Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can improve convenience when multiple users edit a single file. [Solution] The information processing device comprises a status management unit that determines status information, including the status of a file, based on an operation input from a first user regarding a file related to a workflow in which multiple users participate, and a display control unit that displays the status information in a chat tool that enables communication by the multiple users.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an apparatus that can be used when a plurality of users edit one file is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an apparatus that distributes a file to another user based on information of the other user when the state of a file registered in a server reaches a predetermined state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a plurality of users edit one file, usually, the state of the file to be edited needs to be actively confirmed by each user by opening and checking the file saved in a folder or the like. Further, when a user wishes to receive a notification regarding the state of a file, the user needs to make a prior setting for receiving the notification in advance. Therefore, when a plurality of users edit one file, it is cumbersome for each user to check the state of the file.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can improve convenience when a plurality of users edit one file.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One form of information processing device of the present disclosure includes a status management unit that determines status information, including the status of a file, based on an operation input from a first user regarding a file related to a workflow in which multiple users participate, and a display control unit that displays the status information in a chat tool capable of communication by the multiple users.

[0007] One form of information processing system in this disclosure is an information processing system comprising a terminal device used by each of a plurality of users participating in a workflow, and an information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal device, wherein the information processing device determines status information, including the status of a file, based on an operation input from a first user regarding a file related to the workflow, and the terminal device displays the status information in a chat tool capable of communication by the plurality of users.

[0008] One form of information processing method of the present disclosure is an information processing method performed by an information processing device, which determines status information including the status of a file based on an operation input from a first user regarding a file related to a workflow in which multiple users participate, and displays the status information in a chat tool that enables communication among the multiple users.

[0009] One form of the program disclosed herein causes an information processing device to perform a process that determines status information, including the status of a file, based on an operation input from a first user regarding a file related to a workflow involving multiple users, and displays the status information in a chat tool that enables communication among the multiple users. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can improve convenience when multiple users edit a single file. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a terminal device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an information processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows an example of a workflow management table stored in the workflow management database. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows an example of a user management table stored in the user management database. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows an example of a file management table stored in the file management database. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a display screen that is shown based on the displayed data. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information processing system. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information processing system. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information processing system. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing steps performed by the information processing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of identical or equivalent components will be omitted where necessary.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 comprises a first terminal device 10a, a second terminal device 10b, a third terminal device 10c, an information processing device 20, a workflow management database 30, a user management database 40, and a file management database 50.

[0014] The first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the third terminal device 10c are examples of terminal devices used by multiple users. For example, in this embodiment, the first user uses the first terminal device 10a, the second user uses the second terminal device 10b, and the third user uses the third terminal device 10c. In this specification, when the first terminal device 10a, the second terminal device 10b, and the third terminal device 10c are not distinguished, they will collectively be referred to as "terminal device 10" below. The number of terminal devices 10 provided by the information processing system 1 does not necessarily have to be three, as shown in Figure 1. The information processing system 1 may have two or more terminal devices 10. Preferably, the information processing system 1 has the same number of terminal devices 10 as the number of users. The terminal devices 10 can be implemented by known terminal devices such as computers or smartphones.

[0015] The information processing device 20 is a device capable of information communication with the terminal device 10. The information processing device 20 performs information communication with the terminal device 10 via a known network such as the Internet, for example. The information processing device 20 is realized by a server device such as a web server, for example. The information processing device 20 executes display of information on the display unit of the terminal device 10. For example, the information processing device 20 generates display data to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10 and transmits the generated display data to the terminal device 10, thereby causing the terminal device 10 to display a display screen based on the display data. In the present embodiment, although details will be described later, the information processing device 20 displays information on a workflow in a chat tool. In the present embodiment, a workflow manages activities such as a case or a project. A plurality of users participate in the workflow. Also, the chat tool is an application capable of executing communication by a plurality of users.

[0016] The workflow management database 30, the user management database 40, and the file management database 50 are databases that manage predetermined information, respectively. The workflow management database 30 manages information on the workflow, the user management database 40 manages information on users, and the file management database 50 manages information on electronic files. The data managed by the workflow management database 30, the user management database 40, and the file management database 50 will be described in detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 4 to 6, which will be described later.

[0017] The workflow management database 30, the user management database 40, and the file management database 50 can be configured to be included in, for example, independent devices respectively. For example, the workflow management database 30, the user management database 40, and the file management database 50 can be configured as storage devices included in known server devices respectively. When the workflow management database 30, the user management database 40, and the file management database 50 are configured to be included in independent devices respectively, the device including the workflow management database 30 is configured to be information communicable with the information processing device 20, and the devices including the user management database 40 and the file management database 50 are each configured to be information communicable with the device including the workflow management database 30. The workflow management database 30, the user management database 40, and the file management database 50 may be configured such that any two or more of these are included in one device. Alternatively, the workflow management database 30, the user management database 40, and the file management database 50 may be configured by a storage device included in the information processing device 20.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the terminal device 10 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, and an input unit 15.

[0019] The control unit 11 controls and manages the entire terminal device 10 including each functional unit of the terminal device 10. The control unit 11 performs various controls, for example, by operating a control program stored in the storage unit 12. For example, the control unit 11 can be configured by a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0020] The storage unit 12 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 12 can be made up of, for example, semiconductor memory or magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 12 can be made up of, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 12 may store, for example, a program for operating the control unit 11.

[0021] The communication unit 13 performs information communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the communication unit 13 performs information communication with the information processing device 20. The communication unit 13 performs information communication, for example, via a network. For example, the communication unit 13 receives display data from the information processing device 20.

[0022] The display unit 14 is a device that displays images or videos. The display unit 14 is composed of a well-known display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (OELD), or an inorganic electro-luminescence display (IELD). The display unit 14 displays various information under the control of the control unit 11. In this embodiment, the display unit 14 displays a display screen based on display data. Specific examples of the display screen will be described later.

[0023] The input unit 15 is a mechanism capable of receiving user input for the terminal device 10. The input unit 15 is composed of, for example, a group of operation buttons or a keyboard provided on the main body of the terminal device 10. If a touch sensor is provided on the display unit 14, the touch sensor provided on the display unit 14 may also function as the input unit 15.

[0024] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the information processing device 20 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 20 includes, for example, a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0025] The control unit 21 controls and manages the entire information processing device 20, including each functional unit of the information processing device 20. The control unit 21 performs various controls, for example, by operating a control program stored in the memory unit 22. For example, the control unit 21 can be configured using a control device such as a CPU or MPU.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 21 includes a status management unit 24 and a display control unit 25 as functional units for executing the processing according to this embodiment.

[0027] The status management unit 24 determines the status information of a file related to the workflow based on user input. The status information includes the file status (hereinafter also referred to as "file status" in this specification). The status information may also include information other than the file status. Details of the status information will be described later.

[0028] The display control unit 25 executes the display of status information determined by the status management unit 24. Specifically, the display control unit 25 executes the display of status information in the chat tool. For example, the display control unit 25 generates display data showing workflow information and sends the display data to the terminal device 10, causing the terminal device 10 to display a display screen based on the display data. By including status information in the display data, the display control unit 25 can execute the display of status information on the terminal device 10.

[0029] The storage unit 22 is a storage medium capable of storing programs and data. The storage unit 22 can be configured as, for example, a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. Specifically, the storage unit 22 can be configured as, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 22 may store, for example, a program for operating the control unit 21.

[0030] The communication unit 23 performs information communication with external devices. In this embodiment, the communication unit 23 performs information communication with the terminal device 10. The communication unit 23 performs information communication, for example, via a network. For example, the communication unit 23 transmits display data generated by the control unit 21 to the terminal device 10. The communication unit 23 also performs information communication with the workflow management database 30.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an example of a workflow management table stored in the workflow management database 30 shown in Figure 1. The workflow management database 30 manages workflow information in the form of a workflow management table, as shown in Figure 4. The workflow management table stores information about the workflow for each workflow (e.g., case or project). For example, as shown in Figure 4, the workflow management table includes the following items: workflow ID, participating users, related files, file status, and workflow status.

[0032] A workflow ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify a workflow in the information processing system 1. The workflow ID is automatically assigned, for example, when a new workflow is initiated, by the information processing device 20 or a device including the workflow management database 30.

[0033] A participating user is a user who participates in the workflow indicated by the workflow ID. In the example shown in Figure 4, a participating user is indicated by a user ID. A user ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify a user in the information processing system 1. User IDs are automatically assigned, for example, by the information processing device 20 or a device including the user management database 40 when a new user is registered in the user management database 40, which will be described later. The participating user item in the workflow management table registers, for example, the user ID of a user who was designated to participate in the workflow when the workflow was initiated.

[0034] Related files are files associated with the workflow indicated by the workflow ID. For example, related files are electronic files such as materials and documents used in the workflow. In the example shown in Figure 4, related files are indicated by file IDs. A file ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify a file in the information processing system 1. File IDs are automatically assigned, for example, by the information processing device 20 or a device including the file management database 50 when a new file is saved to the file management database 50, which will be described later. In the related files item of the workflow management table, for example, when a workflow is initiated, the file IDs of the files associated with the workflow are registered.

[0035] The file status indicates the status of each associated file. Therefore, the file status is stored in association with each associated file. In this embodiment, the file status includes "Editing" which indicates that the file is currently being edited, and "Edited" which indicates that the user has finished editing the file. The file status may further include "Unedited" which indicates that the file has never been edited. The file status is determined by the status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20. For example, the status management unit 24 sets the file status of a file to "Editing" when a user starts editing the file. For example, the status management unit 24 sets the file status of a file to "Edited" when a user finishes editing the file. Specifically, the status management unit 24 changes the file status based on the file editing start information and file editing end information described later.

[0036] The workflow status indicates the status of each workflow. Therefore, the workflow status is stored in association with each workflow. In this embodiment, the workflow status includes "Incomplete," which indicates that at least part of the processing to be executed as a workflow has not been completed, and "Completed," which indicates that all of the processing to be executed as a workflow has been completed. The workflow status is determined by the status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20. The workflow status is set to "Incomplete" when a workflow is drafted. For each workflow, the status management unit 24 changes the workflow status from "Incomplete" to "Completed" when a pre-set completion condition is met. The completion condition is determined, for example, when the workflow is drafted. The completion condition can be, for example, that the file status of all related files related to the workflow is "Edited." Alternatively, the completion condition can be, for example, that a predetermined operation input has been performed by a predetermined participating user. Here, the predetermined participating user is, for example, the person responsible for the workflow, and the predetermined operation input is, for example, the input of an approval operation on the terminal device 10. However, the completion condition is not limited to the examples shown here. Furthermore, the completion criteria can be different for each workflow.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of a user management table stored in the user management database 40 shown in Figure 1. The user management database 40 manages user information in the form of a user management table, as shown in Figure 5. The user management table stores information about the user. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the user management table includes the fields for user ID, username, department, and job title.

[0038] As described above, the User ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify a user in the Information Processing System 1. The User Name is the user's name. When a new user is registered in the User Management Database 40, the name entered by that user or another user such as an administrator is recorded as the User Name in the User Management Table.

[0039] The department to which a user belongs, as indicated by their user ID. For example, the department to which a user belongs at their workplace. The job title to which a user belongs, as indicated by their user ID. For example, the job title to which a user belongs at their workplace. For example, when a new user is registered in the user management database 40, the department to which a user belongs and the job title entered by that user or another user such as an administrator are recorded in the user management table as the department to which a user belongs and the job title.

[0040] Figure 6 shows an example of a file management table stored in the file management database 50 shown in Figure 1. The file management database 50 manages information about electronic files in the form of a file management table, as shown in Figure 6. The file management table stores information about electronic files. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the file management table includes the following items: file ID, file name, and file information.

[0041] As mentioned above, the file ID is an identifier used to uniquely identify a file in the information processing system 1. The file name is the name of the file. When a new file is registered in the file management database 50, the name entered by the user is recorded as the file name in the file management table. File information is specific information about the file. As file information, for example, the content entered or edited (modified) by the user and saved is stored in the file management table.

[0042] Next, an example of a display screen shown on the display unit 14 of the terminal device 10 will be described. As described above, the display unit 14 displays a display screen based on the display data generated by the information processing device 20.

[0043] Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen 60 that is displayed based on the display data. The display data is generated for each workflow. Therefore, the display screen 60 shown in Figure 7 is a display screen for a specific workflow, and specifically, as shown in the workflow information display area 61 of Figure 7, it is a display screen for the workflow with the workflow ID "WID001".

[0044] The display screen 60 includes a user information display area 62 for displaying user information. In the example shown in Figure 7, the username "User A" is displayed as user information, but the displayed user information is not limited to the username and may include other information.

[0045] The display screen 60 includes a participating workflow display area 63. The participating workflow display area 63 is an area that displays information about other workflows in which the user is participating. In the example shown in Figure 7, user A is participating in the workflow with workflow ID "WID001", as well as workflows with workflow IDs "WID004" and "WID005". The user can display display screens 60 related to other workflows on the display unit 14 by performing an operation input to select information about other workflows displayed in the participating workflow display area 63. That is, when the user performs an operation input to select information about other workflows displayed in the participating workflow display area 63, the terminal device 10 acquires display data related to the selected other workflows from the information processing device 20 based on that operation input, and displays a display screen based on the acquired display data on the display unit 14.

[0046] In this embodiment, workflow information is displayed in the chat tool. Therefore, the display screen 60 has a chat display area 64, as shown in Figure 7, for example. The chat display area 64 displays chats with other users participating in the workflow. Users can send text messages to other users participating in the workflow by entering text in the text input area 65 and performing the operation input to send.

[0047] The display screen 60 includes a timeline display area 66. The timeline display area 66 displays the processes performed on the workflow in chronological order. For example, the timeline display area 66 displays history information regarding editing files related to the workflow.

[0048] The display screen 60 includes a file list display area 67. The file list display area 67 displays a list of files related to the workflow. In the example shown in Figure 7, three files, "File J," "File K," and "File L," are displayed. Also in the example shown in Figure 7, the status of the files displayed in the file list display area 67 is shown.

[0049] Next, we will explain some of the processes performed by the information processing system 1, referring to Figures 8 to 11.

[0050] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the information processing system 1 in Figure 1, specifically a sequence diagram for when a new workflow is created. Here, we will explain an example in which the first user creates a workflow using the first terminal device 10a. For convenience of description, in Figures 8 to 11 and their descriptions, the device including the workflow management database 30 will be simply referred to as "workflow management database 30". The same applies to the user management database 40 and the file management database 50.

[0051] When the first user initiates a new workflow, they perform an input operation such as selecting the button labeled "Initiate Workflow" in the user information display area 62 of the display screen 60 shown in Figure 7. Note that the input operation for initiating a new workflow is not necessarily limited to the input operation described here; it may also be performed by using other screens besides the display screen 60, or by performing an input operation on buttons other than the one described above.

[0052] When the first user selects the button labeled "Draft Workflow," the display unit 14 displays, for example, a screen for entering workflow details. On the screen for entering workflow details, the first user selects the users who will participate in the workflow and the files related to the workflow. After that, the first user performs the necessary inputs to execute the workflow draft.

[0053] The first terminal device 10a receives input from the first user for drafting a workflow (step S11). The first terminal device 10a transmits the received input to the information processing device 20 (step S12).

[0054] When the information processing device 20 receives input from the first terminal device 10a, it sends a workflow creation instruction to the workflow management database 30 to create a new workflow (step S13). The workflow creation instruction includes information about the users participating in the workflow and information about the files related to the workflow.

[0055] When the workflow management database 30 receives a workflow creation instruction, it sends an instruction to the user management database 40 to provide information about users participating in the workflow, based on the information about users participating in the workflow included in the workflow creation instruction (step S14). The user information that the workflow management database 30 instructs to provide is the user information necessary for creating the workflow, and in the example shown in Figure 4, it is, for example, the user ID. If the workflow creation instruction already includes the user information necessary for creating the workflow, steps S14 and S15 may be omitted. On the other hand, if, for example, the user information included in the workflow creation instruction is a username, the workflow management database 30 sends an instruction to the user management database 40 to provide the user ID corresponding to the acquired username.

[0056] In response to an instruction to provide user information, the user management database 40 identifies the user information by referring to the user management table shown in Figure 5, for example, and sends the identified user information to the workflow management database 30 (step S15). For example, the user management database 40 refers to the user management table to identify the user ID corresponding to the username and sends the user ID to the workflow management database 30.

[0057] Furthermore, the workflow management database 30 sends an instruction to the file management database 50 to provide information about files related to the workflow, based on the information about files related to the workflow included in the workflow creation instruction (step S16). The file information that the workflow management database 30 instructs to provide is information about files necessary for creating the workflow, and in the example shown in Figure 4, it is, for example, a file ID. Note that if the workflow creation instruction includes information about files necessary for creating the workflow, steps S16 and S17 may be omitted. On the other hand, for example, if the file information included in the workflow creation instruction is a file name, the workflow management database 30 sends an instruction to the file management database 50 to provide a file ID corresponding to the acquired file name.

[0058] In response to an instruction to provide file information, the file management database 50 identifies the file information by referring to the file management table shown in Figure 6, for example, and sends the identified file information to the workflow management database 30 (step S17). For example, the file management database 50 refers to the file management table to identify the file ID corresponding to the file name and sends the file ID to the workflow management database 30.

[0059] The workflow management database 30 creates a new workflow based on the workflow creation instruction obtained in step S13 (step S18). At this time, the workflow management database 30 uses the user information obtained in step S15 and the file information obtained in step S17, if necessary.

[0060] For example, the workflow management database 30 assigns a new workflow ID to the new workflow. The workflow management database 30 records the new workflow ID in the workflow management table shown in Figure 4. The workflow management database 30 also records the user IDs of the participating users and the file IDs of the related files in the workflow management table, associated with the new workflow ID. At this time, the workflow management database 30 can record the user information obtained in step S15 and the file information obtained in step S17 in the workflow management table. Furthermore, the workflow management database 30 sets the file status of each related file recorded in the workflow management table to "unedited". The workflow management database 30 also sets the workflow status of the new workflow to "incomplete". In this way, the workflow management database 30 can create a new workflow.

[0061] The workflow management database 30 sends the data of the newly created workflow to the information processing device 20 (step S19).

[0062] The information processing device 20 generates display data for a display screen to be shown on the first terminal device 10a based on the newly acquired workflow data (step S20). Then, the information processing device 20 transmits the generated display data to the first terminal device 10a (step S21).

[0063] The first terminal device 10a displays a display screen based on the acquired display data (step S22). For example, the first terminal device 10a displays a display screen 60, as described in Figure 7, on the display unit 14 regarding the new workflow. As a result, the display unit 14 of the first terminal device 10a displays a display screen 60 regarding the workflow newly drafted by the first user.

[0064] In addition, the information processing device 20 may, in step S21, similarly send display data to the terminal devices 10 of other participating users of the new workflow. In this case, the display screen related to the newly drafted workflow will also be displayed on the terminal devices 10 of the other participating users.

[0065] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the information processing system 1 in Figure 1, specifically a sequence diagram for when a user edits a file related to the workflow. Here, we will explain an example in which the first user edits a file using the first terminal device 10a.

[0066] The first user performs an operation input to start editing a file, for example, on the display screen 60 shown in Figure 7. There are various ways to perform the operation input to execute file editing. For example, the first user performs an operation input to select the file to be edited from the files displayed in the file list display area 67. Alternatively, if there is a display in the chat display area 64 that allows the user to select the file to be edited, the first user performs an operation input to select that display. A display that allows the user to select a file is, for example, the "Edit" button in the chat display area 64 of the display screen 60 in Figure 7. Alternatively, the first user enters a message in the text input area 65 declaring the start of editing a specific file and sends this message using the chat tool. This message declaring the start of editing a specific file is then displayed on the terminal devices 10 of other users participating in the workflow. An example of such a message might be "I will edit file J."

[0067] When the first user makes an input to start editing a file, the first terminal device 10a accepts the user's input to start editing the file (step S31).

[0068] When the first terminal device 10a receives input to start editing a file, it transmits the received information (also called "file editing start information") to the information processing device 20 (step S32). The file editing start information includes the fact that file editing will be started and information about the file to be edited (e.g., file ID or file name). For example, if the first user has entered an operation input to select a file, that selection operation input corresponds to starting file editing, and the selected file corresponds to the file to be edited. For example, if the first user has entered a message declaring that they will start editing a file, the intention to start editing indicated by the message corresponds to starting file editing, and the file information contained in the message corresponds to the file to be edited. If the operation input for starting file editing is a message, the first terminal device 10a transmits the message to the information processing device 20 as file editing start information. In this case, the status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 identifies the fact that file editing will be started and the file to be edited by performing known text analysis on the message.

[0069] When the status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 obtains file editing start information, it sends a status change request to the workflow management database 30 (step S33). The status change request is a request to change the file status in the workflow management table. Here, since input to start editing a file has been made, the status change request is a request to change the file status in the workflow management table, for example, shown in Figure 4, to "Editing".

[0070] Based on the status change request, the workflow management database 30 changes the file status of the file to be edited to "Editing" in the workflow management table shown in Figure 4 (step S34). For example, if the file to be edited is "File J" with file ID "FID001", the file status of that file is changed from "Not Edited" or "Edited" to "Editing".

[0071] When the workflow management database 30 changes the file status, it sends a change notification to the information processing device 20 indicating that the file status has been changed (step S35).

[0072] The status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 grants the first user editing privileges for the file to be edited (step S36). For example, the status management unit 24 will not accept editing attempts by other users until it revokes the editing privileges for the first user. Specifically, the status management unit 24 will refuse input from other users to initiate editing, or it will disable the ability to initiate editing on the display screen shown on the other user's terminal device 10.

[0073] The status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 determines the status information (step S37). The status information includes, for example, the file name of the file to be edited and the file status. In this case, the status information includes, for example, "File J," which is the file name of the file to be edited, and "Editing," which is the file status. The status information also includes, for example, user information indicating the user who was granted editing privileges and the file status. In this case, the status information includes, for example, "First User," which is the user information indicating the user who was granted editing privileges, and "Editing," which is the file status. The status information may also include, for example, the file name of the file to be edited, user information indicating the user who was granted editing privileges, and the file status.

[0074] The display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 generates display data to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10 (step S38). At this time, the display control unit 25 includes status information in the display data. That is, the display control unit 25 generates the display data so that the content of the status information is displayed on the display screen.

[0075] The display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 transmits the generated display data to the terminal devices 10 of each user participating in the workflow (step S39). In the example shown in Figure 9, the display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 transmits the display data to the first terminal device 10a and the second terminal device 10b, but the display control unit 25 also transmits the display data to the third terminal device 10c.

[0076] Each terminal device 10 displays a display screen on the display unit 14 based on the acquired display data (step S40). As a result, the display unit 14 of each terminal device 10 displays, for example, the display screen 60 shown in Figure 7. At this time, the status information is displayed on the display screen. For example, in the file list display area 67 of the display screen 60, it is displayed that the file that the first user has started editing is "being edited". The status information may also be displayed as a message in the chat tool. For example, in the chat display area 64 of the display screen 60, a message indicating that the first user has started editing is displayed. The message indicating that the first user has started editing is, for example, a text message such as "The first user has started editing file J". For example, the display content in the timeline display area 66 of the display screen 60 may be displayed according to the status information. In this way, the display control unit 25 can display the status information on each of the terminal devices 10 used by multiple users participating in the workflow. By displaying the status information on the chat tool's display screen 60, each user can know that a file is being edited. Also, each user can know which user is editing the file.

[0077] The first user edits the file to be edited using the first terminal device 10a. The first terminal device 10a receives the editing input from the first user (step S41). The first terminal device 10a transmits the editing information to the information processing device 20 (step S42). The editing information is information indicating the content of the editing. The information processing device 20 transmits the editing information to the file management database 50 (step S43). The file management database 50 updates the file to be edited based on the acquired editing information (step S44). In this way, the first user can edit the file to be edited.

[0078] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the information processing system 1 in Figure 1, specifically, a sequence diagram for when a user finishes editing a file related to the workflow. Here, we will describe an example where the first user, who was editing a file, finishes editing the file using the first terminal device 10a. Therefore, Figure 10 is executed, for example, following the sequence in Figure 9.

[0079] The first user performs an action to end editing a file. This action can be performed in various ways. For example, the first user performs an action to save the edited file. Alternatively, the first user performs an action to select an input button to end editing the file. Alternatively, the first user enters a message in the text input area 65 declaring that they are ending editing a specific file and sends this message using the chat tool. As a result, the message declaring the end of editing a specific file is displayed on the terminal devices 10 of other users participating in the workflow. An example of such a message might be "I am ending editing file J."

[0080] When the first user inputs an operation to end editing the file, the first terminal device 10a accepts the user's input to end editing the file (step S51).

[0081] When the first terminal device 10a receives input indicating the termination of file editing, it transmits the received information (also called "file editing termination information") to the information processing device 20 (step S52). The file editing start information includes the termination of file editing and information about the file to be edited (e.g., file ID or file name). For example, an operation input by the first user to terminate file editing corresponds to terminating file editing. For example, a file being edited by the first user, or a file to which the first user has been granted editing privileges, corresponds to a file to be edited. A file to be edited may also be a file that the first user has specified to be terminated in the operation input for terminating file editing. For example, if the first user has entered a message declaring that they will terminate file editing, the intention to terminate editing indicated by the message corresponds to terminating file editing, and the file information included in the message corresponds to a file to be edited. If the operation input for terminating file editing is a message, the first terminal device 10a transmits the message to the information processing device 20 as file editing termination information. In this case, the status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 determines when to terminate file editing and identifies the file to be edited by performing a known text analysis on the message.

[0082] When the status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 obtains file editing completion information, it sends a status change request to the workflow management database 30 (step S53). The status change request is a request to change the file status in the workflow management table. Here, since input to complete file editing has been made, the status change request is a request to change the file status in the workflow management table, for example, shown in Figure 4, to "Edited".

[0083] Based on the status change request, the workflow management database 30 changes the file status of the file to be edited to "Edited" in the workflow management table shown in Figure 4 (step S54). For example, if the file to be edited is "File J" with file ID "FID001", the file status of that file is changed from "Editing" to "Edited".

[0084] When the workflow management database 30 changes the file status, it sends a change notification to the information processing device 20 indicating that the file status has been changed (step S55).

[0085] The status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 releases the editing rights for the file to be edited (step S56). For example, after releasing the editing rights, the status management unit 24 becomes able to accept the start of editing by other users. Specifically, the status management unit 24 accepts operation input for other users to start editing, or makes the display screen shown on the other user's terminal device 10 ready for operation input to start editing.

[0086] The status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 determines the status information (step S57). The status information includes, for example, the file name of the file to be finished editing and the file status. In this case, the status information includes, for example, "File J," which is the file name of the file to be finished editing, and "Edited," which is the file status. The status information also includes, for example, user information indicating the user who revoked the editing privileges and the file status. In this case, the status information includes, for example, "First User," which is the user information indicating the user who revoked the editing privileges, and "Edited," which is the file status. The status information may also include, for example, the file name of the file to be finished editing, user information indicating the user who revoked the editing privileges, and the file status.

[0087] The display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 generates display data to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10 (step S58). At this time, the display control unit 25 includes status information in the display data. That is, the display control unit 25 generates the display data so that the content of the status information is displayed on the display screen.

[0088] The display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 transmits the generated display data to the terminal devices 10 of each user participating in the workflow (step S59). In the example shown in Figure 10, the display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 transmits the display data to the first terminal device 10a and the second terminal device 10b, but the display control unit 25 also transmits the display data to the third terminal device 10c.

[0089] Each terminal device 10 displays a display screen on the display unit 14 based on the acquired display data (step S60). As a result, the display unit 14 of each terminal device 10 displays, for example, the display screen 60 shown in Figure 7. At this time, the status information is displayed on the display screen. For example, in the file list display area 67 of the display screen 60, it is displayed that the file edited by the first user has finished is marked as "edited". The status information may also be displayed as a message in the chat tool. For example, in the chat display area 64 of the display screen 60, a message indicating that the first user has finished editing is displayed. The message indicating that the first user has finished editing is, for example, a text message such as "The first user has finished editing file J". For example, the display content in the timeline display area 66 of the display screen 60 may be displayed according to the status information. In this way, the display control unit 25 can display the status information on the terminal devices 10 used by each of the multiple users participating in the workflow. By displaying the status information on the chat tool's display screen 60, each user can know that the editing of a file has been completed. In addition, each user can know which user edited the file.

[0090] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the information processing system 1 in Figure 1, specifically a sequence diagram related to the completion of a workflow. Here, the second user using the second terminal device 10b is the person responsible for the workflow, and the workflow is completed upon the approval of the second user.

[0091] The first user performs an operation input for an approval request. Here, the approval request is described as an approval request for the completion of a workflow. However, the approval request may also be, for example, an approval request for each file. For example, the first user performs a predetermined operation input for the approval request on the display screen 60 of the chat tool.

[0092] The first terminal device 10a receives an approval request input from the first user (step S71). The first terminal device 10a transmits information regarding the received approval request to the information processing device 20 (step S72).

[0093] The display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 generates display data to request approval (step S73). The display control unit 25 transmits the generated display data to the second terminal device 10b (step S74).

[0094] The second terminal device 10b displays a display screen based on the display data (step S75). This display screen may show, for example, input buttons for performing approval. The display screen may also show information prompting approval. For example, the display screen may show a message such as "Please approve the workflow" in the chat display area 64.

[0095] The second user, after reviewing files related to the workflow, for example, performs an operation input for approval. The operation input for approval includes, for example, "Approve," "Disapprove," or "Return." The second terminal device 10b receives the approval input from the second user (step S76). The second terminal device 10b transmits approval information regarding the received approval (step S77). Here, it is assumed that the approval information is information indicating that the workflow is "approved."

[0096] When the information processing device 20 obtains approval information, it sends a status change request to the workflow management database 30 (step S78). The status change request here is a request to change the workflow status. Specifically, the status change request is a request to change the workflow status in the workflow management table shown in Figure 4 to "Completed".

[0097] Based on the status change request, the workflow management database 30 changes the workflow status to "Completed" in the workflow management table shown in Figure 4, for example (step S79). For example, if the workflow to be approved is the workflow with workflow ID "WID001", the workflow status of that workflow is changed from "Incomplete" to "Completed".

[0098] When the workflow management database 30 changes the workflow status, it sends a change notification to the information processing device 20 indicating that the workflow status has been changed (step S80).

[0099] The status management unit 24 of the information processing device 20 determines the status information (step S82). The status information includes, for example, the workflow status. In this case, the status information includes, for example, the workflow status "Completed".

[0100] The display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 generates display data to be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 10 (step S82). At this time, the display control unit 25 includes status information in the display data. That is, the display control unit 25 generates the display data so that the content of the status information is displayed on the display screen.

[0101] The display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 transmits the generated display data to the terminal devices 10 of each user participating in the workflow (step S83). In the example shown in Figure 11, the display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 transmits the display data to the first terminal device 10a and the second terminal device 10b, but the display control unit 25 also transmits the display data to the third terminal device 10c.

[0102] Each terminal device 10 displays a display screen on the display unit 14 based on the acquired display data (step S84). As a result, the display unit 14 of each terminal device 10 displays, for example, the display screen 60 shown in Figure 7. At this time, the content of status information is displayed on the display screen. For example, the display screen 60 displays information indicating that the workflow has been completed. By displaying the status information on the chat tool's display screen 60, each user can know that the workflow has been completed.

[0103] As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment, the status management unit 24 determines the status information based on the operation input from the first user, and the display control unit 25 displays the status information in the chat tool. As a result, the status information of each file is displayed in real time on the display screen of each user's terminal device 10, so that each user can easily check the status of each file. Therefore, each user can know, for example, whether another user is editing a certain file, and if they wish to edit a file, they can find out whether that file is currently editable. This makes it possible for the information processing system to improve convenience when multiple users are editing a single file.

[0104] Furthermore, as described in the above embodiment, the status management unit 24 changes the file status when the user performs an operation input to start or end editing the file, so the user can change the file status without performing complex operations. In particular, if the operation input is the input of a message in the chat tool declaring the start or end of editing the file, the user can change the file status simply by sending the message in the chat tool. This improves convenience for the user.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the file status may include statuses other than "Unedited," "Editing," and "Edited." For example, the file status may include "Not Approved" and "Approved," indicating whether or not it has been approved by a specific user.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the display control unit 25 may display a predetermined notification on a terminal device 10 of a predetermined user when the file status of all files related to the workflow is edited. The predetermined user is, for example, an approver or person in charge, and is pre-configured in the workflow management table. The predetermined notification is, for example, a notification of approval request. Therefore, the approval request described with reference to Figure 11 does not have to be entered by a user such as the first user. For example, the display control unit 25 of the information processing device 20 may generate display data to request an approval request when the file status of all files becomes "edited" and send it to the terminal device 10 of a specific user.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the order in which users edit files may be predetermined. For example, the order in which users edit files may be stored in advance in a workflow management table. In this case, the information processing device 20 enables users to edit files according to the order. For example, suppose the order in which users edit files is predetermined as first user, second user, and third user. In this case, the information processing device 20 only accepts the start of file editing from the first user. Once the first user finishes editing the file, the information processing device 20 then only accepts the start of file editing from the second user. In this way, the information processing device 20 can control the order in which files are edited. Furthermore, when the information processing device 20 controls the order in which files are edited, once a user finishes editing a file, it may notify the terminal device 10 of the next user in the editing order that editing is now possible.

[0108] The order in which the files are edited as described above may be determined based on information in a user management table, for example. For example, the status management unit 24 may refer to the user management table shown in Figure 5 and determine the order in which the files are edited in a predetermined order based on department or job title. As an example, the status management unit 24 may determine the order in which the files are edited so that users participating in the workflow are listed from lower-ranking users to higher-ranking users.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the status management unit 24 may generate chat groups in the chat tool based on multiple users participating in the workflow. For example, if a user initiates a workflow by specifying participating users, the status management unit 24 generates a chat group in the chat tool that the specified participants will join. This eliminates the need for users to manually generate chat groups.

[0110] While this disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art will find it easy to make various modifications and alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each functional part or step can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple functional parts or steps can be combined into one or separated. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1. Information Processing System 10 Terminal devices 10a First terminal device 10b Second terminal device 10c Third Terminal Device 11,21 Control Unit 12,22 Storage section 13, 23 Communications Department 14 Display section 15 Input section 20 Information Processing Devices 24 Status Management Department 25 Display Control Unit 30 Workflow Management Database 40. User Management Database 50 File Management Databases 60 display screen 61 Workflow Information Display Area 62 User information display area 63 Participating Workflow Display Area 64 Chat display area 65 Text input area 66 Timeline display area 67 File list display area

Claims

1. A status management unit determines status information, including the status of a file, based on operation input from a first user regarding a file related to a workflow involving multiple users. A display control unit that performs the display of status information in a chat tool capable of communication by multiple users, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation input is an operation input for starting or ending the editing of the file.

3. The aforementioned operation input is the input of a message in the chat tool declaring the start or end of editing the file. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the status management unit identifies the file to be edited based on the message.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the status information as a message in the chat tool.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the status information includes the file name of the file and the status indicating either "editing" which indicates that the file is being edited, or "edited" which indicates that editing of the file has been completed.

7. The aforementioned status management unit, Based on the operation input by the first user to initiate editing of the file, the first user is granted editing privileges for the file. The user information indicating the first user and the status of "editing" are determined as the status information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned status management unit, Based on the operation input by the first user to terminate editing of the file, the editing privilege is revoked. The aforementioned "edited" status is determined as the status information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1, which generates a chat group in the chat tool based on the plurality of users participating in the workflow.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit causes the status information to be displayed on terminal devices used by each of the multiple users.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display control unit causes a predetermined notification to be displayed on a terminal device of a predetermined second user when the status of all files related to the workflow has been edited.

12. An information processing system comprising terminal devices used by each of several users participating in a workflow, and an information processing device capable of communicating with the terminal devices, The information processing device determines status information, including the status of the file, based on the operation input from the first user regarding the file related to the workflow. The terminal device displays the status information in a chat tool that enables communication between multiple users. Information processing system.

13. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, Based on the operation input from the first user regarding a file related to a workflow involving multiple users, status information including the status of the said file is determined. In a chat tool that enables communication between multiple users, the following is performed to display the status information: Information processing methods.

14. In an information processing device, Based on the operation input from the first user regarding a file related to a workflow involving multiple users, status information including the status of the said file is determined. In a chat tool that enables communication between multiple users, the following is performed to display the status information: A program that executes a process.

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