Programs, methods, and information processing devices.

Abstract

To prevent errors in recipient and transmission order in electronic contracts. [Solution] The computer is for accepting approval from each user regarding electronic data to be viewed by multiple users, and the program causes the computer's processor to perform the following steps: receiving the setting of an approver list in which one or more users are registered, including a first user who is an approver with a set term of office; receiving the specification of electronic data to be approved from a second user; receiving an operation from a user registered in the approver list to approve the electronic data by presenting the electronic data specified by the second user to the user registered in the approver list based on the setting of the approver list; and presenting the second user with information indicating that the first user registered in the approver list has a set term of office.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In business activities, approvals are given for various agreements and applications inside and outside the company while the business is being developed. For example, within a business operator's company, approvers make decisions on what needs to be approved. Also, there are often many approvers, not just one, and there are company-specific agreements on how to determine the order of approvals. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-293405 (Patent Document 1) describes that, for the purpose of creating an electronically signed document, (in a scenario where a workflow is specified) it is possible to specify a group of approval routes and the order of approvals within an approval route group. In addition, regarding contracts, both inside and outside business operators, in recent years, due to the development of IT technology, contracts that were previously concluded on paper are gradually being concluded electronically.

[0003] In an electronic contract, a user of an electronic contract service electronically signs electronic data to be signed. Electronic contract services are provided by business operators in various ways, such as so-called party-signature types and so-called business operator-signature types (witness types). When concluding a contract using an electronic contract service, depending on the information identifying the parties to the contract, the signing process may proceed while allowing the parties to the contract to view the electronic data subject to the contract. For example, when using an email address as information identifying the parties to the contract to proceed with contract signing, one of the parties wishing to enter into the contract transmits the electronic data to the electronic contract service while specifying the email address of the other party. Then, the person (or company) who receives the electronic data uses the electronic contract service to approve the electronic data, etc., to proceed with the signing process for the electronic contract.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-293405 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Using such electronic contract services, multiple approvers may perform approval operations on electronic data subject to approval, and the approval of each approver may be managed in association with the electronic data. In such cases, a term of office may be set for the approvers. For example, members of a board of directors or board of auditors may each have a fixed term of office. Such members with term-of-office status may be designated as approvers. Therefore, when designating members with fixed terms, such as the board of directors or the board of auditors, as approvers, the sender of electronic data needs to be mindful of the approvers' terms of office. This is because the sender of electronic data may send the data without realizing that the approvers' terms of office have expired. Therefore, when multiple approvers approve the content of electronic data, there is a need for technology that makes it easier for the sender of electronic data to send it to the correct recipient without making a mistake. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment shown in this disclosure, a program for operating a computer is provided. The computer is for receiving approval from each user for electronic data to be viewed by multiple users, and the program causes the computer's processor to perform the following steps: receiving the setting of an approver list in which one or more users are registered, including a first user who is an approver with a set term; receiving the specification of electronic data to be approved from a second user; receiving an operation from a user registered in the approver list to approve the electronic data by presenting the electronic data specified by the second user to the user registered in the approver list based on the setting of the approver list; and presenting the second user with information indicating that the first user registered in the approver list has a set term. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it will become even easier for senders of electronic data to transmit electronic data to the appropriate recipients. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the electronic contract system 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the receiver-side terminal device 10. [Figure 3] This block shows the functional configuration of server 20. [Figure 4] This is a conceptual diagram to explain electronic contracts. [Figure 5] Figure 5, 2021 shows the data structure of the approval management database 2021. Figure 5, 2022 shows the data structure of the electronic data details database 2022. Figure 5, 2023 shows the data structure of the electronic data sender database 2023. [Figure 6]2024 in FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the approver list database 2024. 2025 in FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 2025 included in the approver list. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the flow of related processes for contract conclusion. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing accepting the setting of the approver list. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing accepting the designation of electronic data. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing accepting an operation of presenting electronic data to an approver and asking whether to approve it. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing that the tenure of the users included in the approver list is set. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing notifying in response to the arrival of the approver's tenure. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing adding an approver to the approver list. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing inputting the information of the approver to be added to the approver list. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing notifying that the added approver has a tenure. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing notifying about the tenure of the approver on the screen for transmitting electronic data. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing performing a notification regarding the tenure according to the type of electronic data. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing accepting the setting of the tenure of an officer. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing inputting the tenure information of an officer. [Figure 20] ​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing that, regarding the approval order, for a user in the latter stage, the approval operation is suppressed until the approval operation by the user in the former stage is received.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] <Overview of the First Embodiment> In the present embodiment, a user operates a PC (personal computer) and concludes a contract through an electronic contract service. There is one or more approvers for approving electronic data in the electronic contract. Based on the electronic data, the approver determines whether the contract can be concluded under the conditions shown in the content of the electronic data.

[0011] <1.1 Overall Configuration Diagram of the System> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an electronic contract system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic contract system 1 includes a recipient-side terminal device 10, a sender-side terminal device 30, and a server 20, and these devices are communicably connected to each other by a network 80.

[0012] In the example of FIG. 1, the recipient-side terminal device 10 used by the user is shown. The recipient-side terminal device 10 is, for example, a PC.

[0013] The receiver terminal device 10 provides the user with an environment to operate a system corresponding to the program by executing the program. The receiver terminal device 10 establishes a communication connection with the sender terminal device 30 and the server 20 by reading and executing the program. The receiver terminal device 10 then sends and receives data related to the electronic contract between the receiver terminal device 10, the sender terminal device 30, and the server 20.

[0014] Server 20 visualizes the status of the electronic contract on the recipient terminal device 10 by sending the necessary data for the electronic contract to the recipient terminal device 10 as needed. Server 20 manages various data related to the electronic contract of the user operating the electronic contract. Server 20 communicates with the recipient terminal device 10 and sends images, files, text data, etc. to the recipient terminal device 10 according to the progress of each user's electronic contract.

[0015] For example, server 20 manages various data such as user information related to electronic contracts, information on electronic data used in electronic contracts, and information on the approval date and time when a user approved an electronic contract.

[0016] The receiver-side terminal device 10 includes a communication interface 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19.

[0017] The communication IF12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the receiver terminal device 10 can communicate with an external device.

[0018] The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from the user (for example, a touch panel, touchpad, pointing device such as a mouse, keyboard, etc.).

[0019] The output device 14 is a device (such as a display or speaker) for presenting information to the user.

[0020] Memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0021] The storage unit 16 is for storing data and can be, for example, flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

[0022] The processor 19 is hardware for executing the instruction set described in the program, and consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0023] Server 20 is a device that manages information about users who enter into contracts electronically, electronic data used in electronic contracts, and other information.

[0024] The server 20 includes a communication interface 22, an input / output interface 23, memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0025] Communication IF22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices.

[0026] Input / Output IF23 functions as an interface between an input device for receiving user input operations and an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0027] Memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0028] Storage 26 is for storing data, and can be, for example, flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0029] The processor 29 is hardware for executing the instruction set described in the program, and consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0030] The sender-side terminal device 30 includes a communication interface 32, an input device 33, an output device 34, a memory 35, a storage unit 36, and a processor 39.

[0031] The communication IF32 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the transmitting terminal device 30 can communicate with an external device.

[0032] The input device 33 is a device for receiving input operations from the user (for example, a touch panel, touchpad, pointing device such as a mouse, keyboard, etc.).

[0033] The output device 34 is a device (such as a display or speaker) for presenting information to the user.

[0034] Memory 35 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0035] The storage unit 36 ​​is for storing data and can be, for example, flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0036] The processor 39 is hardware for executing the instruction set described in the program, and consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0037] <1.2 Functional configuration of the receiver-side terminal device 10> Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the receiver terminal device 10. The receiver terminal device 10 includes an antenna 111, a first wireless communication unit 121, a processor 19, an operation reception unit 130, a storage unit 16, a memory 15, a display 132, an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, and a speaker 142.

[0038] Antenna 111 radiates the signal emitted by the receiver terminal device 10 as radio waves into space. Antenna 111 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signal to the first wireless communication unit 121.

[0039] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing, etc., for the receiver terminal device 10 to transmit and receive signals via the antenna 111, etc., in order to communicate with other communication devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 is a communication module for wireless communication that includes a tuner, high-frequency circuits, etc., and performs modulation, demodulation, and frequency conversion of the wireless signals transmitted and received by the receiver terminal device 10, and provides the received signal to the processor 19.

[0040] The processor 19 controls the operation of the receiver terminal device 10 by reading and executing a program stored in the memory unit 16. The processor 19 is implemented, for example, by an application processor.

[0041] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving user input operations. For example, the operation reception unit 130 can be implemented as a pointing device such as a mouse, touchpad, or touch panel, a keyboard, a controller, or a shooting means that senses the user's body movements as input operations. For example, the operation reception unit 130 senses the movements of body parts such as hands, or the user's facial expressions as the user's body movements, and accepts these movements of body parts as input operations. Based on the coordinates at which the user's input operation is received, such as when the user touches a touchpad or touch panel with their finger, the operation reception unit 130 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation.

[0042] The storage unit 16 is composed of flash memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores programs used by the receiver terminal device 10, as well as various data that the receiver terminal device 10 receives from the server 20.

[0043] The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text in accordance with the control of the processor 19. The display 132 can be implemented by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electroluminescence), or other display devices.

[0044] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates the audio signal. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal received from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the processor 19. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142.

[0045] The microphone 141 receives audio input and provides the audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140.

[0046] The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided by the audio processing unit 140 into sound and outputs the sound to the outside of the receiver terminal device 10.

[0047] The memory unit 16 stores approval management information 161, detailed information of electronic data 162, electronic data sender information 163, approver list information 164, and user information 165 of the approver list. Approval management information 161 is information used to manage approval history information, including information on when the user acting as the approver approved the document in each contract. The detailed information 162 of the electronic data shows information such as the title of the electronic data, which is specified by the sender terminal device 30 in each contract being concluded by the receiver terminal device 10. The electronic data sender information 163 indicates the information of the user on the sending side of the electronic data, as specified by the sender-side terminal device 30. The approver list information 164 shows the list of approvers that are designated as recipients by the sender terminal device 30 in each contract being concluded by the recipient terminal device 10. The user information 165 in the approver list indicates the information of users included in the approver list who are designated as recipients by the sender terminal device 30 in each contract being concluded by the recipient terminal device 10.

[0048] The processor 19 operates according to the program, performing functions as an input operation receiving unit 191, a transmitting / receiving unit 192, a data processing unit 193, and a notification control unit 194. The input operation receiving unit 191 processes input operations from the user to an input device such as the operation receiving unit 130. If the operation receiving unit 130 is, for example, a touch-sensitive device, the input operation receiving unit 191 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on the coordinate information of where the user's finger or the like has touched the touch-sensitive device. The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing to enable the receiver terminal device 10 to send and receive data with an external device such as a server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol. The data processing unit 193 performs calculations on the data received as input by the receiver terminal device 10 according to the program and outputs the calculation results to memory or the like. The notification control unit 194 performs processes to present information to the user, such as displaying an image on the display 132, outputting sound to the speaker 142, and generating vibrations in a vibrator or the like.

[0049] <1.3 Functional Configuration of Server 20> Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of server 20. As shown in Figure 3, server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0050] The communications unit 201 performs processing to enable the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0051] The storage unit 202 stores various databases, including an approval management database 2021, an electronic data details database 2022, an electronic data sender database 2023, an approver list information database 2024, and an approver list user information database 2025.

[0052] The Approval Management Database 2021 is a database for managing approval history information, including information on when the approver user approved each contract concluded using the Electronic Contract System 1. Further details will be provided later.

[0053] The Electronic Data Details Database 2022 is a database for managing information on electronic data used in each contract concluded through the Electronic Contract System 1. Further details will be provided later.

[0054] The Electronic Data Sender Database 2023 is a database for managing information about users who act as electronic data senders for each contract concluded using Electronic Contract System 1. Further details will be provided later.

[0055] The Approver List Information Database 2024 is a database for managing information on the approver list, which is specified by the sender user as the recipient of electronic data for each contract concluded using Electronic Contract System 1. Further details will be provided later.

[0056] The Approver List User Information Database 2025 is a database for managing information on users included in the approver list who are designated as recipients of electronic data by the sender user for each contract concluded using the Electronic Contract System 1. Further details will be provided later.

[0057] The control unit 203 is realized when the processor 29 reads a program stored in the memory unit 202 and executes instructions contained in the program. By operating according to the program, the control unit 203 performs the functions indicated by the receiving control module 2031, the transmitting control module 2032, the approval management information acquisition module 2033, and the approver list information acquisition module 2034.

[0058] The receive control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0059] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices according to a communication protocol.

[0060] The approval management information acquisition module 2033 performs a series of processes for managing approval history information, such as approval history information, when concluding electronic contracts.

[0061] The approver list information acquisition module 2034 performs a series of processes on the sender-side terminal device 30 to manage information about users who are set as approvers on the recipient side when concluding an electronic contract.

[0062] <1.4 Conceptual diagram to explain electronic contracts> Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an electronic contract. In this embodiment, "electronic contract" refers to the exchange of electronic data over the internet, the contracting parties expressing their agreement, and attaching their electronic signatures to the electronic data.

[0063] First, the electronic data sender uploads the electronic data to, for example, a server 20 on the cloud by operating the sender-side terminal device 30. The server 20 then affixes the electronic data sender's electronic signature to the electronic data agreed upon by the electronic data sender.

[0064] The electronic data sender performs an operation to request the electronic data recipient to conclude an agreement. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 receives an operation from the user to specify the electronic data recipient and transmits it to the server 20. In this embodiment, the sender-side terminal device 30 receives an operation from the user to specify the email addresses of one or more electronic data recipients as information to identify the electronic data recipient. The server 20 of the electronic contract system 1 sends an email to the recipient's email address specified by the user of the electronic data sender, containing information for accessing the electronic data (for example, a link described as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)). Here, the server 20 may accept from the electronic data sender the order in which multiple electronic data recipients should view the data. For example, if the server 20 receives the specifications of multiple email addresses of electronic data recipients from the electronic data sender, it may send information for accessing the electronic data to each electronic data recipient in order according to the specified email addresses. For example, suppose the electronic data sender has designated a first email address, a second email address, and a third email address as electronic data recipients. Server 20 first sends a link to the first electronic data recipient at the first email address to allow them to view the electronic data and accepts their approval. In response to receiving the approval request from the first electronic data recipient, Server 20 records that the first electronic data recipient has approved the data and the timing of the approval (for example, by attaching the first electronic data recipient's digital signature in response to the approval request), and sends a link to the second electronic data recipient at the second email address to allow them to view the electronic data. Subsequently, Server 20 similarly records that the second electronic data recipient has approved the data and the timing of the approval (for example, by attaching the second electronic data recipient's digital signature in response to the approval request), and in response to the second electronic data recipient's approval, sends a link to the third electronic data recipient to allow them to view the electronic data and accepts their approval request.

[0065] The recipient of the electronic data can click on the link in the email received on the recipient terminal device 10, confirm the contents of the electronic data on the server 20 online, and then conclude an agreement. The recipient terminal device 10 presents a screen to the user of the recipient terminal device 10 to accept an operation indicating that the user agrees to this electronic data, and accepts the operation to agree from the user. If there are any defects in the contract at this point, the server 20 may accept an operation from the electronic data recipient indicating that they do not agree to the contract.

[0066] Server 20 accepts an operation from the electronic data recipient to agree to the electronic data, and in doing so, affixes the electronic signature of the electronic data recipient to the electronic data. The electronic data is stored on Server 20. Tampering with the electronic data is prevented by affixing the electronic signatures of both contracting parties.

[0067] This embodiment realizes such a cloud-based electronic contract service. In the following embodiment, we will describe a technology that can prevent errors in the recipient and sending order of approver lists, including approvers with fixed terms of office, in electronic contracts.

[0068] <2 Data Structure> Figures 5 and 6 show the data structure of the database stored by server 20. Note that Figures 5 and 6 are examples and do not exclude data not shown.

[0069] Each record in the approval management database 2021 shown in Figure 5 includes the fields "Approval Management ID", "Electronic Data ID", "User ID of Electronic Data Sender", "Approver List ID", "Status indicating whether all approvals have been completed", and "Approval Record".

[0070] The item "Approval Management ID" indicates the identification information issued by, for example, server 20 for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0071] Specifically, the item "Approval Management ID" is a unique ID for each electronic contract that is necessary when managing each contract concluded electronically between users.

[0072] The item "Electronic Data ID" refers to a unique ID for each electronic data specified by the sender of the electronic data when a contract is concluded electronically. For example, the identification information for electronic data includes unique information issued by the server 20 in association with the electronic data when the server accepts the upload of electronic data as the subject of an electronic contract (such as identification information issued for the document, and link information for each terminal device to access the electronic data).

[0073] The item "User ID of Electronic Data Sender" refers to a unique ID for the user who is the sender of electronic data for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0074] The item "Approver List ID" refers to a unique ID for the approver list, which is specified by the sender user as the recipient of the electronic data for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0075] The "Approval Status" item indicates the status of the electronic contract being concluded between the electronic data sender and the electronic data receiver. Specifically, the status of the electronic contract between the parties may include the following: • "In progress": In the process of concluding an electronic contract, each user has been designated, but at least one of the designated users has not yet approved the contents of the contract. • "Completed": The state in which the server 20 has received approval from each user specified in the electronic contract signing process, and the electronic contract signing process is complete.

[0076] The "Approval Record" item shows the date and time when each approver approved the electronic data for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0077] Each record in the database 2022 of the electronic data details in Figure 5 includes the fields "Electronic Data ID", "Electronic Data Title", "Type of Electronic Data", "Whether Notification Regarding Term of Office Is Possible", and "Deadline".

[0078] The item "Electronic Data ID" refers to a unique ID for each electronic data specified by the sender of the electronic data when a contract is concluded electronically. For example, the identification information for electronic data includes unique information issued by the server 20 in association with the electronic data when the server accepts the upload of electronic data as the subject of an electronic contract (such as identification information issued for the document, and link information for each terminal device to access the electronic data).

[0079] The item "Electronic Data Title" indicates the title of the electronic data. For example, "Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting" or "Estimate for Electrical Work." The title of the electronic data can also be extracted by using OCR or similar methods to read the electronic data, and the text corresponding to the title is stored in a database.

[0080] The item "Type of Electronic Data" indicates the type of electronic data classified according to its content. For example, "Board of Directors' Meeting Materials" or "Quotation." The type of electronic data can also be determined and classified based on the title of the electronic data.

[0081] The item "Whether or not notification regarding term of office is permissible" indicates whether or not notification regarding the term of office is permissible, depending on the type of electronic data. Examples of electronic data include "board of directors' materials" and "quotations." For example, if the type of electronic data is "Board of Directors materials," then the approvers involved in the Board of Directors have a set term of office. Therefore, if the type of electronic data is "Board of Directors materials," it is acceptable to answer YES to the question of "Is it possible to notify them about their term of office?"

[0082] The "Expiration Date" field indicates the end date of the term of office, depending on the type of electronic data. Examples of electronic data include "Board of Directors' Meeting materials" and "Quotations." For example, if the term of office of a director is known, you can set the term of office in the "Term of Office" field for electronic data of the type "Board of Directors' Materials" to match the expiration date of the director's term.

[0083] The electronic data sender database 2023 in Figure 5 includes the fields "Electronic Data Sender User ID", "User's Email Address", "User's Name", "User's Company Name", "Name of Company the User Belongs To", and "User's Job Title".

[0084] The item "User ID of Electronic Data Sender" refers to a unique ID for the user who is the sender of electronic data for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0085] The item "User's email address" indicates the email address of the user who will be sending the electronic data for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0086] The item "User's Name" indicates the name of the user who will be sending the electronic data for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0087] The item "Name of the company to which the user belongs" indicates the name of the organization (such as the name of the business company) to which the user who is the sender of the electronic data belongs, for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0088] The item "User's Title" indicates the title of the user who will be sending the electronic data for each contract concluded via electronic contract. For example, "Director," "Auditor," or "Department Head."

[0089] The database 2024 in Figure 6, for the approver list (when the approver list ID is AL001), includes the fields "Approver List ID", "User ID included in the approver list", "Approval Order", "Whether or not the user has a term set", "Term limit if set", and "Group ID". The illustrated example shows that in an electronic contract, the sender user can specify up to four approval order settings for multiple recipient users, but it is not limited to four.

[0090] The item "Approver List ID" refers to a unique ID for the approver list, which is specified by the sender user as the recipient of the electronic data for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0091] The item "User ID included in the approver list" refers to a unique ID for each user included in the approver list for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0092] The "Approval Order" item indicates the order in which users included in the approver list approve each contract concluded electronically. For example, suppose the electronic data sender has designated three electronic data recipients: Approval Order 1, Approval Order 2, and Approval Order 3. Server 20 first sends a link to electronic data recipient Approval Order 1 to allow them to view the electronic data and accepts their approval. In response to receiving the approval request from electronic data recipient Approval Order 1, Server 20 records that electronic data recipient Approval Order 1 has approved the data and the timing of the approval (for example, by adding the electronic signature of electronic data recipient Approval Order 1 in response to the approval request), and sends a link to electronic data recipient Approval Order 2 to allow them to view the electronic data. Subsequently, Server 20 similarly records that electronic data recipient Approval Order 2 has approved the data and the timing of the approval (for example, by adding the electronic signature of electronic data recipient Approval Order 2 in response to the approval request), and in response to the approval from electronic data recipient Approval Order 2, sends a link to electronic data recipient Approval Order 3 to allow them to view the electronic data and accepts the approval request from electronic data recipient Approval Order 3.

[0093] The item "Whether the user has a fixed term of office" indicates whether the approver user has a fixed term of office for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0094] The item "Deadline if a term of office is set" indicates the date and time of the deadline for each contract concluded electronically, if a term of office is set for the approver user.

[0095] The "Group ID" field indicates the group identification information used in the approval order for each contract concluded electronically, specifically for users included in the approver list who approve the contract.

[0096] For example, let's consider the case where the group ID of the approver list database 2024 is AG001. In this case, the electronic data sender has designated approval sequence 1, approval sequence 2, approval sequence 3, and approval sequence 4 as electronic data recipients. Server 20 first accepts the approval operation from the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 1 by sending a link to allow them to view the electronic data. In response to the acceptance of the approval operation from the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 1, Server 20 records that the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 1 has approved the data and the timing of the approval (for example, by attaching the electronic signature of the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 1 in response to the approval operation), and then sends a link to allow the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 2 to view the electronic data. Approval sequence 2 has the group ID set to AG001, and there are two members belonging to the same group ID, AP002 and AP003. If they belong to the same group ID, the order of approval does not matter, so either AP002 or AP003 can approve first. Subsequently, the server 20 records that the electronic data recipient in approval order 2 has approved the data and the timing of that approval (for example, by attaching the electronic signature of the electronic data recipient in approval order 2 in response to the approval operation). In response to the approval by the electronic data recipient in approval order 2, the server 20 sends a link to the electronic data recipient in approval order 3 to allow them to view the electronic data, and accepts an approval operation from the electronic data recipient in approval order 3. Then, in response to the approval by the electronic data recipient in approval order 3, the server 20 sends a link to the electronic data recipient in approval order 4 to allow them to view the electronic data, and accepts an approval operation from the electronic data recipient in approval order 4.

[0097] The database 2025 of users included in the approver list in Figure 6 includes the following fields: "User ID included in the approver list", "User's email address", "User's name", "Name of the company the user belongs to", "User's job title", "Whether or not the user has a fixed term of office", and "If a fixed term of office has been set, the end date".

[0098] The item "User ID included in the approver list" refers to a unique ID for each user included in the approver list for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0099] The item "User's email address" indicates the email address of the user included in the approver list for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0100] The "User Name" field indicates the name of the user included in the approver list for each contract concluded electronically.

[0101] The item "Name of the company to which the user belongs" indicates the name of the organization (such as the name of the business company) to which the user included in the approver list belongs for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0102] The "User's Position" field indicates the job title of the user included in the approver list for each contract concluded electronically. Examples include "Director," "Auditor," and "Department Head."

[0103] The item "Whether or not a user has a fixed term of office" indicates whether or not a fixed term of office has been set for any user included in the approver list for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0104] The item "Deadline if a term is set" indicates the date and time of the deadline for any term of office set for users included in the approver list for each contract concluded via electronic contract.

[0105] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, we will explain the operation of each device that makes up the electronic contract system 1.

[0106] Figure 7 shows the flow of the contract conclusion process between the parties via Server 20. The following explanation describes an example in which, when concluding a contract electronically, the sender user (second user) identifies the recipient user (first user) and then proceeds with the contract conclusion via Server 20.

[0107] In step S701, the second user's sender terminal device 30 receives an operation from the user to specify the approver list to be used in the electronic contract between the second user and the first user, and sends it to the server 20.

[0108] In step S731, the server 20 receives the approver list to be used in the electronic contract from the second user's sender terminal device 30. Then, it checks whether the specified approver list includes users with set terms of office by referring to the approver list information database 2024.

[0109] In step S702, the second user's sender terminal device 30 receives an operation from the user to specify the electronic data to be used in the electronic contract between the second user and the first user.

[0110] In step S703, the second user's sender terminal device 30 indicates that, as a result of step S731, there are users on the approver list who have a term set. Specifically, it presents the user with the results of matching the approver list information database 2024 in step S731.

[0111] In step S704, the second user's sender terminal device 30 receives an operation from the user to specify the approver list and electronic data to be used in the electronic contract between the second user and the first user, and transmits it to the server 20.

[0112] In step S732, the server 20 receives the electronic data used for the electronic contract from the second user's sender terminal device 30 and transmits it to the first user. For example, the server 20 sends a message to the email address of a user on the recipient's approver list, which has been designated by the second user when concluding the electronic contract, urging them to confirm the contents of the electronic data and indicating that it is accepting an operation to approve the contract contents.

[0113] In step S751, the recipient terminal device 10 of the first user, which is designated by the second user, receives electronic data to be used in the electronic contract from the second user via the server 20.

[0114] In step S752, the recipient terminal device 10 receives input from the first user, who is the approver, to confirm the contents of the electronic data and to conclude the contract. In response to the input operation for concluding the contract, the recipient terminal device 10 sends information to the server 20 indicating that the contract will be concluded. In this case, the server 20 will sequentially request approval in the order specified in the approval order of the recipient's approver list. Furthermore, if approvers belong to the same approval order group in the approver list information database 2024, the order of approval within that group is irrelevant.

[0115] In step S733, the server 20 receives information from the first user indicating that a contract has been concluded regarding electronic data, and updates various information such as the approval management database 2021. Server 20 sends information to the second user indicating that the contract has been concluded. For example, Server 20 sends a message to the second user's email address that notifies the first user that the contract conclusion process has been completed, and includes a link to view the electronic data that is the subject of the contract.

[0116] In step S705, the sender terminal device 30 presents the second user with the result of the completion of the electronic contract conclusion, such as by displaying information on a display.

[0117] <Screen example> Figure 8 shows that the sender's terminal accepts the setting of the approver list.

[0118] The example screen in Figure 8 shows a screen on the sender-side terminal device 30 that accepts an operation from the user of the electronic data sender to select which approver list to send the electronic data to.

[0119] The sender-side terminal device 30 can accept from the user of the electronic data sender the selection of an approver list as the recipient for each contract concluded by electronic contract. The approver list is a list of approvers for which there are multiple approvers. Furthermore, the sender-side terminal device 30 can also allow the user of the electronic data sender to select from an existing list of approvers. In addition, the sender-side terminal device 30 can also accept additions and edits to the existing list of approvers from the user of the electronic data sender. The sender-side terminal device 30 can also accept input operations from the electronic data sender's user to add or edit a new approver list if there is no suitable approver list among the existing approver lists for the recipient.

[0120] The sender terminal device 30 presents the following information to the user of the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 810. Message 810A: This is the area that displays a message prompting the user to select a list of approvers to send the message to. • Area 810B: This area displays a list of approvers subject to contract signing and allows the user to select one. Button 810C: This area allows the user of the electronic data sender to confirm the selected approver list and then add or edit the approver list. Button 810D: This area accepts an operation from the user of the electronic data sender to confirm the selected approver list and then finalize the approver list.

[0121] The sender-side terminal device 30 receives an operation from the electronic data sender to select an approver list based on the information presented on the dialog screen 810 described above.

[0122] Figure 9 shows that the terminal on the electronic data sender side accepts the designation of the electronic data to be used for each contract concluded by electronic contract.

[0123] The sender-side terminal device 30 receives an operation from the electronic data sender to upload electronic data.

[0124] The sender-side terminal device 30 presents the following information to the user of the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 910. Specifically, the sender terminal device 30 of the second user, who is the sender, displays the following information on the dialog screen 910. Message 910A: This is the area that displays a message prompting the user to upload the electronic data to be attached to the recipient. • Area 910B: This area accepts requests from the user of the electronic data sender to upload electronic data to be attached to the recipient. Button 910C: This area accepts input from the user who is sending electronic data, allowing them to determine which electronic data to upload.

[0125] Figure 10 shows the approver being presented with electronic data and selecting their approval option.

[0126] The recipient terminal device 10 displays a screen to the user of the recipient terminal device 10 that allows them to perform an operation to indicate their agreement to the electronic data.

[0127] The recipient terminal device 10 presents the contents of the electronic data online to the first user, who is the approver of the electronic data, when they click the link provided in the received email. The recipient terminal device 10 also accepts an operation from the first user, who is the approver of the electronic data, to conclude an agreement on the electronic data. Furthermore, the server 20 accepts an operation from the electronic data recipient to agree to the electronic data, and then affixes the electronic signature of the electronic data recipient to the electronic data. The electronic data is stored on the server 20. By affixing the electronic signatures of both contracting parties, tampering with the electronic data is prevented.

[0128] The recipient terminal device 10 presents the content of the electronic data subject to the contract to the first user, who is the approver. The recipient terminal device 10 then accepts the operation from the first user, who is the approver, to approve or reject the electronic data. Specifically, the recipient terminal device 10 displays the following information to the first user, who is the approver, on the dialog screen 1010. • Message 1010A: This is an area for displaying messages that prompt the user to review and approve electronic data. • Area 1010B: This area displays the content of the electronic data that is the subject of the contract. The recipient terminal device 10 displays the type of electronic data (for example, various types of contracts such as minutes of a board meeting), the names of the contracting parties, the terms of the electronic data, etc., in area 1010B. Button 1010C: This area is for receiving an operation from the first user, who is the approver, to reject the electronic data. Button 1010D: This area is for receiving an operation from the first user, who is the approver, to approve the electronic data.

[0129] Figure 11 shows that, in the sender-side terminal device 30, a term of office has been set for users included in the approver list specified by the electronic data sender.

[0130] Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information on the dialog screen 1110 to the electronic data sender. Message 1110A: This is the area where a message is displayed to inform the user that a term of office has been set for users included in the recipient's approver list. • Area 1110B: This area displays details of the approver list. In the example for 1110B, it is shown that the second person from the top of the approver list is set to have a fixed term.

[0131] Figure 12 shows how the sender-side terminal device 30 displays a notification to the electronic data sender regarding the expiration of the approver's term of office.

[0132] The sender-side terminal device 30 may notify the electronic data sender that the approver's term of office is nearing its end. For example, if the approver's term of office is due to expire in one week, the sender-side terminal device 30 may display a notification on the screen one week before the deadline. This could also serve as an opportunity for the electronic data sender to review the approver list before the approver's term of office expires. Specifically, the sender terminal device 30 displays the following information on the dialog screen 1210. Message 1210A: This is the area that displays a message to inform the user that the term of office for a user included in the recipient's approver list is about to expire. • Area 1210B: This area displays the details of the approver list.

[0133] Figure 13 shows the state in which the sender-side terminal device 30 accepts an operation from the electronic data sender to add an approver to the approver list.

[0134] The sender-side terminal device 30 can accept an operation from the electronic data sender to select an approver list as the recipient for each contract. The approver list is a list of approvers for whom there are multiple approvers. The sender-side terminal device 30 can also accept operations from the electronic data sender to add or edit existing approver lists or new approver lists as recipients for each contract (810C). Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information on the dialog screen 1310 to the electronic data sender. • Area 1310A: This area displays information from the existing approver list. Button 1310B: This area accepts requests from the electronic data sender to add approvers to the approver list. Button 1310C: This area accepts an operation from the electronic data sender to remove an approver from the approver list. Button 1310D: This area accepts the operation from the electronic data sender to complete the editing of the approver list.

[0135] The sender-side terminal device 30 accepts input from the electronic data sender via button 1310B when an approver is to be added. After accepting the input from 1310B, the sender-side terminal device 30 presents the dialog screen 1410 to the electronic data sender.

[0136] Figure 14 shows the process of entering the information of the approver to be added to the approver list.

[0137] The sender-side terminal device 30 receives an operation from the electronic data sender to input the information of the approver to be added to the approver list. The sender-side terminal device 30 accepts input from the electronic data sender via button 1310B when an approver is to be added. After accepting the input from 1310B, the sender-side terminal device 30 presents the dialog screen 1410 to the electronic data sender. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 1410. • Area 1410A: This area displays information from the existing approver list. • Area 1410B: This area accepts input from the electronic data sender, allowing them to enter approver information for each item to be added to the approver list. Button 1410C: This area accepts the operation from the electronic data sender to confirm the information of the approver to be added and complete the editing of the approver list.

[0138] The sender-side terminal device 30 receives an input from the electronic data sender to enter information about approvers to be added to the approver list. If a term of office is set for the added approver, the sender-side terminal device 30 accepts the input from button 1410C and then presents a dialog screen 1510 to the electronic data sender.

[0139] Figure 15 is a diagram that notifies approvers added to the approver list that their term of office is limited.

[0140] The sender-side terminal device 30 displays a screen to the electronic data sender informing them that the approver added to the approver list has a term limit. The sender-side terminal device 30 can also accept operations from the electronic data sender to add or edit existing approver lists or new approver lists as recipients for each contract (810C). The sender-side terminal device 30 receives an input from the electronic data sender to enter information about approvers to be added to the approver list. If a term of office is set for the added approver, the sender-side terminal device 30 accepts the input from button 1410C and then presents a dialog screen 1510 to the electronic data sender. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 1510. Message 1510A: This is the area that displays a message to inform the user that the term of office of an approver added to the approver list is nearing its end. • Area 1510B: This area displays details of the approver list.

[0141] Figure 16 is a diagram that notifies about the term of office of approvers included in the approver list.

[0142] Figure 16 shows that the sender-side terminal device 30 may display information regarding the term of office of approvers included in the approver list to the electronic data sender. For example, if a term of office was set for an approver when the approver list was set up, the sender-side terminal device 30 may indicate on the screen where the electronic data is sent that the term of office has expired. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 1610. Message 1610A: This is the area that displays a message to inform the user that the term of office of an approver in the approver list has expired. • Area 1610B: This area is for displaying the list of currently selected approvers. Button 1610C: This is an area for displaying information from electronic data. Button 1610D: This area is for receiving an operation from the electronic data sender to decide whether to send electronic data. Button 1610E: This area is for receiving an operation from the electronic data sender to cancel the transmission of electronic data.

[0143] Figure 17 is a diagram showing how to notify someone of their term of office depending on the type of electronic data.

[0144] The sender-side terminal device 30 may display a screen to the electronic data sender that notifies them of their term of office, depending on the type of electronic data. For example, the sender-side terminal device 30 may display a screen to the electronic data sender that notifies them of their term of office, in accordance with the end date and time of the director's term of office, for electronic data of the type "Board of Directors' Materials". Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 1710. Message 1710A: This is an area for displaying a notification regarding the type of electronic data to be attached to the recipient and the term of office. • Area 1710B: This area is for displaying information from electronic data.

[0145] Figure 18 is a diagram showing the process for setting the term of office for the approver, who holds a managerial position.

[0146] The sender-side terminal device 30 can also receive the setting of the term of office of the officer who is the approver from the electronic data sender. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 1810. Message 1810A: This is the area that displays information from the existing approver list. Button 1810B: This area accepts the operation from the electronic data sender to add an approver to the approver list. Button 1810C: This is the area where the electronic data sender can submit an operation to remove an approver from the approver list. Button 1810D: This is the area where the electronic data sender completes the editing of the approver list.

[0147] The sender-side terminal device 30 accepts input from the electronic data sender via button 1810B when adding an approver, and displays a dialog screen 1910.

[0148] Figure 19 is a diagram showing how to set the term of office for an officer.

[0149] The sender-side terminal device 30 can also receive the setting of the term of office of the officer who is the approver from the electronic data sender. The sender-side terminal device 30 accepts input from the electronic data sender via button 1810B when adding an approver, and displays a dialog screen 1910. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 1910. • Area 1910A: This area displays information from the existing approver list. • Area 1910B: This area accepts input from the electronic data sender for the approver's information. Button 1910C: This area accepts the operation from the electronic data sender to complete the editing of the approver list.

[0150] If the sender-side terminal device 30 receives input from the electronic data sender via button 1910C and displays dialog screen 2010, the added approver has a term of office set.

[0151] Figure 20 shows the term of office of the officer who is the approver.

[0152] The sender-side terminal device 30 presents the electronic data sender with the term of office of the officer who is the approver. If the sender terminal device 30 receives input from the electronic data sender via button 1910C and displays dialog screen 2010, the added approver officer has a term of office set for them. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 2010. • Message 2010A: This is the area for displaying a message to the user that shows the term of office of the newly added approver. • Area 2010B: This area displays details of the approver list.

[0153] Figure 21 is a diagram for registering the timing of the shareholders' meeting.

[0154] Directors appointed at a shareholders' meeting have a term of office. Therefore, users included in the approver list set up for the shareholders' meeting also have a term of office. The sender-side terminal device 30 can receive an operation from the electronic data sender in advance to register the date of the next shareholders' meeting with the server 20, and can then display a notification screen when the time for the shareholders' meeting approaches. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 2110. Message 2110A: This is an area to display a message prompting the electronic data sender to enter the date of the next general shareholders' meeting. • Area 2110B: This area accepts input from the electronic data sender regarding the date of the next general shareholders' meeting. Button 2110C: This is the area where the electronic data sender completes the setting of the date of the shareholders' meeting.

[0155] Figure 22 is a diagram showing how to notify shareholders of their term of office as the general shareholders' meeting approaches.

[0156] Officers at a shareholders' meeting have a term of office. Therefore, users included in the approver list set up for the shareholders' meeting also have a term of office. The sender-side terminal device 30 can receive an operation from the electronic data sender to register the date of the next shareholders' meeting with the server 20 in advance, and can then display a notification screen when the time for the shareholders' meeting approaches. The dialog screen 2210 shows the sender-side terminal device 30 notifying the electronic data sender of their term of office in response to the approaching time for the shareholders' meeting. Specifically, the sender-side terminal device 30 displays the following information to the electronic data sender on the dialog screen 2210. Message 2210A: This is the area for displaying a message prompting the electronic data sender to review the approval list, including directors, as the next general shareholders' meeting is approaching. • Area 2210B: This area displays information about the approver list, including executives. Button 2210C: This area accepts requests from the electronic data sender to review the settings of the shareholder meeting approver list. Button 2210D: This is the area where the electronic data sender can request that the settings for the shareholder meeting approver list not be revised.

[0157] Figure 23 shows that, regarding the order of approval, if the approvers belong to the same group ID, the order of approval does not matter.

[0158] A group ID is an identifier for a group in the approval order, used when users included in the approver list approve each contract concluded electronically (2024). For example, let's consider the case where the group ID of the approver list (2310A) is A. In this case, let's assume that approval sequence 1, approval sequence 2, and approval sequence 3 are designated as electronic data recipients. Server 20 first accepts the approval operation from the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 1 by sending a link to allow them to view the electronic data. In response to receiving the approval operation from the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 1, Server 20 records that the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 1 has approved the data and the timing of the approval (for example, by attaching the electronic signature of the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 1 in response to the approval operation), and sends a link to allow the electronic data recipient of approval sequence 2 to view the electronic data. Approval sequence 2 has group ID A set, and there are two members belonging to the same group ID. If two individuals belong to the same group ID, the order of approval does not matter; therefore, if both individuals have group ID A set, either one can approve first. Thereafter, the server 20 records that the electronic data recipient in approval order 2 has approved the data and the timing of the approval (for example, by affixing the electronic signature of the electronic data recipient in approval order 2 in response to the operation to approve the data), and in response to the approval by the electronic data recipient in approval order 2, sends a link to the electronic data recipient in approval order 3 to allow them to view the electronic data, and accepts an operation to approve the data from the electronic data recipient in approval order 3. Specifically, the sender terminal device 30 displays the following information on the dialog screen 2310. • Area 2310A: This area displays information from the approver list. • Area 2310B: This area displays a message explaining the approval order of the approver list.

[0159] Figure 24 illustrates how, regarding the approval order, subsequent users are prevented from performing the approval operation until they have received approval from the preceding user.

[0160] The approver list designated by the electronic data sender as the recipient may have an approval order set. Server 20 exchanges electronic data with the recipient terminal device 10 sequentially according to the approval order. The recipient terminal device 10 can accept approvals according to the set approval order by suppressing the approval operation for users who are later in the approval sequence until the approval operation is accepted by the user who is earlier in the sequence. Specifically, the recipient terminal device 10 displays the following information to the approver user on the dialog screen 2410. Message 2410A: This is the area that displays a message indicating that approval cannot be granted because it does not follow the approval order. • Area 2410B: This area displays details of the electronic data.

[0161] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted 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.

[0162] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below. (Note 1) A program for operating a computer (20), Computers are designed to accept approval from each user regarding the electronic data that will be viewed by multiple users. The program is sent to the computer's processor (29), Step (S701) accepts the setting of an approver list in which one or more users are registered, including a first user who is an approver with a set term of office, The second user then specifies the electronic data to be approved (S702), Based on the settings of the approver list, the process involves presenting the electronic data designated for a second user to the users registered in the approver list, thereby receiving an operation from the users registered in the approver list to approve the said electronic data (S752), A program that performs the following steps: (S703) presents a second user with information indicating that the first user registered in the approver list has a term of office set for them.

[0163] (Note 2) The program described in (1210A), (Appendix 1), provides notification regarding the expiration of the term of office in response to the expiration of the term of office of the first user in the steps presented.

[0164] (Note 3) The computer is then instructed to perform the step (S731) of identifying users with fixed terms among the users included in the approver list by referring to a database containing information on multiple users, including approvers with fixed terms. The program described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2) presents information indicating that a fixed term is set for the first user, when a fixed-term user is identified in the steps presented.

[0165] (Note 4) In the step of accepting settings, the display screen accepts an operation to register users to be included in the approver list (1310B), and the approver list is set by this operation. A program described in any of the following (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3), which, in response to an operation to register a first user in the approver list, notifies the user on the display screen that the first user included in the approver list has a term limit (1510A).

[0166] (Note 5) In the step of accepting the specification of electronic data, the display screen accepts the operation to specify the electronic data, and the electronic data is presented to the user on the approver list based on that operation. A program described in any of the following (Note 1) to (Note 4) that notifies the user on the display screen that the first user included in the approver list has a term limit (1610A).

[0167] (Note 6) In the steps presented, depending on the type of electronic data that has been designated, the program (1710A), as described in (Appendix 5), notifies the user of information regarding the term of office.

[0168] (Note 7) In the step of accepting settings, the settings for the term of office information of the first user for whom a term of office has been set are accepted (1910B), In the step presented, the program presents the term of office of the first user in the approver list (2010A), as described in any of the notes (1) to (6).

[0169] (Note 8) The term of office is the term of office of the approvers, who are directors whose terms are decided by the general meeting of shareholders. The step of accepting registration for the timing of the shareholders' meeting (2110A) is then carried out. In the steps presented, a program (2210A) or any of the programs described in (Appendix 1) through (Appendix 7) provides a notice prompting the confirmation or updating of the list of approvers in response to the arrival of the time for the registered general meeting of shareholders.

[0170] (Note 9) In the step of accepting settings, We accept settings regarding the approval order for each user registered in the approver list (2310A), Regarding approval order information, we accept settings that group at least some of the registered users together, and that do not require any particular order of approval within that group. A program as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8), which, in the step of accepting an approval operation, accepts approval of electronic data from each user on the approver list in the order of approval, and accepts approval of electronic data from multiple users within a group regardless of the order of approval.

[0171] (Note 10) The program described in (2410A) (Appendix 9) prevents users in the later stages of the approval sequence from approving electronic data until they have received approval from the preceding user.

[0172] (Note 11) In the step of accepting the specification of electronic data, the display screen accepts the operation to specify the electronic data, and the electronic data is presented to the user on the approver list based on that operation. The program described in (1610A) (Appendix 5) notifies the user that the term of office of the first user included in the approver list has expired on the display screen.

[0173] (Note 12) A method for operating a computer (20), Computers are designed to accept approval from each user regarding the electronic data that will be viewed by multiple users. The method is that the computer's processor (29) Step (S701) accepts the setting of an approver list in which one or more users are registered, including a first user who is an approver with a set term of office, The second user then specifies the electronic data to be approved (S702), Based on the settings of the approver list, the process involves presenting the electronic data designated for a second user to the users registered in the approver list, thereby receiving an operation from the users registered in the approver list to approve the said electronic data (S752), A method for performing the following steps: (S703) presenting a second user with information indicating that the first user registered in the approver list has a term of office set.

[0174] (Note 13) An information processing device (20) comprising a control unit, The information processing device is designed to obtain approval from each user regarding the electronic data that is to be viewed by multiple users. The control unit (29) Step (S701) accepts the setting of an approver list in which one or more users are registered, including a first user who is an approver with a set term of office, The second user then specifies the electronic data to be approved (S702), Based on the settings of the approver list, the process involves presenting the electronic data designated for a second user to the users registered in the approver list, thereby receiving an operation from the users registered in the approver list to approve the said electronic data (S752), An information processing device that performs the step (S703) of presenting a second user with information indicating that the first user registered in the approver list has a term of office set. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0175] 1: Electronic contract system, 10: Recipient-side terminal device, 12: Communication IF, 13: Input device, 14: Output device, 15: Memory, 16: Storage unit, 19: Processor, 20: Server, 22: Communication IF, 23: Input / Output IF, 25: Memory, 26: Storage, 29: Processor, 30: Sender-side terminal device, 32: Communication IF, 33: Input device, 34: Output device, 35: Memory, 36: Storage unit, 39: Processor, 80: Network, 111: Antenna, 121: First wireless communication unit, 130: Operation reception unit, 132: Display, 140: Voice processing unit, 141: Microphone, 142: Speaker, 161: Approval management information, 162: Detailed information on electronic data, 163 : Electronic data sender information, 164: Approver list information, 165: User information of the approver list, 191: Input operation reception unit, 192: Sending and receiving unit, 193: Data processing unit, 194: Notification control unit, 201: Communication unit, 202: Storage unit, 203: Control unit, 2021: Approval management database, 2022: Electronic data details database, 2023: Electronic data sender database, 2024: Approver list database, 2025: Database of users included in the approver list, 2031: Receiving control module, 2032: Transmission control module, 2033: Approval management information acquisition module, 2034: Approver list user information acquisition module

Claims

1. A program for operating a computer, The aforementioned computer is for receiving approval from each user regarding the electronic data to be viewed by multiple users. The program is transmitted to the computer's processor, A step of accepting the setting of an approver list in which one or more users are registered, including a first user who is an approver with a set term of office, A step of receiving the designation of the electronic data subject to approval from a second user, Based on the settings of the approver list, the user registered in the approver list is presented with the electronic data designated for the second user, thereby receiving an operation from the user registered in the approver list to approve the electronic data; A program that causes the second user to perform the step of presenting information to the first user registered in the approver list indicating that a term of office has been set for that first user.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the steps described above, in response to the expiration of the term of office of the first user, it provides a notification regarding the expiration of the term of office.

3. The computer is then instructed to perform the step of identifying users with fixed terms among the users included in the approver list by referring to a database containing information on multiple users, including approvers with set terms of office. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the step described above, if the fixed-term user is identified, information indicating that a fixed term has been set for the first user is presented.

4. In the step of accepting the above settings, the display screen accepts an operation to register a user included in the approver list, and the approver list is set by this operation. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which, in response to an operation to register the first user in the approver list, notifies the user on the display screen of information that the first user included in the approver list has a term of office.

5. In the step of accepting the designation of the electronic data, the display screen accepts an operation to designate the electronic data, and the electronic data is presented to the user of the approver list based on that operation. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display screen notifies the first user included in the approver list that there is a term limit.

6. The program according to claim 5, wherein in the step described above, it notifies the user of information regarding the existence of a term of office, depending on the type of electronic data for which the designation has been received.

7. In the step of accepting the above settings, the setting of the term of office information of the first user for whom the term of office has been set is accepted. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the step described above, the term of office of the first user in the approver list is presented.

8. The aforementioned term of office is the term of office of the approver, who is an officer whose term is determined by the shareholders' meeting. Further steps are taken to accept registration for the aforementioned general meeting of shareholders, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the steps described above, it provides a notification prompting confirmation or updating of the list of approvers in response to the arrival of the time of the general meeting of shareholders to be registered.

9. In the step of accepting the above settings, The system accepts settings regarding the approval order for each user registered in the aforementioned approver list. Regarding the approval order information, the system accepts a setting that groups at least some of the registered users into a group, and does not require an order of approval within that group. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the step of accepting the operation to grant the approval, approval of the electronic data is accepted from each user in the approver list in the order of approval, and for multiple users in the group, approval of the electronic data is accepted regardless of the order of approval.

10. The program according to claim 9, which, in accordance with the approval order, suppresses the operation to approve the electronic data for users in the later stages of the approval order until the approval operation by the preceding user is accepted.

11. In the step of accepting the designation of the electronic data, the display screen accepts an operation to designate the electronic data, and the electronic data is presented to the user of the approver list based on that operation. The program according to claim 5, wherein, on the display screen, if the term of office of the first user included in the approver list has expired, the program notifies the user that the term of office has expired.

12. A method for operating a computer, The aforementioned computer is for receiving approval from each user regarding the electronic data to be viewed by multiple users. The above method involves the computer's processor, A step of accepting the setting of an approver list in which one or more users are registered, including a first user who is an approver with a set term of office, A step of receiving the designation of the electronic data subject to approval from a second user, Based on the settings of the approver list, the user registered in the approver list is presented with the electronic data designated for the second user, thereby receiving an operation from the user registered in the approver list to approve the electronic data; A method comprising the steps of: presenting the second user with information indicating that the first user registered in the approver list has a term of office set for them.

13. An information processing device comprising a control unit, The aforementioned information processing device is for receiving approval from each user regarding electronic data to be viewed by multiple users. The control unit, A step of accepting the setting of an approver list in which one or more users are registered, including a first user who is an approver with a set term of office, A step of receiving the designation of the electronic data subject to approval from a second user, Based on the settings of the approver list, the user registered in the approver list is presented with the electronic data designated for the second user, thereby receiving an operation from the user registered in the approver list to approve the electronic data; An information processing device that performs the steps of: presenting the second user with information indicating that the first user registered in the approver list has a term of office set for them.

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