Document management system, document management method, and document management program

Abstract

This invention relates to a document management system, a document management method, and a document management program. [Solution] The document management system 1 comprises a storage unit, a stamping processing unit, and a creation processing unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of the aforementioned documents and the approval users corresponding to the documents. The stamping processing unit stamps the documents with the approval seal of the approval user based on the approval input from the approval user. The creation processing unit then generates a header sheet for the document group, starting from the point when the document group corresponding to the construction site has been stamped based on predetermined conditions, and further performs a final approval process on the header sheet based on predetermined conditions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a document management system, a document management method, and a document management program. [Background Art]

[0002] Document management work at construction sites involves a huge number of document types and items to check, placing a heavy burden on workers. Accordingly, various contrivances have heretofore been made to reduce the burden of document management.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a report creation system comprising a database storing a template of a report having a plurality of numerical value entry fields and seal stamping fields, and a predetermined seal impression, wherein a numerical value transmitted from a mobile terminal is written into a corresponding numerical value entry field, and the seal impression is displayed in the seal stamping field of the template based on a predetermined approval operation having been performed. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-35622 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] Incidentally, for documents at construction sites, a "cover sheet" that serves as a front cover describing the content of the document, the representative approver, and other information is required. Furthermore, for the cover sheet as well, it is necessary to manage the document after obtaining approval from the approver, but Patent Document 1 does not contemplate this extent.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a document management system that can easily and effectively support the management of a plurality of documents related to work types at a construction site. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a document management system that assists in the creation of documents related to construction sites, The aforementioned document management system comprises a storage unit, a stamping processing unit, and a creation processing unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of the aforementioned documents and the approval users corresponding to those documents. The stamping processing unit stamps the document with the approval seal of the approving user based on the approval input from the approving user. The creation processing unit generates a header sheet for the document group, starting from the point when the document group corresponding to the construction site has been stamped, Furthermore, a final approval process is performed on the aforementioned cover sheet based on predetermined conditions.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a document management method implemented by a document management system that assists in the creation of documents related to construction sites, The aforementioned document management system comprises a storage unit, a stamping processing unit, and a creation processing unit. The memory unit stores a plurality of documents and the approving users corresponding to those documents. The stamping processing unit performs the step of stamping the document with the approval seal of the approving user based on the approval input from the approving user, The creation processing unit generates a header sheet for the document group, starting from the point when the document group corresponding to the construction site has been stamped, Furthermore, the procedure includes the step of performing a final approval process on the cover sheet based on predetermined conditions.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is a document management program executed by a document management system that assists in the creation of documents related to construction sites, The computer is configured to function as a storage unit, a stamping processing unit, and a creation processing unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of the aforementioned documents and the approval users corresponding to those documents. The stamping processing unit stamps the document with the approval seal of the approving user based on the approval input from the approving user. The creation processing unit generates a header sheet for the document group, starting from the point when the document group corresponding to the construction site has been stamped, Furthermore, a final approval process is performed on the aforementioned cover sheet based on predetermined conditions.

[0010] This configuration allows users to create headers for a set of documents simply by entering approvals for documents based on predetermined conditions, and then to give final approval to those headers. Once the final approved headers are created, users can manage documents appropriately, both in paper and electronic formats.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the document management system further comprises a display processing unit and a comment registration unit. The display processing unit processes the document for display, The comment registration unit registers handwritten inputs from multiple approving users as comments in the display area of ​​the processed document. The display processing unit further accepts the selection of one or more approval users and displays the handwritten input of the selected approval user overlaid on the handwritten input registered as a comment by the predetermined approval user.

[0012] This configuration allows multiple approvers to input comments by handwriting on the display screen, and furthermore, they can overlay their own registered comments on other users' handwritten comments. This makes it possible, for example, to input one's own comment by hand while checking the comments of other approvers.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display processing unit processes and displays the handwritten inputs of multiple approval users in a way that allows for their individual identification.

[0014] With this configuration, even at a construction site where various people are present, it becomes possible to easily determine who performed the handwritten input. For example, by assigning different display colors for comments to different users who perform handwritten input, it becomes possible to identify the user from the color.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit further stores site-related information relating to the construction site, the creation processing unit generates the cover sheet for the document group in which items corresponding to the construction site are described, based on the site-related information.

[0016] With this configuration, an appropriate cover sheet for a document group can be created for each construction site.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the site-related information includes a type of work at the construction site, the creation processing unit generates the cover sheet for the document group corresponding to the type of work, starting from when all document groups based on the type of work have been subjected to sealing processing.

[0018] With this configuration, when the sealing processing for documents created between respective types of work is completed, an appropriate cover sheet for the document group can be created.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the site-related information includes a contractor in charge of the construction site, the creation processing unit performs final approval processing on the cover sheet based on a selection from the approval user belonging to the contractor in charge.

[0020] With this configuration, the user can be provided with a plurality of options for executing final approval processing. For example, the user can select not only an approval seal with their own name printed, but also a superior's approval seal or a company seal.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the creation processing unit rearranges and integrates the plurality of documents in a predetermined order, and generates the cover sheet for the document group.

[0022] This configuration eliminates the need for users to manage documents individually; instead, they can manage documents through an integrated set of documents bundled together with the cover sheet.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the creation processing unit rearranges and integrates the document group in a predetermined order, starting from all of the final approval processes for the document group based on a plurality of work types, based on predetermined conditions.

[0024] This configuration allows users to further integrate and consolidate documents into a single, unified structure for easier management.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the creation processing unit generates an integrated header sheet of the integrated document group, Furthermore, based on the aforementioned on-site information, an integrated approval process is performed on the integrated form.

[0026] This configuration allows users to create unified headers for further integrated document sets and perform unified approvals. Therefore, it becomes possible to manage a complete set of documents related to each type of work in one place.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit further stores the names of the clients of the construction site, The creation processing unit, starting from the final approval process, grants the construction client the right to view the document set corresponding to the construction site.

[0028] This structure eliminates the need for clients to review documents in an unfinished state, and allows them to review a group of documents with a cover page bearing the final approval. Consequently, it becomes possible to increase confidence in the documents and the construction site.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the creation processing unit stops the display processing of the handwritten input that has been registered as a comment in the document group based on the approval input from the approving user.

[0030] This configuration allows for proper management of the approved documents. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, a novel technology related to a document management system can be provided by executing a predetermined process using approval input from an approving user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] A block diagram of the system configuration for one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device and terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] This shows a flowchart of the processing procedure for a document management system related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] An example of the information used in the document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] An example of the information used in the document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 6] An example of the display processing result on a terminal relating to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 7] An example of the display processing result on a terminal relating to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 8] An example of the display processing result on a terminal relating to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 9] An example of the display processing result on a terminal relating to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 10] An example of the display processing result on a terminal relating to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 11] An example of the display processing result on a terminal relating to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 12] This diagram shows an illustrative image of some of the processing functions of a document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Further details will be provided below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings show preferred embodiments. However, many different forms are possible and the invention is not limited to those described herein.

[0034] For example, this embodiment describes the configuration and operation of a document management system, but similar effects can be achieved by the execution method (steps), apparatus, computer program, etc. The program in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transient recording medium that can be read by a computer, or it may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, "part" may also include, for example, hardware resources implemented by circuits in a broad sense, and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources.

[0036] In this embodiment, "information" can be represented, for example, by the physical value of a signal representing voltage or current, the high or low value of a signal as a set of binary bits consisting of 0s or 1s, or by a quantum superposition (so-called qubit), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in a broad sense.

[0037] In a broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by appropriately combining circuits, circuits (including processors and memory). That is, it includes CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), LSIs (Large Scale Integration), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), etc.

[0038] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the document management system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and a database DB. The document management system 1 is configured to communicate with a plurality of management terminals 2 (reference numerals 2(a) to 2(c) in Figure 1), work terminals 3 (reference numerals 3(a) to 3(c)), client terminal 4, and generation device 5 via a network NW. In this embodiment, the management terminals 2, work terminals 3, and client terminal 4 may be collectively referred to as user terminals.

[0039] The information processing device 10 operates as a server, the management terminal 2 is a terminal used by the main contractor and others to manage documents, etc. (as described later), and the work terminal 3 is a terminal used by cooperating companies and workers to register, approve, and manage documents, etc.

[0040] In this embodiment, the network NW is an IP (Internet Protocol) network, but there are no restrictions on the type of communication protocol, nor on the type or size of the network.

[0041] The generation device 5 is an external server device or the like that controls the processing based on the generation model. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may store the generation model and generate the answer without using an external device.

[0042] Furthermore, general-purpose server computers or personal computers can be used as the information processing device 10 and the generation device 5. It is also possible to implement the functional components described later on multiple computers to configure the document management system 1.

[0043] Management Terminal 2 is a terminal used by the main contractor (or a representative of the main contractor). Management Terminal 2 can be a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, wearable device, etc. Management Terminal 2 stores a document management application program, and this application program is configured to allow the user to view documents, etc.

[0044] Work terminal 3 is a terminal used by subcontractors and workers. Client terminal 4 is a terminal used by the client (the person requesting the construction). Smartphones, tablets, personal computers, wearable devices, etc., can be used as work terminal 3 and client terminal 4. Both work terminal 3 and client terminal 4 are configured to store a document management application program for work purposes and to have functions for registering documents, as well as for handwritten input, viewing, and approval of documents.

[0045] Furthermore, the management terminal 2, work terminal 3, and client terminal 4 can be configured without their respective document management application programs. In this case, the management terminal 2, work terminal 3, and client terminal 4 can view and send information using a web browser or similar.

[0046] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2(a) shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13 as its hardware configuration.

[0047] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors such as a CPU, and controls the entire operation of the information processing device 10 by executing the document management program, OS, and other applications according to the present invention.

[0048] The storage unit 12 is an HDD, SSD, ROM, RAM, etc., and stores the document management program according to the present invention and data used by the control unit 11 when it executes processing based on the program. The control unit 11 executes processing based on the document management program stored in the storage unit 12, thereby realizing the functional configuration described later.

[0049] The communication unit 13 performs communication control with the network NW and provides inputs necessary for operating the information processing device 10, as well as outputs related to the operation results.

[0050] Figure 2(b) shows an example of the hardware configuration of terminal 90 (management terminal 2, work terminal 3, and client terminal 4 in Figure 1). Terminal 90 comprises a control unit 91, a storage unit 92, a communication unit 93, an input unit 94, and an output unit 95 as its hardware configuration.

[0051] The control unit 91 of the terminal 90 includes one or more processors such as a CPU and controls the entire operation of the terminal 90. The storage unit 92 of the terminal 90 is an HDD, SSD, ROM, RAM, etc., and stores the document management application program mentioned above, as well as data used by the control unit 91 when it executes processing based on the program.

[0052] The communication unit 93 of terminal 90 controls communication with the network. The input unit 94 of terminal 90 is a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, etc., which inputs user operation requests to the control unit 91. The output unit 95 of terminal 90 is a display, etc., which displays the results of processing by the control unit 91.

[0053] <Functional Configuration> As shown in Figure 2(a), the information processing device 10 comprises, as a functional configuration, a stamping processing unit 101, a creation processing unit 102, a comment registration unit 103, a display processing unit 104, and an estimation unit 105. These are the concrete realizations of information processing performed by software (stored in the storage unit 12) by hardware (control unit 11, etc.).

[0054] The stamping processing unit 101 performs a stamping process on the document. In this embodiment, the stamping processing unit 101 stamps the approval seal of the approving user on various documents based on the approval input from the approving user. Here, the approval seal is an electronic seal, electronic stamp, electronic signature, etc., that can identify the information of the approving user or company, and that can be recognized by a third party as having been approved. Furthermore, the stamping process refers to the process of printing the approval seal on the document in an identifiable manner.

[0055] The creation processing unit 102 generates the header sheet for the document group. In this embodiment, the creation processing unit 102 generates the header sheet for the document group starting from the point when the document group corresponding to the construction site has been stamped based on predetermined conditions. The creation processing unit 102 also performs a final approval process on the header sheet generated based on the predetermined conditions. The final approval process refers to the process of completing one or more stamped documents. For example, as the final approval process, the creation processing unit 102 stamps an approval seal on the header sheet.

[0056] The creation processing unit 102 also generates headers for document sets containing items corresponding to the construction site and document sets corresponding to the type of work, based on site-related information. The creation processing unit 102 then performs a final approval process on the headers based on selections from approval users belonging to the responsible contractor.

[0057] Furthermore, the creation processing unit 102 can also rearrange and integrate multiple documents in a predetermined order. The creation processing unit 102 can rearrange and integrate a group of documents based on multiple types of work, starting from all final approval processes for the group of documents, and can further generate an integrated header sheet and perform integrated approval processing on the integrated header sheet.

[0058] The creation processing unit 102 then grants the construction client permission to view the document set corresponding to the construction site, starting from the final approval process. The creation processing unit 102 can also stop the display process of handwritten comments registered in the document set based on the user's approval input.

[0059] The comment registration unit 103 registers user input as comments. In this embodiment, the comment registration unit 103 registers handwritten input from multiple approving users as comments in the display area of ​​the displayed document. Here, handwritten input refers to operations (slide operations, flick operations, mouse movement operations, etc.) in which the user traces on the screen of the user terminal using their finger, stylus pen (touch pen), mouse, etc. In addition, the comment registration unit 103 can also register user input via keyboard operations, etc., as comments.

[0060] The display processing unit 104 processes the display screens of the management terminal 2, the work terminal 3, and the client terminal 4. In this embodiment, the display processing unit 104 processes the display of documents, accepts the selection of one or more approving users, and displays the handwritten input of the selected approving user over the handwritten input registered as a comment by the designated approving user. The display processing unit 104 can also display the handwritten input of multiple approving users in a way that allows each of them to be identified.

[0061] <database DB> The database DB in Figure 1 stores user information such as workers, company information such as general contractors and subcontractors, construction site information, work type information, document type information, site-related information regarding the entire construction project, document management information for managing documents, circulation group information, and other information necessary for document management and approval processes. Some or all of this information may be stored in the storage unit 12, or some of this information may be stored in another database.

[0062] The following explanation of the document management system 1 and the processing performed by each functional component will be described using Figures 3 to 12.

[0063] <Overview of the Document Management System> The document management system 1 according to this embodiment is a system for easily and appropriately managing construction-related documents required at construction sites. The document management system 1 accepts approval input from the user, stamps the documents (also called files) with an approval seal, generates a header sheet for the documents that have undergone the predetermined stamping process as a unit called a "document group," and can perform a final approval process on the header sheet. In other words, the user is reduced in the effort of preparing header sheets individually, and furthermore, a final approval process is performed on the entire document group, so the workload related to document management can be greatly reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, the document management system 1 according to this embodiment registers handwritten inputs from multiple users as comments and displays handwritten inputs registered by other users overlaid on the handwritten inputs registered by a user themselves. Documents at construction sites are circulated (confirmed) and approved by various users due to their nature, but these comments can be viewed all at once, significantly improving the efficiency of management work.

[0065] Furthermore, the document management system 1 according to this embodiment can estimate the tendency of comments on documents from the user's handwritten input, and generate suggestions such as points to note and things to be aware of when creating similar documents at other construction sites. Therefore, by continuously using the document management system 1, users can create documents more appropriately and efficiently based on the estimated content, and also review documents, which can lead to improved work efficiency in the future. The processing flow in the document management system 1 will be described in detail below.

[0066] <Register various types of information> Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the processing procedure in a document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. In S201, users such as the general contractor, subcontractors (and individuals belonging to them), and the client register user information in advance. The information processing device 10 stores various information used for document management in the storage unit 12. In this embodiment, users also include workers from the general contractor and subcontractors (people involved in construction work).

[0067] As shown in Figure 4(a), user information is managed by a user ID and includes information such as the user's name, contact information, job information, qualifications held, facial image, user identification information, registration date, and information about the company to which the user belongs (general contractor, subcontractor, or, in the case of the client, the company to which the client belongs) (company ID, which will be described later). Users include not only site supervisors and site managers, but also persons responsible for managing the site conditions or approving construction work, etc., even if they do not actually visit the construction site (person in charge belonging to the general contractor's head office).

[0068] In the document management system 1 according to this embodiment, in addition to user information, company information about the company to which the user belongs, construction site information about each construction site, work type information related to the type of work at the construction site, site-related information related to the specific structure of the construction site, document group management information, and circulation group information are also registered in advance.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4(b), company information is managed by a company ID, which includes the company name (e.g., Company A, Construction D), company contact information, company address, company type (e.g., general contractor, subcontractor, or client company), and available job duties. This company information can also include information about, for example, sole proprietors. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(c), construction site information is managed by a construction site ID, which includes the site name (e.g., Construction Site A, Construction Site B), site address, and construction period. Additionally, as shown in Figure 4(d), work type information is managed by a work ID, which includes the names of tasks such as concrete, rebar, and safety management. Finally, as shown in Figure 4(e), type information is managed by a document ID, which includes information about the type of document (e.g., construction plan, work procedure manual).

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(f), site-related information is managed using a site-related ID, which includes the construction site ID, work type ID, company ID, user ID, information regarding the subordinate relationships between companies (primary, secondary, etc.), the parent company ID, and information regarding the available job duties. The client may also be included in the site-related information.

[0071] <Registration of Document / Circulation Group> Furthermore, the document management system 1 also pre-registers document group management information related to document management and circulation group information related to circulation groups, and stores them in the memory unit 12. Users register document groups corresponding to the type of work and document type. For example, a user registers one or more documents (files) for multiple classifications (groups) such as concrete construction plans and procedure manuals corresponding to construction site A. In this specification, a collection of documents managed by type of work and classification is called a document group.

[0072] As shown in Figure 5(a), the document group management information includes the document group name, site-related ID, work type ID, category ID, manager (general contractor's representative), creator (worker from a subcontractor), creating company (subcontractor), completion deadline, status such as in progress or completed, and the circulation ID described later, and is managed by the management ID. In addition, the document group management information can also include the general contractor to which the manager belongs, the client, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, each document group is managed including one or more files, the location where those files are saved, and comments registered as described below. The approving user, as described below, performs the stamping process (approval) on each of these files.

[0074] Furthermore, Figure 5(b) shows the circulation group information corresponding to the circulation groups described later. The circulation group information includes site-related ID, circulators, job titles, whether or not approval authority exists (also called approver or approving user), and whether or not final approval authority exists (final approver or final approving user), and is managed by the circulation ID. In other words, a circulation group is determined for each construction site.

[0075] For example, a circulator belonging to a circulation group can view (circulate) documents linked to the same site-related ID in the document group management information, and has the authority to register comments on each document. Furthermore, an approver among the circulators has the authority to affix a seal to each document. Finally, the final approver among the approvers has the authority to perform the final approval process on the cover sheet of the document group. There may be multiple circulators, approvers, and final approvers, and users not belonging to a circulation group (excluding the client) may also have the authority to always view documents.

[0076] <File display processing / Handwritten comment registration> In S302 of Figure 3, the display processing unit 104 of the information processing device 10 processes the document for display. The user selects a file (document) stored in the storage unit 12 using a user terminal, and the display processing unit 104 processes the selected document for display. Furthermore, in S303, the comment registration unit of the information processing device 10 registers the handwritten input from the user as a comment.

[0077] Figure 6 shows an example of the display processing result in the user terminal according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, multiple managed document groups W61 are displayed in a list W62 on the document group management screen W60. The display processing unit 104 of the information processing device 10 processes the document group management information stored in the storage unit 12 and transmits the display result to the user terminal.

[0078] List W62 displays items such as document classification, document group name, prime contractor, work company, worker, completion deadline, status, number of files, and number of comments in a list format. The display processing unit 104 can also selectively display items from these multiple items based on the user's selection request.

[0079] In Figure 6, when the user selects the file icon (the icon located to the left of the file number) (by touching, clicking, etc.), a list of files managed in each document group, or URLs for accessing each file, will be displayed, and the file will be displayed by performing the specified operation (including selection).

[0080] In this embodiment, the management document group includes a comment function (comment area) for sharing progress. The management document group includes a comment area that can be edited by multiple users related to a specific type of work document group at a construction site. This comment area can be used by the general contractor's representative (manager) and the workers of the subcontracting company to share information, or by users belonging to a circulation group to share information. For example, information can be shared among all members belonging to the site, or among members related to predetermined conditions. Figure 6 shows the number of unread comments. The comment function can also be used for each file managed in the document group.

[0081] Furthermore, the comments according to this embodiment include handwritten input (handwritten comments) from one or more users registered by the comment registration unit 103 described later. For example, it is assumed that workers use the comment function using a user terminal while standing at a construction site or managing on-site work. Handwritten comments make it possible to easily use the comment function even when keyboard operation is difficult. In this case, the document group management screen W60 may, for example, count a handwritten comment registered by one user as one item and display the number of unread comments.

[0082] In Figure 6, when the user selects the comment mark (the mark located to the left of the unread count), a separate window displays the unread comments (and comment history) and the file to which the comment was registered.

[0083] Figure 7 shows an example of the display processing result in the terminal according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the document display screen W70 displays the document W71, handwritten comments W72a to W72c, comment identification elements W73a to W73c, user editing area W74 (including W74a to W74c described later), stamp area W75, and comment display selection area W76. The document W71 displays the file selected by the user in Figure 6 (or a file with selected unread comments). The handwritten comments W72a to W72c display handwritten comments registered by multiple users (for example, approving users) overlaid on top of each other. The comment identification elements W73a to W73c display elements that make it possible to identify handwritten comments registered by multiple users. For example, the name and job title of the approving user may be included as a comment identification element. In the user editing area W74, various operation menus that the user can perform on the document display screen W70 are displayed, including operations such as registering and deleting handwritten comments (the so-called eraser function), outputting documents including handwritten comments (download, print), selecting handwritten comments to display, and approving documents. Also, on the document display screen W70, the user can move the document W71 and the stamp area W75, input handwritten comments, and move / re-edit handwritten comments they have registered, etc., by performing predetermined operations (touch operation, mouse operation, etc.). In the comment display area W76, the user can select and narrow down the users of handwritten comments displayed on the screen by selecting a user (checking the checkbox in Figure 7).

[0084] More specifically, in the comment display selection area W76, it may be possible to select which handwritten comments to display on behalf of the user, for example, based on the user's authority or work type. Furthermore, users with higher approval authority (approvers or final approvers) may be able to move or delete comments registered by users with lower approval authority (such as readers who are not approvers).

[0085] Users with the authority to register comments can register their own handwritten input as comments by selecting the handwritten input comment registration item (W74a in Figure 7) in the user editing area W74 of Figure 7. In this case, users can register their own handwritten input as a comment overlaid on the handwritten input of other users.

[0086] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows comment identification elements W73a to W73c for identifying which user made the handwritten input on the screen. As another example of identifying users from comments, the display processing unit 104 may display each handwritten input in a different color based on the user's approval authority and work type. For example, the display processing unit 104 may display each user's handwritten input in a different color, or it may display the handwritten input of a user with higher authority in a warm color, and as the authority level decreases, in a cool color, etc.

[0087] Users with circulation authority will review the document display screen W70 and provide advice, such as pointing out deficiencies in the document, through the comment function. Workers at partner companies will then revise or create the document based on the advice and submit it for review again by the circulation user.

[0088] <Stamping process> In S304 of Figure 3, the stamping processing unit 101 of the information processing device 10 performs the stamping process. In this embodiment, the stamping processing unit 101 stamps the approval seal on the document requiring approval based on the approval input from the approving user.

[0089] Figure 8 shows an example of the display processing result in the user terminal according to this embodiment. The approving user moves to the approval screen W80 by selecting, for example, the approval item W74b in the user editing area W74 in Figure 7. As shown in the figure, the approval screen W80 includes an approval stamp selection field W81 and an approval button W82. In the approval stamp selection field W81, the approving user selects the approval stamp to be used when stamping. The approval stamps that can be selected may differ for each user.

[0090] Furthermore, on the approval screen W80, users can check document group management information corresponding to other documents, the approval status of other approvers, the approval date and time, etc. The approving user can execute the stamping process of the stamping processing unit 101 by selecting the approval button W82.

[0091] Figure 9 shows an example of the display processing result after the stamping process in the user terminal according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, when the approving user performs the stamping process, the approving user's approval stamp W90 is displayed in the stamping field W75 of the document display screen W70. If there are multiple stamping fields W75 as shown in the figure, the display processing unit 104 may display the stamps in the approval fields based on the approving user's authority, duties, and the order of approval.

[0092] Although not shown in the diagram, the creation processing unit 102 of the information processing device can stop the display process of handwritten input comments registered on the document based on approval input from the approving user. Since handwritten input is a function to point out deficiencies in the document up to the time of approval, it becomes unnecessary after approval. The creation processing unit 102 can also selectively stop the display process of handwritten input comments registered by one or more users.

[0093] In step S305 of Figure 3, the creation processing unit 102 determines whether or not the stamping process has been completed for all documents managed in a single document group.

[0094] As described above, in the document management system 1 according to this embodiment, documents are managed by one or more approving users affixing their seals to each document. When the seal affixing process by multiple approving users is completed for all documents managed in a certain group of documents (YES in S305), the final approval process is executed.

[0095] <File integration / Creation of cover sheet / Final approval> The creation processing unit 102 of the information processing device 10 executes a series of processes related to final approval based on the fact that approval has been completed for all documents in the document group. Specifically, first in S306, the creation processing unit 102 of the information processing device 10 integrates the files related to the document group. Next, in S307, the creation processing unit 102 creates the header sheet edited on the header sheet editing screen W110, and in S308, it executes the final approval process on the said header sheet.

[0096] The creation processing unit 102 integrates each document in the document group according to a predetermined order. This predetermined order includes rules based on file names, order by number of pages, order by file type or size, etc. A header sheet is then created, and a final approval process is performed on the header sheet. This final approval process includes affixing a seal or other stamp related to final approval, stamping the approval date, etc.

[0097] Figure 10 shows an example of the display processing result in the user terminal according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the document group confirmation screen W100 includes the document group W101, approval stamp W102, update history W103, and user operation area W104. The document group W101 contains one or more files that make up the document group. The approval stamp W102 displays the approval stamp of the approving user, the final approval stamp of the final approving user, the company seal, or other stamps or signatures that indicate that approval has been confirmed.

[0098] The update history W103 displays the date on which the final approval process was performed for the document set. For example, even after the final approval process has been performed on a document set once, the documents may be modified or replaced, in which case it is necessary to approve (stamp) the documents again and perform the final approval process again. The update history W103 displays the date and time of one or more final approval processes, including the date, so other users reviewing the documents can see at a glance when the document set was updated and when it was re-approved.

[0099] The user operation area W104 displays items that the user can operate on the document group confirmation screen W100, such as zooming in / out on documents, turning pages, and outputting the document group (downloading document files). Furthermore, it is possible to turn pages of one file that makes up the document group all at once (the "Next File" and "Previous File" items in W124).

[0100] Furthermore, the approving user can customize the content related to the final approval process in advance (e.g., at the document verification stage) before the final approval process is executed. Figure 11 shows an example of the display processing result on the user terminal according to this embodiment.

[0101] As shown in the figure, the cover page editing screen W110 includes the final approval stamp selection item W111 and the file order selection item W112. In the final approval stamp selection item W111, the final approval stamp to be used for the final approval process is selected. Here, the final approval stamp may be the approval stamp used in the stamping process, a stamp specifically for final approval, a company seal, or other signatures or stamps.

[0102] The file order selection item W112 allows you to choose the order in which the merged documents will be displayed. For example, you can specify the order based on the file naming convention, or by file size or number of pages. You can also set the system to merge documents in any order specified by the user.

[0103] In addition, the cover page editing screen W110 may have a preview screen (not shown), allowing users to edit the cover page layout while checking the cover page's composition and display content.

[0104] <Integrating / Consolidating Documents / Executing the Integrated Approval Process> Furthermore, the document management system 1 according to this embodiment can not only integrate documents to create a header for a group of documents, but can also integrate multiple groups of documents. Specifically, the creation processing unit 102 starts with all final approval processes for the document groups based on multiple types of work, and then rearranges and integrates the document groups in a predetermined order.

[0105] As shown in Figure 5(a), the document group is managed by including the work type ID and the document ID. For example, even if the document group is the same "construction plan," it is necessary to create separate document groups for each work type, such as concrete, exterior, and rebar, at the construction site. The creation processing unit 102 integrates these work type document groups into a unified document, and further generates an unified header for the unified document, and then performs an unified approval process based on site-related information.

[0106] First, the creation processing unit 102 determines whether the final approval process has been carried out for all of the prescribed document sets for each type of work. For example, when concrete, exterior, and rebar work are creating construction plans at a certain construction site, the unit determines whether the final approval process has been carried out for all of the construction plans for those three types of work.

[0107] Then, once the final approval process has been completed for all of the specified document sets, the creation processing unit 102 rearranges these document sets in a predetermined order (e.g., work type ID) and integrates them. It then generates a header sheet (integrated header sheet) for the integrated document sets and performs the integrated approval process on this header sheet. Here, the integrated approval process is the process of indicating that a certain document set has been final approved for all work types. This may include processes such as affixing a seal or company stamp for the integrated approval process, or printing the date and time when each document set for each work type was final approved.

[0108] The user can then view and check the integrated document group on a screen similar to the document group confirmation screen W100. By integrating document groups based on work type in this way, users can check and manage documents more appropriately and efficiently.

[0109] <Viewing rights for the client> Furthermore, when the final approval process of S308 is executed, the creation processing unit 102 can grant the client (owner) of the construction site access to view the document set, starting from the final approval process. Since the documents at the construction site include some that require the client's confirmation, granting access allows the client to view / confirm the document set for which the final approval process has been executed (completed).

[0110] For example, the creation processing unit 102 stores the set of documents for which the final approval process has been performed in the storage unit 12, and further issues a URL for the client to view them. Furthermore, if the client's email address is included in the user information, the creation processing unit 102 may send the above URL (or the document file containing the output of the set of documents) to that email address along with a message indicating that the set of documents has been completed. The same process can also be performed when the integrated approval process is executed.

[0111] <Generation of the points raised by the estimation unit> In the document management system 1 according to this embodiment, by further using the estimation unit 105 and the generation device 5, it becomes possible to manage documents more appropriately. Figure 12 shows an image diagram of some of the processing performed by the document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] For example, the estimation unit 105 estimates (analyzes) the handwritten input of a user who has registered a comment, and stores the estimated content in the storage unit 12, linking it to user information, on-site related information, and document group management information. If the handwritten input is estimated to be characters, it estimates the meaning of those characters. The estimation unit 105 also estimates the location of the user's handwritten input on the document in which the comment was registered. Furthermore, the estimation unit 105 links the estimated content with the on-site related information and sends it to the generation device 5, sending an instruction to generate a proposal document. The proposal document generated by the generation device 5 is then processed for display by the display processing unit 104, and the display processing result is sent to the user terminal.

[0113] The generation device 5 is configured to include a natural language processing (NLP) model. Preferably, the generation device 5 is configured to include a large language model (LLM). The natural language processing model enables the processing of data input as natural language by a computer. The type of natural language processing model used in this embodiment is not limited, but examples include ChatGPT® (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformers), BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), etc. It is also possible to configure the generation device 5 using multiple devices. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can be configured to include the generation device 5.

[0114] The suggestion statement is a document that includes information to assist the user in managing documents. For example, when a user creates a document related to a certain type of work, the estimation unit 105 estimates what kind of comments were made by handwritten notes when similar documents were managed in the document management system 1 in the past. The estimation unit 105 also estimates the location where the comments were registered and generates a suggestion statement indicating which locations (items, etc.) in the document tend to receive what kind of comments.

[0115] Furthermore, the estimation unit 105 also transmits information about the approving user who registered the handwritten input as a comment to the generation device 5, thereby generating a suggestion document that shows the trend of comments made by that approving user. With such a suggestion document, users creating documents can create them more appropriately while being aware of the suggestion document.

[0116] As another example, when an approving user reviews a document, the estimation unit 105 generates a suggestion statement outlining the types of issues that are most likely to be raised in similar documents. This suggests that users circulating the document can also review it more appropriately, taking the suggestion statement into consideration.

[0117] As described above, the document management system 1 according to the present invention allows for easy and effective management of multiple documents related to different types of work by executing predetermined processes using approval input from approving users. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1. Document Management System 2 Management terminal 3. Work terminals 4. Client terminal 5 Generator 10 Information Processing Devices 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 90 devices 91 Control Unit 92 Memory section 93 Communications Department 94 Input section 95 Output section 101 Stamping Processing Unit 102 Creation Processing Unit 103 Comment Registration Section 104 Display Processing Unit 105 Estimation part NW Network W100 Document Group Confirmation Screen W101 Documents W102 Seal of approval W103 Update History W104 User Operation Area W110 Heading Sheet Editing Screen W111 Final Approval Stamp Selection Item W112 File Order Selection Items W60 Document Management Screen W61 Management documents W62 List W70 Document Display Screen W71 Documents W72 Documents W72a Handwritten comment W73a Comment Identifier W74 User Editing Area W74b Approval button W75 Seal / Stamp area W76 Comment selection display area W80 approval screen W81 Approval stamp selection field W82 Approval Button W90 Approval Stamp

Claims

1. A document management system that assists in the creation of documents related to construction sites, The aforementioned document management system comprises a storage unit, a stamping processing unit, and a creation processing unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of the aforementioned documents and a plurality of approval users corresponding to those documents. The stamping processing unit stamps the document with the approval seal selected by the approving user based on the approval input from the approving user. The creation processing unit generates a header for each of the multiple documents associated as a group of documents based on the type and category of work corresponding to the construction site, starting from the point when all of the stamping processes by the multiple approval users have been completed for each of the multiple documents. Furthermore, the final approval process for the head sheet is performed based on the conditions set by the approving user. Document management system.

2. The aforementioned document management system further comprises a display processing unit and a comment registration unit. The display processing unit processes the document for display, The comment registration unit registers handwritten inputs from multiple approving users as comments in the display area of ​​the processed document. The display processing unit further accepts the selection of one or more approval users and displays the handwritten input of the selected approval user overlaid on the handwritten input registered as a comment by the predetermined approval user. The document management system according to claim 1.

3. The display processing unit processes and displays the handwritten inputs of multiple approval users in a way that allows for their individual identification. The document management system according to claim 2.

4. The memory unit further stores site-related information concerning the construction site, The creation processing unit generates the head sheet of the document group, which contains items corresponding to the construction site, based on the site-related information. The document management system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned site-related information includes the type of work performed at the construction site. The creation processing unit generates a header sheet for the document group corresponding to the work type, starting from the point when all documents based on the work type have been stamped. The document management system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned site-related information includes the contractor in charge of the construction site, The creation processing unit performs a final approval process on the head sheet based on the selection from the approval users belonging to the responsible vendor. The document management system according to claim 4.

7. The document management system according to claim 1, wherein the creation processing unit rearranges and integrates a plurality of the documents in a predetermined order and generates a header sheet for the group of documents.

8. The creation processing unit, based on predetermined conditions, rearranges and integrates the document group in a predetermined order, starting from all the final approval processes for the document group based on the multiple work types. The document management system according to claim 5.

9. The creation processing unit generates an integrated header sheet for the integrated document group, and further performs an integrated approval process on the integrated header sheet based on the on-site related information. The document management system according to claim 8.

10. The memory unit further stores the names of the clients who requested the construction work at the construction site. The creation processing unit, starting from the final approval process, grants the construction client access to view the document set corresponding to the construction site. The document management system according to claim 1.

11. The creation processing unit stops the display process of the handwritten input that has been registered as a comment in the document, based on the approval input from the approving user. The document management system according to claim 2.

12. A document management method implemented by a document management system that assists in the creation of documents related to construction sites, The aforementioned document management system comprises a storage unit, a stamping processing unit, and a creation processing unit. The memory unit stores a plurality of documents and a plurality of approval users corresponding to those documents. The stamping processing unit performs the step of stamping the document with the approval seal selected by the approving user based on the approval input from the approving user, The creation processing unit generates a header for each of the multiple documents associated as a group of documents based on the type and category of work corresponding to the construction site, starting from the point when all of the stamping processes by the multiple approval users have been performed on each of the multiple documents. Furthermore, the step includes performing a final approval process on the cover sheet based on the conditions set by the approving user. Document management methods.

13. A document management program executed by a document management system that assists in the creation of documents related to construction sites, The computer is configured to function as a storage unit, a stamping processing unit, and a creation processing unit. The storage unit stores a plurality of the aforementioned documents and a plurality of approval users corresponding to those documents. The stamping processing unit stamps the document with the approval seal selected by the approving user based on the approval input from the approving user. The creation processing unit generates a header for each of the multiple documents associated as a group of documents based on the type and category of work corresponding to the construction site, starting from the point when all of the stamping processes by the multiple approval users have been completed for each of the multiple documents. Furthermore, the final approval process for the head sheet is performed based on the conditions set by the approving user. Document management program.

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