Information processing apparatus, control method of information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To prevent outputted content from being erroneously edited.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as: output means which outputs edited content; and restriction means which restricts editing so that the content outputted by the output means is not edited.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are content creation applications that allow users to place objects such as images or text in an editing area on a screen to design posters, photo albums, photo layouts, etc. In such applications, content data that is "being edited" or "already output" is saved within the application.

[0003] In such applications, there is a technology called "preflight check" for analyzing content data before output to determine whether the placement of objects is appropriate, etc. Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, when a preflight check is performed to prompt the user to make corrections, only the parts that require corrections are editable, and parts that do not require corrections are not editable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-9230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a need for technology that prevents output content from being accidentally edited. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to function as an output means for outputting edited content and a restriction means for restricting content that has already been output by the output means from being edited. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent output content from being edited erroneously. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a Web application. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a web application. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a preflight check screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list display of created contents. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for restricting editing of output content. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a content list screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a content list screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a content list screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for restricting editing of output content. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing folders in which content files are stored. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing folders in which content files are stored. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing folders in which content files are stored. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components.

[0010] <<First Embodiment>> <Summary> The content creation application described in this embodiment is an application for arranging objects such as images or text in an editing area on a screen to design a poster, a photo album, or a photo layout. The content creation application in this disclosure is applicable to general layout software such as a poster editing application, a photo album editing application, or an object layout application. In the embodiment described below, a poster editing application, which is a Web application, will be used as a specific example of a content creation application.

[0011] As described above, in a content creation application, content data that is "being edited" or "already output" is stored within the application. "Already output" refers to, for example, a state in which output processing for the content data has been completed. Specifically, the output processing for the content data is, for example, a process executed by the printer 121, which is a printing process based on the content data. Note that the printing process is executed, for example, by sending the content data to the printer 121. When printing based on the content data by the printer 121 has been completed, the content data is considered to have been printed. Note that, at this time, the content data may be sent from the client terminal 110 to the printer 121 via the server system 140, or may be sent from the client terminal 110 to the printer 121 without going through the server system 140. Furthermore, specifically, the output processing for the content data is, for example, an order process in which content represented by the content data is ordered. The order process is, for example, a process for making a payment to purchase the content represented by the content data. When the payment process has been completed, the content data is considered to have been ordered. Specifically, the output process for content data is a transmission (upload) process for transmitting (uploading) content data to a device external to the client terminal 110, such as the server system 140 or the printer 121. When content data is transmitted (uploaded) to a device external to the client terminal 110, the content data is considered to have been transmitted (uploaded). In other words, in a content creation application, content data in both "editing" and "output" states coexist within the application. In this case, even if a user wants to save content data in the state at the time of output, the user may accidentally edit and overwrite the content data. In other words, the content data that the user wants to save in the state at the time of output may not be saved.Furthermore, it is not possible to distinguish between content data that has been saved in the state at the time of output and content data that has been re-edited after output (whether intentionally or not), which makes content management inconvenient for users.

[0012] In the embodiment described below, an example of preventing erroneous editing of output content data will be described. Also, an example of making it easy to distinguish between output content and content that has been re-edited after output will be described. Note that in the embodiment described below, content can include both data that constitutes the content (hereinafter also referred to as content data) and an icon that represents the content.

[0013] <Information Processing System> 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 100 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 100 operates by a client terminal 110 and a server system 140 cooperating with each other via a network 130.

[0014] First, the configuration of server system 140 will be described. Server system 140, which performs server processing for Web application 141, includes program execution server 142, storage server 144, and print execution server 147. Program execution server 142 executes server program 143, which is a program that runs on server system 140. Storage server 144 stores edited data 145, such as image files and print data files, for Web application 141, as well as print data 146. Print execution server 147 sends print data 146 to print application 117 for printing. Note that program execution server 142, storage server 144, and print execution server 147 may be realized as physically separate devices, or may be realized as a single device.

[0015] Next, we will explain the configuration of the client terminal 110. The client terminal 110 is an information processing device, and can be configured as a general personal computer or a smartphone.

[0016] The client terminal 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113. The client terminal 110 also includes a storage device 118, an input device 119, a monitor 120, a printer 121, and an input / output interface (not shown) for connecting to a network 130 such as the Internet. The CPU 111 is a central processing unit that controls the entire client terminal 110 by executing an operating system (OS) stored in the storage device 118, the ROM 112, or the RAM 113. The CPU 111 also executes a web browser 114, a print application 117, or other programs stored in the ROM 112 or the RAM 113 to perform calculations based on input data, process the data, and output the data. The CPU 111 also controls each piece of hardware to realize each function of the client terminal 110. The ROM 112 is a read-only memory in which each program is stored. The RAM 113 is a random access memory that is used as a working memory for the CPU 111, but can also store each program if it is non-volatile RAM.

[0017] Web browser 114 browses websites on the Internet and executes Web application 141. Web application 141 is generally composed of client program 116 and server program 143. The entity of client program 116 is a program such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or JavaScript that runs on Web browser 114. The entity of server program 143 is a program that runs on a Web server.

[0018] When executing Web application 141, first, client terminal 110 receives client program 116, which constitutes a part of Web application 141, from server system 140. Next, program analysis unit 115 of Web browser 114 interprets and executes client program 116 (a script language such as HTML or JavaScript), thereby starting Web application 141. One method for starting Web application 141 is to start it by inputting a URL for starting Web application 141 into Web browser 114. More specifically, when a URL is input into Web browser 114, server system 140 transmits client program 116, which constitutes a part of Web application 141, to Web browser 114. Next, Web browser 114 receives and executes client program 116 from server system 140, thereby starting Web application 141. In other words, Web application 141 is executed by Web browser 114 issuing an execution instruction via client program 116 to server program 143, which is being executed by a CPU (not shown) of program execution server 142. More specifically, the web browser 114 is configured to output an execution command for the server program 143 to the server system 140 (program execution server 142) and to display the processing results of the server program 143.

[0019] The print application 117 transmits print data 146 to a printer 121 connected directly to the client terminal 110 or connected via a network 130, and performs printing.

[0020] The printer 121 executes printing based on print data created by the information processing system 100. The storage device 118 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD for storing image data, templates, etc. The input device 119 is an input device such as a keyboard or pointing device for inputting to the information processing system 100. Depending on the form of the input device, it may be integrated with a monitor and may be a touch panel that allows input by directly touching the monitor. The monitor 120 is a display device for displaying image information output by the information processing system 100.

[0021] 1 is merely an example, and is not limited to this example. For example, the client terminal 110 may be configured to include at least one of a storage device 118, an input device 119, and a monitor 120.

[0022] <Webアプリケーション> Next, the basic processing of the Web application 141 performed in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a Web application, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in the Web application, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a preflight check screen.

[0024] 2 is realized by the CPU 111 reading the client program 116 stored in the ROM 112 or the like of the client terminal 110 into the RAM 113 and executing it. More specifically, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is executed by the CPU 111 of the client terminal 110 having the web browser 114. That is, the CPU 111 of the client terminal 110 reads the client program 116 received from the server system 140 into the RAM 113 and executes it, thereby executing the process by the CPU 111 operating the web browser 114. More specifically, this process is executed by the web browser 114 by the program analysis unit 115 within the web browser 114 interpreting and executing the client program 116 received from the server system 140. That is, this process can also be said to be a process that the client program 116 causes the web browser 114 and the client terminal 110 to execute. When the client program 116 is executed by the web browser 114 , a web application 141 provided by the server system 140 is executed through the web browser 114 .

[0025] 2 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process indicates a step in the sequence diagram (the same applies to flowcharts in this specification). The process in FIG. 2 begins after the web browser 114 launches the web application 141.

[0026] In S201, the CPU 111 receives an instruction from the user to select a production. Then, the CPU 111 sets the type of production (poster, flyer, album, calendar, etc.) in response to the user's operation. In the following, various processes are executed on the content data corresponding to the type set here. Furthermore, the content data generated and edited in this process is data for printing the production type set here. Furthermore, the following description will be given assuming that a poster has been selected.

[0027] In S202, CPU 111 determines whether a template has been selected in response to a user operation on the screen of Web application 141 in Fig. 3. The screen of Web application 141 shown in Fig. 3 is the screen of Web application 141 that Web browser 114 displays on monitor 120. When the user selects template selection button 321 in category selection area 320, CPU 111 displays a list of templates in template selection area 330. If the user selects a template from this area, the determination result in S202 is true, and the process proceeds to S203.

[0028] In S203, CPU 111 receives an instruction to select a template. CPU 111 then generates poster data using the selected template and displays the poster data in editing area 340. The poster data is content data for printing a poster. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a user selects template 331 from template selection area 330 and layout is performed automatically. When the processing of S203 is completed, or when the determination result of S202 is false, CPU 111 proceeds to S204.

[0029] In S204, the CPU 111 executes editing processing in response to an editing operation from the user. Then, the CPU 111 reflects the editing content in the poster data and displays it in the editing area 340. Specific examples of editing operations include adding, moving, or resizing an object. When the processing of S204 ends, the CPU 111 proceeds to S205.

[0030] The Web application 141 has an environment setting function that allows the user to change the display when editing to suit their preferences. Examples of the settings include display settings for the cutting area, or display settings for a grid or guide lines that serve as a guide for placement in the editing area 340. The environment setting button 390 is used to change the display when editing to suit the user's preferences.

[0031] In S205, the CPU 111 determines which button has been pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 3 in response to a user operation. If the determination result in this step is "Print," that is, if the CPU 111 detects that the print button 360 has been pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S206. In S206, the CPU 111 accepts an instruction for a pre-printing pre-flight check. Here, a pre-flight check is a function that analyzes content data before output to determine whether the placement of objects is appropriate and prompts the user to make corrections as necessary. Upon accepting an instruction for a pre-flight check, the CPU 111 analyzes the content data, and if there are no parts that should be corrected, the CPU 111 ends the processing of S206. On the other hand, if the CPU 111 finds parts that should be corrected, it displays a pre-flight check screen 401 shown in FIG. 4.

[0032] The preflight check screen 401 in FIG. 4 is a screen displayed in the display area of ​​the monitor 120. The preflight check screen 401 in FIG. 4 includes a “Check Corrections” button 402 and a “Proceed Without Corrections” button 403. The “Check Corrections” button 402 and the “Proceed Without Corrections” button 403 are operation areas for accepting user selections. When the user presses the “Check Corrections” button 402 on the preflight check screen 401, the CPU 111 accepts the user input, transitions the display screen to the editing area 340, and prompts the user to correct the relevant portion. On the other hand, when the user presses the “Proceed Without Corrections” button 403 on the preflight check screen 401, the CPU 111 accepts the user input and terminates the processing of S206. Note that, in this embodiment, the preflight check is performed in the Web application 141 as an example, but is not limited to this example. The preflight check may also be performed in the print application 117, which performs subsequent processing. When the processing of S206 ends, the CPU 111 proceeds to S207. In S207, the CPU 111 accepts the print instruction and transmits the content data to the print application 117.

[0033] If the determination result in S205 is "save", that is, if pressing of save button 370 is detected, CPU 111 proceeds to S208. In S208, CPU 111 executes processing to save the content data. If the determination result in S205 is "end", that is, if pressing of end button 380 is detected, CPU 111 proceeds to S209. In S209, CPU 111 accepts an instruction to end the application.

[0034] When any one of the processes of S207, S208, and S209 ends, the CPU 111 accepts the end of the content editing process, and a series of processes is completed. Although not shown in the figure, if a button other than printing, saving, or ending is pressed in S205, a process corresponding to the pressed button is performed, and then the determination of S205 may be continuously performed. The above is an outline of the basic process of the Web application 141.

[0035] <List of Contents of Web Application> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list display of created contents in the Web application 141 of the present embodiment. The screen of FIG. 5 is a screen displayed in the display area of the monitor 120. When the user edits or outputs (prints, orders, transmits, uploads, etc.) content using the Web application 141, the CPU 111 saves the content data and displays it on the content list screen 50 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5(a) is a list display screen of icons 511 to 512 showing "editing" content data. FIG. 5(b) shows a list display screen of icons 521 to 522 showing "output completed" content data.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5 , the Web application 141 of this embodiment displays icons representing content data that is “being edited” and icons representing content data that has “been output.” The user can switch the display of the content list by selecting either the “being edited” tab 51 in FIG. 5( a) or the “output” tab 52 in FIG. 5( b). That is, the Web application 141 of this embodiment displays a graphical user interface in a display area in which icons representing content data that is being edited and icons representing content data that has been output are classified into different areas. Each icon also displays a representative image of the content data, a title, the last update date and time, and the like, making it easy for the user to identify the content. Note that if the content data is data for printing content corresponding to a single page of printed material such as a poster or flyer, the representative image of the content data is, for example, the entire image represented by the content data. Note that if the content data is data for printing content corresponding to multiple pages of printed material such as an album or calendar, the representative image of the content data is, for example, one of the images represented by the content data, such as a cover. The content for which the content data is to be printed can be set by the process in S201 executed when the content data is created or edited.

[0037] As indicated by the symbols in FIG. 5(a), the content list screen 50 has an edit button 513, a preview button 514, and a delete button 515 arranged corresponding to each piece of content. When the user presses the edit button 513, preview button 514, or delete button 515 for a piece of content, the CPU 111 detects the button press and executes the respective process. For example, when the CPU 111 detects the press of the edit button 513, it transitions to an edit screen for the content data. When the CPU 111 detects the press of the preview button 514, it displays a preview of the content. When the CPU 111 detects the press of the delete button 515, it deletes the content. That is, the CPU 111 deletes the content data and the corresponding icon.

[0038] In this embodiment, the icons representing the content are displayed separately based on their status using the "Editing" tab 51 and the "Output" tab 52, but this is not limiting. Icons for all content may be displayed together on a single content list screen 50. This concludes the overview of the content list display in a Web application.

[0039] <Editing restrictions on output content data> Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for restricting editing of output content. Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are diagrams showing a content list screen 50 of this embodiment, which is a screen displayed in the display area of ​​the monitor 120. Below, with reference to Figs. 6 to 9, the restriction on editing of output content performed in this embodiment will be described.

[0040] In this embodiment, when an edit operation by a user on output content is detected, the user is prompted to copy the content, and a restriction process is performed so that the copied content, rather than the output content, is edited. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(a), it is assumed that icons 521-522 of "output" content data are present on the content list screen 50. In this state, a case where a user presses an "Edit" button 5211 using the cursor 700 on the content data icon 521 is detected will be described as an example. That is, a case where an edit operation on the content data indicated by the icon 521 is received from the user will be described as an example.

[0041] 6 is realized by the CPU 111 reading out the client program 116 stored in the ROM 112 or the like of the client terminal 110 into the RAM 113 and executing the program, similar to the process described with reference to FIG. 2. More specifically, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is executed by the CPU 111 of the client terminal 110 having the Web browser 114. That is, the Web application 141 provided by the server system 140 is executed in the Web browser 114 by executing the client program 116 by the Web browser 114. The process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is initiated when a content editing operation by a user is detected. Specifically, the process is initiated when any of the edit button, preview button, or delete button is pressed on the content list screen 50.

[0042] In S601, CPU 111 detects which operation button has been pressed for the target content. As described above, in this example, it is detected that "Edit" button 5211 in Fig. 7(a) has been pressed. If it is detected that "Edit" button 5211 has been pressed, CPU 111 proceeds to S602.

[0043] In S602, the CPU 111 determines whether the content to be processed for which the "Edit" button 5211 was pressed has already been output. For example, in this embodiment, the content data indicated by the icon 521 to be processed is the content displayed in the "Output" tab 52 in FIG. 7(a), so the determination result in S602 is true. If the determination result in S602 is true, the CPU 111 proceeds to S603. If the determination result in S602 is false, the CPU proceeds to S607.

[0044] In S603, the CPU 111 displays a message prompting the user to copy the content. Specifically, a message dialog 73 such as that shown in FIG. 7(b) is displayed. The message dialog 73 includes a message indicating that the output content can only be previewed. The message dialog 73 also includes a message indicating whether the content should be copied and edited.

[0045] Next, in S604, the CPU 111 determines whether the user will copy and edit the content to be processed. Specifically, it determines whether the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "Yes (copy and edit)" button 74 in the message dialog 73 of FIG. 7(b) or the pressing of the "No" button 75. If the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "Yes (copy and edit)" button 74, the determination result of S604 is true. If the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "No" button 75, the determination result of S604 is false. If the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "Yes" button 74, the determination result of S604 is false. If the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "No" button 75, the determination result of S604 is false. If the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of S604, the CPU 111 proceeds to S605. If the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of

[0046] In S605, CPU 111 copies the content to be processed without deleting it from "Output" tab 52. Specifically, CPU 111 copies the content data indicated by icon 521 that was displayed in "Output" tab 52. At this time, CPU 111 also copies the icon corresponding to icon 521. Note that the icon may be copied by copying icon 521 as is, or may be copied by generating a new icon indicating the content data from the copied content data. In this way, in S605, the content is copied without being deleted from "Output" tab 52. Therefore, when "Output" tab 52 is displayed again after the processing of this flowchart is completed, icon 521 of the content that was the source of the copy will also continue to be displayed.

[0047] Next, in S606, the CPU 111 sets the copied content as the content to be edited. As a result, an icon 518 of the copied content is displayed in the "editing" tab 51, as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen displayed by the "editing" tab 51 after the copied content has been set as the content to be edited. Note that the "editing" tab 51 does not have to be displayed in the processing of S606 at this time. After this processing and in a state in which the content data indicated by the icon 518 has not yet been output, if the user performs an operation to display the "editing" tab 51, the "editing" tab 51 as shown in FIG. 8 will be displayed. After setting the copied content as the content to be edited, the CPU 111 transitions to an editing screen for editing the copied content. Next, the CPU 111 proceeds to S607.

[0048] In S607, the CPU 111 accepts editing processing of the content. For example, when the processing of S607 is performed after S606, the CPU 111 accepts editing processing of the content data of the copied content. On the other hand, in S607, which is performed after it is determined in S602 that the content has not been output, the CPU 111 accepts editing processing of the content data to be processed. When the editing processing of the content data is completed, the CPU 111 ends the processing of the flowchart in FIG.

[0049] For example, after S606, when the processing of S607 is completed, a content list screen 50 such as that shown in Fig. 8 is obtained. The copied content is displayed in the "Editing" tab 51, as indicated by icon 518 in Fig. 8. That is, the copied content (corresponding to icon 518) can be subjected to an "edit" operation by the user as a separate content from the already output content (corresponding to icon 521). The above is the flow of a series of processes when the "Edit" button is pressed in this embodiment.

[0050] 8, the content after copying (corresponding to icon 518) has been edited by the user, and the edited content has been saved. Therefore, the last update date and time of the content data after copying indicated by icon 518 is different from the last update date and time of the content data (icon 521) of FIG. 7(a), which is the content before copying. By checking the last update date and time of each piece of content, the user can recognize that the content indicated by icon 518 has been edited in some way after the content data of the content indicated by icon 521 was output.

[0051] In this example, a message prompting the user to copy the content is displayed in S603, and a step of determining whether to copy and edit the content is performed in S604 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The processing of S603 and S604 may be skipped, and the processing of S605 may be performed.

[0052] Next, a case where the "Preview" button 5212 is pressed on the content list screen 50 will be described.

[0053] In S601, the CPU 111 detects which operation button has been pressed for the content to be processed. If the "Preview" button 5212 in Fig. 7(a) has been pressed, the CPU 111 proceeds to S608.

[0054] In S608, the CPU 111 determines whether the content to be processed has already been output. If the content to be processed has not already been output, the CPU 111 proceeds to S610, and if the content to be processed has already been output, the CPU 111 proceeds to S609.

[0055] In S610, the CPU 111 performs a preflight check on the content to be processed. As described above, a preflight check is a function that analyzes content data before output to determine whether the placement of objects is appropriate and prompts the user to make corrections as necessary. Upon receiving an instruction to perform a preflight check, the CPU 111 analyzes the content data and branches the processing, as in the processing from S611 onwards, depending on whether any corrections need to be made.

[0056] In S611, the CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a part that needs to be corrected by the preflight check. If the determination result in S611 is true, that is, if there is a part that needs to be corrected, the CPU 111 proceeds to S612.

[0057] 4, and accepts a user's selection as to whether or not to confirm the corrections. If the determination result of S612 is true, that is, if the user's confirmation of the corrections has been accepted, the CPU 111 proceeds to S607. In S607, the CPU 111 accepts the content editing process. On the other hand, if the determination result of S612 is false, that is, if the user's confirmation of the corrections has not been accepted, the CPU 111 proceeds to S609.

[0058] The process proceeds to S609 when the content to be processed has not been output, when there is no part to be corrected by the preflight check, and when the user selects not to check the parts to be corrected.Furthermore, the process proceeds to S609 when the content to be processed has already been output.

[0059] In S609, the CPU 111 displays a preview screen of the content to be processed. For example, if the content to be processed is content that has already been output, the preview screen is displayed so that the user can check the layout of the output content at the time of output, etc. Here, as in the process leading to S609 after the determination result of S608 is true, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 does not perform a preflight check on the output content. In other words, the CPU 111 performs a process to prevent the output (e.g., printed) content from transitioning to an editing screen due to the determination result of the preflight check. This prevents the transition to an editing screen for editing the output content, thereby preventing the user from erroneously editing the output content.

[0060] Furthermore, even if there is no part to be corrected by the preflight check in S611, or if a selection is received not to check the part to be corrected, the CPU 111 displays a preview screen of the content to be processed. When the processing of S609 ends, the CPU 111 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The above is the flow of a series of processes when the "Preview" button is pressed in this embodiment.

[0061] Next, a case where the "Delete" button is pressed on the content list screen 50 will be described.

[0062] In S601, CPU 111 detects which operation button has been pressed for the target content. If "Delete" button 5213 in FIG. 7(a) has been pressed, CPU proceeds to S613. In S613, CPU 111 deletes the content to be processed. That is, CPU 111 deletes the content data to be processed and the corresponding icon. Then, CPU 111 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. The above is the flow of a series of processes when the "Delete" button is pressed in this embodiment.

[0063] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which, when pressing of the "Edit" button for output content is detected, copying of another content is prompted; however, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a "Copy and Edit" button 901 may be displayed for output content instead of the "Edit" button. When the "Copy and Edit" button 901 is pressed, the same processing as when the "Edit" button is pressed in the above example can be performed. As shown in FIG. 9, a content list screen may be configured as a UI indicating that copying processing will be performed when editing output content. This can prevent erroneous editing of output content.

[0064] 6, an example has been described in which a preflight check of output content is not performed when "preview" is instructed. Although not shown, the CPU 111 may be configured not to perform a preflight check of output content when a command other than "preview," for example, "print" is instructed, as well.

[0065] Although the present embodiment has been described assuming a single user, it is also useful when there are multiple users. For example, assume a case where multiple people collaboratively edit content data to perform design editing. In this case, information about the user who output the content may be displayed in the content list under the "Output" tab. This configuration makes it clear which user output the content and when. It is also possible for multiple users to simultaneously edit the same content. In such a case, when a first user performs an output process, the CPU 111 displays the content at the time the first user performed the output process and information about the first user in the content list under the "Output" tab. On the other hand, when a second user who is editing the content saves the content after completing the editing, the second user may be prompted to make a copy of another content, as described in the present embodiment. In this way, when the processing of the present embodiment is applied to multiple people, it can also be used to manage each user's work history.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous editing of output content. That is, in this embodiment, when an editing operation on output content is detected, the output content is made uneditable and the user is prompted to copy it as another editable content. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous editing of output content.

[0067] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example in which content data is stored within an application was described. That is, a form in which content data is stored as part of the application's data was described. In the present embodiment, an example in which content data is stored differently from the first embodiment is described. Specifically, in the present embodiment, an example in which content data is a content file stored outside the application is described. That is, in the present embodiment, an example in which content may include content data and a content file icon representing the content data is described. Content files are managed under a file system of a general OS. Furthermore, content files are displayed using a predetermined icon in the OS file system. In the present embodiment, an example in which erroneous editing of output content can be prevented even when such content files are used is described. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment can be the same as the example described in the first embodiment, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0068] <Editing restrictions on output content files> The editing restrictions on output content files in this embodiment will be explained below mainly with reference to Figures 10 to 13. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for restricting editing of output content. Figures 11, 12, and 13 are diagrams showing folders in which content files are stored, and are screens displayed in the display area of ​​monitor 120.

[0069] In this embodiment, when a content file saved in an external folder or the like is an output content file, a process is performed in which the output content file is made uneditable and the user is prompted to copy it as a separate editable content file.

[0070] In this embodiment, an output content file refers to a file that has been edited by a user using a content creation application and then subjected to processing such as printing, ordering, sending, or uploading. The content file itself holds information as attribute information as to whether the content file has been output. In other words, when a user performs an output operation such as printing, the content file holds as attribute information that the file itself has been output. More specifically, the application opens the content file of the content being edited and performs layout editing. Then, when an output instruction is received from the user, information indicating that the file has been output is written to the attribute information of the open content file. At this time, if the latest edited content has not been overwritten and saved in the content file, the content file is overwritten and saved with the latest content (i.e., the content at the time of output).

[0071] A content file is linked to an application that uses the content file through a function of the OS. When an instruction to open a content file is input in the OS file system, the OS launches the application associated with the content file, allowing operations such as editing or output in the application. The format (extension) of the content file varies depending on the application used, but in this embodiment, poster data in the ".cpfx3" format will be described as an example.

[0072] The processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 10 is realized by CPU 111 reading client program 116 stored in ROM 112 or the like of client terminal 110 into RAM 113 and executing it. That is, the processing of Fig. 10 is processing executed by web browser 114 started by CPU 111, similar to the example described in the processing of Fig. 6. Execution of client program 116 by web browser 114 results in web application 141 provided by server system 140 being executed in web browser 114.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A, a first content file 1161 in the "output" state exists in the content file storage folder 1100. The content file storage folder 1100 is displayed by the OS. In this embodiment, a case where a user operation to open (edit) the first content file 1161 in the "output" state stored in the storage folder 1100 is detected is described as an example. Note that, in this embodiment, an example of a user operation to open a file is when the user double-clicks the content file. When the OS accepts the user's double-click on the content file, it launches a content creation application associated with the content file. The launched application then begins editing the content file for which the double-click operation was accepted. Note that, as in the first embodiment, "output" of "output" content here collectively refers to printing, ordering, sending, uploading, or similar processes. Note that the file extension ".cpfx3" in FIGS. 11 to 13 is the extension for poster data and is an example of a content file.

[0074] When a user's edit operation (file open) of a content file is detected and an application is started, the CPU 111 starts the processing of FIG.

[0075] In S1001, CPU 111 determines whether the content to be processed has already been output. As described above, CPU 111 determines whether the content to be processed has already been output by referring to the attribute information of the content file. In this embodiment, the first content file 1161 (XXX.cpfx3) to be processed in FIG. 11(a) is a content file whose attribute information includes information indicating that the content has already been output, as described above. If the content to be processed has already been output, CPU 111 proceeds to S1002, and if the content to be processed has not already been output, CPU 111 proceeds to S1006.

[0076] In S1002, the CPU 111 displays a message prompting the user to copy the content. Specifically, the CPU 111 displays a message dialog 73 as shown in FIG.

[0077] Next, in S1003, the CPU 111 determines whether the user will copy and edit the content to be processed. Specifically, it determines whether the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "Yes (copy and edit)" button 74 in the message dialog 73 of Fig. 7(b) or whether the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "No" button 75. If the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "Yes (copy and edit)" button 74, it determines that the user will copy and edit the content to be processed, and the CPU 111 proceeds to S1004. If the CPU 111 has accepted the pressing of the "No" button 75, it determines that the user will not copy and edit the content to be processed, and the CPU 111 proceeds to S1007.

[0078] In S1004, the CPU 111 copies the content to be processed. In this copying process, the icon of the content file and the content data indicated by that content file are copied. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the CPU 111 copies the first content file 1161 (XXX.cpfx3) to generate a second content file 1162 (XXX_02.cpfx3). After S1004, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1005.

[0079] In S1005, the CPU 111 sets the duplicated and generated second content file 1162 (XXX_02.cpfx3) as the file to be edited. Then, the CPU 111 opens the second content file 1162 and transitions to an edit screen for the content of the second content file 1162. After S1005, the CPU 111 proceeds to S1006.

[0080] In S1006, the CPU 111 accepts editing processing of the content. For example, in the case where the process has proceeded to S1006 via S1005, the CPU 111 accepts editing processing of the second content file 1162 (XXX_02.cpfx3) generated by copying. In other words, the copied second content file 1162 (XXX_02.cpfx3) can accept an "edit" operation by the user as a content file separate from the output first content file 1161 (XXX.cpfx3).

[0081] As described above, the attribute information of the first content file 1161 includes information indicating that the file has been output. Therefore, if the first content file 1161 is duplicated in this state, the attribute information including the information indicating that the file has been output will also be duplicated. In other words, in the duplicated second content file 1162, there is a possibility that a determination that the file has been output will be made in a later process, even though the file has not been output. Therefore, in this embodiment, the duplication in S1004 may be controlled so that the attribute information is not duplicated. Alternatively, after generating the duplicated second content file 1162 including the attribute information, the CPU 111 may perform a process of deleting the attribute information indicating that the file has been output.

[0082] Next, a description will be given of the processing performed when it is determined in S1003 that the first content file 1161 (XXX.cpfx3) will not be copied and edited. In S1007, the CPU 111 displays a preview screen of the first content file 1161 (XXX.cpfx3). That is, the CPU 111 permits the user to only view the first content file 1161 (XXX.cpfx3). This allows the user to check the contents of the content file while preventing erroneous editing of the content file. When the processing of S1007 or S1006 is completed, the CPU 111 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10.

[0083] When the content editing process through S1004 and S1005 is completed, a content file storage folder 1100 such as that shown in Fig. 11(b) is obtained. The above is the flow of a series of processes in this embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, as described above, a content file that has been output externally via the printer 121 shown in Fig. 1 or the like can be applied as a file to be processed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Specifically, the present invention can also be applied to a content file that has been output as a separate file inside the client terminal 110 shown in Fig. 1.

[0085] An example will be described using the third content file 1271 (YYY.cpfx3) in FIG. 12(a). Assume that the user edits the third content file 1271 (YYY.cpfx3) and then outputs it as a separate file 1272 (YYY.png) in a different format (here, PNG format). The separate file 1272 is, for example, an image file that represents the content represented by the third content file 1271. When the separate file 1272 is output in this manner, the CPU 111 may perform processing to prevent erroneous editing of the original data, that is, the third content file 1271 (YYY.cpfx3). That is, upon outputting the separate file 1272, the CPU 111 copies the output third content file 1271 (YYY.cpfx3) to generate a fourth content file 1273 (XXX_02.cpfx3), as shown in FIG. 12(b). Then, the fourth content file 1273 is opened, and an editing screen by the user for the content of the fourth content file 1273 is accepted. With this configuration, even when a separate file is output inside the client terminal 110, erroneous editing of the output content file can be suppressed.

[0086] It is also possible to visually indicate whether a content file in the storage folder 1100 has been output. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 111 may display an output mark 1300 on the output first content file 1161 (XXX.cpfx4) and the output third content file 1271 (YYY.cpfx4). This allows the user to recognize that only viewing is possible. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the extension of the output content file is set to a different extension, "cpfx4," rather than "cpfx3." In this case, in the extension association in the OS, an application icon that includes the output mark 1300 is associated with the display icon for the "cpfx4" extension. This allows the user to recognize in the file system of the OS that only viewing is possible. In this way, the display of the output mark 1300 can be switched depending on the type of extension. The process of duplicating and editing a second content file 1162 (XXX.cpfx3) when opening the output first content file 1161 (XXX.cpfx4) is the same as the process described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, when an editing operation is detected on an output content file, the output content file is made uneditable and the user is prompted to copy it as a separate editable content file. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous editing of the output content file.

[0088] <<Other embodiments>> The functions of Web application 141 described in the first and second embodiments may be implemented in a single Web application 141. Alternatively, a first Web application having the functions described in the first embodiment and a second Web application having the functions described in the second embodiment may be provided separately. Furthermore, the information processing system may have only the first Web application or only the second Web application.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which each process is executed using the Web application 141, but the form does not have to be a Web application. That is, the process of each of the above-described embodiments may be executed using a native application installed in the client terminal 110, which is an information processing device.

[0090] Furthermore, the application to which the concept of the present disclosure can be applied is not limited to poster editing applications, but can also be applied to general content creation software such as layout editing applications for newly arranging object data, album editing applications, or image editing applications.

[0091] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the data name (file name) of the copied data is given a predetermined name that indicates that the data has been copied, but this is not limited to this. The user may be allowed to give any name.

[0092] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0093] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes configurations typified by the following information processing device example, information processing device control method example, and program example.

[0094] <Configuration 1> Computer, an output means for outputting the edited content; a restriction means for restricting editing of the content that has already been output by the output means; A program to function as a

[0095] <Configuration 2> 2. The program according to configuration 1, wherein the restriction means, when receiving an instruction to edit the output content, copies the output content to generate another content.

[0096] <Configuration 3> The program described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, when the restriction means receives an instruction to edit the output content, it displays a message in a display area prompting the user to copy the content, and when it receives an instruction to copy the content based on the message, it copies the output content and generates another content.

[0097] <Configuration 4> 4. The program according to configuration 3, wherein the message includes a message indicating that the content to be processed cannot be edited.

[0098] <Configuration 5> The program according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, characterized in that the restriction means sets the other content as the content to be edited based on receiving an instruction to edit the output content.

[0099] <Configuration 6> 6. The program according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, wherein the instruction to edit the output content is accepted by a user operation on an icon indicating editing that is displayed for each content.

[0100] <Configuration 7> 7. The program according to configuration 6, wherein the icon is a button indicating editing or a button indicating copying and editing.

[0101] <Configuration 8> The computer further functioning as a checking means for performing a preflight check when an instruction to preview content is received; The program described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that when the restriction means receives an instruction to preview the output content, it displays a preview screen without allowing the check means to perform a check.

[0102] <Configuration 9> The computer further serving as an additional means of adding published content to a list showing published content; The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the restriction means determines that the content to be processed is content that has already been output if the content to be processed is included in the list.

[0103] <Configuration 10> 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the list includes the last update date and time of each piece of content.

[0104] <Configuration 11> The computer The program described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, further functioning as a control means for displaying in a display area a graphical user interface in which content being edited and content that has already been output are classified into different areas.

[0105] <Configuration 12> The program described in any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the content is content that can be edited jointly by multiple users, and the restriction means, when the content has been output based on user operation by a first user, makes the content uneditable and prompts a second user to edit another content.

[0106] <Configuration 13> The program according to configuration 1, wherein the restriction means, when receiving an instruction to edit a first file of the output content, copies the first file to generate a second file.

[0107] <Configuration 14> The program described in configuration 1 is characterized in that, when the restriction means receives an instruction to edit a first file of the output content, it displays a message in a display area prompting the user to copy the content, and when it receives an instruction to copy the content based on the message, it copies the first file and generates a second file.

[0108] <Configuration 15> 15. The program according to claim 13, wherein the restriction means sets the second file as a file to be edited.

[0109] <Configuration 16> 15. The program according to configuration 14, wherein the restricting means displays a preview screen of the first file in a display area when an instruction to copy the content based on the message is not accepted.

[0110] <Configuration 17> 15. The program according to configuration 13 or 14, wherein the instruction to edit the first file of the output content is accepted by a user operation to open the first file.

[0111] <Configuration 18> The computer further functioning as an additional means for adding information indicating that the content has been output to the attribute information of the file of the content that has been output; The program described in any one of configurations 13 to 17, characterized in that the restriction means determines that the content to be processed is content that has already been output if the attribute information of the file of the content to be processed includes information indicating that it has already been output.

[0112] <Configuration 19> The program described in any one of configurations 13 to 18, characterized in that when generating the second file, the restriction means generates the second file so that the attribute information of the second file does not include information indicating that it has already been output.

[0113] <Configuration 20> The program according to any one of configurations 13 to 19, characterized in that the restriction means controls the display of the first file that has been output and the third file that has not been output using different icons.

[0114] <Configuration 21> 21. The program according to configuration 20, wherein the restriction means assigns different extensions to the first file and the third file.

[0115] <Configuration 22> 22. The program according to any one of configurations 13 to 21, wherein the output means executes a process of outputting a file in a different format as the output.

[0116] <Configuration 23> 22. The program according to any one of configurations 1 to 21, wherein the output means executes a process of printing, ordering, transmitting, or uploading as the output.

[0117] <Configuration 24> an output means for outputting the edited content; a restriction means for restricting editing of the content that has already been output by the output means; An information processing device comprising:

[0118] <Configuration 25> outputting the edited content; a step of restricting the content that has already been output by the output step from being edited; 1. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 110 Client Terminal 111 CPU 141 Web Applications

Claims

1. Computer, an output means for outputting the edited content; a restriction means for restricting editing of the content that has already been output by the output means; A program to function as a

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the restriction means, when receiving an instruction to edit the output content, copies the output content to generate another content.

3. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that the restriction means, when receiving an instruction to edit the output content, displays a message in a display area prompting the user to copy the content, and, when receiving an instruction to copy the content based on the message, copies the output content to generate another content.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the message includes a message indicating that the content to be processed cannot be edited.

5. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the restriction unit sets the different content as the content to be edited based on the reception of an instruction to edit the output content.

6. 3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the instruction to edit the output content is accepted by a user's operation on an icon indicating editing that is displayed for each content.

7. 7. The program according to claim 6, wherein the icon is a button indicating editing or a button indicating copying and editing.

8. The computer further functioning as a checking means for performing a preflight check when an instruction to preview content is received; The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that when the restriction means receives an instruction to preview the output content, it displays a preview screen without allowing the check means to perform a check.

9. The computer further serving as an additional means of adding published content to a list showing published content; 8. The program according to claim 1, wherein the restriction unit determines that the content to be processed is already outputted when the content to be processed is included in the list.

10. 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the list includes the last update date and time of each piece of content.

11. The computer The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further functioning as a control means for displaying in a display area a graphical user interface in which content being edited and content that has already been output are classified into different areas.

12. The program described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the content is content that can be edited jointly by multiple users, and the restriction means, when the content has been output based on user operation by a first user, makes the content uneditable and prompts a second user to edit another content.

13. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the restriction means, when receiving an instruction to edit a first file of the output content, copies the first file to generate a second file.

14. The program described in claim 1, characterized in that when the restriction means receives an instruction to edit a first file of the output content, it displays a message in a display area prompting the user to copy the content, and when it receives an instruction to copy the content based on the message, it copies the first file to generate a second file.

15. 14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the restricting means sets the second file as a file to be edited.

16. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the restricting means, when not accepting an instruction to copy the content based on the message, displays a preview screen of the first file in a display area.

17. 14. The program according to claim 13, wherein the instruction to edit the first file of the output content is accepted by a user operation to open the first file.

18. The computer further functioning as an additional means for adding information indicating that the content has been output to the attribute information of the file of the content that has been output; The program according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the restriction means determines that the content to be processed is content that has already been output if the attribute information of the file of the content to be processed includes information indicating that the content has already been output.

19. The program according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that when generating the second file, the restriction means generates the second file so that the attribute information of the second file does not include information indicating that the second file has already been output.

20. 18. The program according to claim 13, wherein the restriction means controls the display of the first file that has been output and the third file that has not been output using different icons.

21. 21. The program according to claim 20, wherein the restricting means assigns different extensions to the first file and the third file.

22. 18. The program according to claim 13, wherein the output unit executes a process of outputting a file in a different format as the output.

23. 8. The program according to claim 1, wherein the output unit executes a process of printing, ordering, transmitting, or uploading as the output.

24. an output means for outputting the edited content; a restriction means for restricting editing of the content that has already been output by the output means; An information processing device comprising:

25. outputting the edited content; a step of restricting the content that has already been output by the output step from being edited; 1. A method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:

Images