Information analysis method, information analysis server, and electronic information management system

Abstract

To improve efficiency of business processing by presenting files used for each process that makes up the business.SOLUTION: An information analysis server has a processor and a memory, and analyzes files used on a business terminal connected via a network. The information analysis server includes: a first step of obtaining the files used in a plurality of processes constituting business for each process to store the process, the file, and a location of the file in process document information associating with each other; a second step of analyzing words included in the files to generate a relational link by treating files with similar words as related files; and a third step of storing the file used in each process, the location of the file, and the relational link in meta information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system for supporting the efficiency of operations.

Background Art

[0002] In order to improve the efficiency of operations, a technique for automatically constructing an operation flow is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for detecting irrelevant events that occur independently of operation events and excluding them from the operation flow when collecting operation events and automatically constructing an operation flow.

[0003] Also, as a technique for analyzing data used in operations, text mining is known. For example, Patent Document 2 describes classifying two or more words or attribute values extracted from analysis target text and displaying them in a list, and when a word or attribute value is specified by a user, performing narrowing down in conjunction with the specified word or attribute value and performing list display.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In promoting operations, although there are many files, information, drawings, etc. used in operations, since they are scattered in various folders and systems, when they are needed in operations, they may be searched for but not found, or even if the materials exist, they may not be used.

[0006] There is a need to automatically structure existing files and information, and to provide the appropriate files and information as work progresses.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to improve the efficiency of business processing by presenting information such as files used in each process that constitutes the business, and documents and data belonging to the system used for the business. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to an information analysis method for which an information analysis server having a processor and memory analyzes files used by business terminals connected via a network, comprising: a first step in which the information analysis server acquires the files used in a plurality of processes constituting a business for each process, associates the process, the files, and the location of the files, and stores them in process document information; a second step in which the information analysis server analyzes the words contained in the files and generates relational links as related files for files with similar words; and a third step in which the information analysis server stores the files used in each process, the location of the files, and the relational links in metadata. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Therefore, since the present invention provides information such as files required for each process that constitutes a task, it is possible to improve the efficiency of work by reducing the effort required to search for files, etc. Furthermore, by sharing this information within or between departments, it is possible to expedite the sharing of information regarding work. In addition, other employees can refer to the work knowledge of experienced personnel, thereby facilitating the transfer of skills.

[0010] Details of at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects and effects of the subject matter disclosed are made apparent by the following disclosures, drawings and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1A] This shows Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a block diagram of an electronic information management system. [Figure 1B] This shows Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is a block diagram of a business system. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of the present invention, outlining the processes performed in the electronic information management system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the recording process for a business workflow, illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a business process document table illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is the first half of a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing performed in an electronic information management system, representing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an intermediate section of a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing performed in an electronic information management system, representing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is the latter half of a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing performed in an electronic information management system, representing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a frequently occurring word list, illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a file relationship table, illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a metadata table illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This diagram shows an embodiment 1 of the present invention, illustrating the relationship between business processes, procedures, and file metadata. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of metadata, illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a support screen for business workflows, illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a support screen for business workflows using a frequently occurring word list and a word correlation diagram, illustrating Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

Examples

[0013] FIG. 1A shows Example 1 of the present invention and is a block diagram of an electronic information management system 1. The electronic information management system 1 of the present embodiment manages operations for each process, records the content of the operation processing performed on the operation terminal 8, analyzes the files (data or documents) used in each process and the location of the files, and presents the files required in each process. Note that in the present embodiment, not only document files stored in folders but also various information stored in systems such as control devices that control manufacturing equipment, lists of abnormalities and alarms in past operations, trend graphs, and equipment management systems and manufacturing execution systems are also part of the "files".

[0014] <System Configuration> The electronic information management system 1 includes an operation terminal 8 that performs operations, file servers 7-1 to 7-n that store files used in the operations, an operation system 90 used in the operations, an information analysis and storage server 2 that analyzes information such as files and data used for each process to generate meta-information and presents the data used in each process from the meta-information, and a network 9 that connects each device.

[0015] <( When not specifically identifying each file server, the symbol "7" with the part after "-" omitted is used. The same applies to the symbols of other components. Also, the device that stores the files used in the operations is not limited to the file server 7 and may be a storage device such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage). The files used in each operation do not necessarily have to exist in a folder under the same directory and may be scattered in various folders.

[0016] The information analysis and storage server 2 is a computer that includes a processor 21, memory 22, storage device 23, and network interface 24. The memory 22 is loaded with programs: a business record unit 3, a document analysis unit 4, a file relationship extraction unit 5, a directory analysis unit 6, and a business flow presentation unit 40, which are then executed by the processor 21.

[0017] The processor 21 operates as a functional unit that provides predetermined functions by processing according to the programs of each functional unit. For example, the processor 21 functions as a document analysis unit 4 by processing according to a document analysis program. The same applies to other programs. Furthermore, the processor 21 also operates as a functional unit that provides the functions of each of the multiple processes executed by each program. A computer and a computer system are devices and systems that include these functional units.

[0018] The business record unit 3 acquires the details of the business processes performed by the business terminal 8 and the files used in each process, and records them in the business process document table 31. The business record unit 3 acquires the processes that make up the business and records the files used by the business terminal 8 for each process. The files can include data and documents used by the business terminal 8, as well as accessed tables and URLs. Details of the business process document table 31 will be described later. In addition, the person engaged in the business (operator) can pre-determine and register the name of the business to be recorded in the business process document table 31.

[0019] Furthermore, the business record unit 3 extracts metadata for each business, process, and file based on the output of the document analysis unit 4 and stores it in the metadata table 34.

[0020] The document analysis unit 4 extracts words from the files and systems used in each process, calculates the frequency of word occurrences, and generates a list of frequently occurring words 32. The document analysis unit 4 may use, for example, well-known or publicly available techniques such as morphological analysis.

[0021] The file relationship extraction unit 5 extracts files that are related to the files used in each process and other files, and generates a file relationship table 33.

[0022] The directory analysis unit 6 analyzes the location of files used in business operations and reflects the location in the business process document table 31. The file location can be composed of a file path, etc.

[0023] The business flow presentation unit 40 extracts the business flow from the business process document table 31 and the metadata table 34, outputs the files to be used for each process that makes up the business, and related files, thereby supporting the business processing performed by the user of the business terminal 8.

[0024] The storage device 23 stores the business process document table 31, the frequently used word list 32, the file relationship table 33, the metadata table 34, and the dictionary 35. Details of each piece of information will be described later.

[0025] The file server 7 is a computer that provides files to the business terminal 8. In this embodiment, the file server 7 stores files in a directory structure. For example, it sets up multiple folders B to N under folder A, and stores files in folders B to N.

[0026] In this embodiment, we will show an example in which the business terminal 8 accesses files on the file server 7 and performs business operations using data from the business system 90. Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of the business system 90. The business system 90 includes one or more business systems #1 (910-1) and business system #2 (910-2).

[0027] Business system #1 (910-1) provides database #1 (920-1) and list #1 (930-1), and business system #2 (910-2) provides database #2 (920-2) and list #2 (930-2).

[0028] <Data> Next, we will describe the files used by the information analysis and storage server 2. Figure 4 shows an example of the business process document table 31. The business process document table 31 is generated by the business record unit 3 and the directory analysis unit 6.

[0029] The business process document table 31 includes a business identifier 311, a process identifier 312, a file identifier 313, a file name 314, and a directory 315 in a single entry.

[0030] The business identifier 311 stores an identifier that identifies a business. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the business recording unit 3 assigns the business identifier 311. The process identifier 312 stores an identifier that identifies a process. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the business recording unit 3 assigns the process identifier 312.

[0031] The file identifier 313 stores the file identifier assigned by the directory analysis unit 6. The file identifier 313 is a unique value within the electronic information management system 1 and identifies files stored in different file servers 7 or different folders with the same file name. The file identifier 313 can consist of identifiers that identify files or data, and can be structured identifiers such as tool name / company name / plant name / business name / process name / file name, separated by slashes from a broad perspective to increasingly detailed content.

[0032] File name 314 stores the name assigned to the file. Directory 315 stores the file server, folder, or URL where the file is stored.

[0033] Figure 8 shows an example of a frequently occurring word list 32. The frequently occurring word list 32 is generated for each file by the document analysis unit 4. The frequently occurring word list 32 includes the rank 321, extracted word 322, part of speech / conjugation 323, and frequency 324 in a single entry.

[0034] Rank 321 stores the ranking of the word's frequency of appearance. Extracted word 322 stores the word extracted from the file by the document analysis unit 4. Part of speech / conjugation 323 stores the part of speech or conjugation determined by the document analysis unit 4. Frequency 324 stores the frequency of the extracted word's appearance within the file.

[0035] The frequently occurring word list 32 can present words that represent the characteristics of a file by sorting the words contained in the file being analyzed in order of their frequency of appearance. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the relationships between files are compared using words that rank among the top (for example, 30th) in terms of frequency of appearance.

[0036] Figure 9 shows an example of a file relationship table 33. The file relationship table 33 is generated for each file by the file relationship extraction unit 5. The file relationship table 33 stores the relationship between two files using file identifiers in the direction of columns 331 and file identifiers in the direction of rows 332.

[0037] The relationship between two files includes relationship links, the degree of matching tasks, the degree of matching processes, and the file similarity. Relationship links are determined according to rules established by the values ​​of the degree of matching tasks, the degree of matching processes, and the similarity, as an example. A circle is set if there is a relationship between the two files, and an "X" is set if there is no relationship.

[0038] The degree of business consistency is set to "Match" if the two files are used for the same business, and to "Mismatch" otherwise. The degree of process consistency is set to "Match" if the two files are used for the same process, and to "Mismatch" otherwise.

[0039] In this embodiment, file similarity is indicated, for example, by the degree of agreement (ratio) of words up to a predetermined top position (e.g., 30th position) in terms of frequency of occurrence between two files. In addition to the degree of word agreement, the semantic similarity of the words may also be taken into account when calculating and comparing the word similarity between the two files. Software such as Word2Vec can be used to calculate word similarity.

[0040] One example of how the file relationship extraction unit 5 determines whether a relationship exists is if it satisfies pre-set conditions. For example, if the tasks of two files "match" and the similarity exceeds a predetermined first threshold Th1 (14%), it can determine that they are related. Even if the processes "do not match," if the similarity exceeds a predetermined second threshold Th2 (49%), the two files can be determined to be related. The relationship is that the first threshold Th1 < the second threshold Th2.

[0041] This allows for the automatic extraction of files that can be used across different processes, even if the processes used do not match, by setting up related links, provided that the degree of matching of the most frequently occurring words in the file exceeds the second threshold Th2.

[0042] Figure 10 shows an example of a metadata table 34. The metadata table 34 includes a business ID 341, a process ID 342, a file ID 343, a directory 344, a list of frequently used words 345, and a related link 346 in a single entry.

[0043] The task ID 341 stores an identifier that identifies the task. Task ID 341 corresponds to task identifier 311 in the task process document table 31. The process ID 342 stores an identifier that identifies the process. Process ID 342 corresponds to process identifier 312 in the task process document table 31. Note that task identifier 311 and process identifier 312 may also be displayed separated by a slash, such as task1 / process1.

[0044] File ID 343 stores an identifier that identifies the file. File ID 343 corresponds to file identifier 313 in the business process document table 31. Directory 344 stores the location of the file. Directory 344 corresponds to directory 315 in the business process document table 31.

[0045] The frequent word list 345 stores the extracted words 322, which are the top 30 words (for example, the top 30 words) in terms of frequency of appearance from the frequent word list 32 generated for each file. The relationship link 346 stores pairs of files, processes, and tasks that have relationship links from the file relationship table 33.

[0046] Metadata table 34 can store metadata for business processes, processes, and files. In the first row of the diagram, "Business 1," the process ID 342 and file ID 343 are blank, indicating that this represents the metadata for "Business 1." Metadata for each business unit consists of a list of frequently used words 345 and related links 346.

[0047] In the second row of the diagram, "Process 1" shows the metadata for "Process 1" because file ID 343 is blank and task ID 341 is "Task 1". The metadata for each process consists of task ID 341, a list of frequently occurring words 345, and related links 346.

[0048] In the third row of the diagram, "File 1" shows the metadata for "File 1" because the business ID 341 and process ID 342 are set as values ​​in file ID 343. File-specific metadata consists of business ID 341, process ID 342, file ID 343, directory 344, frequently used word list 345, and related links 346. Since files may be used in common by different processes or different business processes, business ID 341 and process ID 342 may be set multiple times.

[0049] Figure 11 shows the relationship between metadata for business processes and files. In Figure 11, the relationship between business process metadata 3400-1 for business processes, metadata for process 1 3410-1 to process m 3410-m for process processes, and metadata for file 11 3420-11 to file mn 3420-mn for file processes.

[0050] Metadata 3410-1 for process 1 is information compiled (or combined) from the metadata 3420-11 for file 11 to 1n for file 1n used in process 1. The same applies to the metadata 3410-2 to 3410-m for processes 2 to m. Metadata 3400-1 for business A is information compiled (or combined) from the metadata 3410-1 for process 1 to the metadata 3410-m for process m.

[0051] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the contents of metadata for business processes and files. In Figure 12, the contents of metadata 3400-1 for business A, metadata 3410-1 for process 1, and metadata 3420-11 to 3420-n for file 1n are shown.

[0052] <Process Overview> Figure 2 is a flowchart outlining the processes performed in the electronic information management system 1. These processes are executed when tasks are added or modified, or at predetermined intervals such as periodically. First, when an administrator or other person operating the business terminal 8 instructs the start of recording the business flow, the business recording unit 3 of the information analysis and storage server 2 monitors the processes performed in the business terminal 8 and records the files used in the business process document table 31 for each step of the business process (S1).

[0053] Furthermore, the name or identifier of the task can be pre-configured by the administrator, etc., from the task terminal 8 to the information analysis and storage server 2, as shown in Figure 3 (S10), and the name or identifier of the process can also be pre-configured by the administrator, etc., from the task terminal 8 to the information analysis and storage server 2.

[0054] The operator performing the task then accesses the file by specifying the process from the work terminal 8, and the work recording unit 3 obtains the file name 314 and directory 315 used by the work terminal 8 (S11 in Figure 3) and records them in the work process document table 31 for each process of the task (S12 in Figure 3). Alternatively, the identification of the task and each process and the recording in the work process document table 31 may be performed automatically using an automated business flow generation tool such as the conventional example described above.

[0055] When the operator completes their task, the administrator or other person operating the work terminal 8 instructs the system to stop recording the work flow. The work recording unit 3 of the information analysis and storage server 2 instructs the directory analysis unit 6 to read files for the task to be analyzed. The directory analysis unit 6 refers to the work process document table 31 for the task to be analyzed and reads files for each process specified by each process identifier 312 (S2).

[0056] Once the directory analysis unit 6 has finished reading the files, the document analysis unit 4 of the information analysis storage server 2 analyzes each file using the dictionary 35 and extracts words (S3). Next, the document analysis unit 4 calculates the frequency of occurrence of the extracted words and generates a list of frequently occurring words 32 for each file (S4).

[0057] The document analysis unit 4 uses the file relationship extraction unit 5 to compare the list of frequently occurring words 32 of files used in each process of the business being analyzed, calculate the similarity between files (S5), and determine the presence or absence of relationship links based on the degree of agreement between the business and processes and the similarity of the files, thereby generating a file relationship table 33 (S6).

[0058] Once the generation of the file relationship table 33 is complete, the business record unit 3 generates a business process document table 31 as a business flow, a frequently used word list 32, and a metadata table 34 from the file relationship table 33 (S7).

[0059] Based on the business process document table 31 and metadata table 34 generated by the above processing, the information analysis and storage server 2 can inform the operator performing the work on the business terminal 8 which file to use for each process and where the file is located.

[0060] Furthermore, the metadata table 34 can present related files as related links for each process. Files with related links can be automatically presented as highly valuable files by assigning related links if their similarity based on word frequency exceeds the second threshold Th2, even if they were not used in the same process in the business process document table 31.

[0061] In this way, the information analysis and storage server 2 improves business efficiency by automatically providing files used in each process and files of high utility value by presenting the metadata table 34 in combination with the business flow.

[0062] <Processing details> Figures 5 to 7 are flowcharts detailing the processes performed in the electronic information management system 1. This process is initiated based on instructions from the administrator of the electronic information management system 1. The administrator operating the business terminal 8 instructs the business record unit 3 of the information analysis and storage server 2 to provide a definition of the business, consisting of the business name or business identifier, the process name or process identifier, etc. (S21). The business record unit 3 records the business definition received from the business terminal 8 as business information in the business process document table 31 of the storage device 23 (S22).

[0063] Next, an administrator or other person issues a command to start recording the work from the work terminal 8 (S23). The work recording unit 3 records the contents of the processing performed by the operator on the work terminal 8 (S26) (S24), and records the file information for each process into the work process document table 31 in the storage device 23 (S25). The work recording unit 3 can also store logs of the processing performed by the work terminal 8 in the storage device 23.

[0064] The business record unit 3 constructs the business flow by recording the files used for each process in the business process document table 31 (S27). When the file server 7 receives an access request from the business terminal 8 (S28), it outputs the specified file (S29). The business record unit 3 monitors the processing of the business terminal 8 and records the file name and directory of the access request in the business process document table 31 (S30).

[0065] When the work on the work terminal 8 is completed (S31), the work recording unit 3 stops recording the processing performed on the work terminal 8 (S32). As mentioned above, the administrator or other person may explicitly instruct the work recording unit 3 to stop recording when the work is completed.

[0066] The business record unit 3 reads the files used in the business to be analyzed using the directory analysis unit 6 and instructs the document analysis unit 4 to analyze the documents in the read files (S33). The document analysis unit 4 analyzes each file using the dictionary 35 to extract words, calculates the frequency of occurrence of the extracted words in the file, and generates a list of frequently occurring words 32 for each file (S34).

[0067] Next, the document analysis unit 4 refers to the dictionary 35 (S35) and outputs any words among the extracted words that are not included in the dictionary 35 as new words (S36). When the business record unit 3 receives output of new words from the document analysis unit 4, it queries the business terminal 8 whether or not to register the new words in the dictionary 35 (S37).

[0068] On the business terminal 8, the administrator or other person determines whether or not to register the new word (S38) and issues a command to register the new word in the dictionary 35 (S39).

[0069] Next, in step S40 of Figure 6, the business record unit 3 queries the business terminal 8 to determine whether the business identifier 311 and process identifier 312 in the business process document table 31 that was generated are appropriate. The business terminal 8 allows the administrator or other personnel to refer to the business process document table 31 and, if appropriate, determine the business identifier 311 and process identifier 312 (S41, S42), and record them in the business process document table 31 on the storage device 23 (S43). If they are not appropriate, the administrator or other personnel record the corrections in the business process document table 31.

[0070] The business record unit 3 uses the directory analysis unit 6 to query the file server 7 for the file name 314 and directory 315 of the business process document table 31 (S44). The business record unit 3 records the directory query results in the business process document table 31 of the storage device 23 (S45, S46).

[0071] Next, the business record unit 3 collects business identifiers 311 and process identifiers 312 from the business process document table 31, generates a terminology list (not shown), and temporarily records it in the storage device 23 (S45, S46).

[0072] The business record unit 3 has the generated terminology list analyzed by the document analysis unit 4 (S48) to extract identifiers for comparing the relationships between files in the business process document table 31. Next, the document analysis unit 4 reads the extracted identifiers and the frequently occurring word list 32 to evaluate the relationships between files in the business process document table 31 (S49). The document analysis unit 4 calculates the degree of similarity for each file based on the degree of matching of the business, the degree of matching of the process, and the degree of matching of the frequently occurring word list 32, and evaluates the presence or absence of relationship links on a file pair basis as described above (S50).

[0073] The document analysis unit 4 notifies the business record unit 3 of the evaluation results, and the business record unit 3 instructs the file relationship extraction unit 5 to generate a file relationship table 33 based on the evaluation results (S51). The file relationship extraction unit 5 obtains the evaluation results from the document analysis unit 4 and generates the file relationship table 33.

[0074] Next, in step S52 of Figure 7, the business record unit 3 causes the directory analysis unit 6 to generate a file identifier 313, and then queries the business terminal 8 to confirm whether the file identifier 313 for each file is appropriate. The administrator or other person checks the file name 314, directory 315, and file identifier 313 in the business process document table 31 and determines whether the file identifier 313 has been assigned appropriately (S53).

[0075] If the file identifier 313 is appropriate, the administrator or other relevant personnel will notify the business terminal 8 of a command to determine the file identifier 313 (S54), and the business record unit 3 will record the file identifier 313 in the business process document table 31 (S55). If it is not appropriate, the administrator or other relevant personnel will record the correction details in the business process document table 31.

[0076] The business record unit 3 reads the business identifier 311, the process identifier 312, the file identifier 313, the frequently used word list 32, and the directory 315, generates file-level metadata as shown in Figure 12, and records it in the metadata table 34 (S56).

[0077] The business record unit 3 reads the business identifier 311, the process identifier 312, and the metadata for each file within the same process, aggregates (or combines) them to generate process-level metadata as shown in Figure 12, and records it in the metadata table 34 (S57).

[0078] The business record unit 3 reads the business identifier 311 and the metadata for each process unit within the same business, aggregates (or combines) them to generate metadata for each business unit as shown in Figure 12, and records it in the metadata table 34 (S58).

[0079] The business record unit 3 presents the generated metadata table 34 to the business terminal 8 and requests a determination of whether it is appropriate (S59). On the business terminal 8, the administrator or other personnel refer to the metadata table 34 and determine whether it is appropriate (S60). If the metadata table 34 is appropriate, the administrator or other personnel send a registration (or decision) command from the business terminal 8 (S61). The business record unit 3 records the metadata table 34 in the storage device 23 based on the command from the business terminal 8. If it is not appropriate, the administrator or other personnel record the correction details in the metadata table 34.

[0080] As a result, the business process document table 31, the frequently used word list 32, the file relationship table 33, and the metadata table 34 are generated, and the information analysis and storage server 2 can present the operators performing the work on the business terminal 8 with the files to be used for each process and the files related to each process.

[0081] <Business support> Figure 13 shows an example of a support screen for the business flow. The business flow presentation unit 40 of the information analysis and storage server 2 outputs the business flow presentation screen 400 shown in Figure 12 to the business terminal 8 in order to support the business performed on the business terminal 8 using the business process document table 31 and metadata table 34 generated by the above-described process.

[0082] The business flow presentation screen 400 displayed on the display (not shown) of the business terminal 8 includes a business display unit 410 that displays the name of the selected business, a process display unit 420 that displays the name of the specified process, a file display unit 430 that presents files that can be used in the specified process, a related document extraction button 440 that extracts files with related links, an edit button 450 that edits the presented file, and a confirm button 460 that confirms the edited content.

[0083] The task display unit 410 displays the name of the task selected on the selection screen (not shown). The process display unit 420 displays the names of the processes that make up the task, and the currently selected "Process 1" is highlighted.

[0084] The file display unit 430 can display the file names 314 of the business process document table 31 and the files of the related links 346 of the metadata table 34. The operator of the business terminal 8 can open the selected file by clicking on the file name in the file display unit 430.

[0085] By clicking the related document extraction button 440, the relationship links between documents stored in the file server 7 within the electronic information management system 1 and the files in the business process document table 31 used in the currently selected process are recalculated, and files for which new relationship links have been generated can be extracted.

[0086] When the related document extraction button 440 is clicked on the business terminal 8, the information analysis and storage server 2 executes steps S5 to S7 shown in Figure 2 to extract new files related to the files used in the currently selected process, and displays the New 431 icon on the file display unit 430. The newly extracted related links are added to the file relationship table 33 and the metadata table 34.

[0087] By clicking the edit button 450, you can edit the contents of the file display section 430, and by clicking the confirm button 460, you can confirm the edited content and reflect it in the business process document table 31, file relationship table 33, and metadata table 34.

[0088] By using the business flow presentation unit 40 of the information analysis and storage server 2, the operator of the business terminal 8 can accurately perform tasks by opening the files in the file display unit 430 of the business flow presentation screen 400 without having to worry about the location of the files required for each process.

[0089] This reduces the effort required to search for files, thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, by operating the related document extraction button 440, it becomes possible to update the related links associated with the files used in each process at any time, and to extract files that have been added to or updated on the file server 7 and are related to the files in that process.

[0090] This allows the information analysis and storage server 2 to quickly incorporate new files into the workflow, thereby maintaining the freshness of the workflow and improving operational efficiency.

[0091] With the configuration described above, metadata about business flows, processes, and files is stored in the information analysis and storage server. In addition to the information relationships established by the information analysis and storage server, when operators perform their tasks and manually search for desired information using the search function separately implemented on the work terminal 8, the metadata table 34 becomes effective, enabling them to derive results beyond the search target. In this way, it is also possible for operators to manually introduce knowledge about the business. [Examples]

[0092] Figure 14 shows a second embodiment, illustrating an example in which, in the file relationship extraction shown in step S6 of Figure 2 of Embodiment 1, the file relationship extraction unit 5 generates an analysis screen 500 that visualizes the relationships between files and outputs it to the business terminal 8. The other configurations are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0093] In this embodiment, the document analysis unit 4 generates a list of frequently occurring words 32 for each file, as well as a word correlation diagram, and the file relationship extraction unit 5 displays the related words from the word correlation diagram of the two files being compared on the analysis screen 500.

[0094] Regarding the generation of word correlation diagrams, well-known or publicly available techniques can be applied. By using consecutive words in the comparison files as vertices and connecting them, the relationships between words can be displayed as a network.

[0095] The analysis screen 500 has areas for file A analysis results 510-A and file B analysis results 510-B, which display the analysis targets for two files A and B, and for relationship link information 520 between the two files.

[0096] The area for File A analysis results 510-A includes an area displaying the list of frequently occurring words in File A 32-A and a word correlation diagram 530-A for words in File A. The area for File B analysis results 510-B includes an area displaying the list of frequently occurring words in File B 32-B and a word correlation diagram 530-B for words in File B.

[0097] Relationship link information 520 is displayed between the analysis results 510-A of file A and the analysis results 510-B of file B. Relationship link information 520 displays the similarity of words in the two files, the degree of agreement between the business names, and the degree of agreement between the process names.

[0098] The analysis screen 500 visualizes the relationships between words in two files that have been determined to be related, based on their frequency of occurrence and how they connect to each other. This allows operators or administrators using the business terminal 8 to identify frequently occurring words and understand the overall meaning of the files.

[0099] Furthermore, it is possible to record operator feedback on the relationship links automatically constructed by the information analysis and storage server, indicating whether the links were "useful" or "inappropriate." This allows for prioritizing the display of more important information for business purposes. For example, a "useful" feedback increases the score of a relationship link, leading to its preferential presentation. Conversely, a "inappropriate" feedback decreases the score, lowering its priority. This can be achieved by incorporating this operator-based "priority" into a metadata table. This "priority" is an indicator that determines whether or not to display a relationship link preferentially. As an example, it is a value that increases or decreases according to rules based on operator feedback such as "useful" or "inappropriate."

[0100] <Conclusion> As described in Examples 1 and 2 above, the electronic information management system 1 acquires files used in multiple processes that constitute a business for each process, analyzes the words appearing in each file, automatically generates relationship links for files with high similarity, associates the relationship links between files and the storage locations (locations) of the files with the processes, and automatically stores them in the metadata table 34. As a result, information on the files required for each process that constitutes a business and the files with relationship links is provided, thereby reducing the effort required to find the necessary files and improving the efficiency of the business. Furthermore, the latest files can be provided through relationship links, allowing work to be carried out with the latest information. It is also possible to prioritize the display of the latest files. In addition, the electronic information management system 1 not only reduces the time spent searching for scattered files, but also enables the sharing of information within departments and the continuation of expert skills.

[0101] The electronic information management system 1 in each of the above embodiments can have the following configuration.

[0102] (1) An information analysis method for an information analysis server (information analysis storage server 2) having a processor (21) and memory (22) to analyze files used by business terminals (8) connected via a network (9), comprising: a first step in which the information analysis server acquires the files (314) used in a plurality of processes (process identifiers 312) constituting a business (business identifier 311) for each process (312), associates the process (312), the files (314), and the location (directory 315) of the files, and stores them in process document information (business process document table 31); a second step in which the information analysis server (2) analyzes the words contained in the files (314) and generates relational links as related files for files with similar words; and a third step in which the information analysis server (2) stores the files (314) used for each process (312), the location (315) of the files, and the relational links in metadata (metadata table 34).

[0103] With the above configuration, the information analysis and storage server 2 can provide information on the location (directory 315) of files required for each process that constitutes the business, as well as information on files with related links. This reduces the effort required for the operator of the business terminal 8 to find the necessary files, thereby improving the efficiency of the business.

[0104] (2) The information analysis method described in (1) above, wherein in the second step, the frequency of occurrence of the word is calculated for each file, the ratio of words that match among the words with a predetermined high frequency of occurrence is calculated as the similarity, and if the similarity exceeds a predetermined first threshold (Th1), the files are determined to be related and a relationship link is generated.

[0105] According to the above configuration, the information analysis and storage server 2 can automatically extract files usable in each process by comparing the most frequently occurring words between files and setting up relationship links if the degree of word matching exceeds the first threshold Th1.

[0106] (3) An information analysis method according to claim 2, wherein in the second step, even if the process (312) in which the file (314) is used does not match between files, if the similarity exceeds a predetermined second threshold Th2 which is greater than the first threshold Th1, the files are determined to be related and a relationship link is generated.

[0107] According to the above configuration, if the degree of agreement of the most frequently occurring words between files exceeds the second threshold Th2, the information analysis and storage server 2 can automatically extract files that can be used across processes by setting up relational links, even if the processes using the files do not match.

[0108] (4) The information analysis method described in (2) above, wherein in the third step, the metadata includes file-unit metadata that stores the relational links, the location of the file (315), and the frequency of occurrence of the word on a file-by-file basis, and process-unit metadata that stores the relational links, the location of the file, and the frequency of occurrence of the word for each process.

[0109] With the above configuration, operators using the business terminal 8 can obtain files available in a given process from related links by referring to process-specific metadata from the metadata table 34 of the information analysis and storage server 2. The location of the files in the related links can be obtained from file-specific metadata, allowing for easy access to files available within the process.

[0110] (5) The information analysis method described in (4) above, characterized in that in the third step, metadata for each step (312) is generated by aggregating or combining metadata for each file.

[0111] According to the above configuration, the business terminal 8 can obtain files usable within a given process from relevant links by referring to process-level metadata provided by the information analysis and storage server 2.

[0112] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to including all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, for parts of the configuration of each embodiment, the addition, deletion, or substitution of other configurations can be applied individually or in combination.

[0113] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, and processing means may be implemented in hardware, in whole or in part, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Alternatively, each of the above-mentioned configurations and functions may be implemented in software by having the processor interpret and execute programs that realize each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored in memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0114] Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown are those deemed necessary for explanatory purposes, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. In reality, it is safe to assume that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1. Electronic Information Management System 2. Information analysis and storage server 3. Business Records Department 4. Document Analysis Department 5. File-related extraction section 6. Directory Analysis Unit 7 File Server 8. Business terminals 9 Network 31 Business Process Document Table 32 Frequently Used Words List 33 File-Related Tables 34 Metadata Table 35 dictionaries 40 Business Flow Presentation Department

Claims

1. An information analysis method comprising an information analysis server having a processor and memory, which analyzes files used by business terminals connected via a network, The first step is for the information analysis server to acquire the files used in multiple processes that constitute the business for each process, associate the process, the files, and the location of the files, and store them in process document information. The information analysis server performs a second step of analyzing the words contained in the file and generating relational links for files with similar words as related files, The information analysis server performs a third step of storing the files used for each step, the location of the files, and the related links in metadata. Includes, In the second step described above, The frequency of occurrence of the aforementioned words is calculated for each file, and the ratio of matching words among the words with a predetermined high frequency is calculated as the similarity score. If the similarity score exceeds a predetermined first threshold, the files are determined to be related and a related link is generated. An information analysis method characterized in that, even if the process in which the aforementioned files are used does not match between files, if the similarity exceeds a predetermined second threshold which is greater than the first threshold, the files are determined to be related and a relationship link is generated.

2. An information analysis method comprising an information analysis server having a processor and memory, which analyzes files used by business terminals connected via a network, The first step is for the information analysis server to acquire the files used in multiple processes that constitute the business for each process, associate the process, the files, and the location of the files, and store them in process document information. The information analysis server performs a second step of analyzing the words contained in the file and generating relational links for files with similar words as related files, The information analysis server performs a third step of storing the files used for each step, the location of the files, and the related links in metadata. Includes, The aforementioned metadata is An information analysis method characterized by including file-level metadata that stores the relational links, the location of the file, the word, and the frequency of occurrence of the word on a file-by-file basis, and process-level metadata that stores the relational links, the location of the file, the word, and the frequency of occurrence of the word on a process-by-process basis.

3. The information analysis method according to Claim 2, In step 3 described above, An information analysis method characterized by generating metadata for each process unit by aggregating or combining metadata for each file unit.

4. An information analysis server having a processor and memory, A business record unit that acquires files used on business terminals for each process that constitutes the business, associates the process, the files, and the location of the files, and stores them in process document information, A document analysis unit that analyzes the words contained in the aforementioned file, A file relationship extraction unit generates relationship links for files with similar words as related files, It has, The aforementioned business record unit is: The files used in each of the aforementioned processes, the location of the files, and the related links are stored in the metadata. The aforementioned document analysis unit, The frequency of occurrence of the aforementioned word is calculated for each file, The aforementioned file relationship extraction unit, The ratio of matching words among the words with a predetermined high frequency of occurrence in the files is calculated as the similarity score, and if the similarity score exceeds a predetermined first threshold, the files are determined to be related and a related link is generated. The aforementioned file relationship extraction unit, An information analysis server characterized in that, even if the process in which the aforementioned files are used does not match between files, if the similarity exceeds a predetermined second threshold which is greater than the first threshold, the files are determined to be related and a relationship link is generated.

5. An information analysis server having a processor and memory, A business record unit that acquires files used on business terminals for each process that constitutes the business, associates the process, the files, and the location of the files, and stores them in process document information, A document analysis unit that analyzes the words contained in the aforementioned file, A file relationship extraction unit generates relationship links for files with similar words as related files, It has, The aforementioned business record unit is: The files used in each of the aforementioned processes, the location of the files, and the related links are stored in the metadata. The aforementioned metadata is An information analysis server characterized by including file-level metadata that stores the relational links, the location of the file, the word, and the frequency of occurrence of the word on a file-by-file basis, and process-level metadata that stores the relational links, the location of the file, the word, and the frequency of occurrence of the word on a process-by-process basis.

6. An information analysis server according to claim 5, The aforementioned business record unit is: An information analysis server characterized by generating process-unit metadata by aggregating or combining the aforementioned file-unit metadata.

7. A first computer for storing files, The aforementioned file is used on a second computer for business purposes, An information analysis server that analyzes the file used by the second computer, An electronic information management system having a first computer, a second computer, and a network connecting the information analysis server, The aforementioned information analysis server is A business record unit that acquires files used by the second computer for each process that constitutes the business, associates the process, the files, and the location of the files, and stores them in process document information, A document analysis unit that analyzes the words contained in the aforementioned file, A file relationship extraction unit generates relationship links for files with similar words as related files, It has, The aforementioned business record unit is: The files used in each of the aforementioned processes, the location of the files, and the related links are stored in the metadata. The aforementioned document analysis unit, The frequency of occurrence of the aforementioned word is calculated for each file, The aforementioned file relationship extraction unit, The ratio of matching words among the words with a predetermined high frequency of occurrence in the files is calculated as the similarity score, and if the similarity score exceeds a predetermined first threshold, the files are determined to be related and a related link is generated. The aforementioned file relationship extraction unit, An electronic information management system characterized in that, even if the process in which the aforementioned files are used does not match between files, if the similarity exceeds a predetermined second threshold which is greater than the first threshold, the files are determined to be related and a related link is generated.

8. A first computer for storing files, The aforementioned file is used on a second computer for business purposes, An information analysis server that analyzes the file used by the second computer, An electronic information management system having a first computer, a second computer, and a network connecting the information analysis server, The aforementioned information analysis server is A business record unit that acquires files used by the second computer for each process that constitutes the business, associates the process, the files, and the location of the files, and stores them in process document information, A document analysis unit that analyzes the words contained in the aforementioned file, A file relationship extraction unit generates relationship links for files with similar words as related files, It has, The aforementioned business record unit is: The files used in each of the aforementioned processes, the location of the files, and the related links are stored in the metadata. The aforementioned metadata is An electronic information management system characterized by including file-level metadata that stores the relational links, the location of the file, the word, and the frequency of occurrence of the word on a file-by-file basis, and process-level metadata that stores the relational links, the location of the file, the word, and the frequency of occurrence of the word on a process-by-process basis.

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