth threshold (ACT 350). The ninth threshold is, for example, 10 times, but may be less than 10 times or more than 10 times.

[0079] When the control unit 11 determines that the number of returns does not exceed the ninth threshold (ACT350-NO), the control unit 11 transitions to ACT320 and selects the next cause item. When there is no unselected cause item to be selected next in ACT320, the control unit 11 ends the repeated processing of ACT320 to ACT360. Then, the control unit 11 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14.

[0080] On the other hand, when the control unit 11 determines that the number of returns exceeds the ninth threshold (ACT350-YES), it increases the difficulty level specified in ACT330 (ACT360). Specifically, the control unit 11 adds, for example, a ninth predetermined value to the difficulty level, and generates difficulty level information indicating the difficulty level after adding the ninth predetermined value. The control unit 11 replaces the difficulty level information associated with the application item identification information of the selected cause item in the application item management table with the generated difficulty level information. This allows the information processing device 1 to update the difficulty level associated with the cause item selected in ACT320. After the process of ACT360 is performed, the control unit 11 transitions to ACT320 and selects the next cause item. If there is no unselected cause item to be selected next in ACT320, the control unit 11 ends the repeated process of ACT320 to ACT360. Then, the control unit 11 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14.

[0081] As described above, when an application using a target application form is sent back to the first user, the information processing device 1 increases the difficulty level associated with the cause item according to the number of times the application was sent back within a period going back a predetermined time from the base point described above. This allows the information processing device 1 to update the difficulty level associated with the cause item that caused the send back in response to the sending back of an application using the target application form.

[0082] The information processing device 1 described above may be configured to display, on the information processing terminal 10, an auxiliary image for each of one or more display fields included in an application form when the previous application using the application form has been sent back, regardless of the user's level of familiarity with the application form. In this case, the information processing device 1 may be configured to display, on the displayed auxiliary image, a message indicating the reason for the send back at the time of the previous application.

[0083] The items described above may be combined in any manner.

[0084] (Additional Note) [1] An information processing device comprising: a control unit that causes an application form including one or more input fields into which information relating to a workflow application is input in response to a received operation to be displayed on a display unit; and the control unit causes an auxiliary image that assists in inputting information into the first input field based on difficulty information indicating the difficulty of inputting information into a first input field included in the one or more input fields and proficiency information indicating a user's proficiency with the application form to be displayed on the display unit. [2] The information processing device described in [1], wherein the control unit increases the proficiency indicated by the proficiency information when the user makes the application using the application form, and decreases the proficiency indicated by the proficiency information when the application using the application form is returned to the user. [3] The information processing device described in [1] or [2], wherein when the application is returned to the user using the application form, the control unit increases the difficulty of entering information into an input field that caused the return, among the one or more input fields, depending on the number of times the application is returned using the application form within a predetermined period of time. [4] The information processing device described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the control unit, when a return has occurred in the previous application using the application form and the auxiliary image is to be displayed on the display unit, causes the auxiliary image to be displayed on the display unit, the auxiliary image including information indicating the cause of the return that occurred in the previous application using the application form. [5] A control method for an information processing device that displays on a display unit an application form including one or more input fields into which information regarding a workflow application is input in accordance with a received operation, the information processing method displaying on the display unit an auxiliary image that assists in inputting information into the first input field based on difficulty information that indicates the difficulty of inputting information into a first input field included in the one or more input fields and proficiency information that indicates the user's proficiency with the application form.

[0085] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0086] A program for implementing the functions of any of the components in the above-described devices (for example, the information processing device 1, the information processing terminal 10) may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS (Operating System) and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD (Compact Disk)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0087] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. A "transmission medium" that transmits a program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The above program may be for implementing some of the above functions. The above program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1...information processing device, 10...information processing terminal, 11...control unit, 12...storage unit, 13...communication unit

Claims

1. a control unit that displays, on a display unit, an application form including one or more input fields into which information regarding a workflow application is input in response to a received operation; the control unit causes the display unit to display an auxiliary image for assisting the user in inputting information into the first input field based on difficulty information indicating a difficulty of inputting information into a first input field included in the one or more input fields and proficiency information indicating a user's proficiency with the application form. Information processing device.

2. The control unit is When the user makes the application using the application form, the proficiency level indicated by the proficiency level information is increased; When the application using the application form is returned to the user, the proficiency level indicated by the proficiency level information is reduced. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is when the application form causes the application to be returned to the user, increasing the difficulty of inputting information into an input field that caused the return, among the one or more input fields, in accordance with the number of times the application form causes the return within a predetermined period of time; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. When a return has occurred in the previous application using the application form and the control unit is to display the auxiliary image on the display unit, the control unit causes the display unit to display the auxiliary image including information indicating a cause of the return that has occurred in the previous application using the application form. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. A method for controlling an information processing device that displays, on a display unit, an application form including one or more input fields into which information regarding a workflow application is input in response to a received operation, comprising: displaying, on the display unit, an auxiliary image for assisting the user in inputting information into the first input field, based on difficulty information indicating a difficulty of inputting information into a first input field included in the one or more input fields and proficiency information indicating a user's proficiency with the application form; Information processing methods.

Images