Information processing method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing method, an information processing device, and a program that improve the efficiency of organizing electronic documents. [Solution] An information processing method in which at least one processor 700 estimates the order of versions of a first electronic file and a second electronic file based on at least one of obtaining and comparing a first name, which is the file name of a first electronic file, and a second name, which is the file name of a second electronic file, and obtaining and comparing first metadata, which is the metadata of the first electronic file, and second metadata, which is the metadata of the second electronic file.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for organizing electronic documents have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for organizing and managing evidence, forms, and other documents related to a predetermined electronic contract in association with the contract document. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-057140 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot organize electronic documents efficiently enough. For example, there is room for further consideration regarding sorting electronic documents in the order of their versions.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing method, an information processing device, and a program that improve the efficiency of organizing electronic documents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure estimates the order of versions of a first electronic file and a second electronic file based on at least one of: obtaining and comparing a first name, which is the file name of a first electronic file, and a second name, which is the file name of a second electronic file; and obtaining and comparing first metadata, which is the metadata of the first electronic file, and second metadata, which is the metadata of the second electronic file. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method, an information processing device, and a program that improve the efficiency of organizing electronic documents. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display screen in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a display screen in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each device included in the system 1 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Note that in each drawing, components with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.)

[0010] 1. Overview Referring to FIG. 1 , an overview of the operation of a system 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as “system 1”) will be described. The system 1 estimates the version order of multiple electronic files (hereinafter, electronic files will be simply referred to as “files”). For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , in the case where three files have file names “xxx_latest.txt,” “xxx_latest_reviewed.txt,” and “xxx.txt,” the system 1 according to this embodiment can estimate the version order based on the presence or absence of a prefix and a suffix in the file names. Note that the file names in this embodiment may be the actual file names minus the extension. That is, if the actual file names are “xxx_latest.txt,” “xxx_latest_reviewed.txt,” and “xxx.txt,” the system 1 according to this embodiment treats these file names as “xxx_latest,” “xxx_latest_reviewed,” and “xxx,” respectively. While the extension “.txt” is shown here as an example, the extension may be, for example, “.doc,” “.docx,” “.pdf,” or any other extension.

[0011] Continuing with reference to Figure 1, an overview of the operation of system 1 inferring the order of versions will be described. A file name "xxx_latest" is a file name "xxx" with the suffix "_latest" added. Based on this information, system 1 infers that the file with the file name "xxx_latest" is a newer version than the file with the file name "xxx".

[0012] In addition, the file name "xxx_latest_reviewed" is the file name "xxx_latest" with the suffix "_reviewed" added. Based on this information, the system 1 estimates that the file with the file name "xxx_latest_reviewed" is a newer version than the file with the file name "xxx_latest".

[0013] Based on these estimation results, the system 1 estimates the order of the versions of the three files. In the example of Fig. 1, the system 1 may estimate that the file with the file name "xxx_latest_reviewed" is the latest version, the file with the file name "xxx_latest" is the next newest, and the file with the file name "xxx" is the oldest version.

[0014] Traditionally, when an electronic document is modified, a copy of the electronic document is created and the modifications are made to that copy. This practice results in multiple versions of a single document. Furthermore, these multiple electronic documents are often not managed in strict version order.

[0015] However, managing electronic documents in the order of their versions is important from the perspective of organizing information. In particular, when an electronic document is one that can be modified by multiple parties with mutual interests (e.g., a legal document such as a contract), the history of modifications can reflect the process of discussions between the multiple parties. In other words, when an electronic document relates to a contract, managing the electronic document in the order of its versions is particularly important.

[0016] As described with reference to Fig. 1, the system 1 estimates the order of file versions based on, for example, file names, etc. This makes it possible to solve the above-mentioned problems. The configuration and operation of the system 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0017] 2. Functional configuration The functional configuration of the system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The system 1 includes an information processing device 2, a terminal device 3, and a communication network 4. The information processing device 2 and the terminal device 3 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 4.

[0018] 2-1. Information processing device 2 The information processing device 2 of this embodiment accepts input of multiple files and estimates the version order of the multiple files. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 is a server device in the case where the terminal device 3 is a client device. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 is a cloud server device. Note that the information processing device 2 may be, for example, a device including one or more virtual or physical web server devices and one or more virtual or physical database server devices.

[0019] The information processing device 2 of this embodiment includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, a network interface unit 14, and a bus 16. The control unit 10, the storage unit 12, and the network interface unit 14 are electrically connected via the bus 16.

[0020] 2-1-1. Control unit 10 The control unit 10 can function as an acquisition unit 100, an estimation unit 102, a determination unit 104, an output unit 106, and a reception unit 108 by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 12, which will be described later.

[0021] 2-1-1A. Acquisition part 100 The acquisition unit 100 of this embodiment acquires information about a file. In one embodiment, the information about the file includes information about at least one of the file name and metadata of the file. The metadata of the file includes information about the time the file was created, the creator, the time the file was updated, and the person who updated it. An example of the metadata of the file is the properties of the file.

[0022] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit 100 acquires information about each of a plurality of files for which the version order is to be estimated. For example, when a first file, a second file, and a third file are the targets for which the version order is to be estimated, the acquisition unit 100 may acquire the file name of the first file, the file name of the second file, and the file name of the third file. In a similar case, the acquisition unit 100 may acquire metadata for the first file, the metadata for the second file, and the metadata for the third file.

[0023] In this embodiment, at least one of the multiple files for which the version order is to be estimated may be at least one other file, or a file to which changes have been made to a copy of the at least one other file.

[0024] In the present disclosure, acquiring information includes making the information processable in the control unit 10. Acquiring information may be, for example, receiving the information from another device, obtaining the information through predetermined processing, reading the information from the storage unit 12, etc.

[0025] 2-1-1B. Estimation section 102 The estimation unit 102 of this embodiment estimates the version order of multiple files that are estimation targets. Estimating the version order of multiple files may be estimating the order of the versions of the multiple files at the time of file creation, estimating the order at the time of last update, estimating the order at the time of file name determination, or determining the order in which values ​​of predetermined items of file metadata were determined.

[0026] In one embodiment, the estimation unit 102 estimates the version order of the first file and the second file. In one embodiment, the estimation unit 102 estimates the version order of the first file to the Mth file (where M is an integer equal to or greater than 3). The estimation unit 102 may estimate the version order of the first file to the Mth file by estimating the version order for all combinations (MC2 combinations) of two files from the first file to the Mth file and integrating these estimation results. The estimation unit 102 may estimate the version order of the first file to the third file by, for example, integrating the version order of the first file and the second file, the version order of the first file and the third file, and the version order of the second file and the third file.

[0027] The estimation unit 102 may estimate the version order of the first to M-th files when the determination unit 104, which will be described later, determines that the version order can be uniquely estimated.

[0028] (a) Inference based on prefixes and suffixes in the file name In one embodiment, the estimation unit 102 estimates that the version of the first file is later than the version of the second file when the file name of the first file is the file name of the second file to which at least one of a prefix and a suffix has been added. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 1, when the file name of the first file is "xxx_latest" and the file name of the second file is "xxx," the process by which the first file was created can be estimated based on the second file. This allows the estimation unit 102 to estimate that the version of the first file is later than the version of the second file (i.e., the first file is a newer version than the second file).

[0029] In this disclosure, "modifying a file" may mean adding, deleting, or changing the actual content of the file (e.g., the terms of a contract, etc.), or may mean adding, deleting, or changing the metadata of the file.

[0030] (b) Inference based on the time included in the file name In one embodiment, the estimation unit 102 estimates that the version of the first file is later than the version of the second file (i.e., the first file is a newer version than the second file) when the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file contain strings indicating a time, and the time contained in the string in the file name of the first file is later than the time contained in the string in the file name of the second file.

[0031] For example, if the file name of the first file is "xxx_20240502", it is estimated that the file was created (or modified) on May 2, 2024. Similarly, if the file name of the second file is "xxx_20240501", it is estimated that the file was created (or modified) on May 1, 2024. This allows the estimation unit 102 to estimate that the version of the first file is later than the version of the second file.

[0032] In this case, "20240502" and "20240501" correspond to "the time included in the character string of the file name of the first file" and "the time included in the character string of the file name of the second file", respectively.

[0033] In one embodiment, the estimation unit 102 may determine whether or not a file name of a file includes a string indicating a time point based on whether or not the file name of the file matches a regular expression related to a time point.

[0034] (c) Inference based on the numbers contained in the file name In one embodiment, the estimation unit 102 estimates that the version of the first file is later than the version of the second file when the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file contain numerical values ​​and the numerical value contained in the file name of the first file is greater than the numerical value contained in the file name of the second file.

[0035] If the file name of the first file is, for example, "xxx_1.0.2" and the file name of the second file is, for example, "xxx_1.0.1," it is estimated that the first file is a modified version of the second file. This allows the estimation unit 102 to estimate that the version of the first file is later than the version of the second file (i.e., the first file is a newer version than the second file). In this example, "1.0.2" and "1.0.1" correspond to the "numeric value contained in the file name of the first file" and the "numeric value contained in the file name of the second file," respectively.

[0036] Alternatively, if the file name of the first file is, for example, "xxx_2" and the file name of the second file is, for example, "xxx_1," it is estimated that the first file is a modified version of the second file. This allows the estimation unit 102 to estimate that the version of the first file is later than the version of the second file (i.e., the first file is a newer version than the second file). In this example, "2" and "1" correspond to the "numeric value contained in the file name of the first file" and the "numeric value contained in the file name of the second file," respectively.

[0037] (d) Estimation based on multiple criteria In one embodiment, when the estimation unit 102 estimates the version order of the first file and the second file by comparing the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file, the estimation unit 102 estimates the version order of the first file and the second file by applying at least two of the following (1) to (3) in accordance with the priority order: (1) First criterion: A criterion based on whether the file name of the first file is the file name of the second file with at least one of a prefix and a suffix added or deleted. (2) Second criterion: A criterion based on a character string indicating a time contained in each of the file names of the first file and the second file. (3) Third criterion: A criterion based on the numerical values ​​contained in the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file.

[0038] The first criterion is the criterion for making the inference described above in "(a) Inference based on prefixes and suffixes contained in file names." The second criterion is the criterion for making the inference described above in "(b) Inference based on time points contained in file names." The third criterion is the criterion for making the inference described above in "(c) Inference based on numerical values ​​contained in file names."

[0039] An example of the operation of the estimation unit 102 that estimates the order of versions based on a plurality of criteria will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the estimation unit 102 in this case.

[0040] First, the estimation unit 102 determines whether one of the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file has a prefix or a suffix added to the other (S100). If the determination in step S100 is YES, the estimation unit 102 estimates the version order of the first file and the second file based on a first criterion (S102).

[0041] If the determination in step S100 is NO, the estimation unit 102 determines whether the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file include a character string indicating a time point (S104). If the determination in step S104 is YES, the estimation unit 102 determines whether the time point indicated in the file name of the first file and the time point indicated in the file name of the second file are different time points (S105). If the determination in step S105 is YES, the estimation unit 102 estimates the version order of the first file and the second file based on a second criterion (S106).

[0042] If the determination in step S104 or step S105 is NO, the estimation unit 102 determines whether the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file include a numerical value (S108). If the determination in step S104 is YES, the estimation unit 102 determines whether the numerical value included in the file name of the second file is different from the numerical value included in the file name of the first file (S109). If the determination in step S109 is YES, the estimation unit 102 estimates the version order of the first file and the second file based on a third criterion (S110).

[0043] If the determination in step S108 or step S119 is NO, the estimation unit 102 cannot determine an appropriate criterion, and therefore, in one example, assumes that the first file is a newer version than the second file (S112). In another example, the estimation unit 102 returns an error indicating that estimation is not possible. In another example, the estimation unit 102 estimates that the first file and the second file are the same version.

[0044] For example, if the file name of the first file is "xxx_20240501" and the file name of the second file is "xxx_20240502_version1," the file name of the second file is the file name of the first file with a suffix (the "_version1" portion) added, and therefore the determination in step S100 is YES. As a result, the version order is estimated based on the first criterion. In this case, it is estimated that the second file is a newer version than the first file.

[0045] In another example, if the file name of the first file is "xxx_20240501_version1" and the file name of the second file is "xxx_20240502_version1," the file name of the second file and the file name of the first file are not the same as each other, with a prefix and a suffix added, and therefore a NO determination is made in step S100. Thereafter, the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file both contain character strings indicating time points ("20240501" and "20240502"), and therefore a YES determination is made in step S104. Furthermore, because these character strings indicate different time points, a YES determination is also made in step S105. As a result, the version order is estimated based on the second criterion. In this case, it is estimated that the second file is a newer version than the first file.

[0046] In another example, if the file name of the first file is "xxx_20240501_version1" and the file name of the second file is "xxx_20240501_version2," the file name of the second file and the file name of the first file are not the same as each other, with a prefix and a suffix added, so a NO determination is made in step S100. Thereafter, the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file both contain a character string indicating a time ("20240501" in both cases), so a YES determination is made in step S104. However, in this case, these character strings indicate the same time, so a NO determination is made in step S105.

[0047] Since the file name of the first file and the file name of the second file both contain character strings indicating numbers ("1" and "2") (other than the part indicating the time), the determination in step S108 is YES. Furthermore, since these numbers are different, the determination in step S109 is also YES. As a result, the version order is estimated based on the third criterion. In this case, it is estimated that the second file is a newer version than the first file.

[0048] This configuration allows the version order to be estimated according to various file name formats. Furthermore, as a result of extensive research by the inventors, it has been found that applying the first to third criteria in this order of priority improves the accuracy of estimating the version order compared to applying these criteria in a different order of priority.

[0049] 2-1-1C. Judgment section 104 In this embodiment, the determining unit 104 determines whether the version order can be estimated when there are three or more files to be estimated. For example, when estimating the version order of a first file, a second file, and a third file, assume that the estimation results by the estimating unit 102 include the following (1-1) to (1-3). (1-1) The first file is a newer version than the second file. (1-2) The first file is a newer version than the third file. (1-3) The second file is a newer version than the third file. In this case, the determining unit 104 determines that the version order can be uniquely estimated. In this example, the estimating unit 102 can estimate that the version order is the first file, the second file, and then the third file, in order from most recent to least recent.

[0050] As another example, it is assumed that the estimation result by the estimation unit 102 includes the following (2-1) to (2-3). (2-1) The first file is a newer version than the second file. (2-2) The second file is a newer version than the third file. (2-3) The third file is a newer version than the first file. In this case, the estimation results conflict. Specifically, according to the above (3-1) and (3-2), it is estimated that the first file is a newer version than the third file. In contrast, according to the above (3-3), it is estimated that the third file is a newer version than the first file. In such a case, the determination unit 104 determines that the order of the versions cannot be estimated.

[0051] Whether the version order of multiple files can be uniquely estimated can be determined based on whether a cycle exists in a directed graph indicating the estimated version order for the multiple files. FIG. 4A is a directed graph indicating the version order obtained by integrating the estimation results of (1-1) to (1-3) above. FIG. 4B is a directed graph indicating the version order obtained by integrating the estimation results of (2-1) to (2-3) above. In this way, the determination unit 104 may determine whether the version order can be uniquely estimated based on whether a cycle exists in a directed graph determined by estimating the version order for all combinations (MC2 combinations) of two files from the first file to the Mth file (i.e., whether the directed graph is a directed acyclic graph). Furthermore, if this graph is a directed acyclic graph, the estimation unit 102 can estimate the version order of the multiple files based on an algorithm such as topological sorting.

[0052] As another example, it is assumed that the estimation result by the estimation unit 102 includes the following (3-1) and (3-2). (3-1) The first file is a newer version than the second file. (3-2) The first file is a newer version than the third file. In this case, the determining unit 104 may determine that it can estimate the version order, but cannot uniquely estimate it. This is because, according to the estimation results of (3-1) and (3-2) above, the version order may be either the first file → the second file → the third file in reverse chronological order, or the first file → the third file → the second file. In this case, the estimating unit 102 does not need to output the estimation result, and may output multiple candidates for the version order.

[0053] 2-1-1D. Output section 106 The output unit 106 of this embodiment outputs the estimation result by the estimation unit 104. In the present disclosure, outputting information may mean at least one of transmitting the information to another device and outputting the information by audio or video.

[0054] 2-1-1E. Reception 108 The receiving unit 108 of this embodiment receives an input regarding the specification of the version order when the determining unit 104 determines that the version order cannot be uniquely estimated. In one embodiment, this input is made by the user via the terminal device 3.

[0055] When the receiving unit 108 receives an input regarding a specification of the order of versions, the determining unit 104 may determine whether or not the order of versions can be uniquely estimated by reflecting the specification received by the receiving unit 108 in the estimation result by the estimating unit 102.

[0056] In one example, when the estimation results by the estimation unit 102 include the above (2-1) to (2-3), the receiving unit 108 receives an input to ignore the estimation result of the above (2-3). As a result, there is no conflict between the above (2-1) and (2-2) and the above (2-3), and the determining unit 104 determines that the version order can be uniquely estimated. In this case, the estimation unit 102 can estimate that the order of the file versions is the first file → the second file → the third file, in order from most recent to least recent.

[0057] In another example, when the estimation result by the estimation unit 102 includes the above (2-1) to (2-3), the receiving unit 108 receives an input to change the estimation result of the above (2-2) to "The third file is a newer version than the second file." As a result, the determining unit 104 determines that the version order can be uniquely estimated. In this case, the estimation unit 102 can estimate that the version order of the above files is the third file → the first file → the second file, in order of newest.

[0058] 2-1-2. Storage section 12 The storage unit 12 of this embodiment stores various types of information that must be stored in order for the information processing device 2 to operate. The storage unit 12 stores various programs that the control unit 10 executes.

[0059] 2-1-3.Network Interface Unit 14 The network interface unit 14 of this embodiment realizes communication with other devices or systems via the communication network 4.

[0060] 2-2. Terminal device 3 The terminal device 3 of this embodiment is a device used by a user. The terminal device 3 may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The terminal device 3 may include an input device (for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, etc.) and an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, etc.). The terminal device 3 can communicate with other devices by executing an application such as a web browser.

[0061] 2-3.Communication Network 4 The communication network 4 of this embodiment realizes communication between the information processing device 2 and the terminal device 3. The communication network 4 realizes communication based on, for example, the TCP / IP protocol.

[0062] 3.Operation An example of the operation of the information processing device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 2.

[0063] First, the information processing device 2 acquires the file names of the multiple files to be estimated (S200). Next, the information processing device 2 determines a combination of files for which the version order is to be estimated (S202). Next, the information processing device 2 estimates the version order of the determined combination (S204). At this time, the information processing device 2 may estimate the version order based on, for example, the operation described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0064] Next, the information processing device 2 determines whether there is a combination for which the version order has not been estimated (S206). If the determination in step S206 is YES, the information processing device 2 changes the file combination (S208) and estimates the version order of the combination after the change (S204).

[0065] If the determination in step S206 is NO (that is, if the version order has been estimated for all combinations of the multiple files to be estimated), the information processing device 2 determines whether the version order can be uniquely estimated (S210).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6, an example of the estimation results from steps S200 to S208 is shown. FIG. 6A is a table showing an example of the version order estimated for the first to fourth files. FIG. 6B is an example of a directed graph obtained by integrating the estimation results for all combinations of two files from the first to fourth files. No cycles occur in FIG. 6B. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, in step S210, the information processing device 2 determines that the version order can be uniquely estimated.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 7, another example of the estimation results obtained by steps S200 to S208 is shown. FIG. 7A is a table showing an example of the version order estimated for the first to fourth files. FIG. 7B is an example of a directed graph obtained by integrating the estimation results for all combinations of two files from the first to fourth files. While in FIG. 6 the second file is estimated to be newer than the third file, in FIG. 7 the estimation result is reversed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, two cycles (first file → second file → third file / first file → second file → fourth file → third file) occur in the directed graph. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, in step S210, the information processing device 2 determines that the version order cannot be uniquely estimated.

[0068] If the determination in step S210 is YES, the information processing device 2 executes topological sorting and outputs the final estimation result (S212).

[0069] FIG. 8 shows an example of a display screen on the terminal device 3 in step S212. The example display screen in FIG. 8 displays an input file display area d100, an output file display area d102, and an order indicator d104. The input file display area d100 displays a list of files input as estimation targets. The output file display area d102 displays a final estimation result obtained by integrating estimation results for all combinations of two files from the first to fourth files. The order indicator d104 indicates the order of the versions of the files displayed in the output file display area d102, and in this example, the order is second file → first file → fourth file → third file in order of most recent.

[0070] On the other hand, if the determination in step S210 is NO, the information processing device 2 accepts an operation from the user (S214).

[0071] Fig. 9 shows an example of a display screen on the terminal device 3 in step S214. The example display screen in Fig. 9 displays an alert d200, a graph display area d202, a change order button d204, supplemental information d206, a preview display area d208, a change order button d210, supplemental information d212, and a preview display area d214.

[0072] The alert d200 indicates that a cycle has occurred in the directed graph showing the order of the versions of the first to fourth files. The graph display area d202 displays the part of the directed graph where the cycle has occurred.

[0073] The order change button d204 is a button that allows the user to change at least a part of the inference result by pressing it. In this example, the order change button d204 displays "The second file is newer than the third file." This corresponds to the fact that the user can change the inference result "The third file is newer than the second file" (see FIG. 7) in the opposite direction by pressing it.

[0074] The preview display area d208 shows a directed graph indicating the order of the versions of the first to fourth files when the user presses the change order button d204. Compared to the graph display area d202, the order of the versions of the second and third files has been swapped, which means that the cycle has been resolved.

[0075] The supplemental information d206 indicates what will happen to other cycles included in the directed graph showing the order of the versions of the first file to the fourth file when the user presses the change order button d204. As described with reference to FIG. 7B, in this example, in addition to the cycle of "first file → second file → third file" displayed in the graph display area d202, a cycle of "first file → second file → fourth file → third file" has occurred. The supplemental information d206 indicates that the latter cycle will also be resolved when the user presses the change order button d204.

[0076] The change order button d210 is a button that, like the change order button d204, allows the user to change at least a part of the inference result by pressing it. In this example, the change order button d210 displays "The third file is newer than the first file." This corresponds to the fact that the user can change the inference result "The first file is newer than the third file" (see FIG. 7) in the opposite direction by pressing it.

[0077] The preview display area d214 shows a directed graph indicating the order of the versions of the first to fourth files when the user presses the change order button d210. Compared to the graph display area d202, the order of the versions of the first to third files has been swapped, which means that the cycle has been resolved.

[0078] The supplemental information d212 indicates what will happen to other cycles included in the directed graph showing the order of the versions of the first file to the fourth file when the user presses the change order button d210. The supplemental information d212 indicates that even if the user presses the change order button d204, the cycle of "first file → second file → fourth file → third file" will also be resolved.

[0079] According to this configuration, even if the version order of a plurality of files cannot be uniquely estimated, the user can easily determine the order.

[0080] 4. Hardware Configuration 10, an example of a hardware configuration in which the devices included in the above-described system 1 are realized by a computer 70 will be described. Note that the functions of each device can also be realized by dividing them among multiple devices.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 10, a computer 70 includes a processor 700 , a storage device 702 , an input I / F 704 , a data I / F 706 , a communication I / F 708 , and a display device 710 .

[0082] The processor 700 controls various processes in the computer 70 by executing programs stored in the storage device 702. For example, each functional unit included in the control unit 10 of the information processing device 2 can be realized by the processor 700 executing the programs stored in the storage device 702.

[0083] The storage device 702 is a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The RAM temporarily stores the program code of the program executed by the processor 700 and data required when the program is executed.

[0084] The storage device 702 may also be a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory. The storage device 702 stores an operating system and various programs for implementing the above-described configurations. The storage medium storing the various programs may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage device 702 may also store tables that register various types of information and a DB that manages the tables. Such programs and data are loaded into the storage device 702 as needed and referenced by the processor 700.

[0085] The input I / F 704 is a device for receiving input from a user. Specific examples of the input I / F 704 include a camera, a button, a microphone, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, various sensors, and a wearable device. The input I / F 704 may be connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0086] The data I / F 706 is a device for inputting data from outside the computer 70. A specific example of the data I / F 706 is a drive device for reading data stored in various storage media. The data I / F 706 may be provided outside the computer 70. In this case, the data I / F 706 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0087] The communication I / F 708 is a device for performing data communication with devices external to the computer 70 via the communication network 4, either wired or wirelessly. The communication I / F 708 may be provided external to the computer 70. In this case, the communication I / F 708 is connected to the computer 70 via an interface such as a USB.

[0088] The display device 710 is a device for displaying various types of information. Specific examples of the display device 710 include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and a display of a wearable device. The display device 710 may be provided outside the computer 70. In this case, the display device 710 is connected to the computer 70 via, for example, a display cable. Furthermore, when a touch panel is adopted as the input I / F 704, the display device 710 can be configured as an integral part of the input I / F 704.

[0089] Furthermore, the components of the devices included in the system 1 described in the above embodiment are assumed to realize predetermined processing in cooperation with other hardware by the processor 700 executing a program stored in the storage device 702. In other words, these components are envisioned as both software or firmware and the corresponding hardware, and in both of these concepts, they are also referred to as "functions," "means," "parts," "processing circuits," "units," or "modules," and can be interpreted as such.

[0090] 5. Variations The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the order of file versions is estimated based on the file names of the files, but this is not limiting. The information processing device 2 may estimate the order of file versions based on metadata of the files (e.g., creation date and time or last update date and time). Furthermore, the information processing device 2 may estimate the order of file versions based on both the file names and metadata of the files.

[0092] The system 1 in the above embodiment may further include estimating the version order of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file when it is determined that the version order of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file can be uniquely estimated. In this case, when it is determined that the version order of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file cannot be uniquely estimated, the system 1 may not need to estimate the version order of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file, but may estimate the order of a part of the version order.

[0093] The information processing device 2 may be configured to be able to estimate the order of file versions based on a machine learning model (hereinafter simply referred to as a "model") including a neural network. In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 may be able to estimate the order of file versions of the first determination file and the second determination file based on a model that has learned training data in which the file names of the first training file and the second training file are associated with information about the versions of the first training file and the second training file.

[0094] In one embodiment, such a model is generated by training data that associates a numerical value corresponding to the newness of the first training file and a numerical value corresponding to the newness of the second training file with text in which the file names of the first training file and the second training file are combined according to a predetermined rule (for example, the text "[CLS]firstfile.txt[SEP]secondfile.txt" combined with a token [CLS] representing the beginning of the input and a token [SEP] representing a separator). Note that these numerical values ​​are an example of the "information about the versions of the first training file and the second training file" described above.

[0095] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 inputs text obtained by combining the file names of the first determination file and the second determination file according to a predetermined rule into the model, and thereby obtains, as output, a numerical value corresponding to the recency of the first determination file (hereinafter referred to as the "first output score") and a numerical value corresponding to the recency of the second determination file (hereinafter referred to as the "second output score"). Furthermore, the information processing device 2 can obtain, for example, the probability that the first determination file is newer than the second determination file (hereinafter referred to as the "first confidence factor") and the probability that the second determination file is newer than the first determination file (hereinafter referred to as the "second confidence factor") by applying a softmax function to the first output score and the second output score. When the softmax function is used, 0≦first confidence factor≦1, 0≦second confidence factor≦1, and the relationship "first confidence factor+second confidence factor=1" holds true.

[0096] The information processing device 2 can estimate that the first determination file is newer than the second determination file when the first certainty factor is greater than 0.5. Similarly, the information processing device 2 can estimate that the second determination file is newer than the first determination file when the second certainty factor is greater than 0.5.

[0097] In one embodiment, the information processing device 2 may estimate the version when the first certainty is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and may not estimate the version when the first certainty is less than the predetermined threshold. In one example, the information processing device 2 may estimate the version when the first certainty is 0.7 or greater (note that in this case, the first certainty is greater than 0.5, so it can be estimated that the first determination file is newer than the second determination file), and may not estimate the version when the probability that the first determination file is newer than the second determination file is less than 0.7.

[0098] The information processing device 2 may be configured to accept input of the threshold value from the user. By setting the threshold value to a relatively high value (e.g., 0.7 to 0.8), the information processing device 2 is able to estimate the version order of multiple files with higher accuracy. On the other hand, by setting the threshold value to a relatively low value (e.g., 0.5 to 0.6), the information processing device 2 is able to estimate the version order of various files regardless of the file name format, etc., as described in the above embodiment. In other words, by using different threshold values ​​depending on the situation, electronic documents can be organized more efficiently.

[0099] 6. Other configurations The present disclosure includes the following techniques:

[0100] [Appendix 1] An information processing method in which at least one processor 700 estimates the order of versions of a first electronic file and a second electronic file based on at least one of obtaining and comparing a first name, which is the file name of a first electronic file, and a second name, which is the file name of a second electronic file, and obtaining and comparing first metadata, which is the metadata of the first electronic file, and second metadata, which is the metadata of the second electronic file.

[0101] [Appendix 2] An information processing method as described in Appendix 1, wherein estimating the order of the versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file by comparing the first name and the second name includes estimating that the version of the first electronic file is later than the version of the second electronic file if the first name is the second name to which at least one of a prefix and a suffix has been added.

[0102] [Appendix 3] An information processing method as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein estimating the order of the versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file by comparing the first name and the second name includes estimating that the version of the first electronic file is later than the version of the second electronic file if the first name and the second name include strings indicating a time, and the time included in the string of the first name is later than the time included in the string of the second name.

[0103] [Appendix 4] An information processing method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein estimating the order of the versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file by comparing the first name and the second name includes estimating that the version of the first electronic file is later than the version of the second electronic file if the first name and the second name contain numerical values ​​and the numerical value contained in the first name is greater than the numerical value contained in the second name.

[0104] [Appendix 5] An information processing method according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein when estimating the order of versions of a first electronic file and a second electronic file by comparing a first name and a second name, the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file is estimated by applying at least two of the following criteria in order of priority: a first criterion regarding whether the first name is the second name to which at least one of a prefix and a suffix has been added or deleted; a second criterion based on a character string indicating a time contained in each of the first name and the second name; and a third criterion based on a numerical value contained in each of the first name and the second name.

[0105] [Appendix 6] estimating the version order of the second electronic file and the third electronic file based on at least one of obtaining a third name, which is the file name of the third electronic file, and comparing it with the second name, and obtaining third metadata, which is metadata of the third electronic file, and comparing it with the second metadata; and determining whether the version order of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file can be uniquely estimated based on a result of estimating the version order of the first electronic file and the second electronic file and a result of estimating the version order of the second electronic file and the third electronic file. 6. The information processing method according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, further comprising:

[0106] [Appendix 7] An information processing method as described in Appendix 6, further comprising estimating the order of the versions of the first electronic file and the third electronic file based on at least one of comparing with the first name and the third name and comparing with the first metadata and the third metadata, wherein determining whether the order of the versions of the first electronic file, the second electronic file and the third electronic file can be uniquely estimated is further based on the result of estimating the order of the versions of the first electronic file and the third electronic file.

[0107] [Appendix 8] 8. The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein estimating the order of the versions of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file is based on a topological sort.

[0108] [Appendix 9] An information processing device 2 having at least one processor 700, wherein the processor 700 estimates the order of versions of a first electronic file and a second electronic file based on at least one of obtaining and comparing a first name, which is the file name of a first electronic file, and a second name, which is the file name of a second electronic file, and obtaining and comparing first metadata, which is the metadata of the first electronic file, and second metadata, which is the metadata of the second electronic file.

[0109] [Appendix 10] A program that causes at least one processor 700 to execute the following: accepting a selection of a first electronic file and a second electronic file; obtaining and comparing a first name, which is the file name of the first electronic file, and a second name, which is the file name of the second electronic file; and outputting a version order of the first electronic file and the second electronic file that is estimated based on at least one of obtaining and comparing first metadata, which is metadata of the first electronic file, and second metadata, which is metadata of the second electronic file. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1...system, 2...information processing device, 3...terminal device, 4...communication network, 10...control unit, 10...appendix, 11...appendix, 12...storage unit, 14...network interface unit, 70...computer, 100...acquisition unit, 102...estimation unit, 104...determination unit, 104...estimation unit, 106...output unit, 108...reception unit, 700...processor, 702...storage device, 710...display device

Claims

1. At least one processor Obtaining and comparing a first name, which is a file name of a first electronic file, and a second name, which is a file name of a second electronic file; obtaining and comparing first metadata, which is metadata of the first electronic file, and second metadata, which is metadata of the second electronic file; and estimating the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file based on at least one of the above.

2. 2. The information processing method of claim 1, wherein estimating the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file by comparing the first name and the second name includes estimating that the version of the first electronic file is later than the version of the second electronic file if the first name is the second name to which at least one of a prefix and a suffix has been added.

3. 2. The information processing method of claim 1, wherein estimating the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file by comparing the first name and the second name includes estimating that the version of the first electronic file is later than the version of the second electronic file if the first name and the second name include strings indicating a time and the time included in the string of the first name is later than the time included in the string of the second name.

4. 2. The information processing method of claim 1, wherein estimating the order of the versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file by comparing the first name and the second name includes estimating that the version of the first electronic file is later than the version of the second electronic file if the first name and the second name contain numerical values ​​and the numerical value contained in the first name is greater than the numerical value contained in the second name.

5. In a case where the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file is estimated by comparing the first name and the second name, a first criterion as to whether the first name is the second name with at least one of a prefix and a suffix added or deleted; a second criterion based on a character string indicating a time point included in each of the first name and the second name; a third criterion based on a numerical value included in each of the first name and the second name; 2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file is estimated by applying at least two of the above in accordance with the priority order.

6. obtaining a third name, which is a file name of a third electronic file, and comparing it with the second name; obtaining third metadata, which is metadata of the third electronic file, and comparing it with the second metadata; estimating the order of versions of the second electronic file and the third electronic file based on at least one of a result of estimating the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file; and a result of estimating the order of versions of the second electronic file and the third electronic file; and determining whether the order of the versions of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file can be uniquely estimated based on the The information processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising:

7. comparing said first name with said third name; comparing the first metadata and the third metadata; and estimating the order of versions of the first electronic file and the third electronic file based on at least one of:

7. The information processing method of claim 6, wherein determining whether the version order of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file can be uniquely estimated is further based on the result of estimating the version order of the first electronic file and the third electronic file.

8. The information processing method according to claim 7 , wherein estimating the order of the versions of the first electronic file, the second electronic file, and the third electronic file is based on a topological sort.

9. An information processing device including at least one processor, The processor: Obtaining and comparing a first name, which is a file name of a first electronic file, and a second name, which is a file name of a second electronic file; obtaining and comparing first metadata, which is metadata of the first electronic file, and second metadata, which is metadata of the second electronic file; and estimating the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file based on at least one of the above.

10. At least one processor accepting a selection of a first electronic file and a second electronic file; Obtaining and comparing a first name, which is a file name of the first electronic file, and a second name, which is a file name of the second electronic file; obtaining and comparing first metadata, which is metadata of the first electronic file, and second metadata, which is metadata of the second electronic file; and outputting the order of versions of the first electronic file and the second electronic file estimated based on at least one of the above.

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