Information Processing Apparatus and Program

Abstract

To make an operation procedure for moving work being done in a shared work space to an individual work space compared with a case where a file is moved to the individual work space through an operation other than a single operation of a button when a condition is satisfied in which the shared work space can be used.SOLUTION: A processor performs control to provide a shared work space where a plurality of users work while sharing a file, and display a first button receiving an indication to move the file to an individual work space where a user works individually when a condition is satisfied in which the shared work space can be used. The processor moves the file from the shared work space to the individual work space when the user performs a single operation on the first button.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method of setting a time limit attribute for files, folders, and drives and not permitting access to the files, folders, and drives if the current time is within the restricted time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a shared work space for a plurality of users to share and work on files may be provided to the users. In this case, for example, a situation such as the elapse of the time permitted to use the shared work space occurs, and the shared work space cannot be used, and a situation may occur where the work being performed in the shared work space cannot be continued. To avoid this, for example, before the time permitted to use the shared work space elapses, the user can, in advance, transfer the files being worked on in the shared work space to an environment that the user can use and work in that environment. Examples of such an environment include a personal work space that the user can use personally. In this case, the user needs to perform a series of operations of saving the files to be worked on in the personal work space by himself / herself and transferring the files to the personal work space to work.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reduce the operation procedure for transferring the work being performed in a shared work space to a personal work space, as compared with the case of transferring a file to the personal work space by an operation other than a single operation of a button, when the conditions for using the shared work space are satisfied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 has a processor, and the processor provides a shared work space for a plurality of users to share and work on files, and when the conditions for using the shared work space are satisfied, controls to display a first button for receiving an instruction to transfer the file to a personal work space where the user works individually, and when the first button is single-operated by the user, transfers the file from the shared work space to the personal work space, which is an information processing apparatus.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor further controls to display a warning to the user when the remaining time allowed to use the shared work space becomes equal to or less than a threshold value.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processor further controls to display a second button for receiving an instruction to transfer a file in the personal work space to the shared work space to the user when the use of the shared work space is permitted during the work in the personal work space.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor transfers the file being worked on in the shared work space to the personal work space associated with the user who is working on the file.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor transfers the file selected by the user in the shared work space to the personal work space associated with the user.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the processor controls to display information indicating that the file selected by the user is transferred to the personal work space on the file.

[0012] The invention according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein as the information, proprietary information and shared information are defined, the proprietary information is information indicating that a file is transferred only to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the file to be transferred, and the shared information is information indicating that a file is transferred to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the file to be transferred and the personal work spaces associated with other users.

[0013] The invention according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the processor transfers the selected file only to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the file.

[0014] The invention according to claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the processor transfers the selected file to the personal work spaces associated with each of the user who selected the file and other users.

[0015] The invention according to claim 10 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the file to be edited is a file that is permitted to be selected as a file to be transferred by only one user, and the file that is not edited is a file that is permitted to be selected as a transfer target by a plurality of users.

[0016] The invention according to claim 11 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor further transfers a file included in a specific area defined in the shared work space to the personal work space.

[0017] The invention according to claim 12 is such that the specific area is defined for each user, and the processor transfers a file included in the specific area associated with the first user to the personal work space associated with the first user, and transfers a file included in the specific area associated with the second user to the personal work space associated with the second user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11. Field The invention according to claim 12 is such that the specific area is defined for each user, and the processor transfers a file included in the specific area associated with the first user to the personal work space associated with the first user, and transfers a file included in the specific area associated with the second user to the personal work space associated with the second user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11. Field The invention according to claim 12 is such that the specific area is defined for each user, and the processor transfers a file included in the specific area associated with the first user to the personal work space associated with the first user, and transfers a file included in the specific area associated with the second user to the personal work space associated with the second user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

[0018] The invention according to claim 13 is such that the specific area includes a first area and a second area. The first area is an area for transferring a file included in the first area only to the personal work space associated with the user who performed the operation of including the file in the first area. The second area is an area for transferring a file included in the second area to the personal work spaces associated with the user who performed the operation of including the file in the second area and each of the other users. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

[0019] The invention according to claim 14 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the processor further transfers a function selected in the shared work space to the personal work space as a function permitted to be used in the personal work space.

[0020] The invention according to claim 15 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processor further reflects a file worked on in the personal work space in the shared work space when the second button is operated by the user.

[0021] The invention according to claim 16 is a program for causing a computer to provide a shared work space for a plurality of users to share and work on files, and to display a first button for receiving an instruction to transfer the file to a personal work space where the user can work individually when the condition for using the shared work space is satisfied, and when the first button is single-operated by the user, to transfer the file from the shared work space to the personal work space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the inventions according to claims 1 and 16, when the condition for using the shared work space is satisfied, compared with the case of transferring a file to the personal work space by an operation other than a single operation of a button, the operation procedure for transferring the work being performed in the shared work space to the personal work space can be reduced.

[0023] According to the invention according to claim 2, it is possible to notify the user that the remaining time has become equal to or less than the threshold value.

[0024] According to the invention according to claim 3, the user can switch the work space from the personal work space to the shared work space.

[0025] According to the invention according to claim 4, the work on the file being worked on can be continued in the personal work space.

[0026] According to the invention according to claim 5, in the personal work space, the work on the file selected by the user can be performed.

[0027] According to the inventions according to claims 6 and 7, the user can identify the file to be transferred.

[0028] According to the invention according to claim 8, in the personal work space associated with the user who selected the file, the work on the file can be performed.

[0029] According to the invention according to claim 9, operations on the file can be performed not only in the personal work space associated with the user who selected the file, but also in the personal work spaces associated with other users.

[0030] According to the invention according to claim 10, it is possible to prevent the file to be edited from being transferred to the personal work spaces associated with each of a plurality of users.

[0031] According to the invention according to claim 11, the file can be transferred to the personal work space by an operation of including the file in a specific area.

[0032] According to the invention according to claim 12, files can be transferred individually to the personal work spaces associated with each user.

[0033] According to the invention according to claim 13, the file can be transferred only to the personal work space associated with the user who performed the operation, or to the personal work spaces associated with each of the user who performed the operation and other users, by an operation of including the file in an area.

[0034] According to the invention according to claim 14, the function can be used in the personal work space only by the user giving an instruction to transfer the function to the personal work space.

[0035] According to the invention according to claim 15, the content of the work performed in the personal work space is reflected in the shared work space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036]

Figure 1

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Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] With reference to FIG. 1, an information processing system according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment.

[0038] The information processing system according to the embodiment includes a server 10 and terminal devices. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system includes, for example, terminal devices 12A, 12B, ···, 12M. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the terminal devices 12A, 12B, ···, 12M, the terminal devices 12A, 12B, ···, 12M will be referred to as "terminal device 12". Note that the number of each of the server 10 and the terminal device 12 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the number of each of the server 10 and the terminal device 12 is not limited.

[0039] Server 10 and terminal device 12 have the function of communicating with other devices. Such communication may be wired communication using a cable or wireless communication. That is, each device may be physically connected to another device by a cable to transmit and receive information, or may transmit and receive information by wireless communication. Wireless communication is, for example, short-range wireless communication, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. Short-range wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier), etc. In the example shown in FIG. 1, as an example, each device communicates with other devices via a communication path N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0040] Server 10 provides a user with a work space where the user works. There are two types of work spaces: a shared work space and a personal work space. The shared work space is a space where multiple users share files, folders, and functions to work. The personal work space is a work space associated with an individual user and is a space where the user works individually. The work space may be formed, for example, in a virtual space. Also, when the shared work space is used, a screen representing the shared work space is displayed on the terminal device 12 of the user who uses the shared work space, and when the personal work space is used, a screen representing the personal work space is displayed on the terminal device 12 of the user who uses the personal work space.

[0041] The category of the concept of files includes image data, video data, graphic data, audio data such as music data and voice data, document data such as text data, and programs. The format of the file is not particularly limited, and the file to be the object of work may be a file having any format. Of course, the format of the file to be the object of work may be restricted so that only files having a specific format are the object of work.

[0042] A folder is a place where files are stored. For example, there are shared folders shared by multiple users and personal folders associated with individual users for their personal use.

[0043] A function is a function related to the processing executed on files and folders, or a function that realizes other processes and operations, etc. The function may be realized by a program such as application software, or may be realized by hardware such as an electronic circuit. For example, application software for viewing and editing document data, image data, etc., which are examples of files, is an example of a function.

[0044] In a shared work space, for example, multiple users share files, folders, and functions and perform tasks such as editing and viewing files. In a personal work space, for example, the user associated with the personal work space performs tasks such as editing and viewing files.

[0045] Editing a file means changing the content of the file and the information attached to the file (such as metadata, etc.). Specifically, it includes adding content to the file, deleting a part of the content, processing the content, performing processing on the file, changing the file name, etc. For example, when the file is document data, adding a character string to the document data, deleting a part of the character string from the document data, changing the color, font, size, etc. of the characters, etc. correspond to an example of editing. Also, when the file is image data, performing image processing (such as image processing, format conversion, compression, brightness correction, etc.) on the image data corresponds to an example of editing. Of course, these are just examples, and other processes and operations performed by the user may also be included in the scope of the concept of editing.

[0046] Server 10 may have functions other than the function of providing a work space. Server 10 may function as a file server, a sync client server, a backup server, or the like. Server 10 may physically be a single device or may be constituted by a plurality of physically different devices.

[0047] The terminal device 12 is, for example, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a tablet PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0048] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the hardware configuration of the server 10 will be described. FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server 10.

[0049] Server 10 includes, for example, a communication device 14, a UI 16, a memory 18, and a processor 20.

[0050] The communication device 14 is a communication interface having a communication chip, a communication circuit, or the like, and has a function of transmitting information to other devices and a function of receiving information from other devices. The communication device 14 may have a wireless communication function or a wired communication function. The communication device 14 may communicate with other devices by using, for example, short-range wireless communication or may communicate with other devices via the communication path N.

[0051] The UI 16 is a user interface and includes at least one of a display and an input device. The display is a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. The input device is a device such as a keyboard or a pointing device (for example, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, a graphics tablet, etc.). The UI 16 may be a UI such as a touch panel that combines a display and an input device. The UI 16 may include a microphone and a speaker.

[0052] Memory 18 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. Memory 18 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various memories (such as RAM, DRAM, or ROM, etc.), other storage devices (such as optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof. One or more memories 18 are included in server 10.

[0053] Processor 20 is configured to control the operation of each part of server 10. Processor 20 may have a memory.

[0054] For example, a user information storage unit, a shared work space control unit, a migration control unit, a display control unit, and a file storage unit are realized by server 10.

[0055] The user information storage unit and the file storage unit are realized by memory 18. The user information storage unit stores user identification information for identifying a user. The user identification information is, for example, the user's name, user ID, account, email address, etc. For example, the user identification information of a user using the work space is stored in the user information storage unit. Also, information indicating the user displayed on the shared work space when the user is using the shared work space may be stored in the user information storage unit. That information may be the user identification information. The file storage unit stores files.

[0056] The shared work space control unit, the migration control unit, and the display control unit are realized by processor 20. Memory 18 may be used for that realization. The shared work space control unit controls the display of files, folders, and functions in the shared work space. The migration control unit controls the migration between the shared work space and the personal work space. For example, the migration control unit controls the migration of at least one of files, folders, and functions. The display control unit causes various information to be displayed on terminal device 12. For example, the display control unit causes a screen representing the shared work space or a screen representing the personal work space to be displayed on terminal device 12.

[0057] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 12 will be described. FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 12.

[0058] The terminal device 12 includes, for example, a communication device 22, a UI 24, a memory 26, and a processor 28.

[0059] The communication device 22 is a communication interface having a communication chip, a communication circuit, etc., and has a function of transmitting information to other devices and a function of receiving information transmitted from other devices. The communication device 22 may have a wireless communication function or a wired communication function. The communication device 22 may communicate with other devices by using, for example, short-range wireless communication, or may communicate with other devices via a communication path such as a LAN or the Internet.

[0060] The UI 24 is a user interface and includes at least one of a display and an input device. The display is a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like. The input device is a device such as a keyboard or a pointing device (for example, a mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, a tablet, etc.). The UI 24 may be a UI such as a touch panel that combines a display and an input device. The UI 24 may include a microphone and a speaker.

[0061] The memory 26 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. The memory 26 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various memories (for example, RAM, DRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (for example, optical disks, etc.), or a combination thereof. One or more memories 26 are included in the terminal device 12.

[0062] The processor 28 is configured to control the operations of each part of the terminal device 12. The processor 28 may have a memory.

[0063] In this embodiment, the processor 20 of the server 10 provides a shared work space to the user. For example, the processor 20 provides the shared work space to a user who is registered in the shared work space in advance, a user who logs in to the shared work space, or a user whose use of the shared work space is permitted by an administrator (for example, a person involved in the creation and management of the shared work space). Authentication of the user may be performed at the time of login. The processor 20 may form a plurality of different shared work spaces and provide one or a plurality of the shared work spaces included in the plurality of shared work spaces to the user. A plurality of users who receive the provision of the same shared work space can share files, folders, and functions and work in the shared work space. For example, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the shared work space to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12 of each user who shares the shared work space. The user can perform work in the shared work space using his or her own terminal device 12.

[0064] In addition, the processor 20 provides a personal work space to the user associated with the personal work space. For example, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the personal work space to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12 of the user associated with the personal work space. The user can perform work in the personal work space associated with the user using his or her own terminal device 12. For example, for each user, a personal work space and user identification information of the user who uses the personal work space may be associated and stored in the memory 18 of the server 10, and the personal work space of each user may be managed by the server 10.

[0065] When an instruction to migrate to a work space is given by the user, the processor 20 may not only migrate the migration target but also switch and display the work space used by the user from the shared work space to the personal work space or from the personal work space to the shared work space.

[0066] In addition, conditions under which the use of the shared work space is permitted (hereinafter referred to as "usable conditions") are defined. The usable conditions are, for example, the time when the use of the shared work space is permitted (hereinafter referred to as "usable time"), the physical location where the use of the shared work space is permitted (hereinafter referred to as "usable location"), the fee for using the shared work space, and the like. For example, space identification information for identifying the shared work space and condition information indicating the usable conditions are associated with each other and stored in the memory 18 of the server 10. The processor 20 provides the user with the shared work space associated with the usable conditions when the usable conditions are satisfied. The user is permitted to work in the shared work space when the usable conditions are satisfied.

[0067] For example, when the usable time is defined for the shared work space, the processor 20 provides the shared work space to the user within the usable time. The user is permitted to work in the shared work space within the usable time. For example, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the shared work space to be displayed on the display of the user's terminal device 12 within the usable time. The user is permitted to operate the terminal device 12 to work in the shared work space.

[0068] The processor 20 does not provide the shared work space to the user outside the usable time. In this case, the user is not permitted to work in the shared work space outside the usable time. For example, the processor 20 does not have to display a screen representing the shared work space on the display of the terminal device 12 outside the usable time, or the screen may be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12, and in that state, the user may not be permitted to work in the shared work space. The usable time may be different for each user or the same.

[0069] For example, when an available location for using the shared work space is defined, the processor 20 provides the shared work space to the user within the available location. The user is permitted to work in the shared work space within the available location. For example, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the shared work space to be displayed on the display of the user's terminal device 12 within the available location. The user is permitted to operate the terminal device 12 to work in the shared work space.

[0070] Outside the available location, the processor 20 does not provide the shared work space to the user. In this case, the user is not permitted to work in the shared work space outside the available location. For example, outside the available location, the processor 20 may not cause a screen representing the shared work space to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12, or may cause the screen to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12 and not permit the user to work in the shared work space in that state. The available location may be different for each user or the same for all users.

[0071] For example, position information indicating the position of the user's terminal device 12 is obtained by a function such as GPS (Global Positioning System). When the position indicated by the position information is within the available location associated with the shared work space, the processor 20 provides the shared work space to the user and permits the user to use the shared work space. When the position indicated by the position information is outside the available location associated with the shared work space, the processor 20 does not provide the shared work space to the user. Note that the position information may be obtained by a mechanism other than GPS. For example, the user may input the position information, or may input information regarding the location where the user is (for example, the name of a building, an address, the name of a region, etc.) as the position information.

[0072] For example, when there is an upper limit on the fee for the shared work space, if the usage fee for the shared work space is below the upper limit, the processor 20 provides the shared work space to the user; if the usage fee exceeds the upper limit, the processor 20 does not provide the shared work space to the user. For example, a fee system in which the usage fee increases according to the usage time or the number of uses of the shared work space may be used.

[0073] When the processor 20 does not meet the available conditions of the shared work space, it transfers the transfer target to the personal work space associated with the user. The transfer target includes at least one of files, folders, and functions. The transfer target may include one or more files, one or more folders, or one or more functions. When a folder is included in the transfer target, the files stored in the folder are also included in the transfer target. One or more files stored in the folder included in the transfer target may be excluded from the transfer target, for example, according to the user's instruction.

[0074] When the processor 20 does not meet the available conditions of the shared work space, it may automatically transfer the transfer target to the personal work space even without the user's instruction to transfer, or transfer the transfer target to the personal work space when receiving the user's instruction to transfer.

[0075] When the transfer target is transferred to the personal work space, the user associated with the personal work space can work with the transfer target in the personal work space.

[0076] For example, when available time is defined for the shared work space, the processor 20 transfers the object to be transferred to the personal work space during time outside the available time of the shared work space. When an available location is defined for the shared work space, the processor 20 transfers the object to be transferred to the personal work space at a location outside the available location of the shared work space. When an upper limit of the fee is defined for the shared work space, the processor 20 transfers the object to be transferred to the personal work space when the usage fee exceeds the upper limit.

[0077] For example, the processor 20 transfers the object to be transferred from the shared work space to the personal work space while leaving the object to be transferred in the shared work space. For example, the processor 20 copies the object to be transferred and transfers it to the personal work space. To explain with a specific example, when a file is the object to be transferred, the processor 20 copies the file and transfers it to the personal work space. As another example, the processor 20 may transfer the object to be transferred to the personal work space without leaving it in the shared work space. The processor 20 may leave a part of the object to be transferred in the shared work space and transfer the object to be transferred from the shared work space to the personal work space without leaving the part other than the part in the shared work space.

[0078] In the present embodiment, when the processor 20 satisfies the available conditions of the shared work space, the processor 20 controls to display a first button for receiving an instruction to transfer the object to be transferred to the personal work space. For example, the processor 20 displays the first button on a screen representing the shared work space. When the first button is single-operated by the user, the processor 20 transfers the object to be transferred from the shared work space to the personal work space.

[0079] The single operation is an operation that completes the transfer instruction by one operation by the user. Examples of the method of single-operation of the first button include clicking the first button, double-clicking the first button, tapping the first button, and the like.

[0080] Also, when the conditions for using the shared work space are met during work in the personal work space, the processor 20 may display a second button for receiving an instruction to transfer a transfer target in the personal work space to the shared work space to the user. For example, the processor 20 displays the second button on a screen representing the personal work space. When the second button is operated by the user, the processor 20 transfers the transfer target from the personal work space to the shared work space. The operation of the second button may be a single operation.

[0081] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0082] With reference to FIG. 4, the processing according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the processing according to the embodiment. Here, as an example, a case where user A works in the shared work space using the terminal device 12A of user A will be described.

[0083] First, user A performs work in the shared work space using the terminal device 12A (S01). For example, user A accesses the server using the terminal device 12A to log in to the shared work space and performs work in the shared work space. Specifically, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the shared work space to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12A of user A. User A performs work on the screen.

[0084] When user A does not continue the work (S02, No), the processing ends. For example, when user A instructs the end of work on the screen representing the shared work space, the processor 20 saves the content of the work at the time when the instruction is given.

[0085] If user A continues the work (S02, Yes), the process proceeds to step S03. If the available conditions of the shared work space are met (S03, Yes) and user A has not given an instruction to transfer the transfer target from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with the user (S04, No), the process returns to step S01.

[0086] In step S04, if user A gives an instruction to transfer the transfer target (S04, Yes), the processor 20 transfers the transfer target to the personal work space associated with user A (S05). For example, when the first button is displayed on the screen representing the shared work space and the first button is single-operated by user A, the processor 20 transfers the transfer target to the personal work space associated with user A.

[0087] Also, if the available conditions of the shared work space are not met (S03, No), the processor 20 transfers the transfer target to the personal work space associated with user A (S05).

[0088] For example, when available time is set for the shared work space and the current time is outside the available time, the processor 20 transfers the transfer target to the personal work space associated with user A. When available location is set for the shared work space and the user's location is outside the available location, the processor 20 transfers the transfer target to the personal work space associated with user A. The same process is performed when a charge limit is set for the shared work space.

[0089] When the transfer target is transferred to the personal work space associated with user A, user A performs work in the personal work space associated with user A (S06). For example, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the personal work space associated with user A to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12 of user A. User A performs work on the screen. At this time, user A can perform work using the transfer target.

[0090] When user A continues working (S07, Yes) and the available conditions of the above-mentioned shared work space used by user A are satisfied (S08, Yes), the processor 20 switches the work space from the personal work space associated with user A to the shared work space, and provides the shared work space to user A. In this case, the processor 20 migrates the migration target from the personal work space associated with user A to the shared work space (S09). For example, the processor 20 migrates the migration target that has been migrated from the shared work space to the personal work space from the personal work space to the shared work space. The processor 20 may migrate the migration target selected by the user from the personal work space to the shared work space. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S01. Note that the processor 20 may migrate the migration target to the shared work space when user A gives an instruction to migrate, or may migrate the migration target to the shared work space even when user A does not give an instruction to migrate.

[0091] For example, when available time is defined for the shared work space and the current time is within the available time, the processor 20 sets the migration target to the shared work space. When available location is defined for the shared work space and the user's location is within the available location, the processor 20 migrates the migration target to the shared work space. The same processing is performed when there is an upper limit on the fee for the shared work space.

[0092] When user A continues working (S07, Yes) and the available conditions of the shared work space are not satisfied (S08, No), the process proceeds to step S06. In this case, user A will continue working in the personal work space associated with user A.

[0093] When user A does not continue working (S07, No), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0094] When the available conditions of the shared work space are satisfied (S10, Yes), the processor 20 migrates the migration target from the personal work space associated with user A to the shared work space (S11), and ends the process. For example, when user A instructs the end of work on the screen representing the personal work space associated with user A, the processor 20 saves the content of the work at the time when the instruction is given, and migrates the migration target in which the saved content is reflected to the shared work space.

[0095] When the available conditions of the shared work space are not satisfied (S10, No), the processor 20 registers a reservation with the server 10 to migrate the migration target to the shared work space when the available conditions are satisfied (S12), and ends the process. When the available conditions are satisfied, the processor 20 executes the migration according to the reservation.

[0096] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in more detail with specific examples.

[0097] Hereinafter, as an example, a case where users A and B work in the same shared work space will be described. For example, user A logs in to the shared work space using the terminal device 12A of user A and works in the shared work space, and user B logs in to the shared work space using the terminal device 12B of user B and works in the shared work space. Note that users A and B may work in the shared work space using different terminal devices 12, or may log in to the shared work space separately using the same terminal device 12.

[0098] In addition, an available time, which is an example of the available conditions, is defined for the shared work space. Along with the available time, an available place and an upper limit of the fee may be defined. As another example, the available time may not be defined, and the available place and the upper limit of the fee may be defined.

[0099] FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen 30 representing a shared work space. The processor 20 causes the screen 30 to be displayed on the respective displays of the terminal devices 12A and 12B.

[0100] The screen 30 includes a display area 32 where files, folders, etc. are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, as an example, files A, B, C, D, and E are displayed in the display area 32. For example, images (such as icons representing files) corresponding to each of the files A, B, C, D, and E are displayed in the display area 32. In the display area 32, an image corresponding to a folder (such as an icon representing a folder) may be displayed, or an image corresponding to a function such as application software (such as an icon representing a function) may be displayed.

[0101] Also, a list 34 of functions is displayed on the screen 30. The list 34 is a list of functions permitted to be used in the shared work space. For example, functions such as opening a file to display the contents of the file, editing a file, printing a file, downloading a file, splitting a file, combining a file, searching for a file, and copying a file are included in the list 34. In the example shown in FIG. 5, images (such as icons) corresponding to each function are displayed on the screen 30. Users A and B can work using the functions included in the list 34. The processor 20 saves the content of the work. For example, when a file is edited, the file with the edit reflected is saved.

[0102] Also, an available time for using the shared work space is determined, and information indicating the available time is displayed on the screen 30 as indicated by the reference numeral 36. In the example shown in FIG. 5, information indicating that there are 30 minutes remaining is displayed. Note that the available times for user A and user B may be different or the same.

[0103] Further, on the screen 30, a button 38 for migrating the migration target is displayed. The button 38 is a button for migrating the migration target from the shared work space to the personal work space. The button 38 is an example of the first button.

[0104] For example, when user A presses the button 38 on the screen 30 displayed on the display of the terminal device 12A, the processor 20 migrates the migration target from the shared work space to the personal work space, switches the work space from the shared work space to the personal work space, and provides the personal work space associated with user A to user A. In this case, instead of the screen 30, the processor 20 causes the display of the terminal device 12A to display a screen representing the personal work space associated with user A. In this case, the processor 20 migrates the migration target to the personal work space associated with user A. User A can work using the migration target in the personal work space associated with user A. The same applies to user B. Here, as an example, when the button 38 is pressed by user A, the instruction to migrate the migration target from the shared work space to the personal work space is completed. This operation of "pressing" is an example of a single operation and can be, for example, a click, a double-click, or a tap. The same applies in the following description.

[0105] The processor 20 may change the color of the portion where the information indicating the remaining time is displayed (that is, the portion indicated by the reference numeral 36) according to the remaining time of the available time. For example, when the remaining time is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the processor 20 may display the portion in green, and when the remaining time is less than the threshold value, the processor 20 may display the portion in red. The processor 20 may further finely set the threshold value and change the color of the portion according to the remaining time.

[0106] When available time is defined for a shared work space and the remaining available time becomes equal to or less than a threshold value, the processor 20 may display a warning to the user using the shared work space. The warning may be, for example, a message indicating that the remaining time has become equal to or less than the threshold value, a message prompting the user to transfer the work target from the shared work space to the personal work space, or the like. For example, the processor 20 causes a warning to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12 of the user. Specifically, the processor 20 displays the warning on the screen of the shared work space displayed on the display of the terminal device 12 of the user.

[0107] An example of the warning is shown in FIG. 6. For example, the processor 20 displays a warning 40 in the vicinity of the button 38. Specifically, a message to the effect of "Since you will soon be unable to use the shared work space, if you want to continue working, it is recommended that you press the button 38 to transfer the work target to the personal work space" is displayed as the warning 40.

[0108] The processor 20 may generate a sound such as a voice representing the warning from the speaker of the terminal device 12 with or without displaying the warning.

[0109] The processor 20 may change the color of the warning according to the remaining time. In the example shown in FIG. 6, as indicated by reference numeral 36, the remaining time is 10 minutes, and the color of that portion is displayed in a color different from the color of that portion shown in FIG. 5. For example, when the remaining time is less than 10 minutes, that portion is displayed in red (see FIG. 6), and when the remaining time is 10 minutes or more, that portion is displayed in green (see FIG. 5).

[0110] When there is a defined available area in the shared work space, if User A moves from within the available area to outside the available area, or if User A is near the boundary of the available area, the processor 20 may display a warning to User A who is using the shared work space. The warning may be, for example, a message indicating that the user is outside the available area, a message indicating that the user's location may deviate from the available area, etc.

[0111] When there is a defined upper limit of the fee for the shared work space, if the usage fee exceeds the threshold value, the processor 20 may display a warning to User A who is using the shared work space. The threshold value is a value smaller than the upper limit of the fee. The warning may be, for example, a message indicating that the usage fee is approaching the upper limit.

[0112] For example, when User A presses button 38, the processor 20 causes the migration target to migrate from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with User A. Also, when the current time is outside the available time of the shared work space, that is, when the remaining time of the available time runs out, the processor 20 causes the migration target to migrate from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with User A. At this time, the processor 20 switches the work space from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with User A. The same applies to User B.

[0113] When the work space is switched from the shared work space to the personal work space, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the personal work space to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12. For example, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the personal work space associated with User A to be displayed on the terminal device 12A of User A. Similarly, the processor 20 causes a screen representing the personal work space associated with User B to be displayed on the terminal device 12B of User B.

[0114] FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen 42 representing a personal work space associated with user A. The current time is outside the usage time of the shared work space, and the work space has been switched from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with user A.

[0115] The screen 42 includes a display area 44 where files, folders, etc. are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, as an example, files A, B, C, D, and E are displayed in the display area 44. For example, files A, B, C, D, and E are files included in the migration target and have been migrated from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with user A. Files not shared by other users other than user A may be displayed in the display area 44. For example, a file created by user A may be displayed in the display area 44. Also, folders or functions may be displayed in the display area 44. For example, folders or functions migrated from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with user A may be displayed in the display area 44. Folders or functions not shared by other users other than user A may be displayed in the display area 44.

[0116] In addition, a list 46 of functions is displayed on the screen 42. The list 46 is a list of functions permitted to be used in the personal work space. For example, functions such as opening a file to display the content of the file, editing a file, printing a file, downloading a file, splitting a file, combining a file, searching for a file, and copying a file are included in the list 46. In the example shown in FIG. 7, an image (e.g., an icon, etc.) associated with each function is displayed on the screen 42. User A can work using the functions included in the list 46. The processor 20 stores the content of the work. For example, when a file is edited, the file reflecting the edit is saved. Note that the processor 28 of the terminal device 12A may perform saving of the content of the work, etc.

[0117] For example, each function included in the list 46 is a function included in the migration target and is a function migrated from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with user A. Functions not shared by other users other than user A may be displayed on the screen 42.

[0118] In addition, on the screen 42, as indicated by the reference numeral 48, information indicating the time until the shared work space can be used is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the shared work space can be used after 8 hours, and information indicating that is displayed on the screen 42.

[0119] Further, on the screen 42, a button 50 for migrating the migration target is displayed. The button 50 is a button for migrating the migration target from the personal work space to the shared work space. The button 50 is an example of a second button.

[0120] For example, when the current time is within the available time of the shared work space and user A presses the button 50 on the screen 42 displayed on the display of the terminal device 12A, the processor 20 migrates the migration target from the personal work space to the shared work space, and also switches the work space from the personal work space to the shared work space to provide the shared work space to user A. In this case, the processor 20 causes a screen (for example, screen 30) representing the shared work space to be displayed on the display of the terminal device 12A instead of the screen 42. In this case, the processor 20 reflects the content worked on in the personal work space in the shared work space. For example, when a file (for example, file A) migrated from the shared work space to the personal work space is edited by user A in the personal work space, the processor 20 reflects the edit on the file A on the shared work space. Here, as an example, when the button 50 is pressed by user A, the instruction to migrate the migration target from the personal work space to the shared work space is completed. This operation of "pressing" may be a single operation. For example, clicking, double-clicking, or tapping is an example of this "pressing" operation. The same applies in the following description.

[0121] Note that the processor 20 may vary the color, pattern, decoration, etc. of the screen background between the shared work space and the personal work space. By doing so, the user can identify whether the displayed work space is either the shared work space or the personal work space. For example, the processor 20 varies the color, pattern, decoration, etc. between the display area 32 of the shared work space and the display area 44 of the personal work space.

[0122] When it is permitted to use the shared work space during work in the personal work space, the processor 20 may display information such as a message indicating that on the screen 42.

[0123] The case where it is permitted to use the shared work space during work in the personal work space means a case where the available conditions are met, such as when the current time is included in the available time, when the user's location is included in the available location, when the usage fee is below the upper limit, etc.

[0124] For example, when the current time is included in the available time, as shown in FIG. 8, the processor 20 displays a message 52 indicating that it is permitted to use the shared work space on the screen 42. For example, the message 52 is displayed near the button 50. Of course, the message 52 may be displayed elsewhere. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a message 52 to the effect of "The shared work space has become available. When continuing work in the original shared work space, press this button to transfer the target to the shared work space." is displayed.

[0125] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the remaining time of the available time of the shared work space is 8 hours, and as indicated by the reference numeral 54, information indicating the remaining time is displayed on the screen 42.

[0126] When the available conditions are not met, the processor 20 may not display a button for the user A to transfer the transfer target from the personal work space to the shared work space, and when the available conditions are met, the processor 20 may display a button for the user A to transfer the transfer target.

[0127] For example, when the current time is outside the available time, the processor 20 may not display the button 50 on the screen 42, and when the current time is within the available time, the processor 20 may display the button 50 on the screen 42.

[0128] According to this embodiment, when the available conditions of the shared work space are met, when the button 38, which is the first button, is single-operated by the user, the transfer target is transferred from the shared work space to the personal work space associated with the user (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 7). Thereby, compared with the case of transferring the transfer target to the personal work space by an operation other than the single operation of the first button, the operation procedure for transferring the work performed in the shared work space to the personal work space is reduced.

[0129] For example, as a technique for transferring the transfer target from the shared work space to the personal work space, the following series of operations can be considered.

[0130] As a first series of operations, it is conceivable to perform a series of operations in which the user gives an instruction to display both the display area corresponding to the shared work space and the display area corresponding to the personal work space on the display at once, and move the individual files displayed in the display area corresponding to the shared work space to the display area corresponding to the personal work space by an operation such as drag and drop. In this series of operations, an instruction to display at least two display areas on the display and an operation to move the individual files by an operation such as drag and drop are required.

[0131] As a second series of operations, it is conceivable that the user performs a series of operations of specifying a file to be transferred, instructing the display of a menu representing a list of functions, etc., selecting a function to send the file from the displayed menu, and selecting a destination for sending the file (for example, a personal work space). In this series of operations, it is necessary to specify the file, instruct the display of the menu, select the send function, and select the destination.

[0132] Regarding these techniques, in this embodiment, since the transfer target is transferred to the personal work space by a single operation of the first button, operations such as the first series of operations and the second series of operations are not required. Therefore, compared with the case of transferring the transfer target to the personal work space by an operation other than the single operation of the first button, the operation procedure for transferring the work performed in the shared work space to the personal work space is reduced.

[0133] Hereinafter, the selection of the transfer target will be described. The transfer target transferred from the shared work space to the personal work space may be selected by the user or may be selected according to predetermined conditions.

[0134] The predetermined conditions are, for example, the condition of being in the middle of work. For example, when the transfer target is a file being worked on in the shared work space, and user A is working on file A in the shared work space (for example, when user A is viewing or editing file A), the processor 20 includes file A as the transfer target and transfers it to the personal work space associated with user A who is working on file A. The same applies when a folder is being worked on. When a function such as application software is being executed in the shared work space, the processor 20 may include the function as the transfer target and transfer it to the personal work space.

[0135] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the selection of the transfer target will be described in detail. FIG. 9 shows a screen 30 representing the shared work space.

[0136] For example, when user A selects a migration target, the processor 20 attaches information (such as a check mark, a character string, an image, etc.) indicating that the selected migration target is to be migrated to the personal work space to the selected migration target. For example, when user A selects a file, which is an example of a migration target, the processor 20 attaches a check mark or an annotation to the file selected by user A. The same applies when a folder or a function is selected as the migration target.

[0137] For example, when user A gives an instruction to display the toolbox 55, the processor 20 displays the toolbox 55 on the screen 30. A button 56 representing a function of attaching a check mark to the migration target is displayed on the toolbox 55. When user A presses the button 56 to select a file, a folder, or a function (for example, when user A clicks or touches a file, a folder, or a function), the processor 20 includes the selected file, folder, or function in the migration target and migrates it to the personal work space associated with user A.

[0138] In the example shown in FIG. 9, files A, C, D, and E are selected by user A as migration targets. A check mark 58A is attached to file A, a check mark 58C is attached to file C, a check mark 58D is attached to file D, and a check mark 58E is attached to file E. When user A presses the button 38 in this state, the processor 20 migrates files A, C, D, and E to the personal work space associated with user A. Also, when the available conditions of the shared work space are not satisfied, the processor 20 migrates files A, C, D, and E to the personal work space associated with user A.

[0139] When the migration target is selected by the user, the processor 20 may migrate only to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the migration target. As another example, the processor 20 may migrate the migration target to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the migration target and to the personal work spaces associated with other users who are using the shared work space with the user. Further, the processor 20 may migrate the migration target to the personal work space associated with another user selected by the user who selected the migration target.

[0140] For example, the processor 20 may migrate files A, C, D, and E selected by user A as the migration target only to the personal work space associated with user A, or may migrate them to the personal work spaces associated with each of users A and B.

[0141] The processor 20 may migrate a part of the plurality of migration targets only to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the plurality of migration targets, and may migrate the other part of the plurality of migration targets to the personal work spaces associated with each of the user and other users. For example, the processor 20 may migrate a part (for example, file A) of files A, C, D, and E selected by user A as the migration target only to the personal work space associated with user A, and may migrate the other part (for example, files C, D, and E) to the personal work spaces associated with each of users A and B. For example, which personal work space to migrate the file to is specified by user A.

[0142] As check marks, there may be two types of check marks: a proprietary check mark and a shared check mark.

[0143] The exclusive check mark indicates that the object to be migrated is migrated only to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the object to be migrated (e.g., User A). For example, if the check mark 58A is an exclusive check mark, the processor 20 migrates File A only to the personal work space associated with User A and does not migrate it to the personal work spaces associated with other users other than User A.

[0144] The shared check mark indicates that the object to be migrated is migrated to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the object to be migrated (e.g., User A) and the personal work spaces associated with other users who use the same shared work space and are other than the user who selected the object to be migrated (e.g., User B). For example, if the check mark 58A is a shared check mark, the processor 20 migrates File A to the personal work spaces associated with each of Users A and B.

[0145] The user may select either an exclusive check mark or a shared check mark for each file to be migrated to select the file. For example, if User A attaches an exclusive check mark to File A and a shared check mark to File B, the processor 20 migrates Files A and B to the personal work space associated with User A and migrates File B to the personal work space associated with User B.

[0146] Similarly for folders and functions, the files and functions marked with a check mark by the user are migrated to the personal work space as the object to be migrated. Also in this case, an exclusive check mark and a shared check mark may be used.

[0147] Note that the check mark is only an example of a method for selecting the object to be migrated, and the object to be migrated may be selected by other methods, or it may be displayed that the object to be migrated has been selected by other methods.

[0148] When the processor 20 determines that a single user has selected a migration target, it may or may not permit other users to select the same migration target. That is, there may be two types of migration targets: those that only a single user is permitted to select as a migration target, and those that multiple users are permitted to select as a migration target.

[0149] For example, when user A selects file A as a migration target, the processor 20 may not permit other users (such as user B) other than user A to select file A as a migration target. In this case, file A is migrated only to the personal work space associated with user A.

[0150] The processor 20 may permit other users other than user A to select file A as a migration target. In this case, when user B selects file A as a migration target, the processor 20 migrates file A to the personal work spaces associated with each of users A and B.

[0151] Files that only a single user is permitted to select as a migration target are, for example, files to be edited. Files that multiple users are permitted to select as a migration target are files that are not edited.

[0152] Files that are not edited are files that are prohibited from being edited by users, such as display-only files or browse-only files. Files to be edited are files that are not only displayed and browsed, but also permitted to have their content changed by users.

[0153] For example, when file A is a file that is not edited, that is, a file for display only or a file for viewing only, the processor 20 permits only one user to select file A as a transfer target. In this case, when user A selects file A as a transfer target, the processor 20 does not permit other users (e.g., user B) other than user A to select file A as a transfer target. The processor 20 transfers file A only to the personal work space associated with user A.

[0154] When file B is a file to be edited, that is, a file for which editing is permitted, the processor 20 permits a plurality of users to select file B as a transfer target. In this case, when each of users A and B selects file B as a transfer target, the processor 20 transfers file B to the personal work spaces associated with users A and B, respectively.

[0155] A folder or function may be selected as a transfer target by only one user or by multiple users.

[0156] The processor 20 may form a specific area in the shared work space and transfer the transfer targets included in the specific area to the personal work space. The processor 20 may attach a check mark indicating that it is a transfer target to the transfer targets included in the specific area.

[0157] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, the transfer using the specific area will be described. FIG. 10 shows a screen 30 representing the shared work space. Here, as an example, it is assumed that user A performs a transfer operation.

[0158] When User A gives an instruction to display the toolbox 55, the processor 20 displays the toolbox 55 on the screen 30 as shown in FIG. 10. A button 60 representing the function of displaying a specific area is displayed in the toolbox 55. When User A presses the button 60, the processor 20 displays a specific area 62 within the display area 32.

[0159] The position where the specific area 62 is displayed, the size of the specific area 62, the shape of the specific area 62, and the number of the specific areas 62 may be specified by the user.

[0160] When User A moves a file within the specific area 62 on the screen 30 (for example, drags and drops the file within the specific area 62), the processor 20 designates the file as a target for movement.

[0161] In the example shown in FIG. 10, files C, D, and E are moved into the specific area 62 and designated as targets for movement. In this case, a check mark 58C is attached to file C, a check mark 58D is attached to file D, and a check mark 58E is attached to file E.

[0162] When User A moves a file displayed within the specific area 62 outside the specific area 62, the processor 20 removes the file from the target for transfer. In this case, the check mark attached to the file disappears. For example, when User A moves file C outside the specific area 62, the processor 20 removes file C from the target for transfer and makes the check mark 58C invisible.

[0163] In the example shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of functions included in the function list 34 are selected as migration targets. An image representing a function selected as a migration target is marked with a check mark. For example, a check mark 64A is attached to an image representing function A (for example, an editing function), a check mark 64B is attached to an image representing function B (for example, a printing function), and a check mark 64C is attached to an image representing function C (for example, a download function). For example, when user A selects an image representing each of functions A, B, and C by clicking, touching, or the like, or moves an image representing each of functions A, B, and C to a specific area 62, the processor 20 determines functions A, B, and C as migration targets.

[0164] Note that when a folder is moved to the specific area 62, the folder is determined as a migration target.

[0165] When the work space is switched from a shared work space to a personal work space, files C, D, E, and functions A, B, C are migrated to the personal work space associated with user A. User A can work using files C, D, E, and functions A, B, C in the personal work space associated with user A.

[0166] A specific area may be determined for each user. For example, the processor 20 migrates a migration target included in a specific area associated with the first user to the personal work space associated with the first user, and migrates a migration target included in a specific area associated with the second user to the personal work space associated with the second user. The first user may move the migration target to a specific area assigned to the first user himself / herself, or may move the migration target to a specific area assigned to the second user. For example, it is conceivable that the first user moves the migration target to a specific area assigned to the second user in order to transfer the work to the second user.

[0167] For example, a specific area 62 is assigned to user A, and other specific areas other than the specific area 62 are assigned to user B. In this case, user A may move a file, folder, or function, which is an example of a migration target, to the specific area 62, or to other specific areas assigned to user B. User B may perform the same operation. The processor 20 migrates the migration target included in the specific area 62 to the personal work space associated with user A, and migrates the migration target included in other specific areas to the personal work space associated with user B.

[0168] The specific area 62 may include a plurality of individual areas. For example, the specific area 62 includes a first area and a second area as individual areas. The first area is an area for migrating the migration target included in the first area only to the personal work space associated with the user who performed the operation of including the migration target in the first area (for example, drag and drop). The second area is an area for migrating the migration target included in the second area to the personal work spaces associated with each of the user who performed the operation of including the migration target in the second area and other users. The first area corresponds to an example of an exclusive area, and the second area corresponds to an example of a shared area.

[0169] For example, when user A moves file A into the first area, the processor 20 migrates file A to the personal work space associated with user A. When user A moves file A into the second area, the processor 20 migrates file A to the personal work spaces associated with each of users A and B. The same applies when user B performs an operation.

[0170] FIG. 11 shows a screen 42 representing the personal work space to which the migration target has been migrated. In the example shown in FIG. 10, files C, D, E and functions A, B, C are selected as migration targets, and they have been migrated to the personal work space associated with user A. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, files C, D, E are displayed within the display area 44, and a list 46A including functions A, B, C is displayed on the screen 42. Note that the check marks 58C, 58D, 58E, 64A, 64B, 64C may or may not be displayed. User A can work using files C, D, E and functions A, B, C on the screen 42.

[0171] When the user finishes working in the personal work space and the available conditions of the shared work space are not satisfied at that time of completion, the processor 20 may display, on the display of the user's terminal device 12, a screen (hereinafter referred to as a "selection screen") for allowing the user to select a method of reflecting the content of the work in the personal work space in the shared work space.

[0172] FIG. 12 shows a selection screen 66. Here, as an example, available time is defined for the shared work space. For example, when user A finishes working in the personal work space and the end time is outside the available time of the shared work space, the processor 20 displays the selection screen 66 on the display of user A's terminal device 12.

[0173] On the selection screen 66, for example, a message indicating that the shared work space cannot be used at the current time is displayed. Also, on the selection screen 66, information indicating a method of reflecting the content of the work in the personal work space associated with user A in the shared work space is displayed.

[0174] For example, information indicating each of Method A and Method B is displayed on the selection screen 66, and either Method A or Method B is selected by the user. For example, when either Method A or Method B is selected by means of a check button or the like and the "OK button" is pressed, the processor 20 executes the selected method.

[0175] Method A is a method in which, at the end of a task, the content of the task is not reflected in the shared work space, and when the user A performs work in the personal work space associated with the user A next time, the work before the end is continued. When Method A is selected by the user, the content of the work in the personal work space is not automatically reflected in the shared work space. For example, even when a file is edited in the personal work space, the content of the edit is not automatically reflected in the shared work space.

[0176] Method B is a method in which, when it is time to use the shared work space, the content of the work in the personal work space is automatically reflected in the shared work space. When Method B is selected by the user, the content of the work in the personal work space is automatically reflected in the shared work space. For example, when a file is edited in the personal work space, the content of the edit is automatically reflected in the shared work space.

[0177] The functions of each part of the above server 10 and terminal device 12 are realized by the cooperation of hardware and software as an example. For example, the functions of each device are realized by the processor of each device reading and executing the program stored in the memory of each device. The program is stored in the memory via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network.

[0178] In each of the above embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Also, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may be achieved not only by one processor but also by a plurality of physically separated processors cooperating with each other. Further, the order of each operation of the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments and may be changed as appropriate.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0179] 10 Server, 12A, 12B, ···, 12M Terminal device, 20, 28 Processor.

Claims

1. having a processor, wherein the processor provides a shared work space for a plurality of users to share files and work together, controls to display a first button for receiving an instruction to transfer the file to a personal work space where the user works individually when the conditions for using the shared work space are met, when the first button is single-operated by the user, transfers the file from the shared work space to the personal work space, an information processing apparatus.

2. wherein the processor further displays a warning to the user when the remaining time allowed to use the shared work space becomes equal to or less than a threshold value, the information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. wherein the processor further displays a second button for receiving an instruction to transfer a file in the personal work space to the shared work space to the user when it becomes permitted to use the shared work space during work in the personal work space, the information processing apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. wherein the processor transfers the file being worked on in the shared work space to the personal work space associated with the user working on the file, the information processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. wherein the processor transfers the file selected by the user in the shared work space to the personal work space associated with the user, the information processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

6. wherein the processor controls to display information indicating that the file selected by the user is transferred to the personal work space on the file, the information processing apparatus according to Claim 5.

7. wherein as the information, proprietary information and shared information are defined, the proprietary information is information indicating that the file is transferred only to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the file to be transferred, the shared information is information indicating that the file is transferred to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the file to be transferred and the personal work spaces associated with other users, the information processing apparatus according to Claim 6.

8. wherein the processor Transfer the selected file only to the personal work space associated with the user who selected the file. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6.

9. The processor Transfer the selected file to the personal work spaces associated with each of the user who selected the file and other users. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6.

10. The file to be edited is a file that only one user is permitted to select as a file to be transferred, The file not to be edited is a file that multiple users are permitted to select as a transfer target. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

11. The processor further Transfer the files included in a specific area defined in the shared work space to the personal work space. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The specific area is defined for each user, The processor Transfer the files included in the specific area associated with the first user to the personal work space associated with the first user, Transfer the files included in the specific area associated with the second user to the personal work space associated with the second user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The specific area includes a first area and a second area, The first area is an area for transferring the files included in the first area only to the personal work space associated with the user who performed the operation of including the file in the first area, The second area is an area for transferring the files included in the second area to the personal work spaces associated with each of the user who performed the operation of including the file in the second area and other users. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11.

14. The processor further Transfer the function selected in the shared work space to the personal work space as a function permitted to be used in the personal work space. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The processor further When the second button is operated by the user, reflect the files worked in the personal work space in the shared work space. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

16. A computer provides a shared work space for a plurality of users to share files and work, controls to display a first button for receiving an instruction to transfer the file to a personal work space where the user works individually when the condition for using the shared work space is satisfied, and when the first button is single-operated by the user, transfers the file from the shared work space to the personal work space. A program for operating as described above.

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