Program, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

This invention provides a program, an information processing system, and an information processing method that further reduce the occurrence of human error. [Solution] The program causes at least one computer to perform the following steps: In the acquisition step, information relating to the first application is acquired based on a document file created for filing the first application. The information relating to the first application includes at least information relating to the claims and information relating to the specification. In the output step, a group of files is output based on the information relating to the first application. The group of files includes a first file used for the first application and one or more second files used for the second application, the first file includes at least an HTML file, the second application is an application corresponding to the first application, and the second file includes at least a document file.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that reduces the occurrence of human errors and enables efficient creation of application documents.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Furthermore, there is a need for a technique that can efficiently create application documents such as patents. In particular, a technique for reducing the occurrence of human errors is desired.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an information processing system and the like that can further reduce the occurrence of human errors.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes at least one computer to perform the following steps: in the acquisition step, acquire information relating to a first application based on a document file created for filing a first application, wherein the information relating to the first application includes at least information relating to the claims and information relating to the specification; in the output step, output a group of files based on the information relating to the first application, wherein the group of files includes a first file to be used for the first application and one or more second files to be used for a second application, wherein the first file includes at least an HTML file, the second application is an application corresponding to the first application, and the second file includes at least a document file.

[0007] This configuration can further reduce the occurrence of human error. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of Information Processing System 1. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of Server 2. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of user terminal 3. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing the functions of Server 2. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an overview of the processes performed by Information Processing System 1. [Figure 6] This is an activity diagram showing a specific example of processing performed by Information Processing System 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an output screen 4 displayed on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3 in this embodiment. [Figure 8] This shows an example of the output screen 5 displayed on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3. [Figure 9] This shows an example of the output screen 6 displayed on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3. [Figure 10]This diagram illustrates the process by which the determination unit 233 determines the type of application of the application documents. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the process of modifying IF13, the application information included in the application documents. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the process of modifying the claim information IF11 included in the application documents. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the process of modifying the information in IF12 of the specification included in the application documents. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other.

[0010] Incidentally, the program for implementing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or it may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or it may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0011] Furthermore, in various information processing according to one embodiment, an input and an output corresponding to the input can be realized. Here, as long as an output is obtained as a result of the input, the form of the information referenced in such information processing (hereinafter referred to as "reference information") is not limited. The reference information may be, for example, rule-based information such as a database, a lookup table, or a predetermined function (including a decision formula such as a regression equation constructed by a statistical method), or a pre-trained model that has learned the correlation between input and output in advance, or a large-scale language model that can output a desired result by inputting a prompt.

[0012] Also, in one embodiment, the "unit" may include, for example, hardware resources implemented by a circuit in a broad sense and information processing of software that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. Also, in one embodiment, various types of information are handled, and these information are represented, for example, by physical values of signal values representing voltage and current, the high and low of signal values as a set of binary bits composed of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculation can be executed on a circuit in a broad sense.

[0013] Furthermore, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by appropriately combining at least a circuit (Circuit), circuitry (Circuitry), a processor (Processor), a memory (Memory), etc. Also, the processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0014] 1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of one embodiment will be described.

[0015] 1.1 Information Processing System 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 includes a server 2 and a user terminal 3. The server 2 and the user terminal 3 are configured to be communicable through a telecommunications line. In the present embodiment, the server 2 is in an on-premises form, that is, the case where the server 2 and the user terminal 3 belong to the same local area network will be described, but this is not limited thereto. Also, in one embodiment, the information processing system 1 is composed of one or more devices or components. For example, if it consists only of the server 2, the information processing system 1 can be the server 2. Hereinafter, these components will be described.

[0016] 1.2 Server 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 2. The server 2 executes processing for assisting the work of creating documents related to patent applications and the like. In particular, the server 2 outputs a file used for patent application processing and the like, and at the same time, executes processing for outputting a file of an application (second application AP2) that may be filed in the future and is related to the patent application (first application AP1). Details of the processing will be described later. The server 2 includes a communication bus 20, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a processor 23. The communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the processor 23 are electrically connected via the communication bus 20 inside the server 2.

[0017] <Communication Unit 21> The communication unit 21 preferably uses wired communication means such as USB, IEEE1394, Thunderbolt (registered trademark), wired LAN network communication, etc., but may include wireless LAN network communication, mobile communication such as 3G / LTE / 5G, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark) communication, etc. as needed. That is, it is more preferable to implement it as a set of these multiple communication means. That is, the server 2 may communicate various information from the outside via the communication unit 21 and the network.

[0018] <Storage Unit 22> The memory unit 22 stores various types of information as defined above. This can be done, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the server 2 executed by the processor 23, or as memory such as random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 22 stores various programs and variables related to the server 2 executed by the processor 23.

[0019] <Processor 23> The processor 23 (control unit) performs processing and control of the overall operation related to the server 2. The processor 23 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The processor 23 realizes various functions related to the server 2 by reading predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 22. That is, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 22 is concretely realized by the processor 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 23. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the processor 23 is not limited to a single unit, and may be implemented with multiple processors 23 for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0020] 1.3 User Terminal 3 User terminal 3 is a terminal used by a user, such as a laptop computer. Users include the applicant, employees of the applicant company, agents and paralegals at the agent's office who have been commissioned by the applicant. The type of terminal is not limited to desktop computers, tablet computers, or smartphones, as long as it can access server 2 via a telecommunications line.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of user terminal 3. User terminal 3 comprises a communication bus 30, a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a processor 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35. The communication unit 31, storage unit 32, processor 33, display unit 34, and input unit 35 are electrically connected within user terminal 3 via the communication bus 30. The descriptions of the communication unit 31, storage unit 32, and processor 33 are the same as those of each part in server 2 and are therefore omitted.

[0022] <Display section 34> The display unit 34 displays a graphical user interface (GUI) screen that can be operated by the user. The display unit 34 may be included in the casing of the user terminal 3 or it may be an external component. Specifically, the display unit 34 may be implemented as a display device such as a CRT display, liquid crystal display, organic EL display, or plasma display. It is preferable that these display devices be used according to the type of user terminal 3.

[0023] <Input section 35> The input unit 35 receives operation input from the user. The operation input is transferred as a command signal to the processor 33 via the communication bus 30. The processor 33 can perform predetermined controls or calculations based on the transferred command signals as needed. The input unit 35 may be included in the casing of the user terminal 3 or it may be external. For example, the input unit 35 may be implemented as a touch panel integrated with the display unit 34. When the input unit 35 is implemented as a touch panel, the user can input tap operations, swipe operations, etc. to the input unit 35. Instead of a touch panel, the input unit 35 can be a switch button, mouse, QWERTY keyboard, etc. In other words, the input unit 35 receives operation input from the user. This input is transferred as a command signal to the processor (control unit) 33 via the communication bus 30, and the processor 33 can perform predetermined controls or calculations as needed.

[0024] 2. Functional configuration of Server 2 This section describes the functional configuration. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of Server 2. As mentioned above, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 22 is concretely realized by hardware (specifically, the processor 23), and can be executed as each functional unit included in the processor 23. In other words, the information processing system 1 comprises each functional unit in the program.

[0025] Specifically, the processor 23 includes, as functional units, a reception unit 231, an acquisition unit 232, a determination unit 233, a generation unit 234, an output unit 235, and a display control unit 236.

[0026] The reception unit 231 is configured to receive various types of information as a reception step. Specifically, the reception unit 231 is configured to receive information via the communication unit 21 or the storage unit 22 and to read it into the working memory. Preferably, the reception unit 231 receives a file creation instruction via the input unit 35 of the user terminal 3, etc.

[0027] The acquisition unit 232 is configured to acquire various information as an acquisition step. Specifically, the acquisition unit 232 acquires information IF1 related to the first application from a document file created for filing the first application.

[0028] The determination unit 233 is configured to determine, as a determination step, whether the various pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit 232 meet predetermined conditions. Specifically, the determination unit 233 determines the attributes of the first application and the attributes of the second application based on the information relating to the application.

[0029] The generation unit 234 is configured to generate various files based on the acquired information as a generation step. Specifically, the generation unit 234 generates a first file and a second file based on the information IF1 relating to the first application. Details will be described later.

[0030] The output unit 235 is configured to output the file generated by the generation unit 234 as an output step. Details will be described later.

[0031] The display control unit 236, as a display control step, displays various information stored in the storage unit 22, or screens containing such information, in a manner that can be viewed on a terminal such as the user terminal 3. This presents various information to the user operating the user terminal 3. The display control unit 236 controls the display of visual information such as screens, images, icons, and messages on the terminal's display. The display control unit 236 may also generate only rendering information for displaying visual information on the terminal.

[0032] 3. Information Processing The information processing of Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0033] 3.1 Overview of the process The program causes the computer to execute each step of the information processing system 1. In other words, such an information processing system 1 comprises at least one processor 23, and the processor 23 is programmed to perform the following parts. From another perspective, such an information processing method comprises the steps of the information processing system 1 described below. Figure 5 is a flowchart outlining the process performed by the information processing system 1. The steps shown in Figure 5 will be explained below.

[0034] First, in the acquisition step, information IF1 relating to the first application is acquired based on the document file DC0 created for filing the first application AP1 (step S011). Here, information IF1 relating to the first application includes at least information IF11 regarding the claims and information IF12 regarding the specification. Furthermore, in the output step, a group of files is output based on information IF1 relating to the first application (step S012). Here, the group of files includes a first file used for the first application AP1 and one or more second files used for the second application AP2. The first file includes at least an HTML file. The second application AP2 is the application corresponding to the first application AP1. The second file includes at least a document file.

[0035] In this configuration, when outputting a file for filing the original application or basic application, it is possible to simultaneously create files for related applications to be filed in the future, such as applications with priority rights or divisional applications. Therefore, when filing such applications in the future, it is possible to avoid human error such as mixing up the data for the basic application or original application.

[0036] 3.2 Specific Examples of Information Processing Figure 6 is an activity diagram showing a specific example of processing performed by the information processing system 1. The specific example may be included within the scope defined in the overview described above. The specific example shows the activity flow for information processing performed by server 2 to output a first file used for the filing procedure of the first application AP1 and a second file relating to the second application AP2.

[0037] Here, the first application is the application that the user intends to file. The application procedure is carried out using internet application software, but as preparation for using the internet application software (hereinafter referred to as application preparation), it is necessary to create an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) file. Here, the first HTML file HT1 (an example of the first file) will be used. The first HTML file HT1 is generated based on the original electronic file (hereinafter may be referred to as the original document file DC0) used to create such a file. That is, the original document file DC0 is a document file created for filing the first application. Furthermore, the first application AP1 is assumed to be a patent application or a utility model registration application. In this embodiment, the first application AP1 is described as a patent application in Japan (hereinafter may be referred to as a regular application), which is neither a divisional application nor a priority claim application, but is not limited to this.

[0038] In the following specific example, the application preparation is performed by Server 2. That is, Server 2 and User Terminal 3 are connected via the Internet, and the service for preparing the application may be provided via Server 2 (a so-called SaaS model). Alternatively, Server 2 and User Terminal 3 may belong to the same local area network. Specifically, Server 2 and User Terminal 3 may be physically located in the same place (for example, within the same patent office), or User Terminal 3 may be virtually connected to the local area network related to Server 2 using a VPN. If they belong to the same local area network, it is preferable that the user remotely controls Server 2 using User Terminal 3.

[0039] Furthermore, the second application AP2 is an application corresponding to the first application AP1. More specifically, the second application AP2 is an application related to the first application AP1 that may be filed in the future. Here, an application related to the first application AP1 may be, for example, a divisional application or a modified application with the first application AP1 as the original application, and at least one of a Paris Convention priority claim application, a national priority claim application, or an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty with the first application as the basic application. Moreover, if the first application AP1 is a utility model registration application, it may also be a patent application based on the utility model registration. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the error of mixing up the data of the basic application or the original application when filing a divisional application, priority application, modified application, or international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in the future.

[0040] Hereafter, a divisional application with the first application as the original application may simply be referred to as a "divisional application." Similarly, a modified application with the first application as the original application may simply be referred to as a "modified application." Furthermore, a Paris Convention priority claim application with the first application as the basic application may be referred to as a "Paris Convention priority application," and a domestic priority claim application may be referred to as a "domestic priority application." Additionally, an international application based on the Patent Cooperation Treaty with the first application as the basic application may simply be referred to as a "PCT application."

[0041] The second document file DC2 (an example of the second file) is a file used in preparation for filing a second application AP2 in the future. The second document file DC2 is generated based on the original document file DC0 relating to the first application AP1. The second document file DC2 contains at least some of the information contained in the original document file DC0. Furthermore, the second document file DC2 has a user-editable structure.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second application AP2 includes a divisional application, a domestic priority claim application, a Paris Convention priority claim application, and a PCT application. That is, a second file is generated consisting of a file for the divisional application, a file for the domestic priority claim application, a file for the Paris Convention priority claim application, and a file for the PCT application. In each of these application files, the second file includes at least a second document file DC2, and depending on the application format, the second file may further include a second HTML file HT2. Further details will be described later.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the original document file DC0 and the second document file DC2 are described as Word files, but this is not limited to them. Such document files include, but are not limited to, electronic data files in formats such as text, PDF, CSV, XML, Word, Excel, and PPT. In addition, the first HTML file HT1 used in the actual application processing is a type of text file that records character data, and its content is described using HTML, which is used to construct web pages.

[0044] First, the reception unit 231, as a reception step, receives an instruction from the user to create a first HTML file HT1 (an example of a first file) via input from the user to the input unit 35 (Activity A101). Here, such an instruction includes information that can identify the original document file DC0. For example, such an instruction may include the path where the original document file DC0 is stored. Such an instruction may also include an operation to upload the original document file DC0 to a specified location. If the server 2 is being operated remotely, such an instruction may be given with the original document file DC0 open locally on the server 2.

[0045] Next, the acquisition unit 232, as an acquisition step, acquires the information IF1 relating to the first application from the original document file DC0 identified in activity A101 (activity A102). The original document file DC0 contains the information IF1 relating to the first application. In this embodiment, the information IF1 relating to the first application is described as including at least the claim information (an example of information regarding the scope of claims) IF11, the specification information IF12, and the application information IF13, but is not limited to this. For example, the information IF1 relating to the first application may not include the application information IF13.

[0046] Next, the determination unit 233 performs a determination step in which it determines whether the claims of the first application AP1 include multiple claims (Activity A103). Specifically, based on the claim information IF11 obtained in Activity A102, the determination unit 233 determines whether each claim included in the claims is an independent claim or a dependent claim. If a dependent claim is included, the determination unit 233 determines whether it is a multiple claim based on the reference relationship of that dependent claim.

[0047] Activity A103 describes the case where the determination unit 233 determines that the claims of the first application AP1 include multiple claims. In such a case, the processor 23 performs a process to resolve the multiple claims. Specifically, the processor 23 performs a process to change the claims referenced by the claim that is a multiple claim (Activity A104). The processor 23 then performs a process to change the description of the reference for the claim whose reference relationship has been changed (Activity A105). Subsequently, the process proceeds to Activity A106.

[0048] On the other hand, if the determination unit 233 determines in activity A103 that the claims of the first application AP1 do not include multiple claims, the process proceeds directly to activity A106. In activity A106, the generation unit 234 generates a first HTML file HT1 based on at least the claim information IF11, the specification information IF12, and the application information IF13. Here, the first HTML file HT1 is an example of a file used in the application processing.

[0049] Independent of the processing related to activities A103 to A106, processor 23 executes a process to create a second file. This process will be described in activities A107 to A109 and activities 111 to 113. In this embodiment, the second file generated in activities A107 to A109 will be described as the second document file DC2a. The second file generated in activities 111 to 113 will be described as the second document file DC2b.

[0050] The generation unit 234 performs the process of duplicating the information IF1 relating to the first application (activity A107). Specifically, the generation unit 234 duplicates at least the claim information IF11, the specification information IF12, and the application information IF13, which are included in the information IF1 relating to the first application.

[0051] Next, the generation unit 234 generates a new application information IF23, which includes a change information IF30 in which part of the application information IF13 has been modified (Activity A108). Details will be described later.

[0052] Next, the generation unit 234 generates a second document file DC2a (an example of a second file) (Activity A109). The second document file DC2a includes information IF2 relating to the second application. Information IF2 relating to the second application includes at least the new application information IF23 generated in Activity A108, the claim information IF11, and the specification information IF12. The file name of the second document file DC2a is determined based on the file name of the original document file DC0. Details will be explained in Figure 9 and subsequent figures. Furthermore, the generation unit 234 generates a folder for storing the second document file DC2a.

[0053] Independent of the processes related to activities A103-A106 and A107-A109, processor 23 executes a process to create yet another second file. Specifically, processor 23 executes a process to create a second document file DC2b to be used in an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (an example of a second application AP2) based on the first application AP1 (activities A111-A113).

[0054] Similar to Activity A107, the generation unit 234 duplicates the information IF1 relating to the first application (Activity A111). Specifically, the generation unit 234 duplicates at least the claim information IF11 and the specification information IF12, which are included in the information IF1 relating to the first application.

[0055] Next, the generation unit 234 generates claim information IF21 and specification information IF22 related to the second application AP2 (activity A112). Claim information IF21 includes change information IF30, which is at least a part of the claim information IF11 duplicated in activity A111. Specification information IF22 has a similar configuration. Details will be described later.

[0056] Next, the generation unit 234 generates a second document file DC2b (Activity A113). The second document file DC2b includes information IF2 relating to the second application. Information IF2 relating to the second application includes at least the claim information IF21 and the specification information IF22 generated in Activity A112. Furthermore, the generation unit generates a folder for storing the second document file DC2b (Activity A113). The method for determining the file name relating to the second document file DC2b is the same as described in Activity A109, and the details will be described later.

[0057] The output unit 235 then outputs the files and folders generated in activities A106, A109, and A113, respectively, as a file group (activity A114). Preferably, the destination of the file group may be determined based on the path where the original document file DC0 is stored. Details will be described later.

[0058] The above is the processing flow for the specific example.

[0059] In addition, in activities A111 to A113 of Figure 6, not only PCT application files but also Paris Convention priority application files and national priority application files may be generated simultaneously.

[0060] (Regarding multiple claims) Furthermore, in the generation of the first HTML file HT1 in Figure 6 (Activities A103-A106), if the claims of the original document file DC0 include multiple claims, the processor 23 performs a process to change the citation relationships of the claims. On the other hand, in the generation of the second file (Activities A107-113), even if the claims of the original document file DC0 include multiple claims, it is preferable that the second file is output in a manner that maintains the citation relationships. In other words, the first file is configured so that the cited claims that are the source of the predetermined claim are changed so that it is no longer a multiple claim. The second file is configured so that the cited claims that are the source of the predetermined claim are maintained. With this configuration, it is possible to output files containing claims with different citation relationships depending on the type of application. More specifically, the file corresponding to the country where multiple claims are permitted has a configuration that maintains the multiple claims. Therefore, the user can reduce the effort required to prepare future applications. 4. Related technical matters

[0061] (Output screen 4) Figure 7 shows an example of the output screen 4 displayed on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3 in this embodiment. The output screen 4 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 34 after the completion of the processing in activity A114 in Figure 6. More specifically, the display control unit 236 displays the output screen 4 on the display unit 34 in response to user input after the processing to output the file group has been executed. The output screen 4 includes visual information 41 to 44.

[0062] Visual information 41 indicates the folder where the application files used for a divisional application (an example being the second application AP2) are stored. The folder corresponding to visual information 41 contains the files generated in activities A107 to A109 in Figure 6.

[0063] Visual information 42 indicates the folder where the application files used for the priority claim application (an example of the second application AP2) are stored. The folder corresponding to visual information 42 contains the files generated in activities A111 to A113 in Figure 6. Details of the folders and files are explained in Figure 9.

[0064] As shown in the visual information 41 and 42 of output screen 4, the file group is output in a manner in which the second file is stored in a folder for each second application. With this configuration, for related applications that may be filed in the future, a folder is created for each type of application, and the files are managed in a manner in which they are stored in each folder. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the user making the mistake of mistaking files when filing such applications in the future.

[0065] Visual information 43 is information indicating the first HTML file HT1 used in the application processing of the first application AP1. Visual information 43 is associated with a path indicating the location where the first HTML file HT1 is stored. In response to input from the user for visual information 43, the first HTML file HT1 is displayed to the user in a manner visible to the user by a predetermined application. The first HTML file HT1 is the file generated in activities A103 to A106 in Figure 6.

[0066] Visual information 44 is information indicating the original document file DC0. As shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the files and folders included in the file group be stored at the same hierarchical level as the storage location of the original document file DC0. More specifically, it is preferable that the first HTML file HT1 be output at the same hierarchical level as the storage location of the original document file DC0. Similarly, it is preferable that the folder related to the second application AP2 be stored at the same hierarchical level as the storage location of the original document file DC0.

[0067] (Output screen 5) Figure 8 shows an example of an output screen 5 displayed on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3. Output screen 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 34 by receiving input from the user for the visual information 42 of output screen 4. Output screen 5 includes visual information 51 to 56.

[0068] Visual information 51 to 56 indicates the folders in which the application files used for priority claim applications are stored. As shown in Figure 8, preferably, the group of files output by the output unit 235 includes multiple folders. Each of the multiple folders corresponds to a type of application. Each folder stores the files used for the application. More specifically, the file "★★Priority Draft" corresponding to visual information 42 in Figure 7 may include folders corresponding to visual information 51 to 56, such as domestic priority applications, PCT applications, Paris Convention priority applications (for the United States), Paris Convention priority applications (for Europe), Paris Convention priority applications (for other countries), and Taiwanese applications. Furthermore, the files stored in each folder corresponding to visual information 51 to 56 may have the same content, but more preferably, some of the information contained in the files may differ depending on the application format. Details will be described later.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, this embodiment describes an example in which files are generated for each country of application or type of application for a priority claim application, but this is not limited to this. For example, only one document file used for the priority application and one folder containing that file may be generated. More specifically, only one priority folder may be created in which the second document file DC2, etc., described in Figure 9 and later, is stored in the "★★Priority Draft" folder in Figure 7. In such a case, the folder and files may be duplicated by receiving a copy instruction from the user. Furthermore, the files may be edited by the user in order to conform to the respective application format. With this embodiment, the user can generate only the folders and files corresponding to the planned applications.

[0070] (Output screen 6) Figure 9 shows an example of an output screen 6 displayed on the display unit 34 of the user terminal 3. Output screen 6 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 34 by receiving input from the user for the visual information 52 of output screen 5. Output screen 6 includes visual information 61 to 64. In this embodiment, a file for a PCT application is described as an example of a second application AP2.

[0071] Visual information 61 is information indicating a folder containing files related to drawings used in a PCT application. For example, the folder corresponding to visual information 61 may contain files in which the drawing information has been converted into images.

[0072] Visual information 62 is information indicating the second HTML file HT2. The role of visual information 62 is the same as that of visual information 43 in Figure 7, so no explanation is given. Thus, the second file may further include an HTML file. In such a case, the claim information IF21, the specification information IF22, and the drawing information contained in the second HTML file HT2 are the same as the information (IF11, IF12, and the drawing information) contained in the original document file DC0.

[0073] The second HTML file, HT2, is used in the filing procedure when filing a PCT application, which is the second application AP2, with the same content as the first application AP1. In other words, the second HTML file HT2 is used in the filing procedure when no additions or modifications are needed from the content of the first application AP1. This configuration makes it easier to perform the filing work for related applications that may be filed in the future. More specifically, in such related applications, the process can be started by uploading the files to the filing software, reducing the effort required from the user.

[0074] On the other hand, if additions or modifications are necessary to the information relating to the first application AP1, which is the basic application, the second document file DC2 included in the file group is used for preparing the application. Visual information 64 is information indicating the second document file DC2b. The role of visual information 64 is the same as that of visual information 44 in Figure 7, so an explanation is omitted.

[0075] The second document file DC2b includes at least claim information IF21 and specification information IF22. This information is the same as the claim information IF11 and specification information IF12 contained in the original document file DC0, respectively. The user can edit the second document file DC2b. Furthermore, in response to the user's instruction to create an HTML file for the edited second document file DC2b, an HTML file for use in the application is generated. With this configuration, even if additions or modifications to the basic application are required in a PCT application, the user can easily create the file for use in the application. Furthermore, the user can avoid the error of mistaking information from the basic application.

[0076] Furthermore, visual information 63 is information indicating a file for modifying the drawings of the second application AP2. The role of visual information 63 is the same as that of visual information 43 in Figure 7, so an explanation is omitted. The drawing information contained in the file corresponding to visual information 63 may be identical to the drawing information contained in the first application AP1. That is, in activity A111 in Figure 6, the drawing information may be further duplicated. Preferably, the file containing the drawing information may be duplicated. The user can edit the file corresponding to visual information 63, similar to the second document file DC2b.

[0077] Visual information 64 is information indicating the second document file DC2b. The role of visual information 64 is the same as that of visual information 43 in Figure 7, so an explanation is omitted. The second document file DC2b includes at least information IF2 relating to the second application.

[0078] Here, we will explain an example of how file names are determined. As shown in output screen 4 of Figure 7, the original document file DC0 (visual information 44) has the file name "IPX001.docx (identifier indicating the extension)". This indicates that the reference number for identifying the first application AP1 is "IPX001". Furthermore, the file name of the first HTML file HT1 (visual information 43) is "IPX001.htm (identifier indicating the extension)", and it is assigned a reference number similar to the original document file DC0.

[0079] In contrast, as shown in the output screen 6 of Figure 9, the second document file DC2b (visual information 64) has the file name "IPX001YW.docx (identifier indicating the extension)". Such a file name is determined by the processor 23 based on the file name of the original document file DC0. For example, a case with the file name "IPX001YW" is described as a PCT application or Paris Convention priority claim application based on a case with the file name "IPX001". As another example, a case with the file name "IPX001B" may be a divisional application with the file name "IPX001" as the original application. As yet another example, a case with the file name "IPX001Y" may be a domestic priority claim application with the file name "IPX001" as the basic application. The rules for assigning file names are not limited to these.

[0080] Figure 9 illustrates the case where the second application AP2 is a PCT application as an example, but files and folders with a similar structure may be output even if the second application AP2 is a divisional application, a national priority application, or a Paris Convention priority application (hereinafter referred to as a divisional application, etc.). Preferably, some of the multiple files corresponding to the divisional application, etc. may differ from the files shown in Figure 9. For example, if the second file relating to the divisional application, etc. contains application information IF13, the second HTML file HT2 (corresponding to visual information 62) in Figure 9 may not be generated. When the user prepares such a divisional application, etc. as the second application AP2, they first edit the second document file DC2 (corresponding to visual information 64). Subsequently, it is preferable that the second HTML file HT2 is generated based on the edited second document file DC2 in response to input from the user.

[0081] (Explanation of the process for determining the type of application) Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the process by which the determination unit 233 determines the type of application of the application documents. This process corresponds to activity A110 in Figure 6. Figure 10 includes application documents 7a related to a regular application and application documents 7b related to a divisional application.

[0082] In Figure 10, areas 71 and 72 are areas where information is displayed by the header function of the document file. Hereinafter, the information displayed by the header function may be referred to as header information. In this embodiment, such header information will be described as corresponding to the file name described in Figure 9. The header information "IPX001" in area 71 is an example of information indicating that application document 7a is a regular application. In contrast, the header information "IPX001B" in area 72 is an example of information indicating that application document 7b is a divisional application with the application related to application document 7a as the original application. The header information is not limited to this. Furthermore, if the application document is a document used for a domestic priority claim application based on the application related to application document 7a, the header information may be "IPX001Y". If the application document is a document used for a Paris Convention priority claim application or a PCT application of the application related to application document 7a, the header information may be "IPX001YW".

[0083] (Explanation of the process for changing information IF13 on the application form) Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of modifying the application information IF13 included in the application documents. This embodiment is described assuming that the application information IF13 is included in the information IF1 related to the first application. This modification process corresponds to activity A108 in Figure 6.

[0084] Application document 8a in Figure 11 shows an example of application information IF13 relating to the first application AP1. Application document 8a includes area 81a. Application document 8b also shows an example of application information IF23 relating to the second application AP2. Application document 8b contains application information based on the format of a divisional application (an example of the second application AP2). Application document 8b includes area 81b and areas 82-83. The information described in these areas includes change information IF30 which is a modification of application information IF13.

[0085] Area 81a in application document 8a corresponds to area 81b in application document 8b. Areas 81a and 81b are areas where the reference number is written. Area 81a is labeled "IPX001". On the other hand, area 81b is labeled "IPX001B", which is different from the information written in area 81a. As described above, the number assigned to the second application AP2 has an identifier structure that allows the relationship with the related first application AP1 to be understood.

[0086] The change information IF30 described in areas 82 and 83 of application document 8b is new information added to the information contained in application document 8a. Specifically, area 82 is the area in which information that the second application AP2 is a divisional application is described. Area 83 is the area in which information that allows identification of the original application is described. Note that at the time the processing in activity A108 in Figure 6 is executed, the first application AP1 has not yet been filed, so the application number and filing date have not been determined. Therefore, it is preferable that the information described in area 83 be configured to be changeable later by user editing.

[0087] In summary, the information IF1 related to the first application further includes information IF13 related to the application form. Furthermore, the second file includes a modified version of the information IF1 related to the first application. This configuration allows for the creation of the file used for the first application procedure, while simultaneously creating the application forms for related applications that may be filed in the future. More specifically, information from the application form related to the first application can be partially reused to create the application forms for related applications that may be filed in the future. Therefore, the effort required for the user to create application forms can be reduced.

[0088] (Description of the process for changing the information in claim IF11) Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the process of modifying the claim information IF11 included in the application documents. This process corresponds to activity A112 in Figure 6.

[0089] The application document 9a in Figure 12 shows an example of claim information IF11 relating to the first application AP1. Application document 9a includes area 91. Application document 9b contains claim information IF21 based on the format of a PCT application (an example of a second application AP2). Application document 9b includes area 92. In the processing of activity A112 in Figure 6, the generation unit 234 modifies a part of application document 9a to generate application document 9b corresponding to the format of a PCT application. That is, a part of the claim information IF21 described in area 92 is change information IF30. Such change information IF30 is specified according to the application type of the second application AP2.

[0090] More specifically, the generation unit 234 generates a second document file DC2 in a manner that includes change information IF30, which is a change from "[Document Name] Claims" corresponding to the format of a Japanese patent application to "[Document Name] Claims" corresponding to the format of a PCT application.

[0091] In summary, the second file contains change information IF30, which is a modified version of information IF1 related to the first application. Change information IF30 is identified according to the attributes of the second application AP2. Furthermore, the attributes are the intended country of application or the type of application related to the second application AP2. This configuration makes it easy to generate files corresponding to the format of each related application that may be filed in the future. More specifically, it reduces human error when editing files to match the application format corresponding to the type of related application or the intended country of application.

[0092] (Explanation of the process for changing information IF12 in the specification) Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the process of modifying information IF12 in the specification included in the application documents. This process corresponds to activity A112 in Figure 6.

[0093] The application document 10a in Figure 13 shows a portion of the specification information IF12 relating to the first application AP1. Application document 10a includes area 101. Application document 10b shows an example of the specification information IF22 relating to the second application AP2. Application document 10b includes area 102. Application document 10b contains the specification information IF22 in a format based on the form of a PCT application (an example of the second application AP2). Similar to Figure 12, in the processing of activity A112 in Figure 6, the generation unit 234 modifies a portion of application document 10a to generate application document 10b corresponding to the form of a PCT application. That is, the portion of the specification information IF22 described in area 102 is the change information IF30. This change information IF30 is specified according to the application type of the second application AP2.

[0094] More specifically, area 101 is the area where the [Explanation of Symbols] is written, and each symbol and its explanation is separated by a line break. This is the format that corresponds to the document format of a Japanese patent application. On the other hand, area 102 is also the area where the [Explanation of Symbols] is written, similar to area 101, and each symbol and its explanation is separated by a comma [,]. This is the format that corresponds to the document format of a PCT application.

[0095] In other words, the generation unit 234 generates the second document file DC2 in a manner that includes change information IF30, in which a portion of the specification information IF12, which has a configuration corresponding to the document format of the first application AP1, is changed to a configuration corresponding to the document format of the second application AP2. This manner reduces human error when editing the application preparation file to match the format corresponding to the type of related application or the country where the application is to be filed.

[0096] More preferably, Information IF2 relating to the second application may include a configuration in which the information regarding the selected figures of the "abstract" is removed from Information IF1 relating to the first application. Such an embodiment can reduce human error when editing the application preparation files to conform to the PCT application format.

[0097] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the case where the second application AP2 is a PCT application as an example, but similarly, if the second application AP2 is a divisional application, a national priority application, or a Paris Convention priority application (hereinafter referred to as a divisional application, etc.), the change information IF30 may be included in at least a part of the application documents.

[0098] As an example, let us explain the case where the second application AP2 is a Paris Convention priority application filed in the United States. In such a case, the specification information IF22 may include at least the change information IF30. The change information IF30 is preferably information about related applications (cross-reference to related applications). More specifically, the specification information IF22 included in the second application AP2 may include a configuration in which the "Title of Invention" item and its description are added after the "Cross-Reference to Related Applications" item in the specification information IF12 of the first application AP1.

[0099] As another example of a case where the second application AP2 is a Paris Convention priority application to the United States, the section and description of "Explanation of Symbols" may be removed from the description of the specification. More specifically, the specification information IF22 included in the second application AP2 may include a configuration in which the "Explanation of Symbols" included at the end of the specification information IF12 in the first application AP1 is removed.

[0100] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example in which a second document file DC2 is created in a manner in which a part of the information IF1 relating to the first application is modified, it is not limited to this. For example, the second file output in activity A114 in Figure 6 may have the same content as the original document file DC0. Subsequently, in response to receiving instructions from the user to perform modification processing to match the application format of the second application AP2, such modification processing shown in Figures 11 to 13 may be executed on the second file. 5. Others With respect to the information processing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the following embodiments may be adopted.

[0101] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first application AP1 is neither a divisional application nor a priority claim application, but this is not limited to that. Below, the procedures for the case where the first application AP1 is a divisional application and the case where the first application AP1 is a priority claim application will be described separately.

[0102] (If the first application AP1 is a divisional application) First, let's describe an example where the first application AP1 is a divisional application. For example, after the processing of activity A102 in Figure 6 is performed, the determination unit 233 may determine the type of application for the first application AP1.

[0103] The type of application for the first application AP1 may be determined based on information contained in the original document file DC0. For example, consider the case where the original document file DC0 is a Word file. In such a case, the determination unit 233 may obtain the type of the first application AP1 based on information contained in the header of the original document file DC0. Alternatively, for example, the determination unit 233 may determine the type of the first application AP1 based on application information IF13 contained in the original document file DC0. Furthermore, the determination unit 233 may determine the type of the first application AP1 based on an identifier indicating the type of application contained in the file name of the original document file DC0.

[0104] If the determination unit 233 determines that the first application AP1 is a divisional application, the second document file DC2 used for the priority claim application does not need to be generated. In other words, activities A111 to A113 in Figure 6 do not need to be executed. To put it another way, the "★★Priority Draft" folder corresponding to the visual information 42 in Figure 7 and the files stored in that folder do not need to be generated. The Patent Act stipulates that it is not possible to file an application claiming domestic priority with a divisional application as the basic application. For this reason, if the first application AP1 is a divisional application, it is preferable that the files related to the priority claim application among the second files are not generated. On the other hand, since it is possible to file a divisional application with a divisional application as the parent application, even if the first application AP1 is a divisional application, it is preferable that the "★★Draft for Division" folder corresponding to the visual information 41 in Figure 7 and the files stored in that folder be generated.

[0105] In this configuration, folders and files of types for which there are no patent applications will not be created. Therefore, the creation of unnecessary folders, etc., can be avoided.

[0106] (If the first application AP1 is a priority claim application) Next, we will describe an example where the first application AP1 is a priority claim application. Similar to the case where the first application AP1 is a divisional application, for example, after the processing of activity A102 in Figure 6 is performed, the determination unit 233 may determine the type of application of the first application AP1. The method for determining the type may also be similar.

[0107] If the first application AP1 is a priority claim application, the second document file DC2 does not need to be generated. That is, activities A111 to A113 in Figure 6 do not need to be executed. In other words, the "★★Priority Draft" folder and the files stored in that folder, corresponding to the visual information 42 in Figure 7, do not need to be generated. Generally, it is considered that there are few cases in which a priority claim application is made based on another priority claim application. For this reason, if the first application AP1 is a priority claim application, it is preferable that the files related to the priority claim application among the second files are not generated. On the other hand, since it is possible to make a divisional application with a priority claim application as the parent application, even if the first application AP1 is a divisional application, it is desirable that the "★★Draft for Division" folder and the files stored in that folder, corresponding to the visual information 41 in Figure 7, be generated.

[0108] In summary, the program outputs a file set in a modified form when the information IF1 relating to the first application meets certain conditions, with the structure of the second file included in the file set being altered. Furthermore, the specified conditions include cases where the type of the first application AP1 is a divisional application or an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. With this configuration, folders and files are not output with uniform content, but rather folders and other files for relevant applications according to the patent system are output. More specifically, folders and files relating to applications that are impossible to file or are extremely unlikely to be filed under the patent system are not created. Therefore, the creation of unnecessary folders and other files can be avoided.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a second file is generated in a form that includes application information IF23, which is a modified version of application information IF13. However, this is not limited to this example. For example, in activity A109 of Figure 6, the generation unit 234 may create a second file that includes a form in which application information IF13 is deleted. That is, the information IF1 relating to the first application further includes application information IF13, and the second file includes a form of the information IF1 relating to the first application in which the application information is deleted. In this form, the second file is generated with a configuration that includes at least the claims and specification information, which contains a large amount of reusable information. Therefore, the burden on the user can be reduced when filing related applications in the future.

[0110] Furthermore, the user may be able to select whether the second file output in activity A109 of Figure 6 includes application information IF23 or whether it has the application information IF13 removed. This configuration allows for the output of a file with a configuration that suits the user's needs.

[0111] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example in which the second application AP2 includes a divisional application, a PCT application, and a priority claim application, it may also include a modification application. Specifically, the second application AP2 may include a modification application that changes the first application AP1, which is a patent application, into a utility model registration application or a design application. With such an embodiment, the user can generate files that meet the application needs and reduce the effort required to prepare the application.

[0112] In this embodiment, the server 2 is described as being in an on-premises configuration, that is, the server 2 and user terminal 3 belong to the same local area network, but this is not limited to this. The server 2 may also be in a cloud configuration. As a cloud-based server 2, for example, the above functions and processing may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service) or cloud computing.

[0113] Furthermore, preferably, in activity A101 in Figure 6, the user may input instructions while the original document file DC0 is open. Specifically, it is preferable that the receiving unit 231 receives instructions from the user while the original document file DC0 is displayed in a manner visible to the user by a predetermined application.

[0114] In the above embodiment, Server 2 performed various storage and control functions, but instead of Server 2, multiple external devices may be used. That is, various information and programs may be distributed and stored across multiple external devices using blockchain technology or the like.

[0115] Furthermore, the following embodiments may also be provided.

[0116] (1) A program that causes at least one computer to perform the following steps: in the acquisition step, acquire information relating to a first application based on a document file created for filing a first application, wherein the information relating to the first application includes at least information relating to the claims and information relating to the specification; in the output step, output a set of files based on the information relating to the first application, wherein the set of files includes a first file to be used for the first application and one or more second files to be used for a second application, wherein the first file includes at least an HTML file, the second application is an application corresponding to the first application, and the second file includes at least a document file.

[0117] In this configuration, when outputting a file for filing an original application or basic application, it is possible to simultaneously create files for related applications, such as priority applications or divisional applications. Therefore, it is possible to avoid human error such as mistaking the data for the basic application or original application when filing such applications in the future.

[0118] (2) A program in which, in the program described in (1) above, the second application is at least one of a patent application based on a utility model registration, a divisional application or amendment application with the first application as the original application, and a Paris Convention priority claim application, a national priority claim application, or an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty with the first application as the basic application.

[0119] This configuration makes it possible to avoid the error of mistaking the data of the basic application or original application when filing a divisional application, priority application, amendment application, or international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in the future.

[0120] (3) The program described in (1) above, wherein the group of files is output in such a manner that the second files are stored in a folder for each of the second applications.

[0121] In this configuration, related applications that may be filed in the future are managed by creating a folder for each type of application, and storing files in each folder. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the error of mixing up files when filing such applications in the future.

[0122] (4) In the program described in (1) above, the second file further includes an HTML file.

[0123] This configuration makes it easier to perform the necessary steps up to filing a related application that may be filed in the future. More specifically, the process can be simplified by starting with uploading files to the application software for the related application, thus reducing the effort required from the user.

[0124] (5) A program described in (1) above, wherein, when the information relating to the first application satisfies a predetermined condition, the files are output in a manner in which the configuration of the second file included in the files is changed.

[0125] In this configuration, instead of multiple folders and files for related applications being output uniformly, folders and the like for family applications corresponding to the patent system are output. Therefore, the creation of unnecessary folders and the like can be avoided.

[0126] (6) The program described in (5) above, wherein the prescribed conditions include cases where the type of the first application is a divisional application or an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

[0127] In this configuration, folders for types of applications that are not eligible for patent filing under the patent system are not created for the first type of application. Therefore, the creation of unnecessary folders can be avoided.

[0128] (7) The program described in (1) above, wherein the second file includes modified information in which a part of the information relating to the first application has been changed, and the modified information is identified according to the attributes of the second application.

[0129] (8) A program as described in (7) above, wherein the attribute is the country of application or type of application relating to the second application.

[0130] This configuration allows for the output of files tailored to the type of application or the country in which the application is intended to be filed. Therefore, human error when editing application preparation files can be reduced.

[0131] (9) The program described in (1) above, wherein the information relating to the first application further includes information relating to the application form, and the second file includes a configuration in which the information relating to the first application has been removed.

[0132] In this configuration, the second file is generated with a structure that includes at least the claims and specification information, which contains a large amount of reusable information. Therefore, when filing an application in the future, human error such as mistaking the application for the original application or basic application can be reduced.

[0133] (10) A program in which the information relating to the first application further includes information relating to the application, and the second file includes a modified version of the information relating to the first application.

[0134] In this configuration, it is possible to create the application forms for related applications that may be filed in the future, simultaneously with creating the files used for the first application procedure. More specifically, the application forms for related applications can be created by partially reusing information from the application form for the first application. Therefore, the effort required of the user to create the application forms can be reduced.

[0135] (11) The program described in (1) above, wherein, if the claims in the first application include a specified claim which is a multi-multi-claim, the first file is configured to be modified so that the cited claim which is the source of the specified claim is no longer a multi-multi-claim, and the second file is configured to maintain the cited claim which is the source of the specified claim.

[0136] According to this embodiment, files containing claims with different citation relationships can be output depending on the type of application. More specifically, files corresponding to application countries where multiple claims are permitted have a configuration that maintains the multiple claims. Therefore, users can reduce the effort required to prepare applications.

[0137] (12) An information processing system comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute a program such that each step of the program described in any one of (1) to (11) above is performed.

[0138] (13) An information processing method comprising each step of the program described in any one of (1) to (11) above. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0139] Finally, various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1: Information Processing System 2: Server 20: Communications bus 21: Communications Department 22: Storage section 23: Processor 231: Reception Department 232: Acquisition Department 233: Judgment section 234 :Generation part 235: Output section 236: Display Control Unit 3: User terminal 30: Communications bus 31: Communications Department 32: Storage section 33: Processor 34: Display section 35: Input section 4: Output screen 41: Visual Information 42: Visual Information 43: Visual Information 44: Visual Information 5: Output screen 51: Visual Information 52: Visual Information 53: Visual Information 54: Visual Information 55: Visual Information 56: Visual Information 57: Visual Information 6: Output screen 61: Visual Information 62: Visual Information 63: Visual Information 64: Visual Information 7a: Application documents 7b: Application documents 71 :Area 72 :Area 8a: Application documents 8b: Application documents 81a :Area 81b: area 82 :Area 83 :Area 9a: Application documents 9b: Application documents 91: area 92: area 10a: Application documents 10b: Application documents 101 :Area 102 :Area AP1: First application AP2: Second application DC0: Original document file DC2: Second document file HT1: The first HTML file HT2: Second HTML file IF1: Information relating to the first application IF11: Claim Information IF12: Information on the statement IF13: Application Information IF2: Information relating to the second application IF21: Claim Information IF22: Information on the statement IF23: Application Information IF30: Change Information

Claims

1. It is a program, Have at least one computer perform each of the following steps: In the acquisition step, information relating to the first application is obtained based on the document file created for filing the first application. The information relating to the first application above includes at least information relating to the claims and information relating to the specification, In the output step, a group of files is output based on the information relating to the first application, and the group of files includes a first file used for the first application and one or more second files used for the second application, where, The first file includes at least an HTML file, The second application is an application corresponding to the first application, The second file is a program that includes at least a document file.

2. In the program described in claim 1, The program wherein the second application is at least one of a patent application based on a utility model registration, a divisional application or amendment application with the first application as the original application, and a Paris Convention priority claim application, a national priority claim application, or an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty with the first application as the basic application.

3. In the program described in claim 1, The aforementioned file group is a program that outputs the second file in a manner in which the second file is stored in a folder corresponding to each of the second applications.

4. In the program described in claim 1, The second file mentioned above is a program that further includes an HTML file.

5. In the program described in claim 1, A program that outputs the file group in a manner in which the configuration of the second file included in the file group is changed when the information relating to the first application satisfies predetermined conditions.

6. In the program described in claim 5, The aforementioned specified conditions include a program in which the type of the first application is a divisional application or an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

7. In the program described in claim 1, The second file includes change information in which a part of the information relating to the first application has been changed. The aforementioned change information is a program identified according to the attributes of the second application.

8. In the program described in claim 7, The attribute is a program, which is the intended country or type of application relating to the second application.

9. In the program described in claim 1, The information relating to the first application further includes information relating to the application form, The second file is a program that includes a configuration in which the information relating to the first application has been modified by removing the information relating to the application.

10. In the program described in claim 1, The information relating to the first application further includes information relating to the application form, The second file is a program that includes a modified version of the information relating to the first application.

11. In the program described in claim 1, In cases where the claims in the first application include a predetermined claim that is a multi-multi-claim, The first file is configured such that the cited claim, which is the source of the predetermined claim, is modified so that it is no longer a multi-multi-claim file. The second file is a program configured such that the cited claim, which is the source of the predetermined claim, is maintained.

12. An information processing system, Equipped with at least one processor, The processor is configured to execute the program such that each step of the program described in any one of claims 1 to 11 is performed.

13. Information processing method, A method comprising each step of the program described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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