File managing system, file managing method and file managing program

Abstract

To provide a file managing system, a file managing method and a file managing program that can facilitate files to be managed while addressing the lack of a capacity of a memory region.SOLUTION: In a file managing system 10, a calculation processing unit 112 calculates similarities between multiple files stored in a user terminal 2 and a data server 3. A presentation processing unit 113 presents, to the owner of a target file having a similarity greater than or equal to a threshold among the multiple files, file information on the target file and sorting process information regarding a process of sorting the target file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for managing files stored in a storage unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, systems for managing files such as documents and images are known. For example, there is a system that analyzes the document structure of document files, detects similar and different parts between multiple document files, and presents them to the user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, various data (files) have been increasing, and problems such as a shortage of storage area capacity and difficulty in managing files have occurred. For example, in an environment where multiple users can access the same data server, a large amount of files such as documents and images are stored in each user's user terminal and data server, resulting in a shortage of storage area capacity and difficulty in managing files.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a file management system, a file management method, and a file management program capable of easily managing files while eliminating the shortage of storage area capacity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A file management system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a calculation processing unit and a presentation processing unit. The calculation processing unit calculates the similarity between a plurality of files stored in a storage unit. The presentation processing unit presents file information regarding the target file and sorting processing information regarding the processing for sorting the target file to the owner of the target file among the plurality of files whose similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0007] A file management method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a file management method in which one or a plurality of processors execute calculating the similarity between a plurality of files stored in a storage unit and presenting file information regarding the target file and sorting processing information regarding the processing for sorting the target file to the owner of the target file among the plurality of files whose similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0008] A file management program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a file management program for causing one or a plurality of processors to execute calculating the similarity between a plurality of files stored in a storage unit and presenting file information regarding the target file and sorting processing information regarding the processing for sorting the target file to the owner of the target file among the plurality of files whose similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a file management system, a file management method, and a file management program that can make it easier to manage files while eliminating a shortage of storage area capacity.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are an example of embodying the present disclosure and do not have the character of limiting the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] [File Management System 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a file management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The file management system 10 includes a management server 1, a user terminal 2, and a data server 3. The management server 1, the user terminal 2, and the data server 3 are connected to each other via a network N1 (for example, the Internet, a LAN, etc.). The file management system 10 may include a plurality of user terminals 2 and a plurality of data servers 3.

[0013] In the file management system 10, the management server 1 manages files stored in the user terminal 2 and files stored in the data server 3. Note that the files stored in the data server 3 may be files uploaded from the user terminal 2 or files created and saved in the data server 3. The management server 1 provides a file management service for managing files stored in the user terminal 2 and the data server 3 to the user. For example, the management server 1 manages a plurality of files stored in the data server 3 so that each of the plurality of user terminals 2 can access them via the network N1. Also, when the contents of a plurality of files are the same or similar, the management server 1 executes a process (sorting process) for sorting each file.

[0014] Each user of the plurality of user terminals 2 can upload a file such as a document file created on their own user terminal 2 to the data server 3 using a predetermined application (file management application). Also, each user can issue an instruction (file sorting request) to sort files using the file management application. Also, each user can access the data server 3 using the file management application to view files or download them to the user terminal 2. The data server 3 may be configured by a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a cloud server, or the like.

[0015] For example, the user activates the file management application on the user terminal 2 and uploads a desired file to the data server 3. Information such as the name of the file (file name), creator, creation date and time, last updater, update date and time, and storage location (file path) is attached to the file. The data server 3 stores a plurality of files uploaded from each user terminal 2.

[0016] The file management system 10 is an example of the file management system of the present disclosure. Note that the file management system of the present disclosure may be configured by the management server 1 alone.

[0017] [Management Server 1] As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an operation display unit 13, a communication unit 14, etc. The management server 1 may be configured by a personal computer, NAS, cloud server, etc. Also, one of the plurality of data servers 3 may function as the management server 1.

[0018] The communication unit 14 is a communication interface for connecting the management server 1 to the network N1 by wire or wirelessly and performing data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol between the user terminal 2 and the data server 3 via the network N1. The network N1 is configured by, for example, the Internet, LAN, etc.

[0019] The operation display unit 13 is a user interface including a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display for displaying various information and an operation unit such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel for receiving operations.

[0020] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory that stores various types of information. The storage unit 12 stores information related to files (file information D1, file management information D2) managed by the management server 1, etc.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of the file information D1. The file information D1 includes information such as "file name", "update date and time", "last updater", and "storage location" for each file. The file name is the name of the file set by the user. The update date and time is the last date and time when an update operation such as accessing and editing the file was performed, and the last updater is the name of the user who performed the last update operation. The storage location is access information (e.g., URL) indicating the storage location of the file, and is access information (an example of directory information) of the user terminal 2 or the data server 3. In the example shown in Figure 2, "NAS1" indicates the first data server 3, and "NAS2" indicates the second data server 3. "LocalPC1" indicates the user terminal 2 of the first user, "LocalPC2" indicates the user terminal 2 of the second user, and "LocalPC3" indicates the user terminal 2 of the third user.

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of the file management information D2. The file management information D2 includes information such as "file name", "master file", "read-only", "update date and time", "last updater", "storage location", "similarity", "source file", and "file sorting item" for a plurality of identical or similar files. In the example shown in Figure 3, information regarding the files "F1" and "F2" that are similar to each other is shown.

[0023] The master file is an important file that can be shared, accessed, downloaded, etc. by multiple users. The master file is an example of a specific file of the present disclosure. For example, when a plurality of draft files regarding the specification of product X are stored, the final version (determined version) of the specification is set as the master file. The master file may be set by a user's selection operation, or may be automatically set by the control unit 11. For example, the control unit 11 may set one file as the master file from among a plurality of identical or similar files based on at least any one of the number of accesses to the file, the access frequency to the file, the access date and time to the file, the type of the file, the name of the file, and the data capacity of the file.

[0024] The read-only indicates information that prohibits a user from editing a file and indicates whether the file is set as a read-only file. The master file is set as a read-only file. Whether it is read-only or not may be set by a user's selection operation.

[0025] The similarity indicates information showing the similarity between a plurality of files. For example, when a master file is set, the similarity of the target file represents the similarity to the master file. The similarity is calculated by the control unit 11 (calculation processing unit 112). The source file is a file name indicating the master file. Note that the control unit 11 determines the source file based on information such as the update date and time of each file, the storage location, and the similarity to each master file.

[0026] The file sorting item is information regarding a process for sorting files that are the same as or similar to the master file. "Shortcut replacement" is a process of generating an icon (shortcut icon) that can access the file, "deletion" is a process of deleting the file, and "compression" is a process of compressing the file size. The file sorting item is set by a user's selection operation.

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 3, among the files “F1” and “F1.backup” that are similar to each other, “F1” stored in “NAS1” is set as the master file, and among the files “F2.ver1.1”, “Proposal A of F2”, “Proposal B of F2”, and “Proposal B2 of F2” that are similar to each other, it shows that “F2.ver1.1” stored in “NAS2” is set as the master file. Also, FIG. 3 shows the state before the file sorting items are set for each target file similar to the master file.

[0028] Note that the first file “F1” indicates a file (master file) stored (uploaded) in the specification folder of NAS1, the second file “F1” indicates a file stored (copied) in the specification folder of NAS2, and the file “F1.backup” indicates a file stored (downloaded) in the specification folder of LocalPC1. Also, the first file “F2.ver1.1” indicates a file (master file) stored (uploaded) in the specification folder of NAS2, and the second file “F2.ver1.1” indicates a file stored in the specification folder of LocalPC1 (the file before uploading to NAS2). The files “Proposal A of F2”, “Proposal B of F2”, and “Proposal B2 of F2” are files stored in the specification folder of LocalPC1 respectively, and indicate the files of each amendment modified based on the file “F1.backup”.

[0029] The file management information D2 shown in FIG. 3 may be viewable by, for example, the administrator of the management server 1. For example, the administrator may display the file management information D2 on the operation display unit 13 of the management server 1 and perform an operation to set the master file.

[0030] In addition, the storage unit 12 stores a file management program for causing the control unit 11 to execute the file management process (see FIG. 11) described later. For example, the file management program is non-temporarily recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD or a DVD, and is read by a reading device (not shown) such as a CD drive or a DVD drive provided in the management server 1 and stored in the storage unit 12. Note that the file management program may be distributed from another server and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0031] The control unit 11 includes control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM stores in advance control programs such as a BIOS and an OS for causing the CPU to execute various processes. The RAM stores various information and is used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU. Then, the control unit 11 controls the management server 1 by causing the CPU to execute various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 12.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as a reception processing unit 111, a calculation processing unit 112, a presentation processing unit 113, and an execution processing unit 114. Note that the control unit 11 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes according to the file management program. Also, some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 11 may be configured by electronic circuits. Note that the file management program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as the various processing units.

[0033] The reception processing unit 111 receives various operations from each user terminal 2. Specifically, the reception processing unit 111 receives user operations on a file management screen P1 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), a file similarity detail screen P2 (see FIG. 6), a file setting screen P3 (see FIGS. 7 to 9), a storage location setting screen P4 (see FIG. 10), etc., which are displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0034] The calculation processing unit 112 calculates the similarity between a plurality of files stored in the storage unit. Specifically, the calculation processing unit 112 calculates the similarity between a plurality of files stored in the user terminal 2 and the data server 3. When a master file is preset, the calculation processing unit 112 calculates the similarity of the target file with respect to the master file. When a master file is not preset, the calculation processing unit 112 calculates the similarity of the target file with respect to other files. The calculation processing unit 112 calculates the similarity between files by analyzing the documents, images, etc. of the files to detect differences.

[0035] The presentation processing unit 113 presents the file information regarding the target file and the sorting processing information regarding the processing (file sorting items) for sorting the target file to the owner of the target file among the plurality of files whose similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold value. In addition, the presentation processing unit 113 searches for files (target files) that are the same as or similar to the master file in the user terminal 2 and the data server 3, and when the target file exists, presents the file information and the sorting processing information to the owner of the target file. For example, the presentation processing unit 113 outputs file sorting information P11 including the file information and the sorting processing information to the user terminal 2 of the owner of the target file. The file sorting information P11 includes each piece of information of the file management information D2 (see FIG. 3). Note that the sorting processing information includes at least any one of the information of the process of deleting the target file ("deletion"), the process of compressing the target file ("compression"), and the process of generating an icon (shortcut icon) that can access the target file ("shortcut replacement").

[0036] Taking, for example, the file management information D2 shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the presentation processing unit 113 outputs the file organization information P11 shown in FIG. 4 to the user terminal 2 of user A. When the user terminal 2 of user A acquires the file organization information P11, it causes the file management screen P1 of the operation display unit 23 to display the file organization information P11. The file organization information P11 shown in FIG. 4 displays information regarding the files registered by user A, who is the last updater. Also, the presentation processing unit 113 outputs the file organization information P11 shown in FIG. 5 to the user terminal 2 of user B. When the user terminal 2 of user B acquires the file organization information P11, it causes the file management screen P1 of the operation display unit 23 to display the file organization information P11. The file organization information P11 shown in FIG. 5 displays information regarding the files registered by user B, who is the last updater.

[0037] As another embodiment, the presentation processing unit 113 may present the file organization information P11 to the owner of the target file among the files similar to the master file, where the similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0038] The execution processing unit 114 executes an organization process on the target file that is the same as or similar to the master file. Specifically, the execution processing unit 114 executes the organization process corresponding to the file organization item selected by the user (owner) among the file organization items displayed in the file organization information P11 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). For example, if user A selects "Delete" for each of "F1.backup", "F2.ver1.1" stored in LocalPC1, "F2. B plan", and "F2.B2 plan" in the file organization information P11 (see FIG. 4) and presses the "Execute file organization" button K2, the execution processing unit 114 deletes these target files from the storage source. Also, if user A selects "Compress" for "F2.A plan" and presses the "Execute file organization" button K2, the execution processing unit 114 compresses the target file on LocalPC1 (user terminal 2).

[0039] For example, if User B selects "Shortcut Replacement" for "F1" stored in NAS2 in the file organization information P11 (see FIG. 5) and presses the "Execute File Organization" button K2, the execution processing unit 114 deletes the target file in NAS2 and generates a shortcut icon. In this way, the execution processing unit 114 organizes the target file based on the operation by the owner of the target file.

[0040] When the execution processing unit 114 executes the organization process of the target file, it registers information indicating that the organization process has been executed in the file organization item of the file management information D2.

[0041] Note that a "Similarity Details" button K1 is displayed on the file management screen P1. For example, if User A presses the "Similarity Details" button K1 on the file management screen P1 (see FIG. 4), the presentation processing unit 113 causes the file similarity details screen P2 (see FIG. 6) to be displayed on the user terminal 2. In addition, the presentation processing unit 113 displays the respective thumbnail images of the source file (master file) and the derivative file (target file) on the file similarity details screen P2, and displays the differences from the master file in a distinguishable manner on the thumbnail image of the target file. The shaded areas in the thumbnail image shown in FIG. 6 indicate the differences. Note that the presentation processing unit 113 may omit the display on the file similarity details screen P2 for a target file that is the same as the master file. Each user can check the file similarity details screen P2 as needed when selecting a file organization item.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the master file is preset by the user or the control unit 11 has been described. Hereinafter, as another embodiment, an example in which the master file is not preset will be described.

[0043] First, the control unit 11 searches for files (target files) that are identical or similar to each other in the user terminal 2 and the data server 3. When the control unit 11 detects target files that are identical or similar to each other, the presentation processing unit 113 presents the file setting information P31 to the owner of the target file and inquires about the content of the sorting process for the target file. Specifically, the presentation processing unit 113 causes the user terminal 2 of the owner to display a file setting screen P3 (see FIG. 7) including the file setting information P31. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the presentation processing unit 113 presents the file setting information P31 to each of the users A to F who are the owners of the target files.

[0044] The file setting information P31 displays items for the sorting process for the target file ("desired file sorting items"), and the user can select the desired sorting items. The desired file sorting items include "master file", "shortcut replacement", "deletion", etc. The user selects "master file" when they wish to set the target file they own as the master file.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows the file setting screen P3 displayed on the user terminal 2 of user A, and FIG. 9 shows the file setting screen P3 displayed on the user terminal 2 of user B. User A selects "master file" for the file "F2.ver1.1" they own, and user B selects "shortcut replacement" for the file "F2.ver1.1" they own. When the execution processing unit 114 receives responses from each owner (users A to F in FIG. 7), it determines the master file based on the selection content for the sorting items of each owner. Here, the execution processing unit 114 determines the "F2.ver1.1" of user A as the master file. Also, the execution processing unit 114 replaces the "F2.ver1.1" stored in the LocalPC1 of user B with a shortcut icon.

[0046] In addition, when the master file is determined, the presentation processing unit 113 requests to change the storage location of the master file to an appropriate location, for example, a location that is easily accessible to each user. For example, the presentation processing unit 113 causes the user terminal 2 of user A to display a storage location setting screen (see FIG. 10) and accepts a storage location setting operation (change operation) from user A. When user A changes the storage location and presses the "Storage Location Determination" button K3, the execution processing unit 114 updates the storage location of the master file.

[0047] As described above, for a plurality of identical or similar target files stored in the user terminal 2 and the data server 3, by performing processes such as "shortcut replacement", "deletion", and "compression", the files are organized to eliminate the shortage of the storage capacity of the storage area and make it easier to manage the files.

[0048] [User Terminal 2] As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation display unit 23, a communication unit 24, and the like. The user terminal 2 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0049] The communication unit 24 is a communication interface for connecting the user terminal 2 to the network N1 by wire or wirelessly and performing data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol with external devices such as the management server 1 via the network N1.

[0050] The operation display unit 23 is a user interface including a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display for displaying information such as various web pages, and an operation unit such as a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel for accepting operations.

[0051] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that stores various types of information. For example, a control program such as a browser program is stored in the storage unit 22. Specifically, the browser program is a control program for causing the control unit 21 to execute communication processing with an external device such as the management server 1 according to a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). Further, the browser program may be a dedicated application for executing communication processing according to a predetermined communication protocol with the management server 1.

[0052] The control unit 21 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs such as BIOS and OS for causing the CPU to execute various processes are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information and is used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU. Then, the control unit 21 controls the user terminal 2 by causing the CPU to execute various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 22.

[0053] Specifically, the control unit 21 functions as a browser processing unit by executing various processes according to the browser program stored in the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 can execute browser processing for causing the operation display unit 23 to display a web page provided from the management server 1 via the network N1 and inputting an operation on the operation display unit 23 to the management server 1. That is, the user terminal 2 can function as an operation terminal of the management server 1 when the browser program is executed by the control unit 21. Note that some or all of the processing units included in the control unit 21 may be configured by electronic circuits.

[0054] When a user operation for making an access request to a predetermined URL corresponding to the site of the file management service provided by the management server 1 is performed on the user terminal 2, the control unit 21 acquires the data of the web page of the site from the management server 1 and causes the operation display unit 23 to display the web page of the site. When a predetermined application (file management application) corresponding to the management server 1 is installed on the user terminal 2, the web page of the site is displayed on the operation display unit 23 when the user of the user terminal 2 performs an operation to start the file management application.

[0055] Further, the control unit 21 uploads the files stored in the user terminal 2 to the management server 1 according to the user's operation. Further, the control unit 21 transmits a search request for searching for the files stored in the management server 1 to the management server 1 according to the user's operation. Further, the control unit 21 causes the result of the search process by the management server 1 to be displayed. Further, the control unit 21 causes the content of the file to be displayed or downloaded to the user terminal 2 according to the selection operation of the file included in the search result.

[0056] Further, the control unit 21 causes the operation display unit 23 of the user terminal 2 to display web pages such as a file management screen P1 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), a file similarity detail screen P2 (see FIG. 6), a file setting screen P3 (see FIGS. 7 to 9), and a storage location setting screen P4 (see FIG. 10). Further, the control unit 21 accepts the user's operation on each page.

[0057] [File Management Process] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, an example of the procedure of the file management process executed in the file management system 10 will be described.

[0058] Note that the present disclosure can be regarded as a disclosure of a file management method for executing one or more steps included in the file management process. Further, one or more steps included in the file management process described herein may be appropriately omitted. Also, the execution order of each step in the file management process may be different within the range that produces the same operational effects. Furthermore, here, the case where the control unit 11 of the management server 1 executes each step in the file management process is taken as an example for explanation, but in other embodiments, one or more processors may execute each step in the file management process in a distributed manner.

[0059] Here, as shown in the above example, a plurality of files are stored in the user terminal 2 and the data server 3, and it is assumed that the management server 1 stores file information D1 (see FIG. 3) and file management information D2 (see FIG. 4) regarding the plurality of files.

[0060] Note that the file management process is executed in parallel in response to requests (for example, file sorting requests) from each of the plurality of user terminals 2.

[0061] First, in step S1, the control unit 11 determines whether a master file is set. For example, an administrator of the management server 1 or the owner of the file can set a master file in advance. Also, the control unit 11 can set a master file in advance based on at least any one of the number of accesses to the file, the access frequency to the file, the access date and time to the file, the type of the file, the name of the file, and the data capacity of the file. If the control unit 11 determines that a master file is set (S1: Yes), the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that a master file is not set (S1: No), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0062] In step S2, the control unit 11 searches for a file that is the same as or similar to the master file. For example, the control unit 11 analyzes the document, image, etc. of the file to detect differences, and searches for files with a similarity degree equal to or higher than a threshold value.

[0063] Next, in step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether a file that is the same as or similar to the master file has been detected. For example, when the control unit 11 detects a file (target file) with a similarity degree to the master file equal to or higher than the threshold value (S3: Yes), it transfers the process to step S4. On the other hand, when there is no file with a similarity degree to the master file equal to or higher than the threshold value (S3: No), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S1.

[0064] In step S4, the control unit 11 calculates the similarity degree between each target file and the master file.

[0065] Next, in step S5, the control unit 11 creates a thumbnail image for each target file. Further, the control unit 11 adds information that can identify the difference between the target file and the master file to the thumbnail image of each target file.

[0066] Next, in step S6, the control unit 11 presents the file organization information P11 to each owner of the target file. For example, the control unit 11 transmits the file organization information P11 including the file information regarding the target file and the organization process information regarding the process (file organization items) for organizing the target file to the user terminal 2 of the owner of the target file.

[0067] When the user terminal 2 receives the file sorting information P11, it causes the file management screen P1 to display the file sorting information P11 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). In the file management screen P1, when the user presses the "Similarity Details" button K1, the control unit 11 causes the user terminal 2 to display a file similarity details screen P2 (see FIG. 6), and causes the file similarity details screen P2 to display thumbnail images of the source file (master file) and the derived file (target file), and causes the thumbnail image of the target file to display the differences from the master file in an identifiable manner.

[0068] Next, in step S7, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received a selection operation of a file sorting item and an execution instruction for the sorting process corresponding to the file sorting item from the owner. For example, when user A selects file sorting items ("Delete", "Compress") for each target file and presses the "Execute File Sorting" button K2 on the file management screen P1 (see FIG. 4), the control unit 11 receives the execution instruction. Also, when user B selects a file sorting item ("Shortcut Replacement") for each target file and presses the "Execute File Sorting" button K2 on the file management screen P1 (see FIG. 5), the control unit 11 receives the execution instruction. When the control unit 11 receives the execution instruction (S7: Yes), it moves the process to step S8. The control unit 11 waits until it receives the execution instruction (S7: No).

[0069] In step S8, the control unit 11 executes a sorting process on the target files that are the same as or similar to the master file. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the control unit 11 deletes each of "F1.backup", "F2.ver1.1" stored in LocalPC1, "F2.Plan B", and "F2.Plan B2" from the storage source, and compresses "F2.Plan A". Also, the control unit 11 replaces the "F1" stored in NAS2 with a shortcut icon.

[0070] Next, in step S9, the control unit 11 updates the file management information D2 (see FIG. 3).

[0071] If the master file is not preset in step S1 (S1: No), the control unit 11 executes the processes of the following steps S11 to S18.

[0072] In step S11, the control unit 11 searches for files that are identical or similar to each other. For example, the control unit 11 calculates the similarity of each file with other files and searches for files whose similarity is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

[0073] Next, in step S12, the control unit 11 determines whether files that are identical or similar to each other have been detected. For example, when the control unit 11 detects files (target files) whose similarity between a plurality of files is equal to or higher than the threshold value (S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when there are no files whose similarity between a plurality of files is equal to or higher than the threshold value (S12: No), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S1.

[0074] In step S13, the control unit 11 inquires of the owner of the target file about the content of the sorting process for the target file (desired file sorting content). Specifically, the control unit 11 causes the user terminal 2 of the owner to display a file setting screen P3 (see FIGS. 7 to 9) including the file setting information P31. In the file setting information P31, items for the sorting process for the target file ("desired file sorting items") are displayed. The desired file sorting items include "master file", "shortcut replacement", "deletion", and the like. When the user wishes to set the target file as the master file, the user selects "master file".

[0075] Next, in step S14, the control unit 11 receives an answer regarding the desired file sorting content from the owner of the target file.

[0076] Next, in step S15, the control unit 11 determines the master file and determines the owner of the master file. Here, the control unit 11 determines the "F2.ver1.1" of user A as the master file and determines the owner of the master file as user A.

[0077] Next, in step S16, the control unit 11 determines the storage location of the master file. If the master file is not stored in a location easily accessible by multiple users, the control unit 11 requests a change of the storage location (see FIG. 10). When user A performs a storage location setting operation on the storage location setting screen (see FIG. 10), the control unit 11 changes the storage location of the master file. Note that the control unit 11 may be configured to request a change of the storage location when the storage location of the master file is the user terminal 2 and not request a change of the storage location when the storage location of the master file is the data server 3. Further, the control unit 11 may request a storage location setting operation regardless of the storage location and allow the user to select whether to change the storage location.

[0078] Next, in step S17, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received a selection operation of file sorting items and an execution instruction for the sorting process corresponding to the file sorting items from the owner. For example, when user B selects a file sorting item ("shortcut replacement") for the target file and presses the "execute file sorting" button K2 on the file setting screen P3 (see FIG. 9), the control unit 11 receives the execution instruction.

[0079] In step S18, the control unit 11 executes a sorting process on the target file. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 11 replaces the "F2.ver1.1" stored in user B's LocalPC1 with a shortcut icon. Further, the control unit 11 replaces the target files of users C to E with shortcut icons and deletes the target file of user F (see FIG. 10). After step S18, the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S9 to update the file management information D2.

[0080] As described above, the control unit 11 executes the file management process. The control unit 11 executes the file management process each time it acquires the file organization request from each user terminal 2.

[0081] As described above, the file management system 10 according to the present embodiment calculates the similarity between a plurality of files stored in a storage unit (such as the user terminal 2 and the data server 3), and for the owner of the target file whose similarity among the plurality of files is equal to or greater than a threshold value, presents file information regarding the target file and organization process information regarding the process of organizing the target file. The organization process information includes at least any one of information on a process of deleting the target file, a process of compressing the target file, and a process of generating an icon accessible to the target file. Further, the file management system 10 causes the user terminal 2 of the owner to display a reception screen for receiving an operation of selecting any one of the plurality of organization process information from the owner. The file management system 10 executes a process (organization process) according to the organization process information selected by the owner.

[0082] According to the above configuration, since it is possible to organize a plurality of identical or similar files stored in the storage unit, it becomes possible to easily manage the files while eliminating the shortage of the storage area capacity.

[0083] [Other Embodiments] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present disclosure may be the following embodiments.

[0084] The control unit 11 of the management server 1 may execute a process of deleting the set master file. Specifically, the control unit 11 may execute a process of deleting the master file based on the permission of the owner of the master file, the permission of the related person of the master file, and the like. The related person of the master file is, for example, the owner of a file (related file) identical to or similar to the master file.

[0085] FIG. 12 shows an example of the procedure for deleting a master file. For example, when any user requests deletion of the master file, the control unit 11 executes the deletion process.

[0086] First, in step S21, the control unit 11 determines whether the user who has requested deletion of the master file is the owner of the master file. If the user is the owner of the master file (S21: Yes), the control unit 11 transfers the process to step S22. On the other hand, if the user is not the owner of the master file (S21: No), the control unit 11 transfers the process to step S31.

[0087] In step S22, the control unit 11 inquires of the parties concerned with the master file whether to permit (permit or reject) deletion of the master file.

[0088] In step S23, the control unit 11 determines whether the parties concerned have permitted deletion of the master file. If the parties concerned have permitted deletion of the master file (S23: Yes), the control unit 11 transfers the process to step S24. On the other hand, if the parties concerned have rejected deletion of the master file (S23: No), the control unit 11 transfers the process to step S25.

[0089] In step S24, the control unit 11 deletes the master file and related files from the storage source. After step S24, in step S27, the control unit 11 updates the file management information D2.

[0090] In step S25, the control unit 11 changes the owner of the master file. For example, the control unit 11 determines any one of the parties concerned as the owner of the master file. The control unit 11 may inquire of each of the parties concerned whether they wish to become the owner of the master file and determine a new owner based on the responses of each of the parties concerned.

[0091] In step S26, the control unit 11 notifies that the owner of the master file has been changed. After step S26, the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S27.

[0092] In step S21, if the user who requested deletion of the master file is not the owner of the master file (S21: No), in step S31, the control unit 11 inquires of the owner of the master file whether to permit (permit or reject) deletion of the master file.

[0093] In step S32, the control unit 11 determines whether the owner has permitted deletion of the master file. If the owner has permitted deletion of the master file (S32: Yes), the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S34. On the other hand, if the owner has rejected deletion of the master file (S32: No), in step S33, the control unit 11 prohibits deletion of the master file and ends the process.

[0094] In step S34, the control unit 11 inquires of the parties concerned with the master file whether to permit (permit or reject) deletion of the master file.

[0095] In step S35, the control unit 11 determines whether the parties concerned have permitted deletion of the master file. If the parties concerned have permitted deletion of the master file (S35: Yes), the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S36. On the other hand, if the parties concerned have rejected deletion of the master file (S35: No), the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S37.

[0096] In step S36, the control unit 11 deletes the master file and related files. After step S36, the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S27.

[0097] In step S37, the control unit 11 changes the owner of the master file. For example, the control unit 11 determines one of the relevant persons as the owner of the master file. The control unit 11 may inquire each relevant person whether they wish to be the owner of the master file and determine a new owner based on the responses of each relevant person.

[0098] In step S38, the control unit 11 notifies that the owner of the master file has been changed. After step S38, the control unit 11 causes the process to proceed to step S27.

[0099] As described above, the control unit 11 may execute the deletion process of the master file.

[0100] As another embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 11 may execute an organizing process based on the similarity. For example, among a plurality of target files similar to the master file, the control unit 11 replaces the first target file with the highest similarity with a shortcut icon, compresses the second target file with a lower similarity than the first target file, and deletes the third target file with a lower similarity than the second target file.

[0101] Also, the control unit 11 may present recommended organizing items to the user based on the similarity. For example, among a plurality of target files similar to the master file, the control unit 11 recommends "shortcut replacement" to the owner of the first target file with the highest similarity, recommends "compression" to the owner of the second target file with a lower similarity than the first target file, and recommends "deletion" to the owner of the third target file with a lower similarity than the second target file.

[0102] Also, as another embodiment, when the number of target files with a similarity to the master file equal to or higher than a predetermined value exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit 11 may automatically transmit file organizing information P11 to the user terminal 2.

[0103] As another embodiment, when the capacity of the storage area becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the control unit 11 may automatically transmit the file organization information P11 to the user terminal 2.

[0104] Note that the file of the present disclosure is not limited to a document file, and may be an image file, an audio file, or the like. Further, the present disclosure can also be applied to various forms of data (information) instead of the file.

[0105] [Supplementary Note of the Disclosure] Hereinafter, the outline of the disclosure extracted from the above-described embodiment will be appended. Note that each configuration and each processing function described in the following supplementary note can be arbitrarily selected and combined.

[0106] [Supplementary Note 1] A calculation processing unit that calculates the similarity between a plurality of files stored in the storage unit; A presentation processing unit that presents file information regarding the target file and organization processing information regarding the processing of organizing the target file to the owner of the target file among the plurality of files whose similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value; A file management system comprising:

[0107] [Supplementary Note 2] The organization processing information includes at least any one of information on a process of deleting the target file, a process of compressing the target file, and a process of generating an icon accessible to the target file. The file management system according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0108] [Supplementary Note 3] The presentation processing unit causes a reception screen for receiving an operation of selecting any one of the plurality of organization processing information from the owner to be displayed on the operation terminal of the owner. The file management system according to Supplementary Note 2.

[0109] [Supplementary Note 4] The file management system further includes an execution processing unit that executes a process according to the organization processing information selected by the owner. The file management system described in Supplementary Note 3.

[0110] <Supplementary Note 5> The calculation processing unit calculates the similarity between a predetermined specific file among the plurality of files and other files. The presentation processing unit presents the file information and the sorting processing information to the owner of the target file among the other files whose similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The file management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4.

[0111] <Supplementary Note 6> Determine the specific file based on at least any one of the number of accesses to the file, the access frequency to the file, the access date and time to the file, the type of the file, the name of the file, and the data capacity of the file. The file management system according to Supplementary Note 5.

[0112] <Supplementary Note 7> Determine the specific file based on an operation in which a user selects a specific file from the plurality of files. The file management system according to Supplementary Note 5.

[0113] <Supplementary Note 8> The presentation processing unit presents a thumbnail image of the target file that can identify the differences between the specific file and the target file to the owner. The file management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 5 to 7.

Explanation of Signs

[0114] 1: Management server 2: User terminal 3: Data server 10: File management system 11: Control unit 12: Storage unit 13: Operation display unit 14: Communication unit 111: Reception processing unit 112: Calculation processing unit 113: Presentation processing unit 114: Execution processing unit D1: File information D2: File management information P1: File management screen P11: File arrangement information P2: File similarity details screen P3: File settings screen P31: File settings information P4: Storage location settings screen

Claims

1. A calculation processing unit that calculates the similarity between a plurality of files stored in a storage unit; A presentation processing unit that presents file information regarding the target file and organization processing information regarding the process of organizing the target file to the owner of the target file among the plurality of files, where the similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value; A file management system comprising the above.

2. The organization processing information includes at least any one of information on a process of deleting the target file, a process of compressing the target file, and a process of generating an icon accessible to the target file. The file management system according to Claim 1.

3. The presentation processing unit causes a reception screen that receives an operation of selecting any one of the plurality of organization processing information from the owner to be displayed on the operation terminal of the owner. The file management system according to Claim 2.

4. The file management system according to Claim 3, further comprising an execution processing unit that executes a process according to the organization processing information selected by the owner. The file management system according to Claim 3.

5. The calculation processing unit calculates the similarity between a predetermined specific file among the plurality of files and other files. The presentation processing unit presents the file information and the organization processing information to the owner of the target file among the other files, where the similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The file management system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. Determining the specific file based on at least any one of the number of accesses to the file, the access frequency to the file, the access date and time to the file, the type of the file, the name of the file, and the data capacity of the file. The file management system according to Claim 5.

7. Determining the specific file based on an operation in which a user selects a specific file from the plurality of files. The file management system according to Claim 5.

8. The presentation processing unit presents a thumbnail image of the target file, which can identify the differences between the specific file and the target file, to the owner. The file management system according to Claim 5.

9. Calculating the similarity between a plurality of files stored in a storage unit; Presenting file information regarding the target file and organization processing information regarding the process of organizing the target file to the owner of the target file among the plurality of files, where the similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value; A file management method executed by one or more processors.

10. Calculating the similarity between a plurality of files stored in a storage unit; Presenting file information regarding the target file and sorting process information regarding the process of sorting the target file to the owner of the target file among the plurality of files whose similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value; A file management program for causing one or more processors to execute.

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