Document creation device and document creation method

Abstract

This invention provides a document creation device and a document creation method that enable a user to efficiently and easily create work reports for multiple projects ordered by various business partners. [Solution] The document creation device includes an information processing device having a storage device. The information processing device is communicatively connected to a terminal equipped with a display device capable of displaying images. The storage device stores management information including information about multiple clients, information about multiple projects ordered by each of the multiple clients to the contractor, and information about the work related to the projects. The information processing device displays an information input screen on the terminal's display device for inputting information about each of the multiple projects. Based on the management information, the information processing device creates a work report for the work related to each project.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a document creation apparatus and a document creation method. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In recent years, freelance work styles have become widespread, and many individuals work independently. In freelance work, it is essential to create various documents such as cost estimates and work reports for contract management with clients and progress management of work. However, manually creating these documents takes time and effort, and imposes a heavy burden especially on freelancers who work alone.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a document creation apparatus aiming to reduce the workload for creating at least one of an invoice and a report when a work contractor makes a report on work performed upon entrustment from a work entruster. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent No. 7037677 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is common for freelancers to simultaneously manage a plurality of entrusters (business partners) and a plurality of projects (work ordered by business partners). However, when creating a work report for these projects, the contractor needs to record in detail different work content and progress status for each project.

[0006] However, it takes considerable effort and time for contractors to track the progress of multiple projects with overlapping work periods, compile work information such as the working hours for each project, and create work reports. Therefore, there is a need for a document creation system that enables contractors to efficiently and easily create work reports for multiple projects ordered by different clients.

[0007] Furthermore, creating work reports for each project requires registering (inputting) information generated in each process, such as user registration, outsourcing contracts, orders, and work performed on ordered projects, into the document creation system. Information related to each process is registered (input) into the document creation system as each process occurs. Therefore, the timing of registering (inputting) information related to each process into the document creation system differs. Consequently, the document creation system needs to efficiently manage this information, which is entered at different times, in a way that ensures consistency.

[0008] The document creation device described in Patent Document 1 is for creating work reports related to tasks performed by a contractor on behalf of a single client. The document creation device described in Patent Document 1 does not create separate documents for multiple projects ordered by multiple clients. Patent Document 1 does not describe an information input screen for efficiently inputting work-related information for each of multiple projects (for example, multiple projects with overlapping work periods).

[0009] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, one of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a document creation device and a document creation method that enable a user to efficiently and easily create work reports for each of multiple projects ordered by each of multiple business partners. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the document creation apparatus of this disclosure is a document creation apparatus including an information processing apparatus having a storage device, wherein the information processing apparatus is communicatively connected to a terminal equipped with a display device capable of displaying images, the storage device stores management information including information about a plurality of clients, information about a plurality of projects ordered by each of the plurality of clients to a contractor, and information about work for the projects, and the information processing apparatus is configured to display an information input screen on the display device of the terminal for inputting information about each of the plurality of projects, and to create a work report for the work for each of the projects based on the management information.

[0011] The document creation method of this disclosure includes an information processing device having a storage device, wherein the information processing device is communicatively connected to a terminal equipped with a display device capable of displaying images, the storage device stores management information including information about a plurality of clients, information about a plurality of projects ordered by each of the plurality of clients to a contractor, and information about work related to the projects, the information processing device displays an information input screen on the display device of the terminal for inputting information about each of the plurality of projects, and creates a work report for the work related to each of the projects based on the management information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] This disclosure enables users to efficiently and easily create work reports for multiple projects ordered by various business partners. The effects described herein are not necessarily limited and may include any of the effects described in this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a document creation device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a document creation device. [Figure 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a user table. [Figure 4] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a consignor table. [Figure 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an estimate table. [Figure 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a project table. [Figure 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a work report table. [Figure 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining each stage at which the tables shown in Figs. 3 to 7 are created (updated) and the relationship between each table. [Figure 9A] Fig. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed on the display device of a trustee terminal. [Figure 9B] Fig. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed on the display device of a trustee terminal. [Figure 9C] Fig. 9C is a diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed on the display device of a trustee terminal. [Figure 9D] Fig. 9D is a diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed on the display device of a trustee terminal. [Figure 10A] Fig. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed on the display device of a trustee terminal. [Figure 10B] Fig. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a GUI screen displayed on the display device of a trustee terminal. [Figure 11] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow executed by a document creation device. [Figure 12] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing flow executed by a document creation device. [Figure 13] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing flow executed by a document creation device. [Figure 14] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing flow executed by a document creation device. [Figure 15] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing flow executed by a document creation device. [Figure 16] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing flow executed by a document creation apparatus. [Figure 17] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing flow executed by a document creation apparatus. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0015] In the following description, various types of information may be described using expressions such as "table", "record", "column", "column", "row", and "list", but the various types of information may be expressed by data structures other than these. Information represented in one table may be represented in a plurality of tables. Information represented in a plurality of tables may be represented in one table.

[0016] When describing identification information, expressions such as "ID" and "name" are used, but these can be replaced with each other. Further, these may be replaced with identification information in other expressions.

[0017] In the following description, processing may be described with an apparatus such as the document creation apparatus 100 as the subject, but the subject of processing may be an "information processing apparatus" instead of the document creation apparatus 100, or may be a CPU instead of the apparatus. The subject of processing performed by executing a program only needs to be an arithmetic unit, and may include a dedicated circuit that performs specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit is, for example, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), or the like.

[0018] In the following description, the program may be installed on the computer from the program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a storage medium readable by the computer. If the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server includes a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to other computers. Also, in the embodiment, two or more programs may be implemented as one program, or one program may be implemented as two or more programs.

[0019] <<Embodiment>> <Structure> Figure 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a system configuration including a document creation device 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the system includes a document creation device 100 and a plurality of user terminals 200 and 300A to 300X.

[0020] For the sake of clarity, user terminals 300A through 300X used by the client (the user who orders the work) will be referred to as client terminal 300, and user terminal 200 used by the contractor (the user who undertakes the work ordered by the client) will be referred to as contractor terminal 200. User terminals 200 and 300A through 300X may be referred to simply as "user terminals" when there is no need to distinguish between them.

[0021] In the example in Figure 1, the system includes a contractor terminal 200 and multiple client terminals 300A through 300X. Hereafter, when there is no need to distinguish between them, client terminals 300A through 300X will be referred to simply as "client terminal 300". In the system, a user who is the contractor in the example in Figure 1 may also become a client, and a user who is a client in the example in Figure 1 may also become the contractor. Therefore, there may be multiple contractor terminals 200.

[0022] The document creation device 100, the contractor's terminal 200, and the client's terminal 300 are connected via network NW1, enabling communication. Network NW1 is, for example, the internet.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a document creation device 100. As shown in Figure 2, the document creation device 100 includes a non-volatile storage device 110 that can read and write data, a memory 120 (e.g., RAM), a CPU 130, an input / output interface 140, a network interface 150, and a bus 160. The storage device 110, memory 120, CPU 130, input / output interface 140, and network interface 150 are connected via the bus 160. A device including the storage device 110, memory 120, CPU 130, input / output interface 140, network interface 150, and bus 160 may be referred to as a "computer" or "information processing device."

[0024] The document creation device 100 may be composed of multiple computers. The computers may be virtual computers on the cloud. The computers are equipped with a timer device (not shown) for measuring date and time information. The computers may not be equipped with a timer device and may have a function to acquire date and time information from an external source.

[0025] The storage device 110 holds (stores, keeps) the program 111 and the database 112.

[0026] The CPU 130 loads the program 111 stored in the storage device 110 into the memory 120. The CPU 130 then executes the program 111 loaded into the memory 120 to realize various functions of the document creation device 100.

[0027] Database 112 includes a user table 210, a client table 220, a quotation table 230, a project table 240, a work report table 250, and a document creation database 260. Details of the user table 210, client table 220, quotation table 230, project table 240, and work report table 250 will be described later. Although not shown in Figure 1, database 112 may also hold information necessary for creating other types of documents (such as a quotation table 260 and an other document table 270 (see Figure 8)). Note that the above tables are concepts (virtual tables) used for convenience to explain the information stored in database 112. Each table is saved in database 112 when each process in Figure 8 occurs.

[0028] The user table 210, client table 220, quotation table 230, project table 240, work report table 250, quotation table 260, and other document table 270 may be referred to as "management information." Furthermore, information including at least the work report table 250 (i.e., information including "information about multiple clients, information about multiple projects ordered by each of the multiple clients to the contractor, and information about the work performed on those projects") may also be referred to as "management information." The user table 210 may be referred to as "user information." The client table 220 may be referred to as "client information." The quotation table 230 may be referred to as "quote information." The project table 240 may be referred to as "project information." The work report table 250 may be referred to as "work report information."

[0029] The document creation database DB260 is a database where documents created by the document creation device 100 and documents uploaded from user terminals are stored.

[0030] As described above, the program 111 executed by the CPU 130 is loaded into memory 120, and data used by the CPU 130 when executing program 111 is temporarily stored there.

[0031] The input / output interface 140 is an interface for connecting operating devices such as a keyboard and mouse, a display, etc. The network interface 150 is an interface for connecting the computer to the network NW1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user table 210. The user table 210 contains information stored in the database 112 of the document creation device 100 during the user registration process shown in Figure 8.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the user table 210 includes user ID 211 and user 212 as columns for storing information (values). In the user table 210, the information corresponding to each column about the user is associated with each other and stored as row-level information (records).

[0034] Specifically, User ID 211 stores an ID used to identify the user. User 212 stores the user's name. Authentication information (password) 213 stores the authentication information (password) used to authenticate the user.

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a client table 220. The client table 220 is the information stored in the database 112 of the document creation device 100 in the outsourcing contract process shown in Figure 8.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the client table 220 includes the following columns for storing information (values): client ID (user ID) 221, client 222 (business partner) 222, contractor ID (user ID) 223, contractor 224, and contract details 225. In the client table 220, information corresponding to each column regarding the client and contractor who have entered into a contract, such as a contract, is associated with each other and stored as row-level information (records).

[0037] Specifically, the following fields are used: Client ID (User ID) 221 stores the user ID used to identify the client; Client (Business Partner) 222 stores the name of the client (business partner); Contractor ID (User ID) 223 stores the ID used to identify the contractor; Contractor 224 stores the name of the contractor; and Contract Details 225 stores the details of the outsourcing contract (e.g., the contents of the contract document).

[0038] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an estimate table 230. The estimate table 230 is the information stored in the database 112 of the document creation device 100 during the estimate process shown in Figure 8.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the estimate table 230 includes the following columns for storing information (values): Estimate ID 231, Client ID 232, Contractor ID 233, Date 234, Request Details 235, and Fee-Detail Information 236. In the estimate table 230, the information corresponding to each column related to the estimate is associated with each other and stored as row-level information (records).

[0040] Specifically, Estimate ID 231 stores an ID to identify the estimate. Client ID 232 stores an ID to identify the client. Contractor ID 233 stores an ID to identify the contractor. Date 234 stores the date the estimate was created. Request details 235 stores the details of the request for the estimate. Price-Details 236 stores information about the amount and details of the estimate.

[0041] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case table 240. The case table 240 is the information stored in the database 112 of the document creation device 100 in the ordering process shown in Figure 8.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the case table 240 includes the following columns for storing information (values): case ID 241, case 242, client ID 243, contractor ID 244, order date 245, order details 246, and fee calculation information 247. In the case table 240, the information corresponding to each column regarding orders from the client to the contractor is associated with each other and stored as row-level information (records).

[0043] Specifically, Case ID 241 stores an ID to identify the case. Case ID 242 stores the name of the case. Client ID 243 stores an ID to identify the client. Contractor ID 244 stores an ID to identify the contractor. Order Date 245 stores the date the client placed the order for the case. Order Details 246 stores the details of the order, including the delivery date. Fee Calculation Information 247 stores information necessary for calculating fees, such as the hourly rate for each task.

[0044] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work report table 250. The work report table 250 is the information stored in the database 112 of the document creation device 100 during the work report creation process shown in Figure 8.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, the work report table 250 includes the following columns for storing information (values): work ID 251, case ID 252, case 253, client ID 254, client (business partner) 255, date 256, work details 257, working time 258, and working hours 259. In the work report table 250, the information corresponding to each column regarding the work performed by the contractor is associated with each other and stored as row-level information (records).

[0046] Specifically, the task ID 251 stores an ID to identify the task. The case ID 252 stores an ID to identify the case. The case name 253 stores the name of the case. The client ID 254 stores an ID to identify the client. The client (business partner) 255 stores the name of the client (business partner). The date 256 stores the date the task was performed. The task details 257 stores the details of the task. The working time 258 stores the time period (working time) when the task was performed. The working time 259 stores the duration of the task. Note that the above tables are concepts (virtual tables) used for convenience to explain the information stored in database 112, and duplicate data, such as the user ID value in user table 210, may be related as the client or contractor values ​​in client table 220.

[0047] Referring again to Figure 1, the contractor terminal 200 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer (PC). An example of the hardware configuration of the contractor terminal 200 is shown in Figure 2 and includes a storage device 110, memory 120, CPU 130, input / output interface 140, network interface 150, bus 160, and an operating device (e.g., mouse, keyboard, touchpad, etc.) and an image display device (display) connected to the input / output interface 140. The contractor terminal 200 may also be equipped with an operating device such as a touch panel.

[0048] The client terminal 300 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer (PC). An example of the hardware configuration of the client terminal is shown in Figure 2, which includes a storage device 110, memory 120, CPU 130, input / output interface 140, network interface 150, bus 160, and an operating device (e.g., mouse, keyboard, touchpad, etc.) and an image display device (display) connected to the input / output interface 140. The client terminal 300 may also be equipped with an operating device such as a touch panel.

[0049] <Overview> This document provides an overview of the disclosure. The document creation device 100 efficiently manages the information necessary for each client and project for creating work reports, quotations, and other documents for multiple clients and projects managed simultaneously by the contractor, using the tables shown in Figures 3 to 7, the quotation table 260 (Figure 8), and the other documents table 270 (Figure 8) necessary for creating other documents. Other documents include, for example, invoices, acceptance certificates, and payment notices.

[0050] The tables shown in Figures 3 through 7, the quotation table 260, and the other document table 270 are stored in database 112 at each process (stage) shown in Figure 8. These multiple tables efficiently manage the separate information created at each process (stage) while maintaining data integrity.

[0051] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the stages in which the tables shown in Figures 3 to 7 are created (updated) and the relationships between each table.

[0052] When a user registration process occurs, the document creation device 100 creates a record in the user table 210 based on the information entered by the user and saves it in the database 112. The user registration process is the process of registering users who wish to use the document creation device 100 with the document creation device 100. After user registration, registered users can use the document creation device 100 by logging in to it. Users other than registered users cannot use the document creation device 100.

[0053] When a consignment contract process occurs, the document creation device 100 uses the information entered by the registered user and the information obtained by referring to the user table 210 (user ID, name of each user) to create a record in the consignor table 220 and save it in the database 112. The consignment contract process is the process in which consignment contracts are made between registered users. Note that if the user ID and name of each user do not exist in the referenced user table 210, the document creation device 100 cannot create a record in the consignor table 220. In this way, the document creation device 100 can only save information related to consignment contracts for registered users.

[0054] When an estimation process occurs, the document creation device 100 creates a record in the estimation table 230 using the information entered by the user and information obtained by referring to the client table 220 (associated client IDs and contractor IDs), and saves it in the database 112. The estimation process is the process in which a user saved as a contractor in the client table 220 receives an estimation request from a user saved as a client and performs the estimation. Note that the document creation device 100 cannot create a record in the estimation table 230 if the associated client IDs and contractor IDs do not exist in the referenced client table 220. This ensures that the document creation device 100 can only save information regarding estimation requests between registered users in a contracting relationship in the database 112.

[0055] When the quotation creation process occurs, the document creation device 100 uses the information entered by the user and the information obtained by referring to the quotation table 230 (information corresponding to each column of the quotation table 230) to create a record (not shown) in the quotation table 260 and save it in the database 112. The quotation creation process is the process by which a user saved as a contractor in the client table 220 creates a quotation. Note that if the reference data corresponding to the quotation to be created does not exist in the referenced quotation table 260, the document creation device 100 cannot create a record in the quotation table 260. In this way, the document creation device 100 can only create quotations for which it has made an estimate.

[0056] When an ordering process occurs, the document creation device 100 creates a record in the case table 240 using the information entered by the user and information obtained by referring to the client table 220 (associated client IDs and contractor IDs), and saves it in the database 112. The ordering process is the process in which a user saved as a contractor in the client table 220 receives an order from a user saved as a client. Note that the document creation device 100 cannot create a record in the case table 240 if the associated client IDs and contractor IDs do not exist in the referenced client table 220. This ensures that the document creation device 100 can only save information about cases between registered users in a contracting relationship in the database 112. Alternatively, the document creation device 100 may create a record in the case table 240 using the information entered by the user and information obtained by referring to the estimate table (associated client IDs and contractor IDs) when an ordering process occurs after an estimate has been made, and save it in the database 112. In this case, if the client ID and contractor ID associated with each other do not exist in the referenced estimate table 230, a record in the case table 240 cannot be created. This allows the document creation device 100 to save only the information related to the case for which an estimate has been made in the database 112.

[0057] When the work report creation process, one of the process for creating project-related documents, occurs, the document creation device 100 uses information entered by the user, information obtained by referencing the project table 240 and the client table 220 to create a record in the work report table 250 and save it in the database 112. The work report creation process is the process in which a user saved as a contractor in the client table 220 creates a work report. Note that if the reference data corresponding to the project for which the work report is to be created does not exist in the referenced project table 240, the document creation device 100 cannot create a record in the work report table 250. Therefore, the document creation device 100 is configured to create work reports only for projects for which an order has been placed.

[0058] The document creation device 100, when the process for creating other documents other than work reports, which are one of the process for creating project-related documents, creates a record (not shown) in the other documents table 270 using information entered by the user and information obtained by referring to the project table, etc., and saves it in the database 112. The other documents creation process is the process in which a user saved as a contractor in the client table 220 creates other documents. Note that the document creation device 100 cannot create a record in the other documents table 270 if there is no reference data corresponding to the project for which other documents are to be created in the referenced project table 240. Therefore, the document creation device 100 is configured to create other documents only for projects for which orders have been placed.

[0059] The document creation device 100 stores and manages the information entered at each stage by directly or indirectly associating it with the database 112 while maintaining data integrity. As a result, when the document creation device 100 creates documents such as work reports, the only information that the user needs to register (input) with the document creation device 100 at the document creation stage is information corresponding to the type of document.

[0060] For example, if the document to be created is a work report, the only information the user needs to register (input) during the document creation stage is the work time, work content, and the specific work case to be registered (input) as needed. Other necessary information can be obtained by referring to tables directly or indirectly associated with the work report table 250 and other document tables 270. Therefore, users of the document creation device 100 can reduce the burden of inputting information for each case.

[0061] Furthermore, in the document creation device 100, at each stage of document creation, the information entered in each process leading up to the creation of each document is compiled and saved in a consistent manner (for example, the quotation table 260, the work report table 250, and the other document table 270 are created). As a result, the document creation device 100 can efficiently create documents for multiple clients and multiple projects.

[0062] Furthermore, when registering (inputting) information necessary for creating a work report during the document creation stage, the document creation device 100 selects (specifies) a case from among multiple cases and displays an information input screen, which is a GUI screen for inputting work-related information for the selected (specified) case, on the display device of the contractor terminal 200, using information such as the case table 240 created (updated) before the document creation stage and other information necessary for creating images.

[0063] By using the GUI screen, users can easily see which client and which project they are currently working on. Further details about this GUI screen will be provided later.

[0064] The document creation device 100 provides a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to the contractor terminal 200 and the client terminal 300. The GUI provided by the document creation device 100 is provided, for example, by the program 111 (application software) of the document creation device 100. The GUI provided by the document creation device 100 may also be implemented by a web page generated in the document creation device 100 and provided to the user terminals. Alternatively, the GUI may be provided by a combination of the program 111 (application software) of the document creation device 100 and the program 111 (application software) of each user terminal.

[0065] Figure 9A shows an example of a GUI screen displayed on the display device of the contractor terminal 200. The contractor inputs the information necessary for creating a work report into the document creation device 100 via the GUI screen of the contractor terminal 200. The GUI screen is sometimes referred to as the "information input screen." The GUI screen is designed to display information related to multiple projects (such as clients, work details, working hours, and planned work periods) on the same screen, either simultaneously or selectively.

[0066] The GUI screen allows the contractor to input (record) information such as working hours (working time) and work details for each of multiple projects. As a result, the document creation device 100 can efficiently and easily record different work details and working hours for each project, and efficiently and easily create work reports for multiple projects for multiple clients.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9A, the GUI screen includes an interactive calendar 900. The interactive calendar 900 is a calendar with functions that the user can directly operate. The interactive calendar 900 includes a year and month display unit 901 and a date and time calendar unit 902.

[0068] The year and month display unit 901 includes the month of the calendar displayed in the date and time calendar unit 902, and a text image indicating that the date marked with a circle on the calendar displayed in the date and time calendar unit 902 is today's date.

[0069] The date and time calendar unit 902 includes a work input calendar unit 903 for a predetermined period (for example, one week in this example) that includes the selected date, time information 904 arranged in the column direction to the left of the work input calendar unit 903, date and day of the week information 905 arranged in the row direction above the work input calendar unit 903, and a project work schedule period display frame 906 arranged between the date and day of the week information 905 and the work input calendar unit 903.

[0070] The work input calendar section 903 consists of a tabular calendar in which time is represented by rows and date (day of the week and day of the week) is represented by columns. The work input calendar section 903 displays the registration work frame 907 and the input work frame 908 (not shown in Figure 9A; see Figures 9B to 10B) superimposed on it. The registration work frame 907 displays a text image indicating the work content within the frame and is superimposed on the calendar area indicating the date and time corresponding to the time the work was performed.

[0071] The registration task box 907 is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the project being worked on. In the example in Figure 9A, registration task box 907 (Designing the Member Registration API) and registration task box 907 (Implementing the Member Registration API) are tasks related to project X. Therefore, they are displayed in the first display mode corresponding to project X. In the first display mode, for example, the background of the parts of the box other than the text image is white. Registration task box 907 (Investigating Data Migration) is a task related to project Y. Therefore, this registration task box 907 (Investigating Data Migration) is displayed in the second display mode corresponding to project Y. The second display mode is a different display mode from the first display mode; for example, the background of the box is a dot pattern.

[0072] The input work area 908 (not shown in Figure 9A) is displayed for entering the work time period (operating time period). Details of the input work area 908 will be described later, but it is displayed superimposed on the calendar area that shows the date and time period corresponding to the time period of work that is in progress or has been completed.

[0073] The project work schedule period display frame 906 is displayed to show the work schedule period for each project. The project work schedule period display frame 906 is displayed for each project in the area corresponding to the work schedule period at the top of the work input calendar section 903. This allows the user to easily understand the work schedule period for each project.

[0074] The GUI screen further includes a work target case display area 910 to the left of the work input calendar section 903. In the work target case display area 910, case content 920 corresponding to each of the multiple cases ordered by the contractor is displayed for each case. The document creation device 100 refers to the case table 240 and the client table 220 to identify the cases and the clients (business partners) corresponding to the cases, and displays the case content 920 corresponding to the cases ordered by the contractor in the work target case display area 910.

[0075] The project content 920 includes a checkbox 921, a project client text image 922, a time clock button 923, and a guide image 924. The elements constituting the project content 920 are arranged so that their correspondence is clear. Specifically, for example, the checkbox 921, the project client text image 922, and the time clock button 923 are arranged horizontally adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the pair of checkbox 921, project client text image 922, and time clock button 923 and the guide image 924 are arranged vertically adjacent to each other.

[0076] Checkbox 921 is manipulated to select and display the registration work slot 907 for the project corresponding to project content 920 on the calendar. Checkbox 921 becomes either selected or unselected depending on the operation performed on checkbox 921.

[0077] When checkbox 921 is selected, all registration work slots 907 for the case corresponding to checkbox 921 are displayed in the work input calendar section 903. When checkbox 921 is not selected, all registration work slots 907 for the case corresponding to checkbox 921 are hidden in the work input calendar section 903. This allows the user to view only the registration work slots 907 for the case they wish to check, and to check the work details and working hours only for that case.

[0078] Project Client Text Image 922 is a text image that shows the project for which the contractor has received an order and the client (client) who placed the order. Project Client Text Image 922 displays the projects and clients (clients) that are associated with each other in Project Table 240.

[0079] The time stamping button 923 is used to record the time (start time, end time) related to the task corresponding to checkbox 921. The time stamping button 923 is sometimes referred to as the "time stamping operation unit."

[0080] When the time-stamping button 923 is operated, it will display either a first display mode indicating that work is paused or a second display mode indicating that work is in progress. That is, when the time-stamping button 923 is displayed in the first display mode and is operated, it will switch from the first display mode to the second display mode. When the time-stamping button 923 is displayed in the second display mode and is operated, it will switch from the second display mode to the first display mode. The first display mode of the time-stamping button 923 is the display mode shown in Figure 9A, and the second display mode of the time-stamping button 923 is the display mode shown in Figure 9B.

[0081] Guide image 924 is an image that guides the user (contractor) to recommended actions and is displayed as needed. Guide image 924 is hidden when not needed. Guide image 924 includes an information button 926 and a message image 927, which are placed side by side adjacent to each other. The information button 926 is a button that is operated to transition to a screen for performing the action recommended by message image 927. Message image 927 is a text image that shows the action recommended to the user (contractor).

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 9A, the projects that the contractor has received orders for are Project X, Project Y, and Project Z. Therefore, the project display area 910 displays three project contents 920, each corresponding to Project X, Project Y, and Project Z.

[0083] The GUI screen further includes an information notification section 930 below the work target case display area 910. The information notification section 930 displays images to notify the user of necessary information.

[0084] The GUI screen includes a document creation button 940 and an upload button 950 to the left of the work target display area 910. The document creation button 940 is a button that, when operated on, transitions to a screen for creating a specific document. The document to be created can be selected from a pull-down list. When the pull-down arrow of the document creation button 940 is operated, multiple documents that can be created are displayed in a list, and when a document is selected from the displayed multiple documents, the screen transitions to the creation screen for the selected document.

[0085] The upload button 950 is a button operated by the user to upload a document created on the user terminal to the document creation device 100. The document to be uploaded can be selected from a pull-down list. When the pull-down arrow of the upload button 950 is operated, multiple documents that can be uploaded are displayed in a list. When a document is selected from the displayed documents, the selected document is uploaded to the document creation device 100 and stored in the created document DB 260.

[0086] The GUI screen includes a display area 960 below the upload button 950, which contains multiple linked text images. These linked text images are displayed vertically. Each linked text image has a link that, when clicked, transitions to another page or image. For example, each linked text image representing a document transitions to the creation screen for that document when clicked. For instance, clicking the linked text image representing a quotation transitions to the quotation creation screen.

[0087] Figures 9B to 9D illustrate the input and registration of work-related information through the operation of the time-stamping button 923. In the GUI screen shown in Figure 9A, when the time-stamping button 923 for the case content 920 corresponding to case X is operated, the document creation device 100 displays the input work frame 908 in the area corresponding to the work start time when the time-stamping button 923 was operated, as shown in Figure 9B. At this time, the document creation device 100 displays the input work frame 908 in a display mode corresponding to the case corresponding to the time-stamping button 923 that was operated. The document creation device 100 changes the display mode of the time-stamping button 923 from a first display mode indicating work paused to a second display mode indicating work in progress. Although not shown in the illustration, the size of the input work frame 908 changes as time elapses so that it is displayed in the area on the calendar corresponding to the elapsed time while the display mode of the time-stamping button 923 is in the second display mode indicating work in progress.

[0088] Subsequently, when the time stamp button 923 is pressed again while it is in the second display mode, the document creation device 100 displays the input work frame 908 in the area from the start time of work to the end time of work when the time stamp button 923 was pressed again, as shown in Figure 9C, and further displays the work content input window 970 near the input work frame 908. The document creation device 100 changes the display mode of the time stamp button 923 from the second display mode indicating that work is in progress to the first display mode indicating that work is paused.

[0089] The work details input window 970 includes a case input box (pull-down menu) 971, a work time slot 972, a work input section 973, and a registration button 974. The work details input window 970 is sometimes referred to as the "work details input section."

[0090] The project input field (pull-down menu) 971 is used to input the project to be worked on. When the pull-down arrow is operated, multiple projects that the contractor has received are displayed as options. By selecting a project from the options, the selected project is entered into the project input field 971. The project input field 971 is sometimes referred to as the "project input section".

[0091] Furthermore, when the time-stamp button 923 is operated, the document creation device 100 recognizes that the case corresponding to the work being entered is the case corresponding to the time-stamp button 923. The document creation device 100 displays the work content input window 970 with the case corresponding to the operated time-stamp button 923 already entered into the case input field 971 of the work content input window 970. As a result, when the work content input window 970 is displayed, the case input field 971 is already automatically filled with the case corresponding to the operated time-stamp button 923. Therefore, the document creation device 100 can save the user the trouble of entering the case.

[0092] The work input unit 973 is operated to input the details of the work. When the details of the work are entered into the work input unit 973, the details of the work performed during the time period indicated by the work time period 972 are entered.

[0093] The registration button 974 is operated to register the time period indicated by the work time period 972 and the contents entered in the work content input window 970 to the document creation device 100. When the registration button 974 is operated, the time period indicated by the work time period 972, the contents entered in the work content input window 970, and other information are registered (stored) in the work report table 250 of the document creation device 100.

[0094] As shown in Figure 9D, the document creation device 100 adds the work details to the input work frame 908 and displays them superimposed on the calendar as a registration work frame 907.

[0095] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the input and registration of work-related information using drag-and-drop operations. Drag-and-drop is an example of a specific operation used to specify an area on a calendar. In the GUI screen shown in Figure 10A, a drag-and-drop operation is performed on the area on the calendar corresponding to the work time slot to be entered. In this case, as shown in Figure 10B, the document creation device 100 displays the work content input window 970 in the area on the calendar corresponding to the work time slot to be entered.

[0096] At this time, the document creation device 100 displays the case input frame (pull-down menu) 971 in an empty state. When inputting work-related information using drag-and-drop operations, the document creation device 100 has not yet recognized the work-related case when the work content input window 970 is displayed, so it asks the user to input the information. When the registration button 974 is operated with the case and work content entered in the work content input window 970, the time period indicated by the work time period 972, the content entered in the work content input window 970, and other information are registered (stored) in the work report table 250 of the document creation device 100. As shown in Figure 9D, the document creation device 100 adds the work content to the input work frame 908 and displays it superimposed on the calendar as the registration work frame 907.

[0097] Furthermore, users can modify registered content by performing drag-and-drop operations on the registration work frame 907. In addition, users can input and register work-related information by performing drag-and-drop operations on the input work frame 908 even while work is in progress (while the display mode of the time stamping button 923 is in the second display mode indicating that work is in progress).

[0098] <Specific operation> The specific operation of the document creation device 100 described herein will now be explained. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the processing flow performed by the document creation device 100. The document creation device 100 starts processing from step 1100 and proceeds to step 1105, where it determines whether or not there has been an operation on the time stamp button 923 on the GUI screen.

[0099] If there is an operation on the time stamping button 923, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1105 and sequentially executes the processes of steps 1110 to 1120 described below.

[0100] Step 1110: The document creation device 100 identifies the target case by executing the case identification process shown in Figure 14, and registers information about the identified case in the work report table 250. Details of the case identification process shown in Figure 14 will be described later.

[0101] Step 1115: The document creation device 100 displays an input work frame 908 in a display mode appropriate to the case at a position corresponding to the date and time when the time stamp button 923 on the calendar is operated.

[0102] Step 1120: The document creation device 100 displays the input work frame 908 in a display mode corresponding to the case identified in step 1110, in the area between the time the time stamp button 923 on the calendar was operated and the current date and time.

[0103] Subsequently, the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1125, where it determines whether or not there are any modifications made by drag-and-drop operations.

[0104] If no modifications are made by drag-and-drop, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1125 and proceeds to step 1130 to determine whether or not the time stamp button 923 is pressed again.

[0105] If the time stamping button 923 is not pressed again, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1130 and returns to step 1120 as described above.

[0106] If the time stamp button 923 is pressed again, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1130 and proceeds to step 1135, where it displays the input work frame 908 in the area between the time the time stamp button 923 was pressed on the calendar ("YES" in step 1105) and the time it was pressed again ("YES" in step 1130), in a display mode corresponding to the case identified in step 1110. After that, the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1145 in Figure 12.

[0107] If a drag-and-drop operation occurs in step 1125 as described above, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1125 and proceeds to step 1140, where it displays the input work frame 908 in the area corresponding to the drag-and-drop operation on the calendar, in a display mode corresponding to the case identified in step 1110. After that, the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1145 in Figure 12.

[0108] When the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1145 in Figure 12, it displays the work content input window 970. Then, the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1150 to determine whether or not there are any modifications made by drag-and-drop operations.

[0109] If no modifications are made using drag-and-drop, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1150 and proceeds to step 1155.

[0110] If there are modifications made by drag-and-drop, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1150, and after sequentially executing the processes in steps 1160 and 1165 described below, proceeds to step 1155.

[0111] Step 1160: The document creation device 100 displays the input work frame 908 in an area corresponding to the operation on the calendar, in a display manner corresponding to the case identified in step 1110.

[0112] Step 1165: The document creation device 100 displays the work content input window 970.

[0113] When the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1155, it determines whether or not a registration operation has been performed. The registration operation is performed by pressing the registration button 974 in the work content input window 970.

[0114] If no registration operation is performed, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1155 and returns to step 1145. If a registration operation is performed, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1155 and executes the processes in steps 1170 and 1175 described below in order.

[0115] Step 1170: The document creation device 100 displays a registration work frame 907, which has the work details of the registration content added to the input work frame 908, in a display format appropriate to the case. The registration content refers to the content entered in the work content input window 970 at the time the registration button 974 is operated.

[0116] Step 1175: The document creation device 100 stores information in the work report table 250 based on the registered content by executing the information storage process shown in Figure 15. Details of the process shown in Figure 15 will be described later.

[0117] Subsequently, the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1195 and terminates this processing flow.

[0118] If the time stamping button 923 is not operated in step 1105 of Figure 11 described above, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1105 and proceeds to step 1180. When the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1180, it determines whether or not a drag-and-drop operation has been performed.

[0119] If no drag-and-drop operation is performed, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1180 and returns to step 1105.

[0120] If a drag-and-drop operation is performed, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1180 and proceeds to step 1185, where it displays the input work frame 908 in the area corresponding to the operation on the calendar.

[0121] Subsequently, the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1190 in Figure 13, displays the work content input window 970 with the case input frame 971 blank, and then proceeds to step 1193 to determine whether or not there are any modifications made by drag-and-drop. If there are no modifications made by drag-and-drop, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1193 and proceeds to step 1200 to determine whether or not the case name has been entered and registered in the work content input window 970.

[0122] If no case name is entered or registered in the work details input window 970, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1200 and returns to step 1190.

[0123] When a case name is entered and registered in the work details input window 970, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1200 and sequentially executes the processes of steps 1205 to 1215 described below.

[0124] Step 1205: The document creation device 100 identifies the target case by executing the case identification process shown in Figure 14, and registers information about the identified case in the work report table 250. Details of the case identification process shown in Figure 14 will be described later.

[0125] Step 1210: The document creation device 100 displays a registration work frame 907, which has the work details of the registration content added to the input work frame 908, in a display format appropriate to the case.

[0126] Step 1215: The document creation device 100 stores information in the work report table 250 based on the registered content by executing the information storage process shown in Figure 15. Details of the process shown in Figure 15 will be described later.

[0127] Subsequently, the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1295 and terminates this processing flow.

[0128] If there are any modifications made by drag-and-drop operation in the process of step 1193 described above, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1193 and sequentially executes the processes of steps 1220 and 1225 described below.

[0129] Step 1220: The document creation device 100 displays an input work frame 908 in an area corresponding to the operation on the calendar.

[0130] Step 1225: The document creation device 100 displays a work details input window 970 with the case input field 971 blank. The document creation device 100 then proceeds to step 1200 described above and executes the process of step 1200 described above.

[0131] The details of the process for identifying the target case (step 1110 in Figure 11, step 1205 in Figure 13) described above will now be explained. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the process for identifying the target case. The document creation device 100 starts processing from step 1400, executes the processes from steps 1405 to 1420 described below in order, and then proceeds to step 1495 to temporarily end this processing flow.

[0132] Step 1405: The document creation device 100 identifies the case corresponding to the time stamp button 923 or the entered case as a case to be registered in the work report table 250.

[0133] Step 1410: The document creation device 100 assigns a work ID and registers (stores) the work ID, the identified case ID, and the name of the case in the work report table 250.

[0134] Step 1415: The document creation device 100 obtains the client ID and client (business partner) name corresponding to the identified case from the case table 240 and client table 220, and registers (stores) them in the work report table 250.

[0135] Step 1420: The document creation device 100 registers (stores) the current date in the work report table 250.

[0136] The details of the information storage process described above (step 1175 in Figure 12, step 1215 in Figure 13) will now be explained. Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the information storage process. The document creation device 100 starts processing from step 1500, executes the processes from steps 1505 to 1520 described below in order, and then proceeds to step 1595 to temporarily end this processing flow.

[0137] Step 1505: The document creation device 100 stores the work details from the registered information in the work report table 250.

[0138] Step 1510: The document creation device 100 stores the work time period of the registered content as the working time period in the work report table 250.

[0139] Step 1515: The document creation device 100 calculates the operating time and stores it in the work report table 250.

[0140] Step 1520: The document creation device 100 calculates the work content and working hours and stores them in the work report table 250.

[0141] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow for creating work reports by manual operation. The document creation device 100 starts processing from step 1600, executes the processes described below in steps 1605 to 1615 in order, and then proceeds to step 1695 to temporarily end this processing flow.

[0142] Step 1605: The document creation device 100 receives a work report creation instruction from the contractor terminal 200. The work report creation instruction includes information specifying the client, the case, and the period for which the work report is to be created.

[0143] Step 1610: The document creation device 100 creates a work report in accordance with the work report creation instruction and the work report table 250.

[0144] Step 1615: The document creation device 100 displays the work report on the contractor terminal 200. The created document can be saved to the created document DB 260 by instructing the document creation device 100.

[0145] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the work report creation process via output operations. The document creation device 100 starts processing from step 1700 and proceeds to step 1705, where it determines whether or not there is an output operation for a work report specifying a case or customer.

[0146] If there is no operation to output a work report, the document creation device 100 determines "NO" in step 1705 and executes the process in step 1705 again.

[0147] If there is an operation to output a work report, the document creation device 100 determines "YES" in step 1705, and after sequentially executing the processes in steps 1710 to 1715 described below, proceeds to step 1795 and terminates this processing flow.

[0148] Step 1710: The document creation device 100 creates a work report for each project specified in the output operation, or a work report for each project grouped by customer, based on the work report table 250 and the work performed up to the time of the output operation.

[0149] Step 1715: The document creation device 100 displays an editing screen containing the work report created in step 1710 in an editable state. The user can modify the contents of the work report through the editing screen. When the user exits the editing screen, the document creation device 100 proceeds to step 1720.

[0150] Step 1720: The document creation device 100 displays the completed work report on the contractor terminal 200. The created document can be saved to the created document DB 260 by instructing the document creation device 100.

[0151] <Effects> As described above, the document creation device 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure enables the user to efficiently and easily create work reports for each of the multiple projects ordered by each of the multiple business partners. Furthermore, the document creation device 100 can efficiently create multiple types of documents for each of the multiple business partners and multiple projects.

[0152] <<Variation>> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 100…Document creation device, 200…Contractor terminal, 210…User table, 220…Client table, 230…Quotation table, 240…Project table, 250…Work report table, 300…Client terminal, 810…Project display area, 900…Interactive calendar, 907…Registration work frame, 908…Input work frame, 923…Time stamp button, 970…Work details input window

Claims

1. A document creation device including an information processing device having a storage device, The aforementioned information processing device is communicated with a terminal equipped with a display device capable of displaying images, The storage device stores management information including information about multiple clients, information about multiple projects ordered by each of the multiple clients to the contractor, and information about the work performed for those projects. The information processing device displays an information input screen on the terminal's display device for inputting information about each of the multiple cases, Based on the aforementioned management information, a work report is prepared for each of the aforementioned tasks. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

2. In the document creation apparatus described in claim 1, The aforementioned management information is This includes work report information that associates information on multiple aforementioned cases and information on the aforementioned work, The information processing device creates the work report based on the work report information. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

3. In the document creation apparatus described in claim 2, The aforementioned management information is The correspondence between the aforementioned case and the aforementioned client is defined, and the case information includes information relating to the aforementioned case, The correspondence between the aforementioned client and the aforementioned contractor is defined, and the client information includes information about the aforementioned client, User information including information relating to the contractor and information relating to the client, The aforementioned work report information, project information, client information, and user information are directly or indirectly related to each other. Document creation device.

4. In the document creation apparatus described in claim 3, The aforementioned information processing device is The work report information, the project information, the client information, and the user information are stored in the storage device at different times. The aforementioned work report information is created using the aforementioned case information and stored in the aforementioned storage device. Document creation device.

5. In the document creation apparatus described in claim 3, The aforementioned management information is Quotation information, which stores information related to quotations, Estimate information, which stores information related to estimates, Multiple other document information sets up to store information about each of several types of other documents other than the aforementioned work report and the aforementioned quotation, It further includes, The aforementioned quotation information, quotation information, client information, and user information are directly or indirectly related to each other. The aforementioned other document information, the aforementioned case information, the aforementioned client information, and the aforementioned user information are directly or indirectly related to each other. The information processing device can create the other documents based on the other document information, and can create the quotation based on the quotation information. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

6. In the document creation apparatus described in claim 1, The aforementioned information input screen is a screen for identifying the project to be worked on from among multiple projects, and for storing information related to the work for the identified project in the management information. The aforementioned information processing device is The information relating to the case identified by the information input screen and the information relating to the client for the identified case are stored in the management information. Based on the information entered on the information input screen, the management information stores information related to the work for the identified case. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

7. In the document creation apparatus described in claim 6, The information regarding the identified case is, This includes the identification information of the aforementioned case and the identification information of the client corresponding to the aforementioned case, Information regarding the aforementioned work is, The content of the work, the operating time period for the work, and the operating time of the work are included. Document creation device.

8. In the document creation apparatus described in claim 6, The aforementioned information input screen includes a time stamping operation unit, which is operated to record the date and time, and is provided for each of the multiple aforementioned cases. Document creation device.

9. In the document creation apparatus described in claim 8, The aforementioned information input screen includes a calendar, The aforementioned information processing device is When the time stamping operation unit is operated, an input work frame indicating the working hours for the case corresponding to the time stamping operation unit is displayed at the position on the calendar corresponding to the date and time the time stamping operation unit was operated. If the time stamping operation unit is operated again, the input work frame will be displayed in the area on the calendar between the date and time the time stamping operation unit was operated and the date and time the time stamping operation unit was operated again. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

10. Document creation apparatus according to claim 9 The aforementioned information processing device is If the aforementioned stamping operation unit is operated again, The information input screen displays the project corresponding to the input work frame, and a work content input section for inputting and registering the work performed during the date and operating hours indicated by the input work frame. When a specific operation is performed on the aforementioned calendar to specify a region, The information processing device displays the input work frame in the area on the calendar corresponding to the specific operation, and then displays the work content input unit on the information input screen. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

11. In the document creation apparatus according to claim 10, The aforementioned work content input unit has a case input unit for inputting the aforementioned case, The aforementioned information processing device is If the time stamping operation unit is operated again, the case corresponding to the time stamping operation unit is identified as the case to be worked on, and with the case corresponding to the time stamping unit entered in the case input unit, the work content input unit is displayed. When the aforementioned specific operation is performed, the case input section is displayed if no case is entered in the case input section, and when a case is entered in the case input section, the case entered in the case input section is identified as the case to be worked on. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

12. In the document creation apparatus according to claim 11, The aforementioned work content input unit includes a registration button that is operated to store the information in the management information, The aforementioned information processing device is When the registration button is operated, the information relating to the case identified as the target of the work and the information relating to the work entered in the work content input section are stored in the management information. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

13. In the document creation apparatus according to claim 12, The aforementioned information processing device is When the registration button is pressed, the registration work frame with the work content added to it is displayed on the calendar in a display format corresponding to the case identified as the work target. It is configured in such a way. Document creation device.

14. A document creation method including an information processing device having a storage device, The aforementioned information processing device is communicated with a terminal equipped with a display device capable of displaying images, The storage device stores management information including information about multiple clients, information about multiple projects ordered by each of the multiple clients to the contractor, and information about the work performed for those projects. The aforementioned information processing device An information input screen for inputting information about each of the multiple aforementioned cases is displayed on the terminal's display device, and a work report for the work related to each of the aforementioned cases is created based on the management information. How to create documents.

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