Work support device, work support system

Abstract

To provide a technology that allows a file on a server to be retrieved from a work terminal even on a work terminal where a user cannot freely install an application.SOLUTION: A work support device is a device that supports work carried out using a work terminal that is restricted from installing additional applications other than display applications. The work support device receives a file acquisition request from the work terminal, receives a path to a destination folder on the work terminal from the work terminal, sends the file specified by the acquisition request to the work terminal, and instructs the work terminal to store the file in the destination folder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for assisting a worker in performing a task at a work site. [Background technology]

[0002] Social infrastructure businesses, which rely heavily on manual labor, are finding it difficult to maintain product quality due to the effects of the declining birthrate and aging population in recent years. To continue maintaining a certain level of quality, it is essential to improve operational efficiency, and there are growing expectations for the digitalization of operations using electronic paper at manufacturing sites that handle a large number of paper documents.

[0003] Electronic paper is an electronic device that allows information to be written on documents using a special pen. Digital documents handled on electronic paper can be downloaded to the device via a PC app. However, there is a strong need to consolidate PCs in the office for security reasons, and in many cases documents must be downloaded to the device before traveling to the site. However, the documents required for work change constantly depending on the situation at the site, which creates the problem of workers having to travel back and forth between the site and the office when new documents are needed.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a file transfer system between a server and a wearable device. The document aims to provide a useful and practical file transfer system that reduces the operational burden on users. It describes a file transfer system that includes at least a mobile terminal device and an information processing device that can communicate with the mobile terminal device via a network, and transfers data files stored in the information processing device to an external device by remote operation from the mobile terminal device. Based on file designation information set by operation on the mobile terminal device and address information for specifying the transfer destination of the file, the information processing device automatically generates transfer information with the address information as the destination and including the file specified by the file designation information. This allows a user to transfer a specified file to a specified external device simply by setting at least the file designation information and an email address. (See Abstract.) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-234291 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, a file on a server is imported into a wearable device using an application developed in-house for the device. The number of input fields to be entered into the application is limited, thereby reducing the operational burden on the user. However, the technology described in this document cannot be applied in cases where the installation of in-house developed applications is prohibited for security reasons. This is because the technology in this document is based on the premise that the application will be installed on the wearable device. In general, users are prohibited from freely installing applications on e-paper, and therefore the technology described in this document cannot be used when e-paper retrieves files.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technology that allows a user to obtain files on a server from a work terminal, even if the work terminal does not allow the user to freely install applications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A work assistance device according to the present invention is a device for assisting work performed using a work terminal on which the installation of additional applications other than a display application is restricted. The work assistance device receives a file acquisition request from the work terminal, receives from the work terminal a path to a destination folder on the work terminal, transmits the file specified in the acquisition request to the work terminal, and instructs the work terminal to store the file in the destination folder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the work assistance device of the present invention, even if the user of a work terminal does not have the ability to freely install applications, the work terminal can be used as a starting point to obtain files on a server. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the description of the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for sharing a data file between a server and a work terminal. [Figure 2] 10 is a sequence chart illustrating a general procedure for transmitting a data file to a work terminal 105. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring a data file on a server 102 starting from a work terminal 105. [Figure 4A] 10 is a sequence chart for acquiring a data file on a server 102 starting from a work terminal 105. [Figure 4B] 10 is a sequence chart for acquiring a data file on a server 102 starting from a work terminal 105. [Figure 4C] 10 is a sequence chart for acquiring a data file on a server 102 starting from a work terminal 105. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram of a task support system 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure for acquiring a data file on a server 102 starting from a work terminal 105. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring a file on the server 102 according to the authority of the worker. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring a file on the server 102 for which the worker does not have authority. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where a viewability attribute is added to a file. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where the file path of a file on the server 102 has a complex directory structure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where the display content of the first form 301 is divided to facilitate file search. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where a file search function is incorporated into a work file 1100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <First Embodiment> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a method for sharing data files between a server and a work terminal. A work support system 100 is composed of an administration PC 101, a server 102 (work support device), and a work terminal 105, and supports work performed by a worker on the work terminal 105. Methods for sharing data files between the server 102 and the work terminal 105 include, for example, those shown in the upper and lower parts of Fig. 1.

[0012] The method shown in the upper part of Figure 1 will now be explained. A worker inputs work details via a web browser on a work terminal 105, and the server 102 records the work details in a data file 104 in a second data format (for example, HTML format). When an administrator provides information to the work terminal 105, the administration computer 101 provides a data file 103 in the first data format to the server 102, which then converts the data into the second data format. The work terminal 105 can view the information on its web browser. When data is to be aggregated, the server 102 stores the data file 104 in a database 106. In this method, a data file 104 describing the work details is created on the server 102. Therefore, the work terminal 105 does not store the data file, and data transfer is performed on the server 102.

[0013] The method in the lower part of Figure 1 will be explained. Administration computer 101 provides server 102 with data file 103 in a first data format, and server 102 converts this into data file 103 in a third data format (a format that work terminal 105 can display and record work details, such as PDF format). Work terminal 105 acquires data file 107, and the worker records work details in data file 107 on work terminal 105. When data is to be aggregated, server 102 reacquires data file 107 from work terminal 105 and stores it in database 106. This method differs from the method in the upper part of Figure 1 in that data file 107 that records work details is held on work terminal 105.

[0014] 2 is a sequence chart explaining a general procedure for sending a data file to the work terminal 105. Here, it is assumed that the work terminal 105 holds a data file, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 1. When the server 102 receives a file transmission command from the administration computer 101, it transmits the data file to the work terminal 105 based on that command. Therefore, the data file transmission procedure is as follows:

[0015] In S201, the administration computer 101 transmits a control signal instructing the server 102 to transmit a file. In S202, the server 102 receives the control signal, acquires a data file from the database 106, and transmits the acquired data file to the work terminal 105 in S203.

[0016] In this general procedure for transmitting a data file, the data file is transmitted from the administration personal computer 101 to the work terminal 105 via the server 102. Depending on the specifications of the work terminal 105, an application for acquiring a data file on the server 102 using the work terminal 105 as the starting point (i.e., unlike in FIG. 2, a file acquisition request is issued from the work terminal 105) may not exist on the work terminal 105. Furthermore, even if a unique application for acquiring a data file is developed, installing such a unique application on the work terminal 105 may be prohibited for security reasons. Therefore, in the first embodiment, a method for acquiring a data file on the server 102 using a file display application (for example, an application for displaying PDF files) that is generally provided on the work terminal 105 will be described.

[0017] 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring a data file on the server 102 starting from the work terminal 105. When acquiring a data file, the worker displays a work file 300 on the work terminal 105.

[0018] The work file 300 has a first form 301 that displays the file path of a file held by the server 102, a second form 302 that displays the directory path of a directory that constitutes the work terminal 105, a third form 303 that sends a control signal to the server 102 to acquire a file on the server 102 based on the contents of the first form 301 and the second form 302, and a fourth form 304 that sends a control signal to the server 102 to change the contents of the first form 301 and the second form 302. Each form is composed of specified input screen components (e.g., text boxes, radio buttons, combo boxes, list boxes, check boxes, and push buttons). It is desirable that the first form 301 and the second form 302 be selection-type input screen components such as list boxes and combo boxes.

[0019] When using this work file 300 to obtain a data file, it is first necessary to obtain the latest file list held by the server 102 (database 106). The work file 300 is, for example, in PDF format, and is not data that is dynamically updated through mutual communication with the server 102. Therefore, the first form may not contain the latest file list held by the server 102. Therefore, it is first necessary to update the file list described in the first form 301 to the latest content on the server 102.

[0020] The worker first presses the fourth form 304. When the fourth form 304 is pressed, a control signal for changing the contents of the first form 301 and the second form 302 is sent from the work terminal 105 (display application) to the server 102. The control signal can be sent using a communication protocol such as HTTP. For example, PDF format data files are compatible with Javascript (PDF display software can execute Javascript), and by incorporating a Javascript communication program into the desired form, even a file display application can communicate with the server 102. The file display application sends a control signal written in Javascript to the server 102. A specific example of this control signal will be described later. The server 102 responds to the control signal and returns a work file 300 that reflects the latest file list to the work terminal 105. This updates the file list to the latest content.

[0021] The worker selects the file path of the file to be retrieved from the first form 301. The worker presses the ▼ button in the second form 302. Pressing the ▼ button in the second form 302 displays a list of directory paths for the directories in the file system of the work terminal 105. The worker selects the directory in which to save the file from the list, and finally presses the third form 303. Pressing the third form 303 sends a control signal to the server 102 to retrieve the file on the server 102 based on the contents of the first form 301 and the second form 302. This control signal can also be written in JavaScript. A specific example of this control signal will be described later.

[0022] 4A to 4C are sequence charts for acquiring a data file on the server 102 starting from the work terminal 105. Examples of the method for acquiring a data file will be described using, for example, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C.

[0023] 4A will be explained. There are two requests sent from the work terminal 105 to the server 102: (a) an update request (S401) that requests that the file list on the server 102 described in the first form 301 be updated to the latest content (that is, that an updated version of the work file 300 reflecting the latest content be sent from the server 102 to the work terminal 105); (b) an obtain request (S407) that specifies one of the data files in the first form 301 and requests that the file be sent from the server 102 to the work terminal 105. Each request is sent from a display application that the work terminal 105 executes to display the work file 300.

[0024] (S401~S406: Update request) In S401, the work terminal 105 transmits to the server 102 a control signal for changing the contents of the first form 301 and the second form 302. This control signal is a URL query parameter 400 including an ID for identifying the work terminal 105, and can be configured as, for example, an HTTP query 400. The server 102 can identify the sender of the control signal from this identification ID. In S402, the server 102 receives the control signal and acquires the work file 300 from the work terminal 105. In S403, the server 102 acquires a list of the latest file paths from the database 106. In S404, the server 102 acquires the latest directory path from the work terminal 105. In S405, the server 102 generates a work file 300 in which the contents of the first form 301 and the second form 302 have been updated, and in S406, transmits the work file 300 to the work terminal 105.

[0025] (S401~S406: Update Request: Supplement 1) In response to the update request in S401, the server 102 may immediately return a response and then perform S402 to S404 after sending the response. In this case, the server 102 may use the terminal ID specified as a parameter of the update request to identify the destination of S402 and S404 (the network address of the work terminal 105). Alternatively, if a different network address is assigned to each work terminal 105, the source address of the update request itself may be used to identify the work terminal 105. Even in this case, the terminal ID may be used for purposes such as recording the terminal ID in a processing log.

[0026] (S401~S406: Update Request: Supplement 2) The second form 302 is a list of directories (folders) that the work terminal 105 has on its own file system. This list is known to the work terminal 105, but is not known to the server 102. Therefore, S404 is significant in that the work terminal 105 notifies the server 102 of the contents of the second form 302. When the server 102 generates a work file 300 that reflects the latest file list (S405), the directory list acquired from the work terminal 105 is reflected in the second form 302, so that the directory list on the work terminal 105, which the server 102 does not know, can be reflected in the work file 300. In other words, the first form 301 is known only to the server 102, while the second form 302 is known only to the work terminal 105. Therefore, in order to create a work file 300 that reflects both of these, the two must exchange information with each other. S402 to S404 are for this purpose.

[0027] (S407~S411: Acquisition request) In S407, the worker sets each form of the work file 300 to a desired value and sends a control signal for retrieving the file to the server 102. This control signal is a URL query parameter 401 including an ID for identifying the work terminal 105. In S408, the server 102 receives the control signal and retrieves the work file 300 from the work terminal 105, and in S409 analyzes the values ​​of each form of the retrieved work file (folders and files specified on the form). In S410, the data file specified by the worker is retrieved from the database 106 based on the analysis results, and in S411, the retrieved data file is sent to the work terminal 105.

[0028] (S407~S411: Acquisition Request: Supplementary Note 1) As with S402 and S404, a response may be returned immediately to the request of S407, and S408 may be performed after the response is sent. The same applies to the use of the terminal ID.

[0029] (S407~S411: Acquisition Request: Supplementary Note 2) In a typical web browser, when saving a downloaded file, a dialog box for specifying a destination folder and file name is displayed on the screen, or the file is automatically saved to a default download folder. In this embodiment, it is necessary to save the updated version of the work file 300 in the folder specified in the second form 302. If a response to S407 is returned immediately as described above, the server 102 must determine the folder specified in the second form 302 as the destination folder, and then instruct the work terminal 105 from the server 102 to save the file in that folder. S411 includes this instruction along with the file itself.

[0030] The method of FIG. 4B will be explained. In this method, the control signal sent to the server 102 in S407 differs from that of FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, the folder and file specified by the worker are described by the work file 300 itself. In FIG. 4B, the folder and file specified by the worker are described by URL query parameters 402 including values ​​of the first form 301 and the second form 302. By including the values ​​of the first form 301 and the second form 302 in the control signal, the server 102 does not need to perform the process of S409 to analyze the file. The rest is the same as in FIG. 4A.

[0031] A further explanation of the URL query parameter 402 is provided. In step S404, the folder list held by the second form 302 is obtained, but it is not necessary to obtain which folder is designated as the save destination. In contrast, in step S407, it is necessary to identify which of the folders in the folder list is saved, but the folder list itself is not necessary. Therefore, the URL query parameter 402 includes a parameter (the form2 portion of FIG. 4B) that describes which of the folders in the folder list of the second form 302 is selected as the save destination. This parameter enables the server 102 to identify the save destination folder selected in the second form 302. In contrast, in FIG. 4A, the parameter form2 is not present, so it is necessary to obtain the work file 300 itself from the work terminal 105 and identify the option in the second form 302 selected in the work file 300.

[0032] The method of Fig. 4C will be explained. In this method, the control signals sent to the server 102 in S401 and S408 differ from those in Fig. 4B. Specifically, a control signal including a work file 300 is sent to the server 102. By including the work file 300 in the control signal, the processes of S402 and S408 for acquiring the work file 300 from the work terminal 105 become unnecessary. To send the work file 300 together with the HTTP request, for example, the work file 300 encoded in an appropriate format may be included in the HTTP request in a POST-format query.

[0033] A further explanation of S401 and S407 is provided. In Fig. 4A, after a response is immediately returned to the request of S401, communication is again made from the server 102 to the work terminal 105 to acquire the work file 300. In contrast to this, in Fig. 4C, when the request of S401 is issued, the work file 300 itself is sent together as a parameter of the request in POST format, for example, thereby making S402 unnecessary. The same applies to S407 to S408.

[0034] 4A to 4C, the HTTP requests (400 and 402) issued from the work terminal 105 to the server 102 can be implemented by JavaScript embedded in the work file 300. The file display application issues each HTTP request by executing the JavaScript. This allows the work terminal 105 to be used as the starting point to issue a file acquisition request to the server 102 (and an update request to acquire the latest list of data files held by the server 102).

[0035] 5 is a block diagram of a work support system 100 according to embodiment 1. The work support system 100 is a system that can use a work file on a work terminal 105 to acquire a file on a server 1022 starting from the work terminal 105. In the work support system 100, the server 102 and the work terminal 105 cooperate with each other as a system that supports work performed by a worker at a work site.

[0036] The work support system 100 comprises a display unit 501, an input unit 502, a server 102, and a work terminal 105. The server 102 comprises a server control unit 503 and a database 106. The work terminal 105 comprises a terminal control unit 504, a file storage unit 505, a file display unit 506, and a worker input unit 507. The database 106 may be provided on the work support system 100, or may be configured as a storage unit provided in an external device and the work support system 100 may access the storage unit via a network.

[0037] The display unit 501 displays an operation instruction screen for the work support system 100, etc. The user gives the user's operation instructions to the work support system 100 via the input unit 502. The server 102 executes the processing of each unit provided in the server 102 via a server control unit 503, and can communicate with the work terminal 105. The work terminal 105 executes the processing of each unit provided in the work terminal 105 via a terminal control unit 504, and can communicate with the server 102. The file storage unit 505 can store work files to be displayed on the work terminal 105, and the work files can be displayed on a file display unit 506. The worker input unit 507 accepts operation instructions from the worker.

[0038] 6 is a flowchart explaining the operational procedure for retrieving a data file on the server 102 starting from the work terminal 105. Here, the operational procedure corresponding to FIG. 4A will be explained. The worker displays the work file 300 for file retrieval on the work terminal 105 (S601). The worker uses the work file 300 to send a control signal to change the file path to the server 102, and the work terminal 105 retrieves the updated work file 300 from the server 102 (S602). The worker inputs desired values ​​into each form in the work file 300 (S603). The worker uses the work file 300 to send a control signal for file retrieval to the server 102, and retrieves the desired file from the server 102 (S604).

[0039] <First embodiment: Summary> The work support system 100 according to the first embodiment uses a program incorporated into the work file 300 to acquire files on the server 102 starting from the work terminal 105. By incorporating a program suited to the data format of the work file 300 into the work file 300, it is possible to acquire files on the server 102 starting from a file display application that is generally provided on the work terminal 105. In other words, even if there is no application that acquires files on the server 102 starting from the work terminal 105 and installing proprietary applications on the work terminal 105 is prohibited from security reasons, it is possible to acquire data files on the server starting from the work terminal 105.

[0040] <Embodiment 2> In the second embodiment of the present invention, a configuration example will be described in which security is improved by incorporating an authentication system into the server 102. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0041] 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring a file on the server 102 according to the authority of the worker. When acquiring a data file, the worker displays a work file 700 on the work terminal 105. The work file 700 has a fifth form 701 for entering the name of the user of the work terminal 105, and a sixth form 702 for entering the user's password. The other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 3.

[0042] When using this work file 700 to obtain a data file on the server 102, the worker first enters a user name and a password in the fifth form 701 and the sixth form 702, respectively. Next, the worker presses the fourth form 304 to send a control signal to the server 102 to change the contents of the first form 301 and the second form 302. This control signal includes an identification ID for identifying the work terminal 105 and at least one of the authentication codes listed in the work file 700, the fifth form 701, and the sixth form 702. If the control signal does not include an authentication code, the server 102 can obtain the user name and password entered on the work file 700 by obtaining and analyzing the work file 700, as described in FIG. 4. If the authentication code is included in the control signal, the server 102 does not need to perform file analysis processing.

[0043] Upon receiving the control signal, the server 102 performs authentication based on the authentication codes written in the fifth form 701 and the sixth form 702. Only if the authentication passes does the server 102 enter the file path of the file for which the worker has authority in the first form 301, and send the updated work file 700 to the work terminal 105. The subsequent steps up to file acquisition are as described in FIG. 3. At the time of file acquisition, the authentication information used when updating the work file can be used as is. If the authentication does not pass, the updated work file requested by the update request is not sent to the work terminal 105, and the work file specified in the acquisition request is not sent to the work terminal 105. The same applies to FIG. 8.

[0044] 8 is a diagram illustrating a method for acquiring a file on the server 102 for which the worker does not have authority. When acquiring a file for which the worker does not have authority, the worker displays a work file 800 on the work terminal 105. The work file 800 has a seventh form 801 for inputting a user name different from that of the user of the work terminal 105, and an eighth form 802 for inputting a password corresponding to the seventh form 801 for inputting a user name different from that of the user of the work terminal 105. The other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 7.

[0045] When using this work file 800 to obtain a file for which the worker does not have authority, the worker first enters a user name and password different from that of the user of the work terminal 105 in the seventh and eighth forms. The subsequent steps are as explained in Fig. 7. By providing an input section that allows input of an authentication code of a user different from that of the user of the work terminal 105, the worker can obtain a file on the server 102 even if the worker does not have authority. Similarly, a different user name and password can be used when updating the first form 301.

[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates a case where a viewability attribute is added to a file. The worker assigns a viewability attribute 900 to a data file on the server 102 in advance. The viewability attribute 900 can be one of the following: (a) Acquisition: File path display and file acquisition are possible; (b) Display: File path display only is possible; or (c) No authority: Neither is possible. When the viewability attribute 900 is present, the work file for data file acquisition looks like a work file 901. For example, if the viewability attribute 900 is Acquisition, the first form 301 displays the normal file path; if Display: A strikethrough is displayed; and if No authority is present, the file path is not displayed. In other words, the server 102 notifies the display application of information indicating access permissions on the file system of the server 102, and this information is displayed on the display application. This allows the existence of a file on the server 102 to be confirmed according to the worker's authority.

[0047] <Embodiment 2: Summary> The work support system 100 according to the second embodiment is configured to perform authentication on the server 102 using an authentication code entered in the work file 700 or an authentication system built into the work terminal 105, and to allow the file on the server 102 to be acquired only if the authentication passes. This provides improved security compared to the first embodiment.

[0048] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment of the present invention, a configuration example will be described in which a search function is incorporated into the work file, making it possible to easily find a desired file. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where the file path of a file on the server 102 has a complex directory structure. When retrieving a file on the server 102, the worker selects the desired file from the first form 301 of the work file 300. If there are a large number of files displayed in the first form 301, or if the folder hierarchy is deep and the file path is cut off, it becomes difficult to find the desired file. As a method for easily finding the desired file, the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12 will be described.

[0050] 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where the display content of the first form 301 is divided to facilitate file search. When retrieving a file on the server 102 starting from the work terminal 105, the worker displays a work file 1100 on the work terminal 105.

[0051] The work file 1100 has a current folder display section 1101 that shows the location of the current folder, a folder list display section 1102 that shows the folders that exist in the current folder, a file list display section 1103 that shows the files that exist in the current folder, a file path list 1104 that shows the file paths of files held by the server 102, and a back button 1105 for moving to the next higher level from the current folder. The display contents of the first form 301 of the work file 300 are divided into each display section for easy viewing. The rest of the configuration is the same as in Figure 3.

[0052] When using this work file 1100 to retrieve a data file on the server 102, the worker first selects the desired folder from the folder list display area 1102. When a folder in the folder list display area 1102 is selected, an internally embedded program is executed, changing the contents of the current folder display area 1101, folder list display area 1102, and file list display area 1103. Specifically, the structure of the folder selected by the worker is identified from the file path list 1104 in the work file 1100, and the contents of each display area are changed according to the identified components. Because the file path list 1104 is used for data search purposes, it is desirable for it to have a tree data structure such as JSON format. Next, the worker selects the desired file from the file list display area 1103, and then clicks the third form 303 to retrieve the desired file. The specific steps leading up to file retrieval are as described in Figure 3.

[0053] 12 is a diagram illustrating a case where a file search function is incorporated into a work file 1100. When retrieving a file on the server 102 starting from the work terminal 105, the worker displays a work file 1200 on the work terminal 105. The work file 1200 has a keyword input section 1201 for inputting a keyword for searching for a folder or file, and a search result display section 1202 for displaying the search results. The other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 11.

[0054] When using this work file 1200 to search for and acquire a data file on the server 102, the worker first inputs a keyword into the keyword input section 1201. When the keyword is input into the keyword input section 1201, an internally embedded program is executed, and the contents of the search result display section 1202 are changed. For example, if the worker inputs the keyword "file 1-2-1" into the keyword input section 1201, the element of the keyword is identified from the file path list 1104 in the work file 1200, and "folder 1-2\file 1-2-1" is displayed in the search result display section 1202. The worker then selects an option from the search result display section 1202. If the selected content is a folder, the internal program identifies the selected content element from the file path list 1104, and the contents of the current folder display section 1101, folder list display section 1102, and file list display section 1103 are changed. If the selected content is a file, the worker can acquire the desired file by pressing the third form 303. The specific steps leading up to file acquisition are as described in FIG. 3.

[0055] The file path list 1104 contains a list of folder names and file names. Therefore, it should be noted that the keywords used when searching the work file 1200 are folder names and file names (or character strings representing parts of these).

[0056] <Embodiment 3: Summary> The work support system 100 according to the third embodiment incorporates file path information of files held by the server 102 into the work file, thereby making it possible to easily search for file paths without communicating with the server 102. This makes it possible to easily find a desired file even in the case of a complex directory structure.

[0057] <Modifications of the present invention> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0058] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the file path of a file held by the server 102 is displayed in the first form 301, but it is sufficient if the specified file can be identified based on the contents of the first form 301. For example, the number of characters to be displayed can be reduced by abbreviating the displayed file name.

[0059] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which a program that dynamically changes the contents of the first form 301 and the second form 302 is incorporated into a form in the work file 300, but the program may also be incorporated into the work file 300. In this case, the program is executed when the work file 300 is displayed on the work terminal 105.

[0060] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a program for communicating with the server 102 is incorporated into the work file 300, but the program may be incorporated into an application for displaying the file. For example, a menu field may be provided on the file display screen, and when an icon is tapped, a program for communicating with the server 102 is executed.

[0061] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 102, upon receiving a control signal for changing the content of the first form 301, also changes the content of the second form 302. However, it is not necessary to change the content of the second form 302. In this case, S404 for acquiring the latest directory structure of the work terminal 105 and the process for changing the second form 302 (part of S405) are unnecessary. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the work file 300 is acquired from the work terminal 105. However, it is also possible to identify the work file 300 in the work terminal 105 using an identification ID or the like included in the control signal and use the same work file 300 on the server 102. This eliminates the need for the process for acquiring the work file 300 from the work terminal 105.

[0062] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which a data file is obtained using the work file 300, but the work file 300 may be incorporated into another file. In this case, the work file 300 can be displayed simply by changing pages, thereby saving the worker the trouble of searching for the work file 300. For example, if the work file 300 is incorporated into the first page of all files, the work file 300 can be easily accessed by changing pages.

[0063] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which a data file is obtained using an authentication code entered in a work file, but an authentication system built into the work terminal 105 may also be used. For example, the work terminal 105 may be configured so that when a worker uses the work terminal 105, the worker is authenticated by an authentication system provided in the work terminal 105, and the work terminal 105 can be used only if the worker is authenticated. In this case, the server 102 can identify the user from the identification ID included in the control signal. That is, it is possible to identify a user authenticated on the work terminal 105, identify files that the user can access on the server 102, and send only the accessible files to the work terminal 105. Using an authentication system built into the work terminal 105 can eliminate the need to enter an authentication code into the work file 700.

[0064] In the second embodiment, an example has been described in which the fifth form 701 and sixth form 702 for inputting the user name and password of the work terminal 105 are separated from the seventh form 801 and eighth form 802 for inputting a different user name and password, but these forms may be combined to allow input of multiple user names and passwords in one form. Also, the authentication system incorporated in the work terminal 105 may be configured to be able to authenticate multiple users. This is because the purpose of the third embodiment is to generate an identification code from a user name and password.

[0065] In the third embodiment, the file path list 1104 is incorporated in the work file 1100 in a visible data format. However, it may be incorporated into the data structure of the work file 1100, the form size may be reduced, or the display properties of the form may be set to hidden. This allows the file path list 1104 that is not directly related to the work to be removed from the screen, thereby improving the work efficiency of the worker. A back button 1105 for moving from the current folder to the next higher level may be provided in the work file 1100. This simplifies folder navigation and improves usability.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the server control unit 503 and the terminal control unit 504 can be configured by hardware such as a circuit device that implements these functions, or by a computing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes software that implements these functions.

[0067] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the worker is prohibited from installing additional applications other than the display application on the work terminal 105, but this invention is not necessarily limited to a case in which installation is completely prohibited, and is also useful in a case in which only certain restrictive conditions are imposed. For example, even in a case in which additional installation is permitted only when permitted by an administrator, the present invention can be used as is as long as the conditions for permission are strict.

[0068] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the work terminal 105 is a terminal on which a worker writes work details and the like in a work file (e.g., 300) using a device such as an electronic pen. In this case, the contents written by the worker are not directly written in the work file, but are recorded by recording the trajectory of the electronic pen on the work terminal 105 as data separate from the work file. In such a terminal, the work file itself is not updated, so a method of updating the work file on the server 102 as in the present invention is useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100: Work support system 102: Server 105: Work terminal 300:Working file

Claims

1. A work assistance device that assists a worker in performing work using a work terminal, the work terminal is configured to execute a display application that displays a work file to be viewed by the worker, and is configured to restrict the worker from installing additional applications other than the display application on the work terminal; the work assistance device includes a control unit that communicates with the work terminal; the control unit receives, from the display application, an acquisition request requesting that any of the data files described in the work file be transmitted to the work terminal; the control unit receives, from the display application, a path of a destination folder designated on the work terminal as a destination folder for saving the data file acquired in response to the acquisition request, among folders on a file system of the work terminal; The control unit transmits to the work terminal, in accordance with the acquisition request, a data file designated by the acquisition request from among the data files held by the work assistance device, and transmits to the work terminal an instruction to designate that the data file be stored in the destination folder. A work support device characterized by:

2. the control unit receives, from the display application, an update request requesting that an updated version of the work file describing a latest list of data files held by the work assistance device be transmitted to the work terminal; the control unit receives from the display application a list of folders that the work terminal has on a file system; the control unit acquires the updated version describing the latest list in accordance with the update request, and reflects a list of folders held by the work terminal in the updated version; The control unit transmits the updated version to the work terminal, the updated version reflecting the latest list and a list of folders held by the work terminal.

2. The work support device according to claim 1.

3. When the control unit receives the acquisition request, the control unit acquires the work file held by the work terminal from the work terminal; the control unit acquires, from the work file, a path of a data file designated as a target of the acquisition request in the work file; The control unit transmits the data file designated by the path acquired from the work file to the work terminal.

2. The work support device according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition request may include a file path parameter specifying a file path on the latest list, and a destination folder parameter specifying a path of the destination folder; When the acquisition request includes the file path parameter and the destination folder parameter, the control unit transmits the data file specified by the file path parameter to the work terminal without analyzing the work file to acquire the file path on the latest list described in the work file and the destination folder described in the work file, and transmits an instruction to the work terminal to specify that the data file be stored in the destination folder specified by the destination folder parameter.

3. The work support device according to claim 2.

5. The update request may include the work file held by the work terminal at the time the display application issues the update request, When the control unit acquires the work file included in the update request, the control unit replaces the work file included in the update request with the updated version and transmits the updated version to the work terminal without requesting the work terminal to transmit the work file again; The acquisition request may include the work file held by the work terminal at the time the display application issues the acquisition request, When the control unit acquires the work file included in the acquisition request, the control unit acquires a data file designated as a target of the acquisition request in the work file included in the acquisition request and transmits the data file to the work terminal without requesting the work terminal to transmit the work file again.

3. The work support device according to claim 2.

6. the work file includes program code that can be executed by the work terminal through the display application; The program code is configured to issue the acquisition request to the task assistance device when executed by the display application.

2. The work support device according to claim 1.

7. the control unit receives, from the display application, a user ID representing a user of the work terminal and authentication information for authenticating the user ID; the control unit authenticates the user ID using the user ID and the authentication information; The control unit transmits the data file designated by the acquisition request to the work terminal only if the user ID passes authentication.

2. The work support device according to claim 1.

8. the control unit receives, from the display application, a different user ID representing a different user other than the user of the work terminal and different authentication information for authenticating the different user ID; the control unit authenticates the different user using the different user ID and the different authentication information; The control unit transmits, to the work terminal, a data file that the different user ID can access on the work assistance device only if the different user ID passes authentication.

2. The work support device according to claim 1.

9. the work terminal includes an authentication system that authenticates a user of the work terminal; The control unit transmits to the work terminal a data file that the user authenticated by the authentication system can access on the work assistance device.

2. The work support device according to claim 1.

10. the control unit sets access authority to a data file or a data folder held by the work assistance device; The control unit transmits information representing the access authority to the display application together with a reply to the update request, thereby enabling the display application to display the information representing the access authority on the latest list.

3. The work support device according to claim 2.

11. the work file is configured by incorporating file path data indicating a file path of a data file held by the work support device into the work file; The file path data is in a data format that can be switched between being displayed and not displayed on the work terminal.

2. The work support device according to claim 1.

12. The work support device according to claim 1, The work terminal, Equipped with The work terminal is configured to store information that the worker writes into the work file as data separate from the work file, so that the work file itself is not changed even when the worker writes information into the work file. A work support system characterized by:

13. The work support device according to claim 2, The work terminal, Equipped with The work file is configured so that when the work terminal opens the work file, the display application issues the update request without an instruction from the worker. A work support system characterized by:

14. The work support device according to claim 11, The work terminal, Equipped with The working file is a current folder display unit that displays a current folder on the work terminal; a folder list display section that displays folders present in the current folder; a file list display section that displays files present in the current folder; Equipped with the work file is configured such that when a folder displayed by the folder list display unit on the work terminal is selected, the work terminal identifies the selected folder by referring to the file path data; The work file is configured to display the specified folder, folders existing in the specified folder, and files existing in the specified folder in the current folder display section, the folder list display section, and the file list display section, respectively. A work support system characterized by:

15. The work support device according to claim 11, The work terminal, Equipped with The working file is a keyword input unit for inputting a keyword for searching for a folder or a file held by the work assistance device; a search result display unit that displays the results of a search performed using the keywords input to the keyword input unit; Equipped with the work file is configured so that, when an instruction to perform the search is given on the work terminal, the work terminal searches the file path data for a folder or file that matches the keyword; The work file is configured to display the folder or file identified by the search in the search result display section. A work support system characterized by:

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