Information processing systems, information processing devices, and programs

Abstract

To display differences between electronic documents differing in version in a smaller display space as compared with a case in which images of the different versions are displayed side by side.SOLUTION: A user terminal 10 as an information processing device comprises a control part 11, which performs: control in which an input operation reception part 103 receives a first input operation by a user for a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in a work space and a display control part 102 enlarges and displays an image of a predetermined page among one or more pages constituting the electronic document and an operation image for receiving a second input operation to display images of the page, version by version at a display part to a larger display size than the thumbnail image of the electronic document; and control in which an image of the predetermined page of a first version and an image of the predetermined page of a second version are enlarged and displayed one over the other at the display part in response to a second input operation on the operation image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There has conventionally been a technique for displaying differences between versions of created electronic documents. For example, there is known a technique in which a plurality of images of different versions of an electronic document are arranged side by side and displayed so that it is easy for a user to compare them (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this case, a display space for arranging and displaying a plurality of images is required.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to be able to display differences between versions of an electronic document in a smaller display space as compared with arranging and displaying images of different versions side by side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 includes a processor, and the processor receives a first input operation by a user on a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed on a display unit, and an operation image including at least an image of a predetermined page among one or more pages constituting the electronic document and a second input operation for displaying the image of the page for each version, and performs control to enlarge and display the operation image on the display unit so that the display size is larger than that of the thumbnail image. Control to display on the operation image a first character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the first edition, a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition which is older than the first edition and was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit, and control to display an input button for selecting whether or not to display on the operation image the nth character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the nth edition (where n is an integer value of 3 or more) that exists between the first edition and the second edition.In response to the second input operation on the aforementioned operation image, The aforementioned The image of the predetermined page of the first edition, The aforementioned Second edition or the aforementioned version n This information processing system is characterized by performing control to overlay an image of a predetermined page onto the display unit and enlarge it for display. The invention described in claim 2 is an information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor accepts an operation to select the thumbnail image as the first input operation, and in response to a second input operation on the operation image, it performs control to superimpose the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version and enlarge them for display on the display unit. The invention described in claim 3 is an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor accepts an operation to superimpose a cursor, which moves in conjunction with the user's input operation, onto the thumbnail image as an operation to select the thumbnail image. The invention described in claim 4 is an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor performs control to enlarge the operation image on the display unit when the version of the electronic document opened by the user's input operation is different from the version that was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit. The invention described in claim 5 is an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor controls the display not to display the operation image when the version of the electronic document enlarged on the display unit by the user's input operation is the same as the version that was enlarged on the display unit last time, or when the electronic document has never been enlarged on the display unit by the input operation. The invention described in claim 6 is an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor performs control to superimpose the preview image of the predetermined page of the first edition and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second edition and enlarge and display them on the display unit in a manner that allows the difference to be identified. The invention described in claim 7 is an information processing system according to claim 6, characterized in that the processor controls the display unit to enlarge and display the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version, in a manner that can identify the difference. The invention described in claim 8 is an information processing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the processor receives a second input operation for any position in the region formed between a first character or symbol indicating a predetermined page of the first edition and a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition, which are displayed in the operation image, and changes the display mode according to the position where the second input operation was performed. The invention described in claim 9 is an information processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the processor clarifies the display mode of the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version and obscures the display mode of the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version as the position where the second input operation is performed approaches the first character or symbol, and clarifies the display mode of the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version and obscures the display mode of the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version as it approaches the second character or symbol. The invention described in claim 10 is an information processing system according to claim 9, characterized in that the processor clarifies the display manner by lowering the display transparency of the preview image of the predetermined page of the first edition and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second edition, and obscures the display manner by increasing the transparency. The invention described in claim 11 is an information processing system according to claim 9, characterized in that the area displays a linear symbol positioned between the first character or symbol and the second character or symbol, and the second input operation is performed on any position of the linear symbol. The invention described in claim 12 is an information processing system according to claim 11, characterized in that the symbol of the linear shape displays a symbol indicating the position in a manner that is movable along the symbol of the linear shape, and the second input operation is an operation to move the symbol indicating the position. The invention described in claim 13 is an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor performs control to overlay and enlarge on the display unit the preview image of the page of the current version as the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version, and the preview image of the page of the version that was opened last time by the user's input operation as the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version. The invention described in claim 14 is an information processing system according to claim 13, characterized in that when a third input operation is performed by the user, the processor performs control to overlay the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version with the preview image of the page of the version that was opened last time by the user's input operation and enlarge it on the display unit. The invention described in claim 15 relates to the operation image to, In addition to the second letter or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition, The aforementioned The nth character or symbol is displayed. Then The information processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the display positions of the first character or symbol, the second character or symbol, and the nth character or symbol are determined based on the length of the time interval between the date and time when the first version was added, the date and time when the second version was added, and the date and time when the nth version was added. The invention described in claim 16 is an information processing system according to claim 15, characterized in that the type, display position, and size of the first character or symbol, the second character or symbol, and the n character or symbol are determined based on at least one piece of information, namely the length of the time interval, the value of n, and the width of the operation image. The invention described in claim 17 is an information processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that the processor performs control to enlarge and display on the display unit the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version side by side in response to a fourth input operation by the user. The invention described in claim 18 comprises a processor, the processor acquires input information of a first input operation by the user on a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed on the display unit of another information processing device operated by the user, and controls the display unit to enlarge and display on the display unit an image of a predetermined page from one or more pages constituting the electronic document, and an operation image that accepts a second input operation to display the image of the page for each version, so that the display size is larger than the thumbnail image. Control to display on the operation image a first character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the first edition, a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition which is older than the first edition and was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit, and control to display an input button for selecting whether or not to display on the operation image the nth character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the nth edition (where n is an integer value of 3 or more) that exists between the first edition and the second edition. In response to the second input operation on the aforementioned operation image, The aforementioned The image of the predetermined page of the first edition, The aforementioned Second edition or the aforementioned version n The information processing device is characterized by performing control to overlay an image of the predetermined page onto the display unit and enlarge it for display. The invention described in claim 19 comprises a processor, the processor controls the display of a thumbnail image of an electronic document on a display unit, receives a first input operation by a user on the thumbnail image and controls the transmission of the input information to another information processing device, and, in response to processing by the other information processing device based on the input information, controls the display unit to enlarge and display an operation unit, which includes at least an image of a predetermined page from one or more pages constituting the electronic document and an operation image that receives a second input operation to display the image of the page for each version, so that the display size is larger than the thumbnail image. Control to display on the operation image a first character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the first edition, a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition which is older than the first edition and was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit, and control to display an input button for selecting whether or not to display on the operation image the nth character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the nth edition (where n is an integer value of 3 or more) that exists between the first edition and the second edition. In response to the second input operation on the aforementioned operation image, The aforementioned The image of the predetermined page of the first edition, The aforementioned Second edition or the aforementioned version n The information processing device is characterized by performing control to overlay an image of the predetermined page onto the display unit and enlarge it for display. The invention described in claim 20 provides a computer with a function to receive a first input operation by a user on a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed on a display unit, and a control to enlarge and display on the display unit an operation unit that includes at least an operation image for receiving a second input operation to display an image of a predetermined page from one or more pages constituting the electronic document, and an operation unit for displaying the image of the page for each version, so that the display size is larger than the thumbnail image. Control to display on the operation image a first character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the first edition, a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition which is older than the first edition and was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit, and control to display an input button for selecting whether or not to display on the operation image the nth character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the nth edition (where n is an integer value of 3 or more) that exists between the first edition and the second edition. In response to the second input operation on the aforementioned operation image, The aforementioned The image of the predetermined page of the first edition, The aforementioned Second edition or the aforementioned version n This is a program for implementing a function that superimposes the image of the predetermined page onto the display unit and controls it to enlarge the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention of claim 1, when displaying differences between versions of an electronic document, it is possible to provide an information processing system that enables display in a smaller display space compared to displaying images of different versions side by side. According to the present invention of claim 2, when displaying the differences between versions of an electronic document, images of different versions are superimposed and displayed, which allows for display in a smaller display space compared to displaying images of different versions side by side. According to claim 3 of the present invention, a user can easily grasp the differences between versions of an electronic document from a single image formed by superimposing two preview images, simply by hovering a cursor over a thumbnail image of the electronic document and performing operations on the manipulated image. According to the present invention of claim 4, an operation image is displayed as needed, so it is possible to quickly determine whether or not a plate has been added. According to the present invention of claim 5, an operation image is displayed as needed, so it is possible to quickly determine whether or not a plate has been added. According to the present invention of claim 6, since the preview images showing each of the two versions are displayed in a manner that allows for the identification of differences, it becomes easier to grasp the differences between the two images. According to the present invention of claim 7, the difference between the two versions can be identified at a glance by the change in the display manner of the two versions. According to the present invention of claim 8, the user can easily grasp the difference between two plates by simply performing a second input operation on the position of any of the areas formed between the characters or symbols of each plate displayed in the operation image. According to the present invention of claim 9, the user can grasp the difference between two plates at a glance simply by performing a second input operation on the position of any of the areas formed between the characters or symbols of each plate displayed in the operation image. According to the present invention of claim 10, the user can easily grasp the difference between two plates simply by visually observing the degree of transparency on the display, which changes with a second input operation on any position of the area formed between the characters or symbols of each plate displayed on the operation image. According to the present invention of claim 11, the difference between the two versions can be easily grasped simply by visually observing the display mode that changes as a result of a second input operation on the linear shape symbol displayed in the operation image. According to the invention of claim 12, it is possible to easily grasp the difference between two versions simply by visually recognizing the display mode that changes by the second input operation on the linear symbol displayed in the operation image. According to the invention of claim 13, even if there is an addition of one or more versions between the version that the user opened last time and the current version, it is possible to easily compare the version that the user opened last time with the current version. According to the invention of claim 14, when there is an addition of one or more versions between the version that the user opened last time and the current version, the user can freely select whether to compare the version that the user opened last time with the current version or to compare the most recent version with the current version. According to the invention of claim 15, even when there are many versions, it is possible to select the target version and enlarge and display the preview image of that version in a comparable manner. According to the invention of claim 16, even when there are many versions, it is possible to select the target version and enlarge and display the preview image of that version in a comparable manner. According to the invention of claim 17, not only can the preview images of two versions be enlarged and displayed in a superimposed manner, but it is also possible to select whether to enlarge and display them side by side. According to the invention of claim 18, when displaying the difference between versions (versions) of an electronic document, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that enables display in a small display space as compared with arranging and displaying images of different versions. According to the invention of claim 19, when displaying the difference between versions (versions) of an electronic document, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus that enables display in a small display space as compared with arranging and displaying images of different versions. According to the invention of claim 20, when displaying the difference between versions (versions) of an electronic document, it is possible to provide a program that enables display in a small display space as compared with arranging and displaying images of different versions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This figure shows the hardware configuration of a user terminal, which serves as an information processing device to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the control unit of the user terminal. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the functional configuration of the control unit of the management server when the management server controls the display of the workspace on the user terminal's display unit. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow at the user terminal. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the processing flow of the management server when it controls the display of the workspace on the user terminal's display unit. [Figure 7] This figure shows a specific example of a workspace displayed on the user terminal's display. [Figure 8] This figure shows a specific example of a workspace displayed on the user terminal's display. [Figure 9] This figure shows a specific example of a workspace displayed on the user terminal's display. [Figure 10] This figure shows a specific example of a workspace displayed on the user terminal's display. [Figure 11] This figure shows a specific example of a workspace displayed on the user terminal's display. [Figure 12] This figure shows a specific example of a workspace displayed on the user terminal's display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. (Configuration of the information processing system) Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 to which this embodiment is applied. The information processing system 1 is configured by connecting a user terminal 10 and a management server 30 via a network 90. ​​The network 90 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, etc.

[0010] The user terminal 10 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal operated by the user. The user terminal 10 displays an operation screen (hereinafter referred to as the "workspace") of so-called file handling software on the display unit 16 (see Figure 2), and displays thumbnail images of electronic documents that are the target of handling by the user in the workspace. The thumbnail images of electronic documents displayed in the workspace are so-called "shortcuts," and the electronic documents themselves are stored in the database. Multiple workspaces can be created and displayed on the display unit 16 through user input operations. Workspaces can also be shared with other users via the network 90.

[0011] Furthermore, the user terminal 10 accepts a first input operation from the user regarding the thumbnail image of the electronic document displayed in the workspace. Upon receiving the first input operation, the user terminal 10 enlarges and displays in the workspace an image of a predetermined page from one or more pages that make up the electronic document, and an operation image that accepts a second input operation from the user, so that the display size is larger than the thumbnail image of the electronic document.

[0012] Furthermore, in response to a second input operation, the user terminal 10 superimposes the image of a predetermined page from the first version and the image of a predetermined page from the second version, and displays them enlarged in the workspace in a manner that allows the differences to be identified. In addition, the user terminal 10 can also control the display of the image of a predetermined page from the first version and the image of a predetermined page from the second version side by side, and enlarges them in the workspace in a manner that allows the differences to be identified.

[0013] "Version" refers to what is commonly known as a version number, and the version number increases by one each time an electronic document is saved and closed. Note that "Version 1" does not necessarily mean the "first edition," but rather means a predetermined version. Similarly, "Version 2" does not mean the version following "Version 1," but simply means a predetermined version that is different from "Version 1." Examples of "predetermined versions" include versions specified by user input and versions pre-set as default values ​​without user input. Details of these processes by the user terminal 10 will be described later.

[0014] The management server 30 is an information processing device that acts as a server for managing the entire information processing system 1. The management server 30 can perform at least a part of the above-mentioned processing by the user terminal 10. Specifically, the management server 30 can control the display of the workspace on the display unit 16 of the user terminal 10 and control the display of thumbnail images of electronic documents in the workspace.

[0015] Furthermore, when the user terminal 10 receives a first input operation, the management server 30 can control the display of an image of a predetermined page from among one or more pages constituting the electronic document, and an operation image for receiving a second input operation, in the workspace so that their display size is larger than the thumbnail image of the electronic document.

[0016] Furthermore, the management server 30 can, in response to a second input operation, superimpose images of predetermined pages from the first version and predetermined pages from the second version, and enlarge them in the workspace in a manner that allows the differences to be identified. In addition, the management server 30 can also superimpose images of predetermined pages from the first version and predetermined pages from the second version side by side, and enlarge them in the workspace in a manner that allows the differences to be identified. Details of these processes performed by the management server 30 will be described later.

[0017] The configuration of the information processing system 1 described above is just one example; the information processing system 1 as a whole only needs to have the functionality to implement the processing described above. For this reason, some or all of the functions to implement the processing described above may be shared or collaborated within the information processing system 1. That is, as described above, some or all of the functions of the user terminal 10 may be functions of the management server 30, and some or all of the functions of the management server 30 may be functions of the user terminal 10. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the user terminal 10 and the management server 30 that constitute the information processing system 1 may be transferred to other servers, etc., not shown in the diagram. This will facilitate processing for the information processing system 1 as a whole, and will also allow for mutual complementarity of processing.

[0018] (User terminal hardware configuration) Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10, which is an information processing device to which this embodiment is applied. The user terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16. These units are connected by a data bus, an address bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, etc.

[0019] The control unit 11 is a processor that controls the functions of the user terminal 10 through the execution of various software such as the OS (operating system) and application software. The control unit 11 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 12 is a storage area that stores various software and data used for its execution, and is used as a work area during calculations. The memory 12 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0020] The storage unit 13 is a storage area that stores input data for various software and output data from various software. The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or semiconductor memory used to store programs and various setting data. The storage unit 13 stores a database for storing various information, such as a document DB 131 which stores various versions of electronic documents that are displayed as thumbnails in the workspace.

[0021] The communication unit 14 transmits and receives data between the management server 30 and the outside world via the network 90. ​​The operation unit 15 consists of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, mechanical buttons, and switches, and accepts input operations. The operation unit 15 also has operation images displayed on the display unit 16. The operation unit 15 also includes a touch sensor that forms a touch panel integrally with the display unit 16. The display unit 16 consists of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (=Electro Luminescence) display used for displaying information, and displays image and text data. The user interface is displayed on the display unit 16.

[0022] (Management server hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the management server 30 is the same as that of the user terminal 10 shown in Figure 2. That is, the management server 30 is equipped with a control unit, memory, storage unit, communication unit, operation unit, and display unit, each having the same functions as the control unit 11, memory 12, storage unit 13, communication unit 14, operation unit 15, and display unit 16 in Figure 2, and their illustration and description are omitted.

[0023] (Functional configuration of the user terminal's control unit) Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the user terminal 10. The control unit 11 of the user terminal 10 functions as follows: document management unit 101, display control unit 102, input operation reception unit 103, display history acquisition unit 104, version history acquisition unit 105, image processing unit 106, and transmission control unit 107.

[0024] The document management unit 101 stores and manages one or more electronic documents in a database. Specifically, the document management unit 101 stores and manages one or more electronic documents that can be displayed as thumbnail images in the workspace in the document DB 131 of the storage unit 13. The types of electronic documents stored in the document DB 131 are not particularly limited and include, for example, text documents with the concept of pages created with document creation application software.

[0025] Each electronic document stored in Document DB131 is associated with uniquely identifiable information (e.g., Document ID), information about its display history in the workspace (hereinafter referred to as "Display History Information"), and information about its version history (hereinafter referred to as "Version History Information"). Of these, the Display History Information is associated with information indicating when an input operation was performed to enlarge the preview images of one or more pages constituting the electronic document in the workspace (e.g., date and time), and information that uniquely identifies the user who performed that input operation (e.g., User ID). The Version History Information is associated with the version number of the electronic document (e.g., "1" for the first edition, "2" for the next edition, etc.) and information indicating when the version changed (e.g., date and time). This makes it possible to manage as a history which user enlarged the preview images of which pages of which version in the workspace, at what time.

[0026] The display control unit 102 controls the display of various information on the display unit 16 (see Figure 2). For example, the display control unit 102 controls the display of a workspace on the display unit 16. The workspace displayed on the display unit 16 can be displayed by launching dedicated application software for the user that is pre-installed on the user terminal 10, or by accessing a dedicated website for the user.

[0027] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 controls the display of a thumbnail image of the specified electronic document in the workspace. In addition, the display control unit 102 controls the display of an image of a predetermined page from among one or more pages constituting the electronic document selected by the user's first input operation, and an operation image that accepts a second input operation by the user, so that their display size is larger than the thumbnail image of the electronic document in the workspace.

[0028] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 can control the display of the operation image in the workspace if the version of the selected electronic document is different from the version of the electronic document that was last displayed enlarged in the workspace, and can control the display of the operation image in the workspace if it is the same as the version that was last displayed enlarged in the workspace. In addition, the display control unit 102 can also control the display of the operation image in the workspace if there is no history of controlling the selected electronic document to be enlarged in the workspace.

[0029] Furthermore, in response to the user's second input operation, the display control unit 102 controls the superimposition of a preview image of a predetermined page from the first version and a preview image of a predetermined page from the second version, and displays them enlarged in the workspace in a manner that allows the differences to be identified. Here, "a manner that allows the differences to be identified" could be, for example, a change in the display manner of the preview image of the predetermined page from the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page from the second version, or a situation where the difference overlaps when superimposed, making that part unclear as if it were crushed. Also, "a change in the display manner of the preview image" could be, for example, a clarification or blurring of the preview image. Specific examples of cases where the display manner of the preview image of the predetermined page from the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page from the second version are changed will be described later with reference to the specific examples from Figure 7 onwards.

[0030] Furthermore, the display control unit 102 can also control the display to enlarge and show, side by side, the preview images of predetermined pages from the first version and the preview images of predetermined pages from the second version in the workspace, in response to user input. A specific example of when the preview images of predetermined pages from the first version and the preview images of predetermined pages from the second version are displayed side by side in the workspace will be described later with reference to Figure 12.

[0031] The input operation reception unit 103 receives user input operations. User input operations include, for example, touch operations with a finger and mouse operations. For example, the input operation reception unit 103 receives input operations to launch application software and display the workspace on the display unit 16 (see Figure 2). The input operation reception unit 103 also receives input operations to specify an electronic document and display its thumbnail image in the workspace, and, as the first input operation described above, input operations to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace. Here, "input operations to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document" include, for example, operations to overlay the cursor that moves in the workspace in conjunction with the user's mouse operation onto the thumbnail image of the electronic document (so-called mouseover operations), and operations to touch or click the thumbnail image of the electronic document.

[0032] Furthermore, the input operation receiving unit 103 accepts an input operation as the second input operation described above, which is to superimpose an image of a predetermined page of the first edition and an image of a predetermined page of the second edition onto the workspace and enlarge the display. Specifically, for example, the input operation receiving unit 103 accepts an input operation for any position in the area formed between a first character or symbol indicating a predetermined page of the first edition and a second character or symbol indicating a predetermined page of the second edition, which are displayed in the operation image. Specific examples of this input operation will be described later with reference to the specific examples shown in Figure 7 and subsequent figures.

[0033] Furthermore, the input operation reception unit 103 accepts a third input operation to overlay a preview image of a predetermined page from the first edition and a preview image of a predetermined page from the second edition (which is the preview image of the page from the previously opened edition) and display them enlarged in the workspace. The input operation reception unit 103 also accepts a fourth input operation to overlay a preview image of a predetermined page from the first edition and a preview image of a predetermined page from the second edition side by side in the workspace. A specific example of the third input operation will be described later with reference to Figure 9. A specific example of the fourth input operation will be described later with reference to Figure 12.

[0034] The display history acquisition unit 104 acquires display history information for electronic images whose thumbnail images are displayed in the workspace. Specifically, the display history acquisition unit 104 acquires display history information for electronic images whose thumbnail images are displayed in the workspace from the display history information of one or more electronic documents stored in the document DB 131 of the storage unit 13.

[0035] The version history acquisition unit 105 acquires version history information for electronic images whose thumbnail images are displayed in the workspace. Specifically, the version history acquisition unit 105 acquires version history information for electronic images whose thumbnail images are displayed in the workspace from the version history information of one or more electronic documents stored in the document DB 131 of the storage unit 13.

[0036] The image processing unit 106 performs processing to change the display manner of at least one of the images of a predetermined page of the first edition and an image of a predetermined page of the second edition, which are displayed enlarged and superimposed on the workspace. For example, the image processing unit 106 performs processing on at least one of the images of a predetermined page of the first edition and an image of a predetermined page of the second edition, such as making it obscured by increasing its transparency, making it clearer and obscured by varying the density of hatching, color-coding, changing the thickness of characters and shapes, and highlighting.

[0037] The transmission control unit 107 controls the transmission of various information to the management server 30 or an external source via the communication unit 14 (see Figure 2). For example, when the management server 30 controls the display unit 16 of the user terminal 10 to display the workspace and the thumbnail image of the electronic document to display in the workspace, the transmission control unit 107 controls the transmission of various input information received by the input operation reception unit 103 to the management server 30.

[0038] (Functional configuration of the control unit of the management server) Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the control unit of the management server 30 when the management server 30 controls the display unit 16 of the user terminal 10 to display the workspace. When the management server 30 performs these processes, the control unit of the management server 30 functions as follows: document management unit 301, display control unit 302, input information acquisition unit 303, image processing unit 304, and transmission control unit 305. Of these, the functions of the document management unit 301, display control unit 302, and image processing unit 304 are the same as the functions of the document management unit 101, display control unit 102, and image processing unit 106 in Figure 3, and therefore their explanation is omitted.

[0039] The input information acquisition unit 303 acquires various input information transmitted from the user terminal 10. For example, the input information acquisition unit 303 acquires input information entered in order to display thumbnail images of electronic documents stored and managed in the database in the storage unit of the management server 30 on the workspace.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the input information acquisition unit 303 acquires input information entered in order to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace. Also, for example, the input information acquisition unit 303 acquires input information entered in order to superimpose an image of a predetermined page of the first edition and an image of a predetermined page of the second edition and display them enlarged in the workspace. Furthermore, the input information acquisition unit 303 acquires input information entered in order to display a preview image of a predetermined page of the first edition and a preview image of a predetermined page of the second edition side by side and enlarged in the workspace.

[0041] The transmission control unit 305 controls the transmission of various information to the user terminal 10 or an external source via the communication unit. For example, the transmission control unit 305 controls the transmission of information (e.g., a thumbnail image) of an electronic document specified by the user's input operation from among one or more electronic documents stored and managed in the database stored in the storage unit, to the user terminal 10. The transmission control unit 305 also controls the transmission of preview images of one or more pages constituting the electronic document selected by the user's input operation, version by version, to the user terminal 10.

[0042] (Processing flow at the user terminal) Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the user terminal 10. In the example in Figure 5, it is assumed that the first version is the current version, and the second version is the version that was last displayed enlarged in the workspace. Also, the "predetermined page" is assumed to be the first page of the electronic document. The user terminal 10 stores and manages one or more electronic documents in a database (step 501). Specifically, the user terminal 10 stores and manages one or more electronic documents that can be displayed as thumbnail images in the workspace in the document DB 131 (see Figure 2) of the storage unit 13.

[0043] When an input operation to launch the application software is performed on the user terminal 10 (YES in step 502), the user terminal 10 accepts the input operation (step 503) and displays the workspace on the display unit 16 (see Figure 2) (step 504). Conversely, if no input operation to launch the application software is performed (NO in step 502), the user terminal 10 repeats step 502 until an input operation to launch the application software is performed.

[0044] When user terminal 10 receives an input operation to select an electronic document for which thumbnail images should be displayed in the workspace (YES in step 505), it accepts the input operation (step 506) and displays a thumbnail image of the selected electronic document in the workspace (step 507). Conversely, if no input operation to select an electronic document for which thumbnail images should be displayed in the workspace has been performed (NO in step 505), user terminal 10 repeats step 505 until an input operation to select an electronic document for which thumbnail images should be displayed in the workspace has been performed.

[0045] When the user terminal 10 receives an input operation to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace in step 507 (YES in step 508), it accepts the input operation (step 509) and retrieves the display history information and version history information of the selected electronic document from the database (step 510). Specifically, the user terminal 10 retrieves the display history information and version history information of the electronic image whose thumbnail image is displayed in the workspace from the display history information and version history information of one or more electronic documents stored in the document DB 131 of the storage unit 13. On the other hand, if the user terminal 10 has not received an input operation to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace (NO in step 508), the user terminal 10 repeats step 508 until an input operation to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace is received.

[0046] If user terminal 10 has a history of displaying an enlarged preview image of the first page of the selected electronic document in the workspace (YES in step 511), and the current version of the selected electronic document is the same as the version that was last displayed enlarged (YES in step 512), then the preview image of the first page of the current version of the electronic document is displayed enlarged in the workspace, and the operation image is not displayed (step 513). Also, if there is no history of displaying an enlarged preview image of the first page of the selected electronic document in the workspace (NO in step 511), then the preview image of the first page of the current version of the electronic document is displayed enlarged in the workspace, and the operation image is not displayed (step 513).

[0047] In contrast, if there is a history of displaying an enlarged preview image of the first page of the selected electronic document in the workspace (YES in step 511), but the current version of the selected electronic document is not the same as the version that was last displayed enlarged in the workspace (NO in step 512), then an image superimposed with the preview images of the first page of both the current version and the version that was last displayed enlarged in the workspace, along with the operation image, will be displayed enlarged in the workspace (step 514).

[0048] When the user terminal 10 is in a state where the preview image of the first page of the current version of the electronic document and the preview image of the first page of the electronic document from the previous version that was enlarged are superimposed and enlarged, if an input operation is made to enlarge the preview images of the first page of each electronic document from the current version and the version that was enlarged in the workspace side by side (YES in step 515), the user terminal 10 accepts the input operation (step 516) and enlarges the preview images of the first page of each electronic document from the current version and the version that was enlarged in the workspace side by side (step 517).

[0049] In contrast, if no input operation has been performed to display side-by-side and enlarged preview images of the first pages of each electronic document, both the current version and the version that was last enlarged in the workspace (the answer is NO in step 515), step 515 is repeated until an input operation is performed to display side-by-side and enlarged preview images of the first pages of each electronic document, both the current version and the version that was last enlarged in the workspace, or until an input operation is performed to close the enlarged preview images.

[0050] (Processing flow of the management server) Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the management server 30 when it controls the display unit 16 of the user terminal 10 to display the workspace. In the example in Figure 6, as in the example in Figure 5, it is assumed that the first version is the current version and the second version is the version that was displayed enlarged in the workspace last time. Also, the "predetermined page" is assumed to be the first page of the electronic document.

[0051] The management server 30 stores and manages one or more electronic documents in its database (step 601). When the management server 30 receives information entered by the user terminal 10 through user input operations to select an electronic document whose thumbnail image should be displayed in the workspace (YES in step 602), it acquires that input information (step 603) and controls the display of a thumbnail image of the electronic document identified by the acquired input information in the workspace (step 604). Conversely, if no input information for selecting an electronic document whose thumbnail image should be displayed in the workspace has been received (NO in step 602), the management server 30 repeats step 602 until input information for selecting an electronic document whose thumbnail image should be displayed in the workspace has been received.

[0052] When the management server 30 receives information entered by the user terminal 10 through user input operations to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace (YES in step 605), it acquires that input information (step 606) and retrieves the display history information and version history information of the electronic document identified by the input information from the database (step 607). On the other hand, if information entered to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace has not been sent (NO in step 605), the management server 30 repeats step 605 until information entered to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace is sent.

[0053] The management server 30 has a history of performing a control to enlarge the preview image of the first page of the selected electronic document in the workspace (YES in step 608), and if the current version of the selected electronic document is the same as the version that was last enlarged (YES in step 609), it performs a control to enlarge the preview image of the first page of the current version of the electronic document in the workspace and prevents the display of the operation image (step 610).

[0054] Furthermore, if there is no history of controlling the display of a preview image of the first page of the selected electronic document in the workspace (NO in step 608), the control is performed to enlarge the preview image of the first page of the current version of the electronic document in the workspace and to prevent the display of the operation image (step 610).

[0055] In response to this, if there is a history of controlling the display of a preview image of the first page of the selected electronic document in the workspace (YES in step 608), but the current version of the selected electronic document is not the same as the version that was last displayed in the workspace in a magnified view (NO in step 609), then the control is performed to display an image in the workspace that is a superimposed image of the preview images of the first page of both the current version and the version that was last displayed in the workspace in a magnified view, along with the operation image (step 611).

[0056] When the management server 30 is in a state where it has performed control to overlay and enlarge the preview image of the first page of the current version of the electronic document and the preview image of the first page of the electronic document from the previous version that was enlarged in the workspace, if it receives information to enlarge and display the preview images of the first pages of the current version and the previous version that was enlarged in the workspace side by side, it acquires that input information (step 613) and performs control to enlarge and display the preview images of the first pages of the current version and the previous version that was enlarged in the workspace side by side (step 614).

[0057] In contrast, if information has not been sent to display side-by-side and enlarged preview images of the first pages of each electronic document, both the current version and the version that was previously enlarged in the workspace (the answer is NO in step 612), step 612 is repeated until information has been sent to display side-by-side and enlarged preview images of the first pages of each electronic document, both the current version and the version that was previously enlarged in the workspace, or until information has been sent to close the enlarged preview images.

[0058] (Specific example) Figures 7 to 12 show specific examples of workspaces displayed on the display unit 16 of the user terminal 10. As described above, when the first input operation is performed to select a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed in the workspace, the image of a predetermined page from one or more pages that make up the electronic document, and an operation image that accepts the second input operation, are enlarged and displayed in the workspace so that their display size is larger than the thumbnail image of the electronic document. Figures 7 to 12 show specific examples of the enlarged page image and operation image displayed in the workspace. Hereafter, in the explanation of Figures 7 to 12, the enlarged page image and operation image displayed in the workspace will be referred to as "Quick View".

[0059] When a user interacts with an action image while Quick View is displayed, one or more past versions of the enlarged page are superimposed on the current version of the page and displayed sequentially. For example, Figure 7 shows the Quick View displayed by hovering the mouse over the thumbnail image D of an electronic document displayed in Workspace W, which includes a preview image G of the first page of the electronic document and an action image E.

[0060] Note that the text "Page 1" displayed in preview images G shown in Figures 7 through 12 simply indicates that it is page 1 and is not displayed on the actual page. In contrast, the texts "Version 3," "Version 4," and "Version 5" are all texts that appear on the actual page, and their positions on preview images G correspond to their positions on the actual page.

[0061] Operation image E is displayed only if there is a history of Quick View being displayed in the past and the current version is not the same as the version that was previously displayed as Quick View. Operation image E is also displayed in a way that allows the user to select from the version that was previously displayed as Quick View to the current version. In the example in Figure 7, the thumbnail image P5 of the current version (version 5) of the first page of the electronic document, the thumbnail image P4 of the previous version (version 4), and the thumbnail image P3 of the version two versions prior (version 3) are displayed in chronological order. In addition, information about the version (e.g., version number), information indicating the date and time or timing of saving (e.g., 1 day ago, 1 month ago, etc.), and information indicating the user who performed the input operation to save (e.g., "Hanako XX" as the user's name) are displayed in the vicinity of each of the thumbnail images P3 to P5.

[0062] Figure 7 shows an example of operation image E when the version previously displayed as Quick View was two versions prior (version 3). Therefore, operation image E displays thumbnail images of versions from two versions prior (version 3) to the current version (version 5). Operation image E has a linear seek bar R. Also, a button B1 with an arrow symbol is placed superimposed on the seek bar R. Button B1 is a button that accepts a second input operation from the user. Button B1 points to the thumbnail image of the version currently displayed as Quick View. In the example in Figure 7, since button B1 points to the current version (version 5), only the preview image G of the current version (version 5) is displayed as Quick View.

[0063] If you have not previously displayed Quick View and are displaying it for the first time, the Quick View will be displayed with button B1 pointing to the current version (version 5). The spacing between the thumbnail images representing each version displayed in operation image E is automatically adjusted according to the time interval between the saved electronic documents. Therefore, the spacing between the thumbnail images representing each version may or may not be equal.

[0064] Figure 8 shows a specific example of operations on the seek bar R. The user can specify which version to display as a quick view by using touch or mouse operations to pinpoint button B1 on the seek bar R to any position, or by sliding it up or down. In the example in Figure 7 above, the current version (version 5) was specified, but in the example in Figure 8, button B1 points to the area between the two versions. Specifically, button B1 points to the area closer to the previous version (version 4) within the area between the previous version (version 4) and the version two versions prior (version 3).

[0065] In this case, the quick view displays the preview image G of the previous version (version 4) and the preview image G of the version two versions prior (version 3) superimposed on each other. At this time, the preview image G of the version two versions prior (version 3) is displayed more transparently and fainter than the preview image G of the version one version prior (version 4). This is because the transparency of the page images is controlled so that the color intensity of the page images changes depending on the position of button B1.

[0066] Specifically, the transparency of preview image G is controlled so that the preview image G for the version closer to button B1 is displayed more darkly, and the preview image G for the version further away from button B1 is displayed more lightly. In the example in Figure 8, button B1 points to an area closer to the version before that (version 4) than to the version two versions before that (version 3). Therefore, the preview image G for version two versions before that (version 3) is displayed lighter than the preview image G for version one version before that (version 4), which is closer to button B1. In this case, for example, the transparency of version one version before that (version 4) is controlled to be 20%, and the transparency of version two versions before that (version 3) is controlled to be 80%.

[0067] Although not shown in the diagram, if button B1 is moved to a position that points to the midpoint between the previous version (version 4) and the version before that (version 3), the transparency of the preview images G for each of the two versions will be controlled so that their respective color saturation levels are the same. Specifically, the transparency of both the previous version (version 4) and the version before that (version 3) will be controlled to 50%. In this way, the user can continuously change the transparency of the two versions displayed as quick views by sliding button B1 on the seek bar R up and down.

[0068] In this way, users can easily grasp the differences between the previous version (version 4) and the version before that (version 4) simply by looking at the compact quick view displayed in workspace W. Furthermore, the position of button B1 and the contrast of the overlaid text allow users to quickly identify the version for each text displayed in preview image G.

[0069] Figure 9 shows a specific example of comparing the current version with the version that was displayed as a quick view last time. If the user wants to compare only the current version with the version that was displayed as a quick view last time, without considering intermediate versions, they perform the following operation as the third input operation. Specifically, the user checks the checkbox C1 labeled "Compare with last viewed version" located at the top of the operation image E shown in the example in Figure 9.

[0070] When checkbox C1 is checked, the display mode of the seek bar R changes to one that only allows comparison between the current version and the version that was previously displayed as a quick view. Figure 9 shows an example of how the display mode of the seek bar R changes when the version that was previously displayed as a quick view is the version two versions prior (version 3).

[0071] In other words, between the current version (version 5) and the version that was previously displayed as a quick view (version 3), there is actually a previous version (version 4). However, because the checkbox C1 was checked, the operation image E displays the current version (version 5) and the version two versions prior (version 3), but the version one version prior (version 4) is not displayed. Note that in the example in Figure 9, button B1 is located at a position that points to the area exactly midway between the current version (version 5) and the version two versions prior (version 3), so the transparency of the images of both versions is controlled to 50%.

[0072] Figure 10 shows a specific example of comparing the current version with an earlier version than the one previously displayed in Quick View. In the example above, the version from the last time Quick View was displayed up to the current version is shown in Operation Image E. If the user wants to compare the current version with an even older version, they can, for example, press button B11, which is labeled "Show older versions," as shown at the bottom of Operation Image E in Figure 10.

[0073] When button B11 is pressed, older versions that were not initially displayed in the operation image E are displayed in the operation image E. Specifically, for example, one or more newer versions from the past versions not displayed in the operation image E are added to the operation image E. In this case, all versions from the first edition (version 1) to the current edition may be displayed in the operation image E. Although not shown in the illustration, the versions displayed in the operation image E may also be set in advance for each user. In this case, for example, it may be set in advance so that all versions (from the first edition to the current edition) are always displayed in the operation image E.

[0074] Figure 11 shows a specific example of how operation image E is displayed when there are many versions to display. When the version from the last time it was displayed as a quick view to the current version is shown in operation image E, a space problem may occur if there are many versions to display. In this case, for example, the thumbnail images of each version displayed in operation image E may be automatically resized so that the entire image is displayed. Alternatively, operation image E may not display thumbnail images at all, and only text information may be displayed.

[0075] The text information displayed on the operation image E may include, for example, text information about the version (e.g., version number), text information indicating the date and time of saving (e.g., 1 day ago, 1 month ago, etc.), and text information indicating the user who performed the input operation to save (e.g., user's name), as shown in Figure 11. In this case, a thumbnail image (in the example in Figure 11, thumbnail image P10) may be displayed when the mouse hovers over the text information.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, for example, a button B21 with the text "Show other versions" may be automatically displayed in the area between versions. In this case, when button B21 is pressed, thumbnail images of each version may be automatically reduced in size and displayed, or only the text information may be automatically displayed. Although not shown in the illustration, a vertical scroll bar may also be provided separately within the operation image E so that all versions can be viewed by scrolling. In this case, when operating button B1, the display area may also be automatically scrolled out of the display area.

[0077] Alternatively, for example, the version to be displayed in the operation image E can be pre-configured, and versions that are excluded from display can be automatically hidden. Specifically, for example, if the version previously displayed as a quick view was eight versions prior, the version to be displayed in the operation image E can be pre-configured as "the current version up to four versions prior," and versions from five to eight versions prior can be displayed by pressing a button like button B21 in Figure 11.

[0078] Figure 12 shows a specific example of displaying two versions side by side. In the example above, the two versions are displayed superimposed as a quick view, but they can also be displayed side-by-side. In the example in Figure 12, the previous version (version 4) and the version two versions prior (version 3) are displayed side-by-side. To display the two versions side-by-side, the user can perform a fourth input operation, such as checking the checkbox C11 labeled "Display versions side-by-side," as shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, the user can perform a mouseover operation on the seek bar R to display the two versions superimposed as a quick view, and a click operation to display the two versions side-by-side as a quick view.

[0079] Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in this embodiment. For example, the configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 and the hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 shown in Figure 2 are merely examples for achieving the objectives of the present invention and are not particularly limited. Similarly, the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 shown in Figure 3 and the functional configuration of the management server 30 shown in Figure 4 are also merely examples and are not particularly limited. It is sufficient that the information processing system 1 in Figure 1 is equipped with a function that can execute the above-described process as a whole, and the functional configuration used to realize this function is not limited to the examples in Figures 3 and 4.

[0080] Furthermore, the order of the processing steps of the user terminal 10 shown in Figure 5 and the processing steps of the management server 30 shown in Figure 6 are merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. Processing is not limited to being performed chronologically according to the illustrated steps; it may also be performed in parallel or individually. Similarly, the specific examples shown in Figures 7 to 12 are merely examples and not particularly limiting.

[0081] For example, the operation image E shown in Figures 7 to 12 does not necessarily need to have a linear seek bar R. For instance, only the thumbnail images and text information of each version could be arranged in chronological order, and simply hovering the mouse over any position in the area of ​​the operation image E would display a quick view of one or two preview images G of versions located near that position.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, in the operation images E shown in Figures 7 to 12, the spacing between thumbnail images, etc., is automatically adjusted according to the time interval between the saved electronic documents. However, the thumbnail images, etc., may be displayed in chronological order to fit the space of operation image E without any adjustment of the spacing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1...Information processing system, 10...User terminal, 11...Control unit, 30...Management server, 90...Network, 101...Document management unit, 102...Display control unit, 103...Input operation reception unit, 104...Display history acquisition unit, 105...Version history acquisition unit, 106...Image processing unit, 107...Transmission control unit, 301...Document management unit, 302...Display control unit, 303...Input information acquisition unit, 304...Image processing unit, 305...Transmission control unit

Claims

1. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The system accepts a first input operation from the user regarding the thumbnail image of the electronic document displayed on the display unit. Control to enlarge and display on the display unit an image of a predetermined page from one or more pages constituting the electronic document, and an operation unit that accepts a second input operation to display the image of the page for each version, so that the display size is larger than the thumbnail image, Control to display in the aforementioned operation image a first character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the first edition, and a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition, which is older than the first edition and was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit; Control for displaying an input button for selecting whether to display on the operation image the nth character or symbol that indicates the predetermined page of the nth edition (where n is an integer value of 3 or more) that exists between the first edition and the second edition, The device is characterized by performing a control operation in response to the second input operation on the operation image, which involves superimposing the image of the predetermined page of the first edition with the image of the predetermined page of the second edition or the nth edition, and enlarging and displaying it on the display unit. Information processing system.

2. The aforementioned processor, As the first input operation, the system accepts an operation to select the thumbnail image. The control is characterized by superimposing the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version onto the display unit and displaying them enlarged in response to the second input operation on the operation image. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The processor is characterized in that, as an operation to select the thumbnail image, it accepts an operation to superimpose a cursor, which moves in conjunction with the user's input operation, onto the thumbnail image. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The processor is characterized in that, when the version of the electronic document opened by the user's input operation is different from the version that was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit, it performs control to enlarge the operation image on the display unit. The information processing system according to claim 2.

5. The processor is characterized in that it controls the display not to display the operation image on the display unit if the version of the electronic document enlarged on the display unit by the user's input operation is the same as the version that was enlarged on the display unit last time, or if the electronic document has never been enlarged on the display unit by the input operation. The information processing system according to claim 2.

6. The processor is characterized by performing control to superimpose the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version onto the display unit and enlarge them in a manner that allows the differences to be identified. The information processing system according to claim 2.

7. The processor is characterized in that, in a manner that allows for the identification of the difference, it controls the display unit to enlarge and display the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version, respectively. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned processor, The second input operation is received for any position in the region formed between a first character or symbol indicating a predetermined page of the first edition, as displayed in the operation image, and a second character or symbol indicating the same predetermined page of the second edition. The display mode is changed according to the position where the second input operation is performed. The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned processor, The position where the second input operation was performed is As the viewer approaches the first character or symbol, the display mode of the preview image of the predetermined page in the first version is made clearer, and the display mode of the preview image of the predetermined page in the second version is made unclear. The display mode of the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version is made clearer as the viewer approaches the second character or symbol, while the display mode of the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version is made unclear. The information processing system according to claim 8.

10. The processor is characterized by clarifying the display by lowering the transparency of the preview image of the predetermined page in the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page in the second version, and obscuring the display by increasing the transparency. The information processing system according to claim 9.

11. The region displays a linear symbol positioned between the first character or symbol and the second character or symbol, and the second input operation is performed at any position of the linear symbol. The information processing system according to claim 9.

12. The symbol of the linear shape is displayed in such a manner that a symbol indicating the position is movable along the symbol of the linear shape, and the second input operation is an operation to move the symbol indicating the position. The information processing system according to claim 11.

13. The processor is characterized by performing control to overlay and enlarge the preview image of the page in the current version as the preview image of the predetermined page in the first version, and the preview image of the page in the version that was last opened by the user's input operation as the preview image of the predetermined page in the second version, and display them on the display unit. The information processing system according to claim 2.

14. The processor is characterized in that, when the user performs a third input operation, it performs control to enlarge and display on the display unit the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version, superimposed with the preview image of the page of the version that was opened last time by the user's input operation. The information processing system according to claim 13.

15. When the operation image displays the second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition, in addition to the n character or symbol, The display positions of the first character or symbol, the second character or symbol, and the nth character or symbol are determined based on the length of the time interval between the date and time when the first version was added, the date and time when the second version was added, and the date and time when the nth version was added. The information processing system according to claim 8.

16. The type, display position, and size of the first character or symbol, the second character or symbol, and the n character or symbol are determined based on at least one piece of information: the length of the time interval, the value of n, and the width of the operation image. The information processing system according to claim 15.

17. The processor is characterized in that, in response to a fourth input operation by the user, it performs control to enlarge and display on the display unit the preview image of the predetermined page of the first version and the preview image of the predetermined page of the second version side by side. The information processing system according to claim 2.

18. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The system acquires input information of a first input operation performed by the user on a thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed on the display unit of another information processing device operated by the user. Control to enlarge and display on the display unit an image of a predetermined page from one or more pages constituting the electronic document, and an operation unit that accepts a second input operation to display the image of the page for each version, so that the display size is larger than the thumbnail image, Control to display in the aforementioned operation image a first character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the first edition, and a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition, which is older than the first edition and was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit; Control for displaying an input button for selecting whether to display on the operation image the nth character or symbol that indicates the predetermined page of the nth edition (where n is an integer value of 3 or more) that exists between the first edition and the second edition, The device is characterized by performing a control operation in response to the second input operation on the operation image, which involves superimposing the image of the predetermined page of the first edition with the image of the predetermined page of the second edition or the nth edition, and enlarging and displaying it on the display unit. Information processing device.

19. Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, Control is performed to display thumbnail images of electronic documents on the display unit. The system receives a first input operation from the user regarding the thumbnail image and performs control to transmit the input information to another information processing device. Control to enlarge and display on the display unit, in accordance with the processing of the other information processing device based on the input information, an operation unit that includes at least an image of a predetermined page among one or more pages constituting the electronic document, and an operation image that accepts a second input operation to display the image of the page for each version, so that the display size is larger than the thumbnail image, Control to display in the aforementioned operation image a first character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the first edition, and a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition, which is older than the first edition and was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit; Control for displaying an input button for selecting whether to display on the operation image the nth character or symbol that indicates the predetermined page of the nth edition (where n is an integer value of 3 or more) that exists between the first edition and the second edition, The device is characterized by performing a control operation in response to the second input operation on the operation image, which involves superimposing the image of the predetermined page of the first edition with the image of the predetermined page of the second edition or the nth edition, and enlarging and displaying it on the display unit. Information processing device.

20. On the computer, A function that accepts a first input operation from the user for the thumbnail image of an electronic document displayed on the display unit, Control to enlarge and display on the display unit an image of a predetermined page from one or more pages constituting the electronic document, and an operation unit that accepts a second input operation to display the image of the page for each version, so that the display size is larger than the thumbnail image, Control to display in the aforementioned operation image a first character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the first edition, and a second character or symbol indicating the predetermined page of the second edition, which is older than the first edition and was previously displayed enlarged on the display unit; Control for displaying an input button for selecting whether to display on the operation image the nth character or symbol that indicates the predetermined page of the nth edition (where n is an integer value of 3 or more) that exists between the first edition and the second edition, A function that, in response to the second input operation on the operation image, performs control to superimpose the image of the predetermined page of the first edition and the image of the predetermined page of the second edition or the nth edition onto the display unit and enlarge them for display. A program to achieve this.

Images