Program, method, information processing apparatus

Abstract

To improve an experience of a user in the case where document data with electronic signature is managed for a long time.SOLUTION: A program provides a document management service to a user, the document management service managing document data by putting electronic signature with a valid period based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification body. The program includes the steps of: presenting information on the document data with the electronic signature to a user who is concerned with the document data; and receiving, from the user concerned with the document data, an operation as to whether to extend the valid period of the electronic signature, and extending the valid period of the electronic signature of the document data in response to receiving the operation to extend the valid period of the electronic signature from at least one of the users concerned with the document data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In business activities, approvals are given for various agreements and applications both inside and outside the company while the business is being developed. For example, within a business operator, an approver makes a decision on the content to be approved. Also, regarding contracts both inside and outside a business operator, in recent years, due to the development of IT technology, contracts that were previously concluded on paper are gradually being concluded electronically.

[0003] In an electronic contract, a user of an electronic contract service electronically signs a contract document to be signed. Electronic contract services are provided by business operators in various ways, such as so-called party-signature types and so-called business-operator-signature types (witness types). When concluding a contract using an electronic contract service, depending on the information identifying the parties to the contract, the contract document to be the subject of the contract may be made viewable between the parties to the contract while the conclusion process is proceeding. For example, when concluding a contract using an email address as the information identifying the parties to the contract, one of the parties who wishes to enter into the contract sends the contract document to the electronic contract service while specifying the email address of the other party. Then, the person who receives the contract document uses the electronic contract service to proceed with the conclusion process of the electronic contract, such as by approving the contract document.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-046590 (Patent Document 1) describes a contract application client 200 that transmits contract application information to a contract acceptance server via a communication network and receives contract document information from the contract acceptance server, a contract acceptance server 210 that receives application information from the contract application client 200 via the communication network, generates contract document information from the contract application information, and transmits the contract document information to the client, and a contract document storage server 230 that acquires communication messages between the contract application client 200 and the contract acceptance server 210, attaches an electronic signature to the communication messages, and stores the communication messages and the electronic signature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The above Patent Document 1 describes storing information related to the electronic signature of a contract document. However, even with the technology of the above Patent Document 1, sufficient consideration is required for the case of long-term management of information related to the electronic signature of a contract document.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One embodiment shown in the present disclosure is a program for operating a computer, where the computer is for providing a document management service to a user. The document management service manages document data by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by an authentication authority. The program causes a processor of the computer to perform the steps of presenting information regarding the document data to the user who is the party to the document data for the document data with an electronic signature attached; receiving from the user who is the party to the document data an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; and extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data in response to receiving the operation of extending the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are the parties to the document data.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when managing document data with an electronic signature attached for a long period of time, it becomes possible to improve the user experience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The following is an embodiment of the present disclosure. The description of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be made with reference to the drawings. Also, in the description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] <Overview of the First Embodiment> In this embodiment, the user operates a PC (Personal Computer) and manages document data using a document management service. Document data is electronic data obtained by digitizing information of documents expressed in the form of characters, images, tables, etc. Specifically, examples of document data include contracts, invoices, or reports. Document data also includes, for example, electronic data obtained by digitizing a contract that is the subject of an electronic contract. In the description of this embodiment, the explanation mainly regarding document data will be made mainly with contracts as the main subject.

[0012] Contracts have, for example, the following types. The following are examples and are not limited to these. · Lease contract · Confidentiality agreement · Sales contract · Business entrustment contract · Pledge by transfer contract · M&A contract · Joint venture contract · Software development contract · Contracts related to intellectual property (license contracts, etc.) · Franchise contract · Employment contract · Worker dispatching contract · Business transfer contract · Board of directors meeting minutes

[0013] The document management service is a service for managing document data. Specifically, it manages document data such as contracts held by the parties, along with information such as who operated it at what timing. In addition, the document management service also has a function of managing document data agreed upon among the parties. For example, the document management service can manage information on the validity period of the electronic signature attached to a contract. Thus, in addition to the basic functions related to the management of document data, the document management service also supports information sharing regarding document data among the parties.

[0014] In addition, in this embodiment, it is also assumed that the user operates a PC (Personal Computer) and concludes a contract using an electronic contract service. In this embodiment, an electronic contract refers to the exchange of electronic data obtained by digitizing a contract document over the Internet, where the contracting parties express their intention to agree, and an electronic signature is attached to the electronic data of the contract document. The contract document is typically a file of electronic data created using software for document creation and cannot be modified in content. The electronic data includes, for example, PDF files and the like. There are a contract document sender side and a contract document receiver side among the contracting parties. In an electronic contract, there is one or more approvers for approving the contract document. Based on the contract document, the approver determines whether the contract can be concluded under the conditions indicated in the content of the contract document. When a contract is concluded between the parties through the electronic contract service, the above-mentioned document management service may manage the contract document data related to the agreement.

[0015] <1.1 Overall Configuration Diagram of the System> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the document management system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the document management system 1 includes a device 10 of a first user and a server 20 of a document management service. In the document management system 1, the device 10 of the first user and the server 20 of the document management service are communicably connected to each other by a network 80.

[0016] The example of FIG. 1 shows the device 10 of the first user. The first user refers to the user who is a party to the document data. The device 10 of the first user is realized by, for example, a PC, a smartphone, or the like. The device 10 of the first user provides an environment for the first user to operate a system according to a program by executing the program.

[0017] The device 10 of the first user shall be a device that receives an input operation from the first user.

[0018] The device 10 of the first user includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage unit 16, and a processor 19.

[0019] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the device 10 of the first user can communicate with an external device.

[0020] The input device 13 is a device for receiving an input operation from the first user. The device for receiving an input operation is, for example, a pointing device such as a touch panel, a touch pad, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0021] The output device 14 is a device (such as a display, a speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the first user.

[0022] The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs and the like. The memory 15 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0023] The storage unit 16 is for storing data. The storage unit 16 is, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0024] The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0025] The example of FIG. 1 shows the server 20 of the document management service.

[0026] The server 20 of the document management service includes a communication IF 22, an input / output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

[0027] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for the server 20 of the document management service to communicate with an external device.

[0028] The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0029] The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by programs and the like. The memory 25 is, for example, a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0030] The storage 26 is for storing data. The storage 26 is, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0031] The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0032] The server 20 of the document management service is a device that manages information of users who use the document management system 1 and information of document data handled by the document management service.

[0033] The server 20 of the document management service appropriately transmits data necessary for using the document management service to the device 10 of the first user, thereby visualizing the status of the document management service on the device 10 of the first user. Further, the server 20 of the document management service communicates with the device 10 of the first user and transmits images, files, text data, etc. to the device 10 of the first user according to the operations of each user.

[0034] <1.2 Functional Configuration of the Device 10 of the First User> Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the device 10 of the first user. The device 10 of the first user includes an antenna 111, a first wireless communication unit 121, a processor 19, an operation reception unit 130, a storage unit 16, a memory 15, a display 132, an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, and a speaker 142.

[0035] The antenna 111 radiates the signal emitted by the device 10 of the first user into space as radio waves. Also, the antenna 111 receives radio waves from space and supplies the received signal to the first wireless communication unit 121.

[0036] The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 and the like so that the device 10 of the first user can communicate with other communication devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 is a communication module for wireless communication including a tuner, a high-frequency circuit, etc., performs modulation / demodulation and frequency conversion of the wireless signal transmitted and received by the device 10 of the first user, and supplies the received signal to the processor 19.

[0037] The processor 19 controls the operation of the device 10 of the first user by reading and executing the program stored in the storage unit 16. The processor 19 is realized by, for example, an application processor.

[0038] The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving the user's input operation. For example, the operation reception unit 130 is realized as a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch pad, a touch panel, a keyboard, a controller, a photographing means for sensing the movement of the end user's body as an input operation, etc. For example, the operation reception unit 130 senses the movement of a body part such as a hand or the facial expression of the end user as the movement of the end user's body, and receives the movement of these body parts as an input operation. The operation reception unit 130 determines the type of operation such as whether the end user's operation is a flick operation or a tap operation based on the coordinates at which the end user touches the touch panel or the like to receive the input operation.

[0039] The storage unit 16 is composed of a flash memory, a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Further, the storage unit 16 stores programs used by the device 10 of the first user, various data received by the device 10 of the first user from the server 20 of the document management service, and the like.

[0040] The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and texts according to the control of the processor 19. The display 132 is realized by a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence).

[0041] The audio processing unit 140 performs modulation and demodulation of audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal given from the microphone 141 and gives the modulated signal to the processor 19. Further, the audio processing unit 140 gives the audio signal to the speaker 142.

[0042] The microphone 141 receives an audio input and gives an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140.

[0043] The speaker 142 converts the audio signal given from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the device 10 of the first user.

[0044] The storage unit 16 stores document data information 161 and document management information 162.

[0045] The document data information 161 is information regarding data of documents such as bibliographic information in the document management system 1. The document data information 161 includes, for example, a "document data ID", a "document title", "contents", "valid period of long-term signature", and a "type data ID".

[0046] The document management information 162 is information for managing document data in the document management system 1. The document management information 162 includes, for example, a "document management ID", a "document data ID", a "sender's user ID", a "recipient's user ID", and a "party's user ID".

[0047] When the processor 19 operates according to a program, it exhibits functions as an input operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, a data processing unit 193, and a notification control unit 194. The input operation reception unit 191 performs a process of receiving a user's input operation on an input device such as the operation reception unit 130. When the operation reception unit 130 is a touch device, for example, the input operation reception unit 191 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation or a tap operation, based on the information of the coordinates where the user touches the touch device with a finger or the like. The transmission / reception unit 192 performs a process for the device 10 of the first user to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 of the document management service according to a communication protocol. The data processing unit 193 performs a process of performing an operation on the data received by the device 10 of the first user according to a program and outputting the operation result to a memory or the like. The notification control unit 194 performs processes such as displaying a display image on the display 132, outputting sound to the speaker 142, and generating vibration in a vibrator or the like as processes for presenting information to the user.

[0048] <1.3 Functional Configuration of Server 20 of Document Management Service> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20 of the document management service. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 of the document management service exhibits functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0049] The communication unit 201 performs a process for the server 20 of the document management service to communicate with an external device.

[0050] The storage unit 202 stores various databases such as the database 2021 of document data, the database 2022 of legal retention periods, the database 2023 of access logs, the database 2024 of document management, the database 2025 of users, the database 2026 of extension records of long-term signatures, and the database 2027 of notification records.

[0051] The database 2021 of document data is a database for managing information on document data in the document management system 1. Details will be described later.

[0052] The database 2022 of legal retention periods is a database for managing information on legal retention periods corresponding to the types of document data in the document management system 1. Details will be described later.

[0053] The database 2023 of access logs is a database for collecting, storing, and managing operations performed by users and access information in the document management system 1. Details will be described later.

[0054] The database 2024 of document management is a database for managing information on users related to document data in the document management system 1. Details will be described later.

[0055] The database 2025 of users is a database for managing information on users who use the document management system 1. Details will be described later.

[0056] The database 2026 of extension records of long-term signatures is a database for managing information on extension records of long-term signatures in the document management system 1. Details will be described later.

[0057] The database 2027 of notification records is a database for managing information on notification records related to long-term signatures in the document management system 1. Details will be described later.

[0058] The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading the program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing the instructions included in the program. By operating according to the program, the control unit 203 exhibits the functions shown as the reception control module 2031 and the transmission control module 2032.

[0059] The reception control module 2031 controls the process in which the server 20 of the document management service receives a signal from an external device according to a communication protocol.

[0060] The transmission control module 2032 controls the process in which the server 20 of the document management service transmits a signal to an external device according to a communication protocol.

[0061] <1.4 Conceptual diagram for explaining electronic contracts> Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining electronic contracts. As shown in Figure 4, the electronic contract system includes the user device 40 of the contract document sender, the server 50 of the contract management service, and the user device 60 of the contract document recipient.

[0062] First, the contract document sender uploads the contract document to the server 50 of the contract management service on the cloud by operating the user device 40 of the contract document sender. The server 50 of the contract management service assigns the electronic signature of the contract document sender to the contract document committed by the contract document sender for transmission.

[0063] The contract document sender performs an operation to request the contract document recipient to conclude an agreement. Specifically, the user device 40 of the contract document sender receives an operation specifying the contract document recipient from the contract document sender and transmits it to the server 50 of the contract management service. In this embodiment, the user device 40 of the contract document sender receives an operation specifying each email address of one or more contract document recipients from the contract document sender as information for identifying the contract document recipient. The server 50 of the contract management service sends information for accessing the contract document to the recipient of the contract document to the email address of the recipient specified by the user of the contract document sender. In this embodiment, the server 50 of the contract management service sends information for accessing the contract document to the device 60 of the user of the recipient of the contract document to the email address of the recipient specified by the user of the contract document sender. The information for accessing the contract document includes, for example, a link described as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

[0064] The recipient of the contract document performs an operation (such as clicking or tapping) to specify the information for accessing the contract document received on the device 60 of the user of the recipient of the contract document, and can check the content of the contract document on the server 50 of the contract management service online and conclude an agreement. The device 60 of the user of the recipient of the contract document presents a screen for receiving an operation indicating agreement with the contract document to the user of the device 60 of the recipient of the contract document, and receives an operation for agreement from the recipient of the contract document. If there are defects in the contract content at this point, the server 50 of the contract management service may receive an operation indicating non - agreement with the contract from the recipient of the contract document.

[0065] The server 50 of the contract management service assigns the electronic signature of the recipient of the contract document to the contract document by receiving an operation indicating agreement with the contract document from the recipient of the contract document. The server 50 of the contract management service stores it in a database for managing the contract document. Tampering with the contract document is prevented by the assignment of the electronic signatures of both parties to the contract.

[0066] This embodiment realizes such a cloud - type document management service.

[0067] <2 Data Structure> FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 are diagrams showing the data structure of the database stored in server 20 of the document management service. Note that FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are examples and do not exclude data not described.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of database 2021 of document data. Database 2021 of document data is a database for managing information on document data in document management system 1. Each record in database 2021 of the document data in FIG. 5 includes an item "document data ID", an item "document title", an item "content", an item "valid period of long-term signature", and an item "type data ID".

[0069] The item "document data ID" indicates a unique ID for the document data, which is required when managing document data in document management system 1. By assigning a document data ID, even when there are multiple documents, each document can be identified. The advantage of the document data ID is that documents can be easily searched, referenced, and managed. For example, even when there are a large number of documents, the necessary document can be quickly identified using the document data ID. Also, the document data ID is used for document version management and permission management.

[0070] The item "document title" indicates the title name of the document data. The title name is a concise name representing each document data. Examples of document titles are, for example, the following. The following are examples and are not limited to these. · Confidentiality Agreement · Contract regarding product manufacturing · Contract regarding architectural design drawings · Business outsourcing contract · Goods sales contract · Goods lease contract · Construction work subcontracting contract · Insurance contract · Consulting Contract · License Contract · Real Estate Sales Contract · Trademark License Contract · Land Lease Contract · Agency Contract · Copyright Assignment Contract

[0071] The item "Content" is an item that describes the information contained in the document data and the text content of the document data. When the document data is a contract, the content may include the following information. The following are examples and are not limited to these. · Subject of the contract and purpose of the contract The contract has a section describing the subject of the contract and the purpose of the contract. For example, when the contract is a property purchase contract, the address of the property, the use of the property, the purchase price, and the payment conditions, etc. are included in its content. · Conditions of the contract and provisions of the contract The contract describes the conditions of the contract and the provisions of the contract. For example, when the contract is a property purchase contract, the delivery time, the delivery method, the obligations of the buyer, the responsibilities of the buyer, and the warranties of the seller, etc. are included in its content. · Information such as signature and date The contract may include information such as signature and date. These information are important for determining the validity and timing of the contract. As described above, the document data such as contracts may contain various information.

[0072] The item "Valid Period of Long-Term Signature" records the valid period of the long-term signature for each document data for each user ID. A long-term signature is a technology that adds necessary information (such as expiration information, etc.) within the valid period of the electronic certificate to the document data with an electronic signature and assigns a new timestamp, enabling signature verification even after the expiration of the original electronic certificate. In electronic signatures, a certification authority verifies the identity of the individual and issues a public key certificate. This public key certificate is paired with a private key. Since the individual holds the private key, there is a risk of loss, leakage, or changes in the individual's attributes. Therefore, the validity period is generally from several months to several years. Regarding authentication, if it can be verified at that time, there is no problem even if the validity period is short. However, if verification needs to be possible in the future, it cannot be achieved with just an electronic signature. Regarding time stamps, since a certification authority guarantees them using PKI technology, the concept of the validity period is the same as above. However, time stamps are issued to a time stamp server that is strictly managed and operated by a business operator, not an individual, so a public key certificate with a relatively long validity period can be issued. However, the longer the validity period of a time stamp, the more issues such as loss, leakage, and changes in the individual's attributes will occur. To solve this problem, the private key used for generating time stamps is updated annually. And the old private key is discarded to ensure security. When the private key used for generation disappears, the same time stamp cannot be reproduced. By doing so, long-term signatures enable signature verification even after the validity period of the electronic certificate has expired. The validity period of a long-term signature is the period during which the signer can retain the authentication information. Therefore, during that period, even if the location and method where the signer created the signature change, the validity of the signature can be maintained. When the validity period of a long-term signature expires, the authentication information becomes invalid and the validity of the signature is lost. Generally, the validity period of a long-term signature can span from several years to several decades. Note that in the following explanations, the expiration date refers to the end date of the validity period of the long-term signature.

[0073] The item "type data ID" is a unique ID for the type of document data required when managing the type of document data in the document management system 1. Examples of the types of document data are as follows. The following are examples and are not limited to these. · Transaction vouchers (invoice, order request, contract, estimate) · Documents related to product manufacturing, processing, shipping, and sales records · Books related to the business of an architectural office · Minutes of the general shareholders' meeting · Minutes of the board of directors' meeting · Financial statements Note that the item "Type Data ID" will be explained again in the database 2022 of the legal retention period in Figure 6.

[0074] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the database 2022 of the legal retention period. The database 2022 of the legal retention period is a database for managing information on the legal retention period according to the types of document data in the document management system 1. Each record in the database 2022 of the legal retention period in Figure 6 includes the item "Type Data ID", the item "Type of Document Data", and the item "Legal Retention Period".

[0075] The item "Type Data ID" is as explained above.

[0076] The item "Type of Document Data" indicates the type of document data. The types of document data include, for example, the following. The following are examples and are not limited to these. · Transaction vouchers (invoice, order request, contract, estimate) · Documents related to product manufacturing, processing, shipping, and sales records · Books related to the business of an architectural office · Minutes of the general shareholders' meeting · Minutes of the board of directors' meeting

[0077] The item "Legal Retention Period" indicates the legal retention period determined for each type of document data. The legal retention period refers to the period for which certain types of documents and records must be retained as stipulated by law. These documents and records may be required for evidence, certification, or for tax and auditing purposes, etc. In Japan, for example, the legal retention period for each type of document data is stipulated as follows. The following are examples and are not limited to these. · The legal retention period for transaction vouchers (invoices, order requests, contracts, estimates) is 7 years · The legal retention period for documents related to product manufacturing, processing, shipping, and sales records is 10 years · The legal retention period for books related to the business of an architectural office is 15 years · The legal retention period for general meeting of shareholders minutes is 10 years · The legal retention period for board of directors meeting minutes is 10 years Retaining documents and records in accordance with the legal retention period is important to meet legal requirements. When the retention period ends, the documents and records can be discarded, but it is necessary to confirm the precautions before discarding. For example, tax-related documents and records may need to be retained continuously in certain cases even after the retention period ends. Also, the legal retention period is the minimum retention period, and it is recommended to retain them for a long time as needed. For example, the board of directors meeting minutes and contracts of a company may need to be retained for a long time in case of future litigation and disputes even after the legal retention period has elapsed.

[0078] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the access log database 2023. The access log database 2023 is a database for collecting, storing, and managing the operations and access information performed by users in the document management system 1. Each record in the access log database 2023 in Figure 7 includes the item "Access Log ID", the item "User ID", the item "Document Data ID", and the item "Viewing Date and Time".

[0079] The item "Access Log ID" refers to an ID that is unique to the access log in a website, system, etc. An access log is a log that records information about users who have accessed a site or system. For example, it includes the access date and time, IP address, and viewed pages, etc. The access log ID is used to facilitate log management and log analysis by assigning a unique ID to each access log. By using the access log ID, access logs can be quickly identified and used for analysis and problem-solving as needed. Also, the access log ID may have security implications in some cases. For example, by using the access log ID, unauthorized access and attacks can be traced and addressed.

[0080] The item "User ID" indicates an ID that is unique to a user who is necessary for managing users in the document management system 1 in the document management system 1. User IDs come in various forms. For example, combinations of character strings, combinations of numbers and character strings, or email addresses, etc. Generally, it is important for the user ID to be unique within the system and it is designed to avoid duplication. For example, in the document management system 1, when issuing an account for a user of the document management system 1, the device 10 of the first user receives an input of email address registration from the user of the document management system 1. The server 20 of the document management service issues a user ID in response to receiving the input of email address registration.

[0081] The item "Document Data ID" is as described above. Here, the item "Document Data ID" indicates information on the document data ID of the document data accessed by the user.

[0082] The item "Viewing Date and Time" is an item for recording the date and time when a user views specific document data. This is used to record usage histories such as those of websites, systems, and apps. Since the viewing date and time can record when a user viewed information, it is possible to understand and analyze the user's usage situation.

[0083] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the document management database 2024. The document management database 2024 is a database for managing user information and the like related to document data in the document management system 1. Each record in the document management database 2024 in Figure 8 includes the item "Document Management ID", the item "Document Data ID", the item "Sender's User ID", the item "Recipient's User ID", and the "Party's User ID".

[0084] The item "Document Management ID" is a unique ID required when managing user information and the like related to document data in the document management system 1. This is used to manage user information and the like related to a vast number of documents held by enterprises, organizations, and the like.

[0085] The item "Document Data ID" is as described above.

[0086] The item "Sender's User ID" is the user ID for identifying the user who sent the document data in the document management system 1. The user ID is as described above. Note that there are often cases where there is more than one sender's user ID.

[0087] The item "Recipient's User ID" is the user ID for identifying the user who received the document data in the document management system 1. The user ID is as described above. Note that there are often cases where there is more than one recipient's user ID.

[0088] The item "User ID of the Party" refers to the user ID for identifying the user who is the party of the document data in the document management system 1. The user ID is as described above. Note that there are often multiple user IDs for the contracting parties rather than just one.

[0089] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 2025. The user database 2025 is a database for managing information of users who use the document management system 1. Each record in the user database 2025 in Figure 9 includes the item "User ID", the item "Email Address", the item "Name", the item "Company Name", and the item "Position".

[0090] The item "User ID" is as described above.

[0091] The item "Email Address" refers to the email address of the user who uses the document management system 1. The email address indicates the address necessary for sending and receiving emails.

[0092] The item "Company Name" is an item representing the name of the company to which the user belongs. The company name is one of the pieces of information for identifying the user, and when multiple users belong to the same company, grouping and statistical processing can be performed based on the company name.

[0093] The item "Position" is an item representing the role and duties of the user in the company to which the user belongs. The position is one of the pieces of information for identifying the user and also includes information regarding the user's skills and job content, etc. The item "Position" is, for example, department head, section chief, representative director, etc.

[0094] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the database 2026 for extended records of long-term signatures. The database 2026 for extended records of long-term signatures is a database for managing information regarding extended records of long-term signatures in the document management system 1. Each record in the database 2026 of the extension record of the long-term signature in FIG. 10 includes the item "ID of the extension record of the long-term signature", the item "Document data ID", the item "User ID", and the item "Operation date and time".

[0095] The item "ID of the extension record of the long-term signature" is a unique ID required when recording the extension of the long-term signature of document data in the document management system 1.

[0096] The item "Document data ID" is as described above. The item "Document data ID" here indicates the information of the document data ID of the document data that received the operation related to the extension of the long-term signature from the user. The operations related to the extension of the long-term signature are, for example, operations such as an application for the extension of the long-term signature and procedures related to the extension.

[0097] The item "User ID" is as described above. The item "User ID" here indicates the information of the user ID of the user who executed the operation related to the extension of the long-term signature.

[0098] The item "Operation date and time" indicates the date and time of the operation related to the extension of the long-term signature performed by the user. For example, the date and time when the user applied to extend the expiration date of the signature is recorded in this item.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the database 2027 of the notification record. The database 2027 of the notification record is a database for managing the information of the notification record related to the long-term signature in the document management system 1. For example, when the server 20 of the document management service notifies the user who is the party to the document data in order to notify that the expiration date of the long-term signature is approaching, in response to the notification, each item in the database 2027 of the notification record is updated. Each record in the database 2027 of the notification record in FIG. 11 includes the item "Document data ID", the item "Notification date and time", the item "User ID", and the item "Notification count".

[0100] The notice regarding long-term signature mainly refers to the notice regarding the validity period of the long-term signature. The notice regarding long-term signature is, for example, to notify the user who is a party to the document data in order to notify that the validity period of the long-term signature is approaching. Note that the notice regarding long-term signature may be given a certain period before the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data arrives. A certain period before could be, for example, one week before the expiration date arrives, and one month before the expiration date arrives, etc. Also, the notice regarding long-term signature may be given to the users who are both parties to the document data. Also, when notifying the users who are both parties to the document data a certain period before, the notice regarding long-term signature may be given to at least one of the user who has the viewing right of the document data or the user who has performed an operation to agree to the document data.

[0101] The item "document data ID" is as described above. The item "document data ID" here indicates the information of the document data ID of the document data for identifying which document data the notice regarding long-term signature was given to.

[0102] The item "notification date and time" is an item indicating the date and time when the notice regarding long-term signature was given. The year, month, day, and time when the notice was given are recorded in this item. For example, when a notice is given to the party to the document data to notify that the validity period of the long-term signature is approaching, the year, month, day, and time when the notice was given are recorded in the item "notification date and time".

[0103] The item "user ID" is as described above. The item "user ID" here indicates the information of the user ID of the user to whom the notice regarding long-term signature was given.

[0104] The item "number of notifications" is data indicating the number of times a notification has been made regarding a long-term signature. This item stores a numerical value indicating how many times the notification has been made. For example, regarding a contract of certain document data, if three notifications are made to the parties of the contract because the expiration period of the long-term signature of the contract is approaching, the numerical value "3" is stored in this item. This item is used to confirm whether the notification has been made appropriately, how many times the parties have been notified, etc.

[0105] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of each device constituting the document management system 1 will be described.

[0106] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of processing regarding the extension of the expiration period of a long-term signature in the device 10 of the first user and the server 20 of the document management service.

[0107] In step S12021, the server 20 of the document management service assigns an electronically signed signature with an expiration date to the document data and manages it while ensuring security and reliability. This electronic signature can prevent document forgery and unauthorized access and guarantee the validity of the document. Also, with the electronically signed signature with an expiration date, the storage period of the document can be clearly set, and documents whose expiration date has passed can be automatically deleted. Thus, it is assumed that the server 20 of the document management system 1 provides a document management system with high security and efficiency.

[0108] In step S12022, based on the expiration of the validity period of the electronic signature attached to the document data, the server 20 of the document management service outputs information regarding the document data to the user who is the party to the document data. The information regarding the document data will be described in detail in the next step S12011.

[0109] In step S12011, the device 10 of the first user presents information regarding the document data and information regarding the long-term signature to the first user who is the party to the document data for the document data with an electronic signature attached thereto.

[0110] The information regarding the document data is included in the item "Content" of the database 2021 of the document data. The information regarding the document data may include, for example, in the case of a contract document, the following information in its content. The following are examples and are not limited thereto. · Subject of the contract and purpose of the contract The contract document has a part describing the subject of the contract and the purpose of the contract. For example, in the case of a real estate purchase contract, the address of the property, the use of the property, the purchase price, the payment conditions, etc. are included in its content. · Conditions of the contract and provisions of the contract The contract document describes the conditions of the contract and the provisions of the contract. For example, in the case of a real estate purchase contract, the delivery time, the delivery method, the obligations of the buyer, the responsibilities of the buyer, and the warranties of the seller are included in its content. · Information such as signature and date The contract document may include information such as signature and date. These pieces of information are important for determining the validity and timing of the contract. As described above, documents such as contract documents may contain various information.

[0111] The information regarding the long-term signature is mainly information regarding the determination of the extension of the long-term signature. The information regarding the long-term signature may include, for example, the following information. The following are examples and are not limited thereto. · Explanation of whether to extend the long-term signature An explanation of whether to extend the long-term signature is described. Specifically, the explanation is something like "Do you want to extend the long-term signature for the above-mentioned document data?" etc. · Validity period of the long-term signature when the long-term signature is extended A description of the validity period of the long-term signature when the extension of the long-term signature is performed is provided. For example, the description of the validity period of the long-term signature when the extension of the long-term signature is performed is something like "When extended, the validity period of the long-term signature will change from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2030 to January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2040." etc. · A button for receiving from the user a determination on whether to extend the long-term signature There may be a case where a button for receiving from the user a determination on whether to extend the long-term signature is provided. Specifically, the button for receiving from the user a determination on whether to extend the long-term signature may be such that a button for extending the long-term signature and a button for not extending are provided. And when the server 20 of the document management service receives an operation of pressing from the user for the button for extending the long-term signature, it may execute the extension of the long-term signature for the relevant document data. · Selection of how many years to extend the long-term signature When the device 10 of the first user performs the extension of the long-term signature, it may receive from the user an operation on for how long a period to extend the long-term signature. · Selection of which user's long-term signature validity period to extend When the device 10 of the first user performs the extension of the long-term signature, it may receive from the user an operation on which user to extend the long-term signature for.

[0112] In step S12012, the device 10 of the first user receives from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data an operation on whether to extend the long-term signature. Note that it is assumed that the device 10 of the first user may receive from the users of both parties to the document data an operation on whether to extend the expiration date. Step S12023, which is the next step after step S12012, explains the case where in step S12012, an operation of extending the long-term signature is received from the user. When the server 20 of the document management service receives an operation from the user not to extend the long-term signature, the server 20 of the document management service shall not extend the expiration date of the electronic signature in response to the user's input operation. That is, the server 20 of the document management service shall not newly update the item "valid period of long-term signature" stored in the database 2021 of the document data.

[0113] In step S12023, the server 20 of the document management service extends the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data in response to an operation from the user to extend the long-term signature. Specifically, when extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data, the server 20 of the document management service updates the database 2026 of the long-term signature extension record and the database 2021 of the document data.

[0114] The server 20 of the document management service updates each item in the database 2026 of the long-term signature extension record in response to an operation to extend the long-term signature. Each record in the database 2026 of the long-term signature extension record includes the item "ID of long-term signature extension record", the item "document data ID", the item "user ID", and the item "operation date and time". For example, specifically, the server 20 of the document management service records the user ID information of the user who executed the operation related to the extension of the long-term signature in the item "user ID".

[0115] The server 20 of the document management service updates the item "valid period of long-term signature" in the database 2021 of the document data in response to an operation to extend the long-term signature. For example, when the server 20 of the document management service extends the long-term signature by 10 years, the value of the item "valid period of long-term signature" is updated from 2020 / 01 / 01~2030 / 01 / 01 to 2020 / 01 / 01~2040 / 01 / 01.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the processing flow related to the notification of the valid period of the long-term signature in the device 10 of the first user and the server 20 of the document management service.

[0117] Step S12021 is as described above.

[0118] In step S13021, the server 20 of the document management service outputs information regarding the document data to the user who is the party to the document data, based on the expiration of the validity period of the electronic signature attached to the document data. The information regarding the document data has already been described in detail in step S12011. Then, in step S13021, the server 20 of the document management service shall issue a notice regarding long-term signature to the user who is the party to the document data one or more times. The notice regarding long-term signature is as described above.

[0119] For example, when the server 20 of the document management service issues a notice once to the user who is the party to the document data in order to notify the expiration of the validity period of the long-term signature, the server 20 of the document management service updates each item of the database 2027 of the notice record as follows in response to the notice. Each record of the database 2027 of the notice record includes an item "document data ID", an item "notification date and time", an item "user ID", and an item "number of notifications". The description of each item is as described above. For example, the server 20 of the document management service stores the numerical value "1" for the item "number of notifications".

[0120] In step S13011, the device 10 of the first user receives the notice regarding the long-term signature sent from the server 20 of the document management service in step S13021.

[0121] In step S13022, if there is no response from the user to the notice regarding the long-term signature, the server 20 of the document management service shall not extend the validity period of the long-term signature of the document data. That is, the server 20 of the document management service shall not newly update the item "validity period of long-term signature" stored in the database 2021 of the document data. In addition, when there is no response from the user to the notice regarding long-term signature, not extending the validity period of the document data is valuable even in cases such as when the company goes bankrupt, the company is liquidated, or the person in charge of the document data is no longer available. In various cases like these, it is suggested that not extending the validity period of the document data when there is no response from the user to the notice regarding long-term signature is beneficial.

[0122] <Example Screen> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen of a notice regarding long-term signature of document data.

[0123] As described in step S13021, the server 20 of the document management service sends a notice regarding long-term signature to the user who is the party to the document data. FIG. 14 is an example of a screen example of the notice regarding long-term signature.

[0124] Specifically, the device 10 of the first user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1400. · Area 1401 is an area indicating the subject of the email. The subject of the email may indicate that a notice regarding long-term signature of the document data has been received. The subject of the email is, for example, "Request for confirmation regarding long-term signature of Lease Contract.pdf." etc. · Area 1402 is an area indicating the sender of the email and the email address of the recipient of the email. · Area 1403 is an area where a statement indicating a notice regarding long-term signature of the document data is displayed. The statement indicating a notice regarding long-term signature of the document data is, for example, "A request for confirmation regarding long-term signature has been received for the document data." etc. · Area 1404 is an area indicating the bibliographic information of the document data. The bibliographic information of the document data is an area indicating, for example, the document title name of the document data and the file name of the document data. · Button 1405 is a button for checking the content of document data in response to an input operation from the user. For example, in response to the operation of the user pressing button 1405, the device 10 of the first user presents a screen as shown in FIG. 15 described below.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing information related to document data and information related to a long-term signature on the screen.

[0126] When the device 10 of the first user accepts an operation to extend the validity period of the long-term signature, it presents both information related to the document data and information related to the long-term signature. The information related to the document data and the information related to the long-term signature are as described in step S12011.

[0127] Specifically, the device 10 of the first user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1500. · Area 1501 is an area showing information related to the document data. The information related to the document data is as described in step S12011. · Area 1502 is an area showing an explanation of whether to extend the long-term signature. · Area 1503 is an area showing the validity period of the long-term signature when the long-term signature is extended. · Button 1504 is a button for accepting an operation from the user to extend the long-term signature. The server 20 of the document management service executes the process of S12023 in response to an operation from the user to extend the long-term signature. · Button 1505 is a button for accepting an operation from the user not to extend the long-term signature. The server 20 of the document management service decides not to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature in response to the user's input operation. That is, the server 20 of the document management service does not newly update the item "validity period of the long-term signature" stored in the database 2021 of the document data.

[0128] FIG. 16 is a diagram shown on the screen together with reference information of the long-term signature in a scene where the extension of the long-term signature is accepted.

[0129] When the device 10 of the first user receives an operation to extend the validity period of the long-term signature, it presents both information regarding the document data and information regarding the long-term signature. Further, as one of the information regarding the long-term signature, the device 10 of the first user may also present reference information of the long-term signature in specific document data. This has the effect of assisting in the determination of the extension of the long-term signature. The reference information of the long-term signature related to specific document data may include, for example, in the case of a contract, the following information in its content. The following are examples and are not limited thereto. · Content of the document data The content of the document data is as described in the item "Content" of the database 2021 of the document data. · Type of the document data The type of the document data is as described in the item "Type of the document data" of the database 2022 of the legally-prescribed retention period. · Legally-prescribed retention period The type of the document data is as described in the item "Legally-prescribed retention period" of the database 2022 of the legally-prescribed retention period. · Usage status The usage status indicates the usage status related to specific document data. Specifically, the usage status can be determined and displayed from the information stored in the database 2023 of the access log. Also, it may be in a form where the usage status related to specific document data is displayed by the user clicking on a link related to the usage status. · Viewing frequency The viewing frequency refers to the number of times and the frequency with which users who use the content of a certain website, application, etc. visit the content. The viewing frequency here indicates the viewing frequency for specific document data. Specifically, the viewing status can be determined from the information recorded in the access log database 2023, and the viewing frequency of specific document data can be displayed. Also, it may be in a form where the user clicks on a link related to the viewing frequency to display the viewing frequency for specific document data. A high viewing frequency indicates that the user is interested in the document data and frequently uses it. Also, a high viewing frequency also suggests that the document data is important to the user. Therefore, in the case of specific document data with a high viewing frequency, since the need for viewing is considered high, it may be useful for making a judgment that it is better to extend the long-term signature.

[0130] Specifically, the device 10 of the first user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1600. · Area 1601 is an area showing reference information on the long-term signature in specific document data as one of the information on the long-term signature.

[0131] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing matters related to the automatic extension of the long-term signature on the screen in the scene of concluding a contract.

[0132] FIG. 17 is one example of a screen for pre-determining matters related to the automatic extension of the long-term signature in the scene of concluding a contract. For specific document data, if it has been determined in advance to extend the long-term signature before contract conclusion, in the scene of concluding the contract, matters related to the automatic extension of the long-term signature may be included as one of the contract conclusion matters. This makes it possible to save the trouble of extending the long-term signature for the user who is the party to the document data. The document management system 1 may, for example, accept from the user to set the validity period of the long-term signature to a long period in advance. Also, the document management system 1 may accept a setting that determines to extend the long-term signature a specific number of times, with a specific number of years extended each time. The server 20 of the document management service sets the item "valid period of long-term signature" in the database 2021 of document data according to the predetermined valid period of the long-term signature described above or the number of times of extension of the long-term signature.

[0133] Specifically, the device 10 of the first user presents the following information on the dialog screen 1700. · Area 1701 is an area showing information about document data regarding the contract before conclusion. The information about document data is as described in step S12011. · Area 1702 is an area showing matters regarding automatic extension of the long-term signature. Matters regarding automatic extension of the long-term signature are, for example, "Regarding the document data, the extension of the long-term signature will be automatically performed until 2040 / 01 / 01 at the time of contract." etc. · Button 1703 is a button that accepts an operation for the user to agree to the content of the contract. Specifically, for example, by accepting an operation for the contract recipient to agree to the contract from the contract recipient, the server 50 of the contract management service assigns the electronic signature of the contract recipient to the contract.

[0134] <Modification Example> (1) Extend the expiration date of the electronic signature When the document data meets specific conditions, an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature may be accepted from the user. The specific conditions relate to the content of the document data and the type of the document data, etc. The content of the document data and the type of the document data are as described above. As described above, if the period for which the document data should be stored is determined and the expiration date of the electronic signature has arrived before the period for which the document data should be stored arrives, the system may accept an operation from the user to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data. For example, if the type of document data is a document related to the business of an architectural office, the legal retention period is set to 15 years. In that case, if the expiration date of the electronic signature has arrived before the legal retention period of 15 years arrives, the system may accept an operation from the user to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature.

[0135] (2) Viewing restrictions The following types of viewing restrictions are assumed for the document data, for example. The following are examples and are not limited to these. · Viewable by both parties When the document management system 1 accepts an operation from at least one of the user parties to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, the system may set both parties, including the other user who did not wish to extend, to be able to view the document data. · Viewable by one party, non-viewable by the other party When the document management system 1 accepts an operation from at least one of the user parties to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, the system may set restrictions on viewing the document data for the other user who did not wish to extend. For example, assume that the document management system 1 has accepted an operation from the user who is the sender (a party) to extend the expiration date and has not accepted an operation from the user who is the receiver (the other party) to extend the expiration date. In that case, the document management system 1 may allow the user who is the sender and wished to extend to have access rights to the contract document and may implement viewing restrictions such as not allowing the user who is the receiver and did not wish to extend to view the contract document. In the case of this viewing restriction, the document management system 1 may set a fee system such that, in response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, it charges a fee to the user who has received the operation of wishing to extend, and does not charge a fee to the user who did not wish to extend.

[0136] (3) Fee system when extending the validity period of a long-term signature Examples of the fee system when extending the validity period of a long-term signature are as follows. The following are examples and are not limited to these. · Pro rata for users who wish to extend Assuming that the document management system 1 charges a fee to the user who has received the operation of wishing to extend the validity period of the long-term signature, when there are multiple users who wish to extend, it charges the users pro rata for the fee when extending. For example, if there are three users who wish to extend, the fee for the extension is divided among the three. · Management period of document data Assuming that the document management system 1 charges a fee to the user who has received the operation of wishing to extend the validity period of the long-term signature, it charges the user who is the party according to the period for which the document data is managed. For example, it may be set such that the longer the document data is managed, the cheaper it is, or a fee plan may be set such that the longer the document data is managed, the more expensive it is.

[0137] As described above, some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are to be included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0138] <Supplementary Note> What is described below is the supplementary note of the matters described in each of the above embodiments. (Supplementary Note 1) A program for operating a computer, the computer being for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service managing document data by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by an authentication authority (S12021), the program causing a processor of the computer to perform the steps of presenting information regarding the document data to the user who is a party to the document data for the document data with an electronic signature attached (S12011); receiving from the user who is a party to the document data an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature (S12012); and extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data in response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data (S12023).

[0139] (Appendix 2) In the presenting step, presenting information regarding the document data to the user who is a party based on the expiration date of the electronic signature attached to the document data (S12011), the program according to claim 1.

[0140] (Appendix 3) In the presenting step, presenting at least any one of the group consisting of the content of the document data, the type of the document data, the usage status of the document data, the viewing frequency of the document data, and the legal retention period of the document data as presenting information regarding the document data (S12011), the program according to claim 1.

[0141] (Appendix 4) In the receiving step (S12012), receiving an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from the users who are both parties to the document data, the program according to claim 1.

[0142] (Appendix 5) In the presenting step, notifying the users who are both parties to the document data a certain period before the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data arrives, the program according to claim 4.

[0143] (Appendix 6) In the step of presenting, as a notification to the users who are both parties to the document data, at least one of the user who has the right to view the document data or the user who has performed an operation to agree to the document data is notified. The program according to claim 5.

[0144] (Appendix 7) In the step of receiving, when the document data meets specific conditions, the program according to claim 1, which receives from the user an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data.

[0145] (Appendix 8) The computer stores in the storage unit information on the period for which the document data should be stored, which is set according to the content of the document data or the type of the document data. In the step of receiving, when the document data meets specific conditions and the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data has arrived before the arrival of the period for which the document data should be stored, the program according to claim 7, which receives from the user an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data.

[0146] (Appendix 9) The computer can receive consent from the user who is a party to the document data. In the step of receiving, while receiving consent from the user who is a party to the document data, the program according to claim 1, which receives from the user a setting for extending the expiration date of the electronic signature without depending on the user's operation (1700).

[0147] (Appendix 10) The computer is capable of receiving consent from the user, who is a party, regarding the document data. In the step of receiving consent, if, in the step of receiving consent, the computer receives an operation from at least one of the users, who are parties, to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, the computer restricts access to the document data for the other user, who is a party and did not wish to extend the expiration date. The program according to claim 1.

[0148] (Appendix 11) In the step of extending (S12023), in response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, a fee is imposed on the user who received the operation to extend the expiration date, and no fee is imposed on the user who did not wish to extend the expiration date. The program according to claim 10.

[0149] (Appendix 12) In the step of extending (S12023), in response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, a fee is imposed on the user who received the operation to extend the expiration date. If there are multiple users who wish to extend the expiration date, as a fee is imposed on the users, the fee for extending the expiration date is imposed on the users proportionally. The program according to claim 1.

[0150] (Appendix 13) In the step of extending (S12023), in response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, a fee is imposed on the user who received the operation to extend the expiration date. As a fee is imposed on the user who is a party, a fee is imposed on the user who is a party according to the period of managing the document data. The program according to claim 1.

[0151] (Appendix 14) In the step of presenting, the computer issues a notice regarding the expiration date of the electronic signature to the user who is a party one or more times (S13021), records the notice, and if there is no response to the notice, the computer does not extend the expiration date of the document data (S13022). The program according to claim 1.

[0152] (Appendix 15) A method for operating a computer, the computer being for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service being for managing document data with an electronic signature having an expiration date (S12021), the method comprising: presenting, to a user who is a party to the document data, information regarding the document data for the document data with the electronic signature by a processor of the computer (S12011); receiving, from the user who is a party to the document data, an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature (S12012); and extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data in response to receiving an operation of extending the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data (S12023).

[0153] (Appendix 16) An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit, the information processing apparatus being for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service being for managing document data with an electronic signature having an expiration date (S12021), the control unit performing: presenting, to a user who is a party to the document data, information regarding the document data for the document data with the electronic signature (S12011); receiving, from the user who is a party to the document data, an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature (S12012); and extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data in response to receiving an operation of extending the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data (S12023).

Explanation of Signs

[0154] 1: Document management system, 10: First user's device, 12: Communication IF, 13: Input device, 14: Output device, 15: Memory, 16: Storage unit, 19: Processor, 20: Server of document management service, 22: Communication IF, 23: Input / output IF, 25: Memory, 26: Storage, 29: Processor, 40: User's device of contract sender, 50: Server of contract management service, 60: User's device of contract receiver, 80: Network, 111: Antenna, 121: First wireless communication unit, 130: Operation reception unit, 132: Display, 140: Audio processing unit, 141: Microphone, 142: Speaker, 161: Document data information, 162: Document management information, 191: Input operation reception unit, 192: Transmission / reception unit, 193: Data processing unit, 194: Notification control unit, 201: Communication unit, 202: Storage unit, 203: Control unit, 2021: Database of document data, 2022: Database of legal retention period, 2023: Database of access log, 2024: Database of document management, 2025: Database of users, 2026: Database of extension record of long-term signature, 2027: Database of notification record, 2031: Reception control module, 2032: Transmission control module

Claims

1. A program for operating a computer, wherein the computer is for providing a document management service to a user, wherein the document management service manages document data by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by an authentication authority, the program causes a processor of the computer to present information regarding the document data to a user who is a party to the document data with the electronic signature attached; receive from a user who is a party to the document data an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; in response to receiving from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, extend the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data, and in the receiving step, receive from users who are both parties to the document data an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature.

2. In the presenting step, notify users who are both parties to the document data a certain period before the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data arrives. The program according to claim 1.

3. In the presenting step, as the act of notifying users who are both parties to the document data, notify at least one of a user who has the right to view the document data or a user who has performed an operation to agree to the document data. The program according to claim 2.

4. A program for operating a computer, wherein the computer is for providing a document management service to a user, The document management service manages by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by an authentication authority to the document data. The program causes the processor of the computer to For the document data with the electronic signature attached, present information regarding the document data to the user who is the party to the document data; Receive from the user who is the party to the document data an operation on whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; In response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are the parties to the document data, extend the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data, and execute. In the receiving step, When the document data satisfies a specific condition, receive from the user an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data; The computer stores in the storage unit information on the period for which the document data should be stored, which is set according to the content of the document data or the type of the document data. In the receiving step, Assuming that the document data satisfies a specific condition, When the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data has arrived before the arrival of the period for which the document data should be stored, receive from the user an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data. A program.

5. A program for operating a computer, The computer is for providing a document management service to a user. The document management service manages by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by an authentication authority to the document data. The program causes the processor of the computer to For the document data with the electronic signature, presenting information regarding the document data to the user who is a party to the document data; Receiving from the user who is a party to the document data an operation as to whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; In response to receiving from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data, and executing; The computer is capable of receiving consent from the user who is the party regarding the document data, In the receiving step, When receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data, restricting viewing of the document data for the other user who is a party and did not wish for the extension, a program.

6. In the extending step, In response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, charging a fee to the user who received the operation to extend, and not charging a fee to the user who did not wish for the extension, the program according to claim 5.

7. A program for operating a computer, The computer is for providing a document management service to a user, The document management service manages by attaching an expiration-date electronic signature based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority to document data, The program causes the processor of the computer to, For the document data with the electronic signature, presenting information regarding the document data to the user who is a party to the document data; Receiving from the user who is a party to the document data an operation as to whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; In response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are the parties to the document data, performing a step of extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data. In the step of extending, In response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, charging a fee to the user who has received the operation to desire the extension. When there are multiple users who desire the extension, as charging a fee to the users, A program that apportions and charges the users a fee for the extension. **Claim 8**: A program for operating a computer, wherein the computer is for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service manages by attaching an expiration-date electronic signature based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority to document data, the program causes a processor of the computer to present information regarding the document data to a user who is a party to the document data for the document data with the electronic signature attached, receive an operation from the user who is a party to the document data as to whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, In response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are the parties to the document data, performing a step of extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data. In the step of extending, In response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, charging a fee to the user who has received the operation to desire the extension. As charging a fee to the user who is the party, A program that charges a fee to the user who is the party according to the period of managing the document data. **Claim 9** In the step of presenting, A program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which presents information regarding the document data to the user who is the party, based on the expiration of the validity period of the electronic signature attached to the document data.

10. In the step of presenting, As presenting the information regarding the document data, The content of the document data, The type of the document data, The usage status of the document data, The viewing frequency of the document data, The legal retention period of the document data, A program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which presents at least any one of the group consisting of.

11. The computer can receive consent from the user who is the party regarding the document data, In the step of receiving, While receiving consent from the user who is the party regarding the document data, A program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which receives from the user a setting for extending the validity period of the electronic signature without depending on the operation of the user.

12. In the step of presenting, Perform one or more notifications to the user who is the party regarding the expiration of the electronic signature, Record the record regarding the notification, A program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which does not extend the expiration of the document data when there is no response to the notification.

13. A method executed by a computer, The computer is for providing a document management service to a user, The document management service manages by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority to the document data. The method includes the processor of the computer presenting information regarding the document data to a user who is a party to the document data for the document data with the electronic signature; receiving from the user who is a party to the document data an operation on whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; and in response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data. In the receiving step, a method of receiving an operation on whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from the users who are both parties to the document data.

14. A method executed by a computer, where the computer is for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service manages by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority to the document data, the method includes the processor of the computer presenting information regarding the document data to a user who is a party to the document data for the document data with the electronic signature; receiving from the user who is a party to the document data an operation on whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; and in response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data. In the receiving step, When the document data meets specific conditions, accept from the user an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data. The computer stores, in a storage unit, information on the period for which the document data should be stored, which is set according to the content of the document data or the type of the document data. In the accepting step, Regarding the document data meeting specific conditions, A method of accepting from the user an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data when the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data has arrived before the arrival of the period for which the document data should be stored.

15. A method executed by a computer, The computer is for providing a document management service to a user. The document management service manages a document data by attaching an expiration-date electronic signature based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority. The method includes the processor of the computer Presenting information regarding the document data to the user who is the party to the document data with the electronic signature attached; Accepting from the user who is the party to the document data an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; In response to accepting an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are the parties to the document data, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data. The computer can accept consent from the user who is the party regarding the document data. In the accepting step, A method of restricting access to the document data for the other user among the parties who did not wish to extend the validity period of the electronic signature when an operation to extend the validity period of the electronic signature is received from at least one of the users of the parties. **Claim 16** A method executed by a computer, wherein the computer is for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service manages the document data by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority, the method includes steps where a processor of the computer presents information regarding the document data to a user who is a party to the document data; receives an operation from the user who is a party to the document data on whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; in response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data, extends the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data, and in the step of extending, in response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, charges a fee to the user who received the operation to extend, when there are multiple users who wish to extend, as a way of charging the users a fee, charges the users a prorated fee for extending. **Claim 17** A method executed by a computer, wherein the computer is for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service manages the document data by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority, the method includes steps where a processor of the computer For the document data with the electronic signature, presenting information about the document data to the user who is a party to the document data; Receiving from the user who is a party to the document data an operation on whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; Responding to receiving from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data; In the step of extending, In response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, charging a fee to the user who has received the operation of wishing for the extension; As charging a fee to the user who is the party, A method of charging a fee to the user who is the party according to the period of managing the document data.

18. An information processing apparatus, The information processing apparatus is for providing a document management service to a user, The document management service manages by attaching an expiration-date electronic signature based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority to document data, The control unit of the information processing apparatus, For the document data with the electronic signature, presenting information about the document data to the user who is a party to the document data; Receiving from the user who is a party to the document data an operation on whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; Responding to receiving from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data; In the step of receiving, An information processing apparatus that receives an operation on whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from the users of both parties to the document data.

19. An information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus is for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service manages document data by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority, a control unit of the information processing apparatus, for the document data with the electronic signature, presenting information regarding the document data to a user who is a party to the document data; receiving from the user who is a party to the document data an operation to determine whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; in response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data, and in the receiving step, when the document data satisfies a specific condition, receiving from the user an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data, the information processing apparatus stores in a storage unit information on a period for which the document data should be stored, which is set according to the content of the document data or the type of the document data, in the receiving step, as a case where the document data satisfies a specific condition, when the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data has arrived before the expiration date of the period for which the document data should be stored arrives, receiving from the user an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature for the document data. An information processing apparatus.

20. An information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus is for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service manages document data by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority, The control unit of the information processing apparatus presenting information about the document data to a user who is a party to the document data with respect to the document data with the electronic signature; receiving an operation from a user who is a party to the document data as to whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; in response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data, and the information processing apparatus is capable of receiving consent from the user who is the party with respect to the document data, in the receiving step, when receiving an operation from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature, restricting viewing of the document data to the other party of the users who did not wish to extend. An information processing apparatus.

21. An information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus is for providing a document management service to a user, the document management service manages by attaching an expiration-date electronic signature based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority to document data, the control unit of the information processing apparatus presenting information about the document data to a user who is a party to the document data with respect to the document data with the electronic signature; receiving an operation from a user who is a party to the document data as to whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; in response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least one of the users who are parties to the document data, extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data, and in the extending step, In response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, a fee is imposed on the user who has received the operation of wishing for the extension, When there are a plurality of users who wish for the extension, as imposing a fee on the users, An information processing apparatus that apportions and imposes a fee for extension on the user. **Claim 22**: An information processing apparatus, The information processing apparatus is for providing a document management service to a user, The document management service manages by attaching an electronic signature with an expiration date based on an electronic certificate issued by a certification authority to document data, A control unit of the information processing apparatus, For the document data with the electronic signature, presenting information regarding the document data to the user who is the party to the document data; Receiving from the user who is the party to the document data an operation of whether to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature; In response to receiving an operation to extend the expiration date of the electronic signature from at least any one of the users who are the parties to the document data, executing a step of extending the expiration date of the electronic signature of the document data; and In the step of extending, In response to extending the expiration date of the electronic signature, a fee is imposed on the user who has received the operation of wishing for the extension, As imposing a fee on the user who is the party, An information processing apparatus that imposes a fee on the user who is the party according to the period of managing the document data.

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