Information Management System

Abstract

To propose an information management system capable of securing the consistency of an information layout.SOLUTION: An information management system 1 includes a control unit. The control unit receives editing for a component CP included in an information layout and performs first determination and second determination. When the editing is received, the first determination is a determination as to whether or not the editing makes the reference to the component CP included in the information layout for which the editing is received impossible. When the editing is received, the second determination is a determination as to whether or not the editing makes the reference to the component CP included in the information layout other than the information layout for which the editing is received impossible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Regarding information management systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems that make multiple versions of electronic data available to users are known. Patent Document 1 (JP 2012-216001 A) discloses an electronic data sharing system that can present an appropriate version of electronic data to each user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The electronic data sharing system of Patent Document 1 may not be able to ensure consistency between the electronic data to be edited and other electronic data.

[0004] The present disclosure proposes an information management system that can ensure consistency between an information layout for which editing has been accepted and an information layout other than the information layout for which editing has been accepted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information management system according to a first aspect includes a control unit. The control unit accepts an edit of a component included in an information layout, and performs a first determination and a second determination. The first determination, when the edit is accepted, is a determination as to whether the edit will disable reference to a component included in the information layout for which the edit was accepted. The second determination, when the edit is accepted, is a determination as to whether the edit will disable reference to a component included in an information layout other than the information layout for which the edit was accepted.

[0006] The information management system determines whether to disable reference to components included in an information layout accepted for editing, and whether to disable reference to components included in information layouts other than the information layout accepted for editing. Thus, the information management system can ensure consistency between the information layout accepted for editing and information layouts other than the information layout accepted for editing.

[0007] The information management system of a second aspect is the information management system of the first aspect, further comprising a storage unit. The storage unit stores an inappropriate type, which is an edit operation type that makes a component unreachable. When an edit is received, the control unit performs a third determination to determine whether the edit operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type. The control unit performs a first determination and a second determination based on the result of the third determination.

[0008] Therefore, the information management system can ensure consistency between the information layout for which editing has been accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which editing has been accepted, based on the result of the determination as to whether or not the information layout falls into an inappropriate type.

[0009] An information management system according to a third aspect is the information management system according to the second aspect, in which the control unit makes a fourth determination and a fifth determination. The fourth determination is a determination of whether or not the information layout for which editing has been accepted includes a component that references the component for which editing has been accepted, when the third determination determines that the editing operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type. The fifth determination is a determination of whether or not an information layout other than the information layout for which editing has been accepted includes a component that references the component for which editing has been accepted, when the third determination determines that the editing operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type. The control unit makes a first determination based on the result of the fourth determination. The control unit makes a second determination based on the result of the fifth determination.

[0010] The information management system determines whether the information layout accepted for editing includes a component that references the component accepted for editing, and whether an information layout other than the information layout accepted for editing includes a component that references the component accepted for editing. Thus, the information management system can ensure consistency between the information layout accepted for editing and the information layout other than the information layout accepted for editing.

[0011] An information management system according to a fourth aspect is an information management system according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the control unit does not perform editing when the first determination determines that the editing will make it impossible to reference components included in the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, or when the second determination determines that the editing will make it impossible to reference components included in information layouts other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted. The control unit performs editing when the first determination determines that the editing will not make it impossible to reference components included in the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, and when the second determination determines that the editing will not make it impossible to reference components included in information layouts other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted.

[0012] The information management system does not perform editing if it determines that the editing will make the information unavailable for reference. Therefore, the information management system can prevent inconsistencies caused by editing and ensure consistency between an information layout for which editing has been accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which editing has been accepted.

[0013] An information management system of a fifth aspect is an information management system of any of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein when the control unit determines, based on a first judgment, that the edit will make it impossible to reference a component included in an information layout for which the edit has been accepted, or when the control unit determines, based on a second judgment, that the edit will make it impossible to reference a component included in an information layout other than the information layout for which the edit has been accepted, the control unit notifies the outside of at least one of the following: that the edit will not be performed, that the edit will make it impossible to reference the component, identification information indicating the component for which the edit has been accepted, identification information indicating components that reference the component for which the edit has been accepted, and identification information indicating an information layout including a component that references the component for which the edit has been accepted.

[0014] When the information management system determines that an edit will disable reference, it externally notifies the user that the edit will not be performed, that the edit will disable reference to the component, identification information indicating the component for which the edit was accepted, identification information indicating the components that reference the component for which the edit was accepted, and identification information indicating an information layout that includes the component that references the component for which the edit was accepted. Users outside the information management system can grasp information related to the edit that disables reference. Therefore, the information management system can better ensure consistency between the information layout for which the edit was accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which the edit was accepted.

[0015] An information management system according to a sixth aspect is the information management system according to the second or third aspect, in which a storage unit stores an inappropriate type in association with an alternative type, which is an editing operation type that does not make the component unreachable. When the control unit determines through the third determination that the editing operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type, the control unit performs a sixth determination to determine whether an alternative type associated with the inappropriate type exists. When the control unit determines through the sixth determination that an alternative type exists, the control unit performs editing using the alternative type for the component for which editing has been accepted. When the control unit determines through the sixth determination that an alternative type does not exist, the control unit does not perform editing for the component for which editing has been accepted.

[0016] Even if the edit falls under an inappropriate type, the information management system performs the edit using an alternative type that does not make the edit unavailable. Therefore, the information management system can perform the edit while ensuring consistency between the information layout for which the edit was accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which the edit was accepted.

[0017] An information management system according to a seventh aspect is an information management system according to the fourth or sixth aspect, in which, when an edit is performed, the control unit notifies at least one of an external device that displays an information layout including the edited component and an external device that displays an information layout that is pre-associated with the information layout including the edited component, that the edit has been performed, identification information indicating the edited component, identification information indicating an information layout including the edited component, that the edited component will be referenced, identification information indicating a component that references the edited component, and identification information indicating an information layout including a component that references the edited component.

[0018] When an edit is made, the information management system externally notifies the user that the edit has been made, identification information indicating the edited component, identification information indicating an information layout including the edited component, a notification that the edited component is referenced, identification information indicating the components that reference the edited component, and identification information indicating an information layout including the components that reference the edited component. Users outside the information management system can grasp information related to the edit. Therefore, the information management system can better ensure consistency between the information layout for which edits have been accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which edits have been accepted.

[0019] An information management system according to an eighth aspect is an information management system according to any one of the second, third, and sixth aspects, in which the type of inappropriateness is at least one of the following: deletion of a component; change of the name of a character, number, or symbol written in a component; deletion of a character, number, or symbol written in a component; change of the data type of a character, number, or symbol that can be written in a component; lowering or reducing the upper limit of the number that can be written in a component; raising the lower limit of the number that can be written in a component; and change of the type of a component.

[0020] Therefore, when this information management system accepts edits such as deleting a component, changing the names of letters, numbers, and symbols written in a component, deleting letters, numbers, and symbols written in a component, changing the data type of letters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in a component, lowering or reducing the upper limit of numbers that can be written in a component, raising the lower limit of numbers that can be written in a component, and changing the type of a component, it can ensure consistency between the information layout and information layouts other than the information layout for which the edits were accepted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an information management system 1. FIG. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the information management system 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a form layout RL. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a form layout RL. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a form R. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a form R. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information management system 1. [Figure 8] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information management system 1. [Figure 9] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information management system 1. [Figure 10] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information management system 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the information management system 2. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information management system 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the information management system 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] (1) Overall structure The overall configuration of the information management system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information management system 1. The information management system 1 is a system that creates a form layout RL, manages the form layout RL, and provides the form layout RL. The information management system 1 includes a first server 11 and a second server 12. Note that at least one of the first server 11 and the second server 12 may be multiple servers.

[0023] The form layout RL is a format that allows users to input information and display that information to them for each display unit. The form layout RL is an example of an information layout. An information layout is a layout in which various types of information are laid out. A form R is a form in which information is input into the form layout RL by the user.

[0024] The report layout RL and the report R are used in the field of information management. The report layout RL and the report R may also be used in other fields such as accounting.

[0025] (1-1) First server The first server 11 is a server that creates a form layout RL and transmits the created form layout RL to the second server 12. The first server 11 is electrically connected to the second server 12 and the first display device 21 via wire or wirelessly.

[0026] The first display device 21 is a device that displays a form layout RL. The first display device 21 does not belong to the information management system 1. Therefore, the first display device 21 is an example of an external device in the information management system 1, and is an example of an external device. The first server 11 displays the form layout RL to the creator C via the first display device 21. The creator C is the person who creates the form layout RL.

[0027] (1-2) Second server The second server 12 is a server that receives the created form layout RL and provides the created form layout RL. The second server 12 is electrically connected to the first server 11, the second display device 22, and a user's display device (not shown) via wire or wirelessly.

[0028] The second display device 22 is a device that displays the form layout RL. The second display device 22 does not belong to the information management system 1. Therefore, the second display device 22 is an example of an external device in the information management system 1, and is an example of an external device. The second server 12 displays the form layout RL to the administrator O via the second display device 22. The administrator O is a person who manages the form layout RL.

[0029] The user's display device is a device that displays the form layout RL. The user is a person who uses the form layout RL.

[0030] (2) Detailed configuration A detailed configuration of the information management system 1 will be described below. FIG.

[0031] (2-1) First server The first server 11 includes a first storage unit 111, a first control unit 112, and a transmission unit 113. The first storage unit 111 is an example of a storage unit. The first control unit 112 is an example of a control unit.

[0032] The first server 11 is realized by a computer. The first server 11 has a control and arithmetic device (first control unit 112) and a storage device (first storage unit 111). A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used for the control and arithmetic device. The control and arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing in accordance with the program. Furthermore, the control and arithmetic device can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program. Figure 2 shows various functional blocks realized by the control and arithmetic device. The storage device can be used as a database.

[0033] First, the details of the form layout RL and the details of the component CP will be explained. The form layout RL includes one or more components CP. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the form layout RL. A component CP is at least one of a component that displays information to the user and a component that allows the user to input information.

[0034] Examples of information constituting the form layout RL include the letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP, the data type of the letters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in the component CP, the upper limit of the numbers that can be written in the component CP, the lower limit of the numbers that can be written in the component CP, the type of the component CP, a function that specifies the content to be displayed by the component CP, the placement position of the component CP, the size of the component CP, the color of the component CP, the operation settings of the component CP, events for the component CP, and access rights to the form layout RL. Note that the information constituting the form layout RL may also include shapes written in the component CP.

[0035] The data types of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in a component CP refer to the attributes of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in a component CP. Examples of data types of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in a component CP include integers, floating-point numbers, Booleans, numbers, currency, accounting, dates, times, percentages, fractions, exponents, character strings, postal codes, telephone numbers, Chinese numerals, full-width characters, and half-width characters.

[0036] The type of a component CP refers to the method by which a user inputs information. Examples of component CP types include text input, combo box, list box, check box, spin box, scroll bar, toggle button, and button. For example, if the type of a component CP is text input, the user inputs information by entering letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, if the type of a component CP is a combo box, the user inputs information by selecting from a list. For example, if the type of a component CP is a button, the user inputs information by clicking the button.

[0037] The operation settings of a component CP are settings for the operation of the component CP in response to user input. For example, if the type of the component CP is a button, the operation settings of the component CP are settings for the operation of the component CP when the user clicks the button.

[0038] An event of a component CP is a process of the component CP in response to an input from a user. For example, if an event of the component CP is a calculation formula, the component CP performs a calculation in response to information input by the user.

[0039] Examples of access rights to the report layout RL include identification information indicating a person who can display the report layout RL, identification information indicating a device that can display the report layout RL, identification information indicating a person who can use the report layout RL, and identification information indicating a device that can use the report layout RL.

[0040] The function that specifies the content to be displayed by a component CP references the characters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP other than the display target, or the specific function of the component CP other than the display target, and specifies the content to be displayed by the component CP. Examples of functions include aggregation, arithmetic operations, squaring an array, rounding, finding an integer quotient, finding a remainder, finding an absolute value, checking whether a number is positive or negative, finding the greatest common divisor, finding the least common multiple, operations using permutations, finding a power series, finding a square root, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, finding pi, conversion to various units, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, inverse hyperbolic functions, finding a matrix or determinant, creating an array, and finding a random number. Other examples of functions include finding the date or time, obtaining the year, month, and day, obtaining the hour, minute, and second, obtaining the day of the week, obtaining the week number, converting between dates and the Japanese calendar, extracting a date or time from a string, and finding a deadline or period. Examples of functions include finding the number of data items, finding various average values, finding the maximum or minimum value, finding the median or mode, finding a rank, finding a percentile or quartile, finding a variance or deviation, and finding a variation or standardized variate.The function may be any statistical process used in information management.The function may also specify the same characters, numbers, or symbols as those written in the component CP to which it refers.Hereinafter, the "function that specifies the content to be displayed" may be abbreviated to "specification function."

[0041] The following describes the form layout RL1 in Fig. 3. The form layout RL1 includes a plurality of components CP, such as a component CP1, a component CP2, a component CP3, and a component CP4.

[0042] The text written in component CP1 is "DR Management Table." The type of component CP2 is a combo box. The user can input a date by selecting a date from the list in component CP2.

[0043] Component CP3 includes specific function f3. Specific function f3 is assumed to be "a date obtained by adding 7 days to the date entered in component CP2, referring to the date entered in component CP2." Since no date has been entered in component CP2, component CP3 does not display anything.

[0044] The data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in component CP4 is integer. Component CP4 can write integers.

[0045] The following describes the form layout RL2 in Fig. 4. The form layout RL2 includes a plurality of components CP, such as a component CP5, a component CP6, a component CP7, and a component CP8.

[0046] Component CP5 includes components CP5a and CP5b. Components CP5a and CP5b are linked. The character entered in component CP5a is "department." The number entered in component CP5a is "1." The symbol entered in component CP5a is "()." The type of component CP5b is text input. The user can enter characters, numbers, and symbols into component CP5b. The data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be entered in component CP5b is currency.

[0047] Component CP6 includes components CP6a and CP6b. Components CP6a and CP6b are linked. The character entered in component CP6a is "department." The number entered in component CP6a is "2." The symbol entered in component CP6a is "()." The type of component CP6b is text input. Users can enter characters, numbers, and symbols into component CP6b. The data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be entered in component CP6b is currency.

[0048] Component CP7 includes specific function f7. Specific function f7 is assumed to be the amount obtained by "referencing the amounts entered in component CP5 that are linked to the letters, numbers, and symbols of '(Department 1)', referencing the amounts entered in component CP6 that are linked to the letters, numbers, and symbols of '(Department 2)', and totaling the amounts entered in component CP5 and component CP6." Since there is no amount entered in component CP5 and there is no amount entered in component CP6, component CP7 does not display anything.

[0049] Component CP8 includes specific function f8. Specific function f8 is assumed to be "a value obtained by dividing the amount displayed by specific function f7 by the integer displayed in component CP4, with reference to the integer described in component CP4 and specific function f7 of component CP7." Since there is no amount displayed by specific function f7 and there is no integer described in component CP4, component CP8 does not display anything.

[0050] (2-1-1) First Storage Unit 111 The first storage unit 111 stores an inappropriateness type. The inappropriateness type is an operation type of editing a component CP included in a form layout RL, which makes the component CP unreferenceable. Examples of the first storage unit 111 include storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0051] Hereinafter, "editing a component CP included in a form layout RL" may be abbreviated to "editing." Examples of "making a reference impossible" include the inability to execute a specific function that references another component CP, and the occurrence of a hardware or software error due to the execution of a specific function that references another component CP.

[0052] Examples of editing include adding a component CP, deleting a component CP, writing letters, numbers, and symbols in a component CP, changing the letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP, deleting letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP, changing the data type of the letters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in the component CP, changing the upper limit of the numbers that can be written in the component CP, changing the type of the component CP, changing the placement position of the component CP, changing the size of the component CP, changing the color of the component CP, changing the operation settings of the component CP, changing the events of the component CP, changing the access permissions to the report layout RL, and changing the shapes written in the component CP.

[0053] Among the edits, examples of inappropriate types include deleting a component CP, changing the letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP, deleting the letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP, changing the data type of the letters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in the component CP, lowering the upper limit of the numbers that can be written in the component CP, raising the lower limit of the numbers that can be written in the component CP, changing the type of the component CP, etc. An example of an inappropriate type will be described in detail below.

[0054] Suppose an edit is performed to delete component CP2. The specific function f3 of component CP3 that references component CP2 cannot be executed because the reference target itself is no longer available. Therefore, the deletion of component CP can be said to be an example of an inappropriate type.

[0055] Suppose an edit is made to change the type of component CP2 from a combo box to a check box. The specific function f3 of component CP3, which references component CP2, cannot calculate a date by adding 7 days to the check box input. Therefore, changing the type of component CP can be considered an example of an inappropriate type.

[0056] Suppose an edit is made to change the text "Division" in component CP5a to "Department." Specific function f7 in component CP7 cannot reference the amount entered in component CP5, which is linked to the text, numbers, and symbols "(Division 1)." Therefore, changing the text, numbers, and symbols entered in component CP can be considered an example of an inappropriate type.

[0057] Suppose an edit is made to delete the number "2" from component CP6a. Specific function f7 of component CP7 cannot reference the amount entered in component CP6, which is linked to the letters, numbers, and symbols of "(Department 2)." Therefore, the deletion of letters, numbers, and symbols entered in component CP can be considered an example of an inappropriate type.

[0058] Suppose an edit is made to change the data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in component CP4 from integers to strings. Specific function f8 of component CP8 cannot reference integers in component CP4. Therefore, changing the data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in component CP can be considered an example of an inappropriate type.

[0059] The first storage unit 111 may store the entry of letters, numbers, or symbols in the component CP as an inappropriate type. For example, suppose an edit is made to the component CP4 to enter the integer "0" as a default value. The specific function f8 of the component CP8 refers to the numerical value displayed by the component CP7 and divides the numerical value displayed by the component CP7 by the integer "0" referenced by the component CP4. Because division by "0" results in infinity, an error occurs when the specific function f8 is executed. Therefore, the edit of entering the integer "0" in the component CP4 can also be said to be an inappropriate type.

[0060] The first storage unit 111 may store, as an inappropriate type, an operation type designated in advance by the creator C or the administrator O among the types of editing operations that make it impossible to refer to the component CP.

[0061] The first storage unit 111 may store, as an inappropriate type, an operation type that the creator C has operated with a frequency lower than a predetermined value among the types of editing operations that make it impossible to refer to the component CP.

[0062] (2-1-2) First control unit The first control unit 112 includes a receiving unit 1121 , a determining unit 1122 , a creating unit 1123 , a first recording unit 1124 , and a first notifying unit 1125 .

[0063] (2-1-2-1) Reception The receiving unit 1121 receives the creation of a form layout RL, the editing of components CP included in the form layout RL, the recording of the form layout RL, and the release of the form layout RL, all of which are input by the creator C using an input device (not shown). Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, and a tracing table. The input device is electrically connected to the first server 11 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0064] The receiving unit 1121 may receive at least one of a consistency check of a form layout RL and a consistency check of a component CP input by the creator C via an input device. The receiving unit 1121 may also receive identification information indicating the creator C input by the creator C via an input device.

[0065] (2-1-2-2) Judgment section When the receiving unit 1111 receives an edit, the determining unit 1122 determines whether or not the operation type of the edit received by the receiving unit 1111 corresponds to an inappropriate type. The "determination of whether or not the operation type of the edit received by the receiving unit 1111 corresponds to an inappropriate type" is referred to as a third determination.

[0066] Furthermore, if the determination unit 1122 determines in the third determination that the editing operation type corresponds to an inappropriate type, it determines whether or not the form layout RL for which the editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which the editing has been accepted. The "determination of whether or not the form layout RL for which the editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which the editing has been accepted" is referred to as the fourth determination.

[0067] Furthermore, if the determination unit 1122 determines through the third determination that the type of editing operation corresponds to an inappropriate type, it determines whether or not a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted. The "determination of whether or not a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted" is referred to as the fifth determination.

[0068] An example of a "form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted" is a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted, in a server in which the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted is stored. There may be one or more form layouts RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted, in a server in which the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted is stored. When the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted is stored in the first server 11, the form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted, which is stored in the first server 11, is an example of a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted.

[0069] An example of a "form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted" is a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted, stored on a server other than the server on which the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted is stored. There may be one or more form layouts RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted, stored on a server other than the server on which the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted is stored. When the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted is stored on the first server 11, a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted, stored on the second server 12, is an example of a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted.

[0070] Furthermore, when the receiving unit 1111 receives an edit, the determining unit 1122 determines, based on the results of the third and fourth determinations, whether the edit makes it impossible to refer to a component CP included in the form layout RL for which the edit has been received. The "determination of whether the edit makes it impossible to refer to a component CP included in the form layout RL for which the edit has been received" is referred to as the first determination.

[0071] Furthermore, when the receiving unit 1111 receives an edit, the determining unit 1122 determines, based on the results of the third and fifth determinations, whether the edit makes it impossible to refer to components CP included in form layouts RL other than the form layout RL for which the edit was received. The "determination of whether the edit makes it impossible to refer to components CP included in form layouts RL other than the form layout RL for which the edit was received" is referred to as the second determination.

[0072] In addition, when the receiving unit 1121 receives a consistency check of a form layout RL or a consistency check of a component CP, the judgment unit 1122 may perform at least one of the first judgment, the second judgment, the third judgment, the fourth judgment, and the fifth judgment on the form layout RL or the component CP that is the target of the consistency check.

[0073] (2-1-2-3) Creation Department The creating unit 1123 creates a form layout RL based on the creation of the form layout RL accepted by the accepting unit 1111.

[0074] In addition, the creation unit 1123 performs the editing if the first judgment determines that the editing does not make it impossible to reference a component CP included in the form layout RL for which the editing has been accepted, and if the second judgment determines that the editing does not make it impossible to reference a component CP included in a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which the editing has been accepted.

[0075] On the other hand, if the creation unit 1123 determines through the first judgment that the edit will make it impossible to reference a component CP included in the form layout RL for which the edit has been accepted, or if the creation unit 1123 determines through the second judgment that the edit will make it impossible to reference a component CP included in a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which the edit has been accepted, the creation unit 1123 does not perform the edit.

[0076] (2-1-2-4) First Recording Unit The first recording unit 1124 records the form layout RL in the first storage unit 111 based on the record of the form layout RL accepted by the accepting unit 1111.

[0077] (2-1-2-5) First notification unit The first notification unit 1125 displays the form layout RL on the first display device 21. "Displaying on the first display device 21" is an example of notifying the outside. Creator C can work by looking at the form layout RL displayed on the first display device 21.

[0078] Furthermore, when editing has been performed, the first notification unit 1125 causes the first display device 21 to display, when editing has been performed, the following: a message to the effect that editing has been performed, identification information indicating the component CP for which editing has been performed, identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP for which editing has been performed, a message to the effect that the component CP for which editing has been performed will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been performed, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been performed. Note that, when editing has been performed, the first notification unit 1125 does not have to cause the first display device 21 to display, when editing has been performed, the message to the effect that editing has been performed will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been performed, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been performed.

[0079] "Displaying on the first display device 21" is an example of notifying an external device that displays a form layout RL including the edited component CP. An example of identification information indicating a component CP is a unique ID (Identification) indicating the component CP. An example of identification information indicating a form layout RL is a unique ID indicating the form layout.

[0080] Furthermore, if the first judgment determines that the edit will make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in the form layout RL for which the edit has been accepted, or if the second judgment determines that the edit will make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which the edit has been accepted, the first notification unit 1125 causes the first display device 21 to display information that the edit will not be performed, that the edit will make it impossible to refer to the component CP, identification information indicating the component CP for which the edit has been accepted, identification information indicating the component CP that references the component CP for which the edit has been accepted, and identification information indicating the form layout that includes the component CP that references the component CP for which the edit has been accepted.

[0081] Note that the first notification unit 1125 may display, on the first display device 21, each time the identification information indicating the creator C changes, based on the identification information indicating the creator C received by the receiving unit 1121, a message that editing has been performed, identification information indicating the component CP for which editing has been performed, identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP for which editing has been performed, a message that the component CP for which editing has been performed will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been performed, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been performed. Based on the identification information indicating the creator C received by the receiving unit 1121, the first notification unit 1125 may display, on the first display device 21, each time the identification information indicating the creator C changes, a message that editing has not been performed, a message that the editing has made it impossible to reference the component CP, identification information indicating the component CP for which editing has been accepted, identification information indicating the component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted, and identification information indicating the form layout including the component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted.

[0082] (2-1-3) Transmitter When the receiving unit 1111 receives the release of the form layout RL, the transmitting unit 113 transmits the form layout RL to the second server 12.

[0083] Examples of transmission processing by the transmission unit 113 include real-time processing and badge processing. When the transmission unit 113 performs transmission processing of real-time processing, the transmission unit 113 performs transmission to the second server 12 within a predetermined time from the time when the reception unit 1111 receives information indicating the release of the form layout RL. When the transmission unit 113 performs transmission processing of badge processing, the transmission unit 113 performs transmission to the second server 12 at a preset time.

[0084] (2-2) Second server The second server 12 includes a receiving unit 121, a second control unit 122, a second storage unit 123, and a providing unit .

[0085] The second server 12 is realized by a computer. The second server 12 has a control operation device (second control unit 122) and a storage device (second storage unit 123).

[0086] (2-2-1) Receiving unit The receiving unit 121 receives the form layout RL from the first server 11.

[0087] (2-2-2) Second control unit 122 The second control unit 122 has a second recording unit 1221. The second recording unit 1221 records the form layout RL received by the receiving unit 121 in the second storage unit 123. Examples of "recording in the second storage unit 123" include writing a new file in the second storage unit 123 and overwriting an existing file stored in the second storage unit 123 to update it.

[0088] (2-2-3) Second memory unit The second storage unit 123 stores the form layout RL according to the recording in the second recording unit 1221. Examples of the second storage unit 123 include storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs.

[0089] (2-2-4)Providing Department The providing unit 124 provides the form layout RL to the user. The second server 12 is a server that provides the form layout RL to the user. Examples of "providing" include displaying the form layout RL on the user's display device and transmitting the form layout RL to the user's storage device (not shown).

[0090] The provision of the form layout RL by the providing unit 124 allows the user to use the form layout RL. Examples of "using the form layout RL" include viewing the information that constitutes the form layout RL displayed on the user's display device and inputting information into the form layout RL using the user's input device (not shown). Examples of "inputting information into the form layout RL" include writing letters, numbers, and symbols into the form layout RL, drawing shapes into the form layout RL, selecting from a list in a combo box in the form layout RL, and clicking a button in the form layout RL. The user can create a form R by using the form layout RL.

[0091] 5 is a diagram showing a form R1, which is an example of the form R. The form R1 is a form R created by a user using a form layout RL1.

[0092] Information I1 is the text "XX Department" written by the user in component CP. Information I2 is the date "2022 / 10 / 21" that the user entered by selecting from the combo box list in component CP2. Information I3 is the date "2022 / 10 / 28" displayed by specific function f3 in component CP3. Specific function f3 adds 7 days to the date "2022 / 10 / 21" entered in component CP2 to determine "2022 / 10 / 28". Information I4 is the integer "5" that the user entered in component CP4.

[0093] 6 is a diagram showing a form R2, which is an example of the form R. The form R2 is a form R created by a user using a form layout RL2.

[0094] Information I5 is the amount "250,000" that the user entered in component CP5. Information I6 is the amount "300,000" that the user entered in component CP6. Information I7 is the amount "550,000" displayed by specific function f7 of component CP7. Specific function f7 aggregates the amount "250,000" and the amount "300,000" to determine the amount "550,000". Information I8 is the amount "110,000" displayed by specific function f8 of component CP8. Specific function f8 divides the amount "550,000" determined by specific function f7 by the integer "5" entered in component CP4 to determine the amount "110,000".

[0095] (3) Overall flow of the operation The overall flow of operations of the information management system 1 when creator C performs editing will be described below. FIG.

[0096] Creator C opens the form layout RL stored in the first storage unit 111. The first notification unit 1125 displays the form layout RL stored in the first storage unit 111 on the first display device 21 (step S1). The form layout RL is displayed to creator C.

[0097] Creator C inputs, via the input device, edits for the components CP included in the form layout RL while viewing the form layout RL. The accepting unit 1121 accepts, via the input device, edits for the components CP included in the form layout RL (step S2).

[0098] The determination unit 1122 performs a third determination (step S3). If the determination unit 1122 determines that the editing operation type corresponds to an inappropriate type through the third determination (step S3: YES), the determination unit 1122 performs a fourth determination and a fifth determination (step S4).

[0099] If the determination unit 1122 determines in the fourth determination that the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted (step S4: YES), the determination unit 1122 determines that the editing makes it impossible to reference the component CP included in the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted (step S5). In other words, the determination unit 1122 makes the first determination based on the results of the third determination and the fourth determination.

[0100] Furthermore, in step S5, if the determination unit 1122 determines in the fifth determination that a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted (step S4: YES), the determination unit 1122 determines that the edit makes it impossible to reference the component CP included in the form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted. In other words, the determination unit 1122 makes the second determination based on the results of the third determination and the fifth determination.

[0101] Since the determining unit 1122 determines that the component CP is not accessible, the creating unit 1123 does not perform the editing accepted in step S2.

[0102] After step S5, the first notification unit 1125 causes the first display device 21 to display information that no editing will be performed, information that the editing will make it impossible to refer to the component CP, identification information indicating the component CP for which the editing has been accepted, identification information indicating the components CP that reference the component CP for which the editing has been accepted, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the component CP for which the editing has been accepted (step S6). The creator C can grasp the information that no editing will be performed, information that the editing will make it impossible to refer to the component CP, identification information indicating the component CP for which the editing has been accepted, identification information indicating the components CP that reference the component CP for which the editing has been accepted, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the component CP for which the editing has been accepted.

[0103] On the other hand, if the determination unit 1122 determines in the third determination that the operation type of the edit does not correspond to the inappropriate type (step S3: NO), it determines that the edit does not make it impossible to refer to the component CP included in the form layout RL for which the edit was accepted (step S7). In other words, the determination unit 1122 makes the first determination based on the result of the third determination.

[0104] Furthermore, in step S7, if the determination unit 1122 determines that the operation type of the edit does not correspond to the inappropriate type by the third determination (step S3: NO), it determines that the edit does not disable reference to components CP included in form layouts RL other than the form layout RL for which the edit was accepted. In other words, the determination unit 1122 makes the second determination based on the result of the third determination.

[0105] Furthermore, in step S7, if the determination unit 1122 determines in the fourth determination that the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted does not include a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted (step S4: NO), the determination unit 1122 determines that the editing does not disable reference to the component CP included in the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted. In other words, the determination unit 1122 makes the first determination based on the results of the third and fourth determinations.

[0106] Furthermore, in step S7, if the determination unit 1122 determines in the fifth determination that a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted does not include a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted (step S4: NO), the determination unit 1122 determines that the editing does not disable reference to the component CP included in the form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted. In other words, the determination unit 1122 makes the second determination based on the results of the third determination and the fifth determination.

[0107] The creating unit 1123 performs the editing accepted in step S2 (step S8).

[0108] The first notification unit 1125 causes the first display device 21 to display the following information: a message that an edit has been performed, identification information indicating the edited component CP, identification information indicating the form layout RL including the edited component CP, a message that the edited component CP will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the edited component CP, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the edited component CP (step S9). The creator C can grasp the message that an edit has been performed, the identification information indicating the edited component CP, identification information indicating the form layout RL including the edited component CP, a message that the edited component CP will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the edited component CP, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the edited component CP.

[0109] (4) Detailed operation for each case The detailed operation of the information management system 1 in different cases where creator C performs editing will be described below. The explanation will be divided into a first case where the editing does not fall under the inappropriate type, and a second case where the editing falls under the inappropriate type. In the first and second cases, it is assumed that the first server 11 stores the form layout RL1 (FIG. 5). It is also assumed that the second server 12 stores the form layout RL2 (FIG. 6).

[0110] (4-1) First Case The detailed operation of the information management system 1 in the first case where the edit does not fall under the inappropriate type will be described. In the first case, creator C performs an edit to change the placement position of component CP1 in form layout RL1. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information management system 1.

[0111] Creator C opens the form layout RL1 stored in the first storage unit 111. The first notification unit 1125 displays the form layout RL1 stored in the first storage unit 111 on the first display device 21 (step S21). The form layout RL1 is displayed to creator C.

[0112] Creator C inputs an edit command to change the layout position of component CP1 through the input device while viewing form layout RL1. The accepting unit 1121 accepts the edit command to change the layout position of component CP1 through the input device (step S22).

[0113] The determination unit 1122 performs a third determination on the edit that changes the layout position of the component CP1. The edit that changes the layout position of the component CP1 does not correspond to the inappropriate type stored in the first storage unit 111. Therefore, the determination unit 1122 determines that the operation type of the edit does not correspond to the inappropriate type (step S23).

[0114] The determination unit 1122 determines that the edit does not make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in the form layout RL1 for which the edit was accepted (step S24). Also, in step S24, the determination unit 1122 determines that the edit does not make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in a form layout RL other than the form layout RL1 for which the edit was accepted. Because the determination unit 1122 makes the determination based on the result of the third determination in step S23, it can make the determination without reading all the content of the form layout RL1 or all the content of a form layout RL other than the form layout RL1 for which the edit was accepted (form layout RL2 of the second server 12).

[0115] The creating unit 1123 performs editing to change the placement position of the component CP1 (step S25).

[0116] The first notification unit 1125 displays, on the first display device 21, a message that editing has been performed, the identification information indicating the component CP1, and the identification information indicating the form layout RL1 (step S26). Creator C can understand that editing has been performed, the identification information indicating the component CP1, and the identification information indicating the form layout RL1.

[0117] (4-2) Second case The following describes the detailed operation of the information management system 1 in the second case where the edit falls under the inappropriate type. The second case will be further divided into a case where the edit makes it impossible to refer to the component CP in the form layout RL1 and a case where the edit makes it impossible to refer to the component CP in the form layout RL2.

[0118] (4-2-1) Disabling reference to component CP of form layout RL1 The following describes the detailed operation of the information management system 1 when editing makes it impossible to refer to component CP of form layout RL1. In this case, creator C edits to delete component CP2 from form layout RL1. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information management system 1.

[0119] Step S31 is the same as step S21. Creator C, while viewing form layout RL1, inputs an edit to delete component CP2 via the input device. The accepting unit 1121 accepts the edit to delete component CP2 via the input device (step S32).

[0120] The determination unit 1122 performs a third determination on the editing to delete the component CP2. The editing to delete the component CP2 corresponds to the inappropriate type stored in the first storage unit 111. Therefore, the determination unit 1122 determines that the operation type of the editing corresponds to the inappropriate type (step S33).

[0121] The determination unit 1122 determines, through the third determination, that the type of editing operation corresponds to an inappropriate type, and therefore performs a fourth determination and a fifth determination. The form layout RL1 for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP3 that references the component CP2 for which editing has been accepted. Therefore, through the fourth determination, the determination unit 1122 determines that the form layout RL1 for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP3 that references the component CP2 for which editing has been accepted (step S34). A form layout RL2 other than the form layout RL1 for which editing has been accepted does not include a component CP that references the component CP2 for which editing has been accepted. In step S34, the determination unit 1122 determines, through the fifth determination, that a form layout RL2 other than the form layout RL1 for which editing has been accepted does not include a component CP that references the component CP2 for which editing has been accepted.

[0122] The determination unit 1122 makes a first determination based on the results of the third and fourth determinations. The determination unit 1122 determines that the edit will make it impossible to reference a component CP3 included in the form layout RL1 for which the edit has been accepted (step S35). Furthermore, in step S35, the determination unit 1122 makes a second determination based on the results of the third and fifth determinations. The determination unit 1122 determines that the edit will not make it impossible to reference a component CP included in a form layout RL2 other than the form layout RL1 for which the edit has been accepted.

[0123] Since the determining unit 1122 determines through the first determination that the component CP3 is to be made unreferenceable, the creating unit 1123 does not perform editing to delete the component CP2.

[0124] The first notification unit 1125 causes the first display device 21 to display information that the editing will not be performed, information that the editing will make it impossible to reference the component CP3, identification information indicating the component CP2 for which the editing has been accepted, identification information indicating the component CP3 that references the component CP2 for which the editing has been accepted, and identification information indicating the form layout RL1 including the component CP3 that references the component CP2 for which the editing has been accepted (step S36). Creator C can grasp the information that the editing will not be performed, information that the editing will make it impossible to reference the component CP3, identification information indicating the component CP2 for which the editing has been accepted, identification information indicating the component CP3 that references the component CP2 for which the editing has been accepted, and identification information indicating the form layout RL1 including the component CP3 that references the component CP2 for which the editing has been accepted.

[0125] (4-2-2) Disabling reference to component CP of report layout RL2 The following describes the detailed operation of the information management system 1 when editing makes it impossible to reference component CP of form layout RL2. In this case, creator C performs editing to change the data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in component CP4 of form layout RL1. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information management system 1.

[0126] Step S41 is the same as step S21. While viewing the form layout RL1, creator C inputs, via the input device, an edit to change the data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in component CP4 to a character string. The accepting unit 1121 accepts, via the input device, an edit to change the data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in component CP4 to a character string (step S42).

[0127] The determination unit 1122 performs a third determination on the edit. The edit that changes the data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in the component CP4 corresponds to the inappropriate type stored in the first storage unit 111. Therefore, the determination unit 1122 determines that the operation type of the edit corresponds to the inappropriate type (step S43).

[0128] The determination unit 1122 determines in the third determination that the type of editing operation corresponds to an inappropriate type, and therefore performs a fourth determination and a fifth determination. The form layout RL1 for which editing has been accepted does not include a component CP that references the component CP4 for which editing has been accepted. Therefore, the determination unit 1122 determines in the fourth determination that the form layout RL1 for which editing has been accepted does not include a component CP that references the component CP4 for which editing has been accepted (step S44). A form layout RL2 other than the form layout RL1 for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP8 that references the component CP4 for which editing has been accepted. In step S44, the determination unit 1122 determines in the fifth determination that the form layout RL2 other than the form layout RL1 for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP8 that references the component CP4 for which editing has been accepted.

[0129] The determination unit 1122 makes a first determination based on the results of the third and fourth determinations. The determination unit 1122 determines that the edit does not make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in the form layout RL1 for which the edit has been accepted (step S45). Furthermore, in step S45, the determination unit 1122 makes a second determination based on the results of the third and fifth determinations. The determination unit 1122 determines that the edit will make it impossible to refer to a component CP8 included in a form layout RL2 other than the form layout RL1 for which the edit has been accepted.

[0130] Since the determining unit 1122 determines through the second determination that the component CP8 cannot be referenced, the creating unit 1123 does not perform editing to change the data type of the component CP4 from letters, numbers, and symbols to a character string.

[0131] The first notification unit 1125 causes the first display device 21 to display information that indicates that no editing will be performed, that the editing will make it impossible to reference component CP8, identification information indicating component CP4 for which the editing has been accepted, identification information indicating component CP8 that references component CP4 for which the editing has been accepted, and identification information indicating form layout RL2 that includes component CP8 that references component CP4 for which the editing has been accepted (step S46). Creator C can grasp the information that no editing will be performed, that the editing will make it impossible to reference component CP8, the identification information indicating component CP4 for which the editing has been accepted, identification information indicating component CP8 that references component CP4 for which the editing has been accepted, and identification information indicating form layout RL2 that includes component CP8 that references component CP4 for which the editing has been accepted.

[0132] (5) Features (5-1) The information management system 1 includes a control unit. The control unit accepts an edit of a component CP included in an information layout, and performs a first determination and a second determination. The first determination is, when the edit is accepted, a determination as to whether or not the edit makes it impossible to refer to a component CP included in the information layout for which the edit is accepted. The second determination is, when the edit is accepted, a determination as to whether or not the edit makes it impossible to refer to a component CP included in an information layout other than the information layout for which the edit is accepted.

[0133] Editing a component CP may make it impossible to reference other components CP. When a component CP becomes impossible to reference, it may be impossible to identify the content displayed by the component CP. As a result, it may become impossible to ensure consistency within the information layout for which edits have been accepted. It may also become impossible to ensure consistency between the information layout for which edits have been accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which edits have been accepted.

[0134] The information management system 1 determines whether to disable reference to a component CP included in an information layout accepted for editing, and whether to disable reference to a component CP included in information layouts other than the information layout accepted for editing. Therefore, the information management system 1 can ensure consistency within the information layout accepted for editing. Furthermore, the information management system 1 can ensure consistency between the information layout accepted for editing and information layouts other than the information layout accepted for editing.

[0135] There are cases where consistency is confirmed by comparing all the contents of an information layout for which editing has been accepted with all the contents of information layouts other than the information layout for which editing has been accepted. However, comparing all the contents every time an edit is made imposes a processing load. The information management system 1 can ensure consistency by determining whether or not to disable reference to a component CP. Therefore, the information management system 1 can ensure consistency without imposing a processing load, compared to when consistency is ensured by comparing all the contents.

[0136] (5-2) The information management system 1 further includes a storage unit. The storage unit stores an inappropriate type, which is an editing operation type that makes it impossible to refer to a component CP. When an edit is accepted, the control unit performs a third determination to determine whether the editing operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type. The control unit performs a first determination and a second determination based on the result of the third determination.

[0137] The information management system 1 can ensure consistency between the information layout for which editing has been accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which editing has been accepted, based on the result of the determination as to whether or not the information layout falls into the inappropriate type.

[0138] Furthermore, the information management system 1 can ensure consistency based on the result of the determination of whether or not the content falls into an inappropriate category. Therefore, the information management system 1 can ensure consistency without imposing a processing load, compared to when consistency is ensured by checking all content against each other.

[0139] (5-3) In the information management system 1, the control unit performs a fourth determination and a fifth determination. The fourth determination is a determination of whether or not the information layout for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted, when the third determination determines that the editing operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type. The fifth determination is a determination of whether or not an information layout other than the information layout for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted, when the third determination determines that the editing operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type. The control unit performs a first determination based on the result of the fourth determination. The control unit performs a second determination based on the result of the fifth determination.

[0140] The information management system 1 determines whether the information layout accepted for editing includes a component CP that references the component CP accepted for editing, and whether an information layout other than the information layout accepted for editing includes a component CP that references the component CP accepted for editing. Thus, the information management system 1 can ensure consistency between the information layout accepted for editing and the information layout other than the information layout accepted for editing.

[0141] (5-4) In the information management system 1, when the control unit determines, by the first determination, that the editing will make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, or when the control unit determines, by the second determination, that the editing will make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in an information layout other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, the information management system 1 does not perform the editing. When the control unit determines, by the first determination, that the editing will not make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, and when the control unit determines, by the second determination, that the editing will not make it impossible to refer to a component CP included in an information layout other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, the information management system 1 performs the editing.

[0142] If the information management system 1 determines that the editing will make the information unavailable for reference, it does not perform the editing. Therefore, the information management system 1 can prevent inconsistencies due to editing and ensure consistency between the information layout for which the editing has been accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted. Furthermore, if the information management system 1 determines that the editing will not make the information unavailable for reference, it performs the editing. Therefore, the information management system 1 can perform editing that ensures consistency.

[0143] (5-5) When the control unit determines, through a first judgment, that the edit will make it impossible to reference a component CP included in an information layout for which the edit has been accepted, or when the control unit determines, through a second judgment, that the edit will make it impossible to reference a component CP included in an information layout other than the information layout for which the edit has been accepted, the information management system 1 notifies the outside world of at least one of the following: that the edit will not be performed, that the edit will make it impossible to reference the component CP, identification information indicating the component CP for which the edit has been accepted, identification information indicating the component CP that references the component CP for which the edit has been accepted, and identification information indicating the information layout including the component CP that references the component CP for which the edit has been accepted.

[0144] When the information management system 1 determines that the edit will make the component CP unreferenceable, the information management system 1 notifies the outside world that the edit will not be performed, that the edit will make the component CP unreferenceable, identification information indicating the component CP for which the edit was accepted, identification information indicating the components CP that reference the component CP for which the edit was accepted, and identification information indicating an information layout including the component CP that references the component CP for which the edit was accepted. Users outside the information management system 1 can grasp information related to the edit that makes the reference unreferenceable. Therefore, the information management system 1 can further ensure consistency between the information layout for which the edit was accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which the edit was accepted.

[0145] (5-6) When the control unit of the information management system 1 performs an edit, it notifies at least one of an external device that displays an information layout including the edited component CP and an external device that displays an information layout that is pre-associated with the information layout including the edited component CP, that the edit has been performed, identification information indicating the edited component CP, identification information indicating an information layout including the edited component CP, that the edited component CP will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the edited component CP, and identification information indicating an information layout including the component CP that references the edited component CP.

[0146] When an edit is performed, the information management system 1 externally notifies the user that the edit has been performed, identification information indicating the edited component CP, identification information indicating an information layout including the edited component CP, a notification that the edited component CP is referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the edited component CP, and identification information indicating an information layout including the component CP that references the edited component CP. Users outside the information management system 1 can grasp information related to the edit that has been performed. Therefore, the information management system 1 can further ensure consistency between the information layout for which edits have been accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which edits have been accepted.

[0147] (5-7) In the information management system 1, the types of inappropriateness are at least one of the following: deletion of a component CP; change of the names of letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP; deletion of letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP; change of the data type of letters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in the component CP; lowering or reducing the upper limit of numbers that can be written in the component CP; raising the lower limit of numbers that can be written in the component CP; and change of the type of the component CP.

[0148] Therefore, when the information management system 1 accepts edits such as deleting a component CP, changing the names of letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP, deleting letters, numbers, and symbols written in the component CP, changing the data type of letters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in the component CP, lowering or reducing the upper limit of numbers that can be written in the component CP, raising the lower limit of numbers that can be written in the component CP, and changing the type of the component CP, it can ensure consistency between the information layout and information layouts other than the information layout for which the edits were accepted.

[0149] (6) Variations (6-1) Variation 1A (6-1-1) Configuration The configuration of the information management system 2 according to Modification 1A will be described. FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of the information management system 2 according to Modification 1A. The information management system 2 includes a first server 13 and a second server 12. The first server 13 includes a first storage unit 114, a first control unit 115, and a transmission unit 113. The first control unit 115 includes a reception unit 1121, a determination unit 1126, a creation unit 1127, a first recording unit 1124, and a first notification unit 1125. The configuration of the information management system 2 is the same as the configuration of the information management system 1, except for the first storage unit 114, the determination unit 1126, and the creation unit 1127.

[0150] The first server 13 is realized by a computer. The first server 13 has a control and arithmetic device (first control unit 115) and a storage device (first storage unit 114). Figure 11 shows various functional blocks realized by the control and arithmetic device.

[0151] The first storage unit 114 stores the inappropriate type and the replacement type in association with each other. The replacement type is an editing operation type that does not make it impossible to refer to the component CP. When the inappropriate type is the deletion of the component CP, an example of the replacement type is to hide the component CP.

[0152] If the determination unit 1126 determines in the third determination that the editing operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type, the determination unit 1126 determines whether or not an alternative type associated with the inappropriate type exists. The "determination of whether or not an alternative type associated with the inappropriate type exists" is referred to as the sixth determination.

[0153] If the creation unit 1127 determines through the sixth determination that an alternative type exists, it performs editing using the alternative type for the component CP for which editing has been accepted. If the creation unit 1127 determines through the sixth determination that an alternative type does not exist, it does not perform editing for the component CP for which editing has been accepted.

[0154] (6-1-2) Overall flow of movement The overall flow of operations of the information management system 2 when creator C performs editing will be described below.

[0155] Creator C opens the form layout RL stored in the first storage unit 114. The first notification unit 1125 displays the form layout RL stored in the first storage unit 114 on the first display device 21 (step S51). The form layout RL is displayed to creator C. Step S52 is the same as step S2.

[0156] The determination unit 1126 performs a third determination (step S53). If the determination unit 1126 determines that the editing operation type corresponds to an inappropriate type through the third determination (step S53: YES), the determination unit 1126 performs a fourth determination and a fifth determination (step S54).

[0157] If the determination unit 1126 determines in the fourth determination that the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted (step S54: YES), the determination unit 1126 determines that the editing makes it impossible to reference the component CP included in the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted (step S55). In other words, the determination unit 1126 makes the first determination based on the results of the third determination and the fourth determination.

[0158] Furthermore, in step S55, if the determination unit 1126 determines in the fifth determination that a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted includes a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted (step S54: YES), the determination unit 1126 determines that the edit makes it impossible to reference the component CP included in the form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted. In other words, the determination unit 1126 makes the second determination based on the results of the third determination and the fifth determination.

[0159] After step S55, the determination unit 1126 determines whether or not there is an alternative type associated with the inappropriate type determined to be the corresponding type in step S53 (step S56). In other words, the determination unit 1126 performs a sixth determination.

[0160] If the determination unit 1126 determines that there is no alternative type associated with the inappropriate type (step S56: NO), the creation unit 1127 does not perform the editing accepted in step S52. Also, if the determination unit 1126 determines that there is no alternative type associated with the inappropriate type (step S56: NO), the operation of step S57, which is the same as step S6, is performed.

[0161] On the other hand, if the determination unit 1126 determines in the third determination that the operation type of the edit does not correspond to the inappropriate type (step S53: NO), it determines that the edit does not make it impossible to refer to the component CP included in the form layout RL for which the edit was accepted (step S58). In other words, the determination unit 1126 makes the first determination based on the result of the third determination.

[0162] Furthermore, in step S58, if the determination unit 1126 determines that the operation type of the edit does not correspond to the inappropriate type by the third determination (step S53: NO), it determines that the edit does not disable reference to components CP included in form layouts RL other than the form layout RL for which the edit was accepted. In other words, the determination unit 1122 makes the second determination based on the result of the third determination.

[0163] Furthermore, in step S58, if the determination unit 1126 determines in the fourth determination that the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted does not include a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted (step S54: NO), the determination unit 1126 determines that the editing does not disable reference to the component CP included in the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted. In other words, the determination unit 1126 makes the first determination based on the results of the third and fourth determinations.

[0164] Furthermore, in step S58, if the determination unit 1126 determines in the fifth determination that a form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted does not include a component CP that references the component CP for which editing has been accepted (step S54: NO), the determination unit 1126 determines that the editing does not disable reference to the component CP included in the form layout RL other than the form layout RL for which editing has been accepted. In other words, the determination unit 1126 makes the second determination based on the results of the third determination and the fifth determination.

[0165] After step S58, or if the determination unit 1126 determines that there is no alternative type associated with the inappropriate type (step S56: YES), the creation unit 1127 performs the editing accepted in step S52 (step S59). Step S60 is the same as step S9.

[0166] (6-1-3) Features In the information management system 2, the storage unit stores an inappropriate type in association with an alternative type, which is an editing operation type that does not make the component CP unreachable. If the control unit determines through the third determination that the editing operation type corresponds to the inappropriate type, it performs a sixth determination to determine whether an alternative type associated with the inappropriate type exists. If the control unit determines through the sixth determination that an alternative type exists, it performs editing using the alternative type for the component CP for which editing has been accepted. If the control unit determines through the sixth determination that an alternative type does not exist, it does not perform editing for the component CP for which editing has been accepted.

[0167] Even if the edit falls under an inappropriate type, the information management system 2 performs the edit using an alternative type that does not make the edit unavailable. Therefore, the information management system can perform the edit while ensuring consistency between the information layout for which the edit was accepted and information layouts other than the information layout for which the edit was accepted.

[0168] (6-2) Variation 1B (6-2-1) Configuration The configuration of the information management system 3 according to Modification 1B will be described. FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of the information management system 3 according to Modification 1B. The information management system 3 includes a first server 14 and a second server 12. The first server 14 includes a first storage unit 111, a first control unit 116, and a transmission unit 113. The first control unit 116 includes a reception unit 1121, a determination unit 1122, a creation unit 1123, a first recording unit 1124, and a first notification unit 1128. The configuration of the information management system 3 is the same as the configuration of the information management system 1, except for the first notification unit 1128.

[0169] The first server 14 is realized by a computer. The first server 14 has a control and arithmetic device (first control unit 116) and a storage device (first storage unit 111). Figure 13 shows various functional blocks realized by the control and arithmetic device.

[0170] The first notification unit 1128 may cause the first display device 21, which displays the form layout RL associated in advance with the form layout RL including the edited component CP, to display, on the first display device 21, a message that the edited component CP will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the edited component CP, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the edited component CP. Note that the first notification unit 1125 does not have to cause the first display device 21 to display, on the first display device 21, a message that the edited component CP will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the edited component CP, and identification information indicating the form layout RL including the component CP that references the edited component CP.

[0171] For example, suppose that an edit has been made to component CP1 of form layout RL1. Suppose that form layout RL2 has been previously associated with form layout RL1. Suppose that the first display device 21 displays the form layout RL2. In this case, the first notification unit 1125 causes the first display device 21, which displays the form layout RL2 previously associated with the form layout RL1 including the edited component CP1, to display, on the first display device 21, a message that the edit has been made, identification information indicating the edited component CP1, and identification information indicating the form layout RL1 including the edited component CP1.

[0172] (6-2-2) Features When the control unit performs an edit, the information management system 3 notifies at least one of an external device that displays an information layout including the edited component CP and an external device that displays an information layout that is pre-associated with the information layout including the edited component CP, that the edit has been performed, identification information indicating the edited component CP, identification information indicating an information layout including the edited component CP, that the edited component CP will be referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the edited component CP, and identification information indicating an information layout including the component CP that references the edited component CP.

[0173] When an edit is performed, the information management system 3 notifies an external device that displays the associated information layout of the fact that the edit has been performed, identification information indicating the component CP that has been edited, identification information indicating an information layout including the component CP that has been edited, a fact that the component CP that has been edited is referenced, identification information indicating the component CP that references the component CP that has been edited, and identification information indicating an information layout including the component CP that references the component CP that has been edited. A user external to the information management system 3 can grasp information related to the edit that has been performed even when the associated information layout is displayed. Therefore, the information management system 3 can further ensure consistency between the information layout in which edits have been accepted and information layouts other than the information layout in which edits have been accepted.

[0174] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1 Information Management System 2 Information Management System 3 Information Management System CP Components [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0176] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-216001

Claims

1. An information management system that includes a control unit and a storage unit and manages an information layout including one or more components (CP), the storage unit stores an inappropriate type, which is an editing operation type that makes the component unreachable; The control unit Accepting an edit of one of the components (CP) included in the information layout; When the editing is accepted, a third determination is made to determine whether or not the operation type of the editing corresponds to the inappropriate type; When it is determined by the third determination that the operation type of the edit corresponds to the inappropriate type, a fourth determination is made to determine whether or not the information layout for which the edit has been accepted includes another component that references the one component for which the edit has been accepted; a first determination is made to determine that the edit makes it impossible to reference the other component included in the information layout for which the edit has been accepted, if the fourth determination determines that the information layout for which the edit has been accepted includes the other component; and to determine that the edit does not make it impossible to reference the component included in the information layout for which the edit has been accepted, if the fourth determination determines that the information layout for which the edit has been accepted does not include the other component; When it is determined by the third determination that the operation type of the edit corresponds to the inappropriate type, a fifth determination is performed to determine whether or not the information layout other than the information layout for which the edit has been accepted includes the other component that references the one component for which the edit has been accepted; a second determination is made to determine that the editing makes it impossible to refer to the other component included in the information layout other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, if the fifth determination determines that the editing does not make it impossible to refer to the other component included in the information layout other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, if the fifth determination determines that the editing does not make it impossible to refer to the component included in the information layout other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted; performing the editing when it is determined by the first determination that the editing does not make it impossible to refer to the component included in the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, and when it is determined by the second determination that the editing does not make it impossible to refer to the component included in an information layout other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted; When the editing is performed, the control unit That the edit was made; and Identification information indicating the one component on which the edit was performed; and Identification information indicating the information layout including the one component on which the edit was performed; and A reference to the one component on which the edit was made; and Identification information indicating the other component that references the one component on which the edit was performed; and Identification information indicating the information layout including the other components that reference the one component on which the edit was performed; and At least one of the following: an external device that displays the information layout including the one component on which the editing has been performed; an external device that displays an information layout that is pre-associated with the information layout including the one component that has been edited; notify at least one of Information Management System (1, 2, 3).

2. The control unit If the first determination determines that the editing will make it impossible to refer to the other components included in the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, or if the second determination determines that the editing will make it impossible to refer to the other components included in the information layout other than the information layout for which the editing has been accepted, then the editing is not performed. The information management system according to claim 1 .

3. the storage unit stores the inappropriate type and an alternative type, which is an operation type of the editing that does not make the component unreachable, in association with each other; The control unit If the first determination determines that the edit makes it impossible to refer to the other components included in the information layout for which the edit was accepted, or if the second determination determines that the edit makes it impossible to refer to the other components included in the information layout other than the information layout for which the edit was accepted, a sixth determination is made to determine whether or not there is an alternative type associated with the inappropriate type; When it is determined that the alternative type exists in the sixth determination, editing is performed according to the alternative type for the one component for which editing has been accepted; If it is determined that the alternative type does not exist in the sixth determination, the editing is not performed on the one component for which the editing request has been accepted. The information management system according to claim 1 .

4. When the editing is not performed, the control unit: That the editing will not be carried out; that the edit makes the other component unreferenceable; and Identification information indicating the one component for which the edit was accepted; Identification information indicating the other component that references the one component for which the edit was accepted; Identification information indicating the information layout including the other component that references the one component for which the edit has been accepted; and notifying the outside of at least one of the above.

4. The information management system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The inappropriate type is: Deleting the component; Changes to letters, numbers, or symbols appearing on said components; The deletion of any letters, numbers or symbols appearing on said components; Change the data type of characters, numbers, and symbols that can be written in the component; Lowering the upper limit of the numbers that can be entered in the components; Raising the lower limit of the numbers that can be entered in the components; and / or a change in the type of the component. The information management system according to claim 1 .

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