Apparatus and computer readable medium for executing process related to electronic document

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to, in a case where a utilizer performs a process related to an electronic document, perform highlighted display of an operator for executing an expected process on a display screen based on process content information indicating a content of the expected process expected to be executed on the electronic document.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-032796 filed Mar. 2, 2021.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing an information processing program.

(ii) Related Art

JP2016-115242A discloses a document management system that includes a server managing an electronic document, and a terminal apparatus used by a utilizer. The document management system notifies the utilizer of a priority degree of the electronic document based on a priority degree of a folder of the server storing the electronic document.

SUMMARY

The utilizer can not only use the electronic document managed in the document management system but also perform a plurality of types of processes related to the electronic document using a utilizer apparatus such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal. In order for the utilizer to easily perform the plurality of types of processes related to the electronic document, a plurality of operators corresponding to the plurality of types of processes, respectively, can be displayed on a display screen of the utilizer apparatus. The utilizer can perform an intended process related to the electronic document by selecting and operating an operator corresponding to the intended process from the plurality of operators displayed on the display screen.

Here, in a case where the plurality of operators for executing the processes related to the electronic document are present, a problem arises in that the utilizer has to specify an operator necessary for the process from the plurality of operators displayed on the display screen, and that this work is cumbersome. Particularly, even in a case where an expected process that is a process expected to be executed on the electronic document is fixed, the utilizer has to specify an operator corresponding to the expected process from the plurality of operators displayed on the display screen.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an information processing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing an information processing program that enable a utilizer to easily specify an operator corresponding to an expected process for an electronic document, compared to a case where the operator for executing the expected process related to the electronic document and an operator for executing a process other than the expected process related to the electronic document are displayed on a display screen in the same aspect.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a processor configured to, in a case where a utilizer performs a process related to an electronic document, perform highlighted display of an operator for executing an expected process on a display screen based on process content information indicating a content of the expected process expected to be executed on the electronic document.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system10according to the exemplary embodiment. The information processing system10is configured to include a document management server and a user terminal14as an information processing apparatus used by a user as a utilizer. The document management server12and the user terminal14are communicably connected to each other through a communication line16including, for example, an Internet line or a local area network (LAN). As will be described in detail later, the information processing system10is a document management system in which the document management server12manages an electronic document transmitted from the user terminal14, and in which the document management server12transmits the electronic document to the user terminal14in response to a request from the user terminal14. While only one user terminal14is illustrated inFIG.1, a plurality of user terminals14used by a plurality of users may be included in the information processing system10.

FIG.2is a schematic configuration diagram of the document management server12. The document management server12is configured with, for example, a server computer. The document management server12is a server that provides a document management service for managing the electronic document. Specifically, the document management server12authenticates a user who is registered in advance, by an authentication process and provides the document management service to the authenticated user. The document management server12may be configured with a plurality of computers. That is, the electronic document management service may be provided to the user by cooperation among a plurality of server computers.

The communication interface20is configured to include, for example, a network adapter. The communication interface20performs a function of communicating with the user terminal14through the communication line16.

The memory22is configured to include, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an embedded multi media card (eMMC), a read only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM). The memory22stores a server program for functioning of each unit of the document management server12. In addition, the memory22stores a plurality of electronic documents transmitted from the user terminal14, that is, managed by the document management service. Each electronic document stored in the memory22is assigned a document ID for uniquely identifying the electronic document, and the document ID and the electronic document are managed in association with each other. A storage aspect of the electronic document in the memory22will be described later.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the memory22stores a user database (DB)24and a folder DB26. The user DB24stores user information in which a user ID for uniquely identifying the user, a user name of the user, and a notification destination (for example, information for uniquely identifying the user terminal14used by the user) of the user acquired by a user registration process at a start of use of the document management service by the user are associated with each other. The folder DB26stores folder information in which a folder ID (or a uniform resource locator (URL)) for uniquely identifying a folder (described in detail later) for storing an electronic document, which is defined in the memory22, information indicating a type (described later) of the folder, and the user ID of the user corresponding to the folder are associated with each other.

In the embodiments above, the term “processor” refers to hardware in a broad sense. Examples of the processor include general processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, and programmable logic device). In the embodiments above, the term “processor” is broad enough to encompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which are located physically apart from each other but may work cooperatively. The order of operations of the processor is not limited to one described in the embodiments above, and may be changed.

The processor28performs functions as a document management unit30and a notification instruction unit32in accordance with the server program stored in the memory22.

The document management unit30executes a process of managing the electronic document. Specifically, the electronic document transmitted from the user terminal14is stored in the memory22, and the electronic document stored in the memory22is transmitted to the user terminal14in response to a request from the user terminal14. In addition, the document management unit30executes a process such as assigning the document ID to the electronic document stored in the memory22.

The notification instruction unit32executes a process of transmitting a notification to the user who uses the document management service, in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the exemplary embodiment, the notification to the user (that is, the user terminal14) is executed by the process of the notification instruction unit32. However, the notification process may be executed by a notification service such as Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).

FIG.3is a conceptual diagram illustrating contents of processes performed by the document management unit30and the notification instruction unit32. The folder defined in the memory22will be described before describing a specific example of the processes performed by the document management unit30and the notification instruction unit32.

A plurality of types of folders having different roles and access permissions are defined in a storage region of the memory22. The electronic document is stored in each folder. In the exemplary embodiment, a personal tray, a workspace, and a shared tray are defined as the types of folders.

The personal tray is a personal folder of the user. The personal tray is provided for each user. The user can store the electronic document in the own personal tray and browse (that is, download to the user terminal14) the electronic document stored in the own personal tray. In addition, the user can store the electronic document in a personal tray of another person. The user cannot browse the electronic document stored in the personal tray of the other person. For example, in a case where an approval requester wants to obtain approval from an approver for a certain electronic document, the approval requester can store the electronic document in a personal tray of the approver. As will be described in detail later, in a case where the electronic document is stored in the personal tray, the notification instruction unit32transmits the notification to the user corresponding to the personal tray.

The workspace is a personal folder of the user and is a work folder. The workspace is provided for each user like the personal tray. However, unlike the personal tray, the user can access the own workspace and cannot access a workspace of another person. That is, while the user can store the electronic document in the own workspace and browse the electronic document stored in the own workspace, the user cannot store the electronic document in the workspace of the other person and cannot browse the electronic document stored in the workspace of the other person. For example, the user can store an electronic document of a work in progress in the workspace.

The personal tray and the workspace are automatically generated in a case where the user registers for the document management service.

The shared tray is a folder that can be shared by a plurality of users. The shared tray can be accessed by the plurality of users. That is, each user can store the electronic document in the shared tray and browse the electronic document stored in the shared tray. Accordingly, the shared tray can also be used for exchanging the electronic document among the plurality of users. The shared tray can be generated by the user. In addition, a plurality of shared trays may be defined. The user can determine an application of each shared tray in advance. In this case, the electronic document corresponding to the application is stored in the shared tray. For example, a shared tray that is set to store an approved electronic document stores the electronic document approved by the approver. The approval requester can browse the approved electronic document stored in the shared tray. In a case where the electronic document is stored in the shared tray, the notification instruction unit32transmits the notification to a user who is set in advance for the shared tray. For example, a member of a certain department of a certain company is registered in advance for a shared tray for storing an approved electronic document of the department, and the notification is transmitted to the member of the department in a case where the approver (for example, a head of department) stores the electronic document in the shared tray.

For each folder defined in the memory22, the folder ID or the uniform resource locator (URL) for uniquely identifying the folder is defined. The folder ID, the information indicating the type of the folder, and the user ID of the user corresponding to the folder are stored in the folder DB26in association with each other.

Hereinafter, a summary of an example of the processes performed by the document management unit30and the notification instruction unit32will be described with reference toFIG.3using an example of a case where the electronic document for which the approval requester requests approval is stored in the personal tray of the approver. An approved tray that is the shared tray illustrated inFIG.3is set in advance to store the electronic document approved by the approver, and the approval requester is registered in advance as the user of the notification destination.

First, the approval requester accesses the document management server12from the user terminal14aof the approval requester and authenticates with the document management server12(that is, the approval requester logs in to the document management service). An authentication method may be a known method such as a password. Then, the approval requester transmits the electronic document for which the approval requester wants approval from the approver, to the document management server12from a user terminal14a.Specifically, the approval requester transmits the electronic document to the document management server12by designating the personal tray of the approver. The electronic document has document properties such as the user ID of the user transmitting the electronic document, a document name of the electronic document, an extension (type of document), and a data capacity.

The document management unit30stores the received electronic document in the personal tray of the approver as designated by the approval requester. At the same time, the document ID is assigned to the electronic document, and the document ID and the electronic document are managed in association with each other.

In a case where the electronic document is stored in the personal tray of the approver, the notification instruction unit32specifies a user ID of the user (that is, the approver) corresponding to the personal tray by referring to the folder DB26. Furthermore, the notification instruction unit32specifies a notification destination of the user (that is, a user terminal14bof the approver) associated with the specified user ID by referring to the user DB24. Then, the notification instruction unit32transmits notification information to the user terminal14bof the approver in order to notify the user. Details of the notification information will be described later.

The approver who receives the notification accesses the document management server12from the user terminal14b,authenticates with the document management server12, and downloads (copies) the electronic document to the user terminal14bfrom the own personal tray. The electronic document downloaded to the user terminal14bfrom the personal tray is locked (cannot be edited) on the document management server. Such a lock prevents inconsistency in content between the electronic document in the user terminal14band the same electronic document on the document management server12.

In a case where the approver approves the electronic document, an approval stamp is assigned to the electronic document in the user terminal14bof the approver. The stamp is an object (referred to as an annotation) added to the electronic document. The electronic document to which the approval stamp is assigned, and approval information indicating that approval has been made are transmitted to the document management server12. At this point, the electronic document is deleted from the user terminal14bof the approver.

The document management unit30determines whether or not the electronic document is approved based on the approval information and stores the electronic document in the approved tray. At this point, the original electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver is deleted. In a case where the electronic document is stored in the approved tray, the notification instruction unit32specifies a notification destination of the approval requester registered as the user of the notification destination of the approved tray based on the user DB24and transmits the notification to the user terminal14aof the approval requester. The approval requester can access the document management server12again in response to the notification and check the approved electronic document stored in the approved tray.

In a case where the approved tray is not provided, the approved electronic document is transmitted back to the personal tray of the approval requester. Even in this case, the notification instruction unit32transmits the notification to the approval requester, and the approval requester can check the approved electronic document stored in the own personal tray.

In a case where the approver does not approve and returns the electronic document, a return stamp is assigned to the electronic document in the user terminal14bof the approver. The electronic document to which the return stamp is assigned, and return information indicating that return has been made are transmitted to the document management server12. At this point, the electronic document is deleted from the user terminal14b of the approver.

The document management unit30determines whether or not the electronic document is returned based on the return information and stores the electronic document in the personal tray of the approval requester. At this point, the original electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver is deleted. In a case where the electronic document is stored in the personal tray of the approval requester, the notification instruction unit32specifies the notification destination of the approval requester based on the user DB24and transmits the notification to the user terminal14aof the approval requester. The approval requester can access the document management server12again in response to the notification and check the returned electronic document stored in the own personal tray.

The approver can temporarily store the electronic document in the own workspace before approving or returning the electronic document. For example, the approver can edit the electronic document in the user terminal14b,then temporarily store the electronic document in the workspace, and approve or return the electronic document later. In a case of storing the electronic document in the workspace, the electronic document is transmitted to the document management server12. In this case, the approver designates the own workspace as a storage destination of the electronic document and then, transmits the electronic document. At this point, the electronic document is deleted from the user terminal14bof the approver.

The document management unit30stores the received electronic document in the workspace of the approver. At this point, the original electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver is deleted.

FIG.4is a schematic configuration diagram of the user terminal14. While the user terminal14is a tablet terminal such as a smartphone in the exemplary embodiment, any computer may be used as the user terminal14as long as functions described below are performed. For example, the user terminal14may be a personal computer.

A communication interface40is configured to include, for example, a network adapter. The communication interface40performs a function of communicating with the document management server12through the communication line16.

An input interface42is configured to include, for example, a touch panel, a button, a mouse, or a keyboard. The input interface42is used for inputting an instruction of the user into the user terminal14.

A display44is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal panel. Various display screens are displayed on the display44.

A memory46is configured to include, for example, an HDD, an SSD, an eMMC, a ROM, or a RAM. The memory46stores an information processing program for functioning of each unit of the user terminal14. In addition, as illustrated inFIG.4, a document application48for executing a process related to the electronic document is installed in the memory46.

In the embodiments above, the term “processor” refers to hardware in a broad sense. Examples of the processor include general processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, and programmable logic device). In the embodiments above, the term “processor” is broad enough to encompass one processor or plural processors in collaboration which are located physically apart from each other but may work cooperatively. The order of operations of the processor is not limited to one described in the embodiments above, and may be changed.

In addition, the processor50performs functions as a display control unit52and a document processing unit54in accordance with the information processing program stored in the memory46.

The display control unit52executes a process of displaying various display screens on the display44. Specifically, the display control unit52displays a notification message on the display44based on the notification information received from the document management server12. In addition, in a case where the document application48is started, the display control unit52displays an execution screen of the document application48on the display44. As will be described in detail later, the electronic document and an operator for executing the process related to the electronic document are displayed on the execution screen of the document application48.

The document processing unit54executes the process related to the electronic document. Specifically, in a case where the document application48is executed, and an instruction is input from the user in the document application48, the process related to the electronic document is executed in accordance with the instruction. A process related to an electronic document D is not limited to a process of editing the electronic document D and includes a process for transmitting the electronic document D to the document management server12(that is, the document management service).

Hereinafter, details of processes of the display control unit52and the document processing unit54will be described assuming a case where a user (representatively, the approval requester who requests approval of the electronic document from the approver) belonging to a certain organization stores the electronic document in the personal tray of the approver who is a manager of the organization.

As described with reference toFIG.3, in a case where the electronic document is stored in the personal tray of the approver, the notification instruction unit32of the document management server12transmits the notification information to the user terminal14bof the approver. A content of the notification information is illustrated inFIG.5. The notification information includes the document properties (for example, the user ID and the user name of the user storing the electronic document in the personal tray of the approver and the document name of the electronic document) of the electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver, the document ID of the electronic document, and a folder ID (or a URL) of the personal tray of the approver.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the notification information may include an action ID as process content information. The action ID indicates a content of an expected process that is expected to be subsequently executed on the electronic document. For example, the content of the process indicated by the action ID is, but not limited to, an approval process of approving the electronic document, a return process of returning the electronic document, or a storage process of storing the electronic document in the workspace of the approver. The action ID can be assigned to the electronic document in advance. The action ID may be included in the document properties of the electronic document.

There are various methods for assigning the action ID to the electronic document. For example, the user who stores the electronic document in the personal tray of the approver can assign the action ID to the electronic document. For example, in a case where the user who stores the electronic document in the personal tray of the approver is the approval requester who requests approval of the electronic document from the approver, the process expected for the electronic document is apparently the approval process. Thus, the approval requester can assign the action ID indicating the approval process to the electronic document. Specifically, the approval requester provides an input indicating that the expected process is the approval process to the user terminal14, and the document processing unit54of the user terminal14transmits the electronic document to the document management server12by associating the electronic document with the action ID indicating the approval process. In addition, in a case where the electronic document is a draft in a certain document format, and the user who stores the electronic document in the personal tray of the approver wants the approver to correct and review the draft, the process expected for the electronic document may be the storage process in the workspace of the approver. Thus, the user can assign the action ID indicating the storage process in the workspace to the electronic document.

In addition, the action ID may be assigned to the electronic document in accordance with the folder storing the electronic document in the document management server12. In other words, the content of the expected process for the electronic document may be decided in accordance with the folder storing the electronic document. For example, in a case where the personal tray of the approver mostly stores the electronic document for which approval from the approver is requested, the action ID indicating the approval process may be assigned to the electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver. By doing so, the action ID can be assigned to the electronic document without a need for the user who stores the electronic document in the personal tray of the approver to perform a work of assigning the action ID.

In addition, the action ID may be assigned in accordance with a content of the electronic document that is obtained by performing an analysis process on the electronic document by the document processing unit54of the user terminal14or the document management unit30of the document management server12. For example, as a result of analyzing, by the document processing unit54or the document management unit30, the electronic document for which an instruction for storing in the personal tray of the approver is issued from the approval requester, in a case where incompleteness such that an item necessary for obtaining approval is not disclosed is detected, the process expected for the electronic document is the return process. Thus, the document processing unit54or the document management unit30can assign the action ID indicating the return process to the electronic document.

In a case where the display control unit52of the user terminal14of the approver receives the notification information from the document management server12, the display control unit52displays the notification message that prompts the approver to execute the process related to the electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver, on the display44based on the notification information. An example of a notification message60is displayed inFIG.6. As illustrated inFIG.6, the notification message60such as “Purchase order.pdf from Fujitaro is stored in personal tray.” is displayed on the display44of the user terminal14of the approver. Here, Fujitaro is the user name of the user who stores the electronic document in the personal tray of the approver, and purchase order.pdf is the document name of the electronic document. The user name and the document name are information included in the notification information as illustrated inFIG.5.

The approver accesses the personal tray of the approver of the document management service from the user terminal14in response to the notification message and downloads the electronic document to the user terminal14of the approver. In order to perform the process related to the electronic document, the approver opens the electronic document by starting the document application48. Here, in a case where the approver operates the notification message60, for example, it is preferable that the document processing unit54automatically performs a series of processes including access to the personal tray of the approver, download of the electronic document, and opening of the electronic document by starting the document application48. Accordingly, an effort of opening the electronic document using the document application48by the approver is reduced. For example, a case where the approver operates the notification message60is a case where the approver taps the notification message60, or a case where the approver operates the notification message60in a sliding manner.

While the action ID is included in the notification information in the exemplary embodiment, the action ID may be transmitted to the user terminal14together with the electronic document in a case where the electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver is downloaded to the user terminal14of the approver. That is, the action ID does not need to be included in the notification information and may be transmitted to the user terminal14separately from the notification information.

In a case where the document processing unit54of the user terminal14of the approver starts the document application48, the display control unit52displays the electronic document downloaded from the personal tray of the approver and an operator for executing the process related to the electronic document on the display44. As will be described later, a type of operator displayed here varies depending on a process content indicated by the action ID. First, a plurality of operators that are displayed on the display44normally, that is, in a case where the action ID is not assigned to the electronic document, and the user terminal14does not receive the action ID, will be described.

FIG.7is a first diagram illustrating the operators normally displayed on the display44. In a case where the document processing unit54starts the document application48, the plurality of operators are displayed on the execution screen of the document application48together with the electronic document D downloaded from the personal tray of the approver. In the example inFIG.7, a toolbar70including a plurality of operation buttons is displayed as the plurality of operators. The toolbar includes a completion button70acorresponding to a process of completing the editing of the electronic document D, a highlighter pen button70bcorresponding to a process of assigning a marker to the electronic document D using a highlighter pen, a text button70ccorresponding to a process of assigning a text to the electronic document D, a note button70dcorresponding to a process of assigning a note to the electronic document D, a line button70ecorresponding to a process of assigning a line to the electronic document D, and a stamp button70fcorresponding to a process of assigning a stamp to the electronic document D. By operating (for example, tapping) an operation button included in the toolbar70, the approver can provide an input indicating execution of a process corresponding to the operation button to the user terminal14. An operation button for editing the electronic document D is displayed in the toolbar70. The process of assigning the stamp to the electronic document D is also a process of editing the electronic document D.

In a case where the approver operates the stamp button70f,the display control unit52displays a stamp toolbar74including a plurality of stamp input buttons72as the plurality of operators on the display44. Examples of the stamp include, but not limited to, an approval stamp indicating that the electronic document D is approved, a return stamp indicating the electronic document D is returned, a processed stamp indicating that the electronic document D is processed, and an examined stamp indicating that the electronic document D is examined. By operating a stamp input button72included in the stamp toolbar74, the approver can assign a stamp corresponding to the stamp input button72to the electronic document D. An image of each stamp is displayed on the electronic document D in a superimposed manner by assigning each stamp to the electronic document D.

FIG.8is a second diagram illustrating the operators normally displayed on the display44. In a case where the approver operates the completion button70a,the display control unit52removes the toolbar70and the stamp toolbar74and then, displays an approval button76, a return button78, and a storage button80on the display as the plurality of operators. These buttons are buttons corresponding to processes of storing the electronic document D in predetermined folders of the document management server12. In a case where the approver operates the approval button76, the electronic document D is transmitted to the document management server12from the user terminal14, and the electronic document D is stored in the approved tray (refer toFIG.3). In a case where the approver operates the return button78, the electronic document D is transmitted to the document management server12from the user terminal14, and the electronic document D is stored in the personal tray of the approval requester (refer toFIG.3). In a case where the approver operates the storage button80, the electronic document D is transmitted to the document management server12from the user terminal14, and the electronic document D is stored in the workspace of the approver (refer toFIG.3).

In such a manner, the plurality of operators corresponding to a plurality of processes related to the electronic document D are normally displayed on the display44. Accordingly, the approver has to specify an operator necessary for a process related to the electronic document D from the plurality of operators.

In a case where the action ID is assigned to the electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver, and the user terminal14receives the action ID, the display control unit52performs highlighted display of an operator for executing the expected process indicated by the action ID on a display screen in the execution screen of the document application48based on the action ID, upon performing of the process related to the electronic document by the approver, that is, upon opening of the electronic document by the document application48in the exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, each of cases where the expected process indicated by the action ID is the approval process, the return process, and the storage process in the workspace will be described.

FIG.9is a first diagram illustrating operators displayed on the display44in a case where the action ID indicates the approval process. In a case where the action ID received by the user terminal14indicates the approval process, an operator for executing the approval process on the electronic document D is subjected to the highlighted display together with the electronic document D downloaded from the personal tray of the approver, upon starting of the document application48by the document processing unit54.

In the exemplary embodiment, the approval process for the electronic document D is a process of assigning the approval stamp to the electronic document D and storing the electronic document D in the approved tray. Accordingly, in a case where the electronic document D is opened by starting the document application48, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of the stamp button70fnecessary for assigning the approval stamp to the electronic document D. The highlighted display may have any aspect as long as a display aspect in which the stamp button70fstands out compared to the other operators is used. For example, the stamp button70fwhich is the operator for executing the expected process can be displayed to be larger than the operators for executing the processes other than the expected process, that is, the operators other than the stamp button70f.In addition, a color of the stamp button70fmay be displayed differently from colors of the other operators. In the exemplary embodiment, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of the stamp button70fby displaying the stamp button70fand not displaying the operators other than the stamp button70f.

In a case where the approver operates the stamp button70f,the stamp toolbar74is displayed. Here, in a case where the user terminal14receives the action ID indicating the approval process, the display control unit52also performs the highlighted display of an approval stamp button72ain the stamp toolbar74. The approval stamp button72ais an operator for assigning an object (in the exemplary embodiment, a stamp) related to the approval process, which is the expected process, to the electronic document D. In the exemplary embodiment, the approval stamp button72ais subjected to the highlighted display by displaying only the approval stamp button72aand not displaying the other stamp buttons for assigning the stamps related to the processes other than the approval process to the electronic document D in the stamp toolbar74. However, the highlighted display may have various aspects as described above.

FIG.10is a second diagram illustrating the operators displayed on the display44in a case where the action ID indicates the approval process. In a case where the approval stamp is assigned to the electronic document D by operating the approval stamp button72aby the approver, the display control unit52removes the toolbar and the stamp toolbar74and then, performs the highlighted display of the approval button76among the approval button76, the return button78, and the storage button80(refer toFIG.8). In the exemplary embodiment, the approval button76is subjected to the highlighted display by displaying the approval button76and not displaying the return button78and the storage button80. However, the highlighted display may have various aspects as described above.

In such a manner, in a case where the user terminal14receives the action ID indicating the approval process, the display control unit52sequentially performs the highlighted display of operators necessary for the approval process. Accordingly, the approver may easily specify operators corresponding to the approval process compared to a case of displaying the plurality of operators in the same aspect. Specifically, the approver can execute the approval process of approving the electronic document D by simply operating the operators subjected to the highlighted display one by one.

In the exemplary embodiment, in a case where the electronic document D is opened by starting the document application48, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of the stamp button70f.However, in a case where the electronic document D is opened by starting the document application48, the display control unit52may perform the highlighted display of the approval stamp button72ain the stamp toolbar74by displaying the stamp toolbar74from the beginning without displaying the toolbar70. Accordingly, the approver does not need to operate the stamp button70fin order to display the approval stamp button72a,and an operation amount of the approver is reduced.

In addition, similarly, in a case where the notification message60(refer toFIG.6) displayed on the display44of the user terminal14is operated, and the electronic document is opened by starting the document application48, the operators for executing the approval process on the electronic document D is subjected to the highlighted display. Accordingly, by operating the notification message60and operating the operators subjected to the highlighted display one by one, the approver can execute a series of processes including starting of the document application48, assigning of the approval stamp to the electronic document, and storage of the electronic document in the approved tray.

FIG.11is a first diagram illustrating operators displayed on the display44in a case where the action ID indicates the return process. In a case where the action ID received by the user terminal14indicates the return process, an operator for executing the return process on the electronic document D is subjected to the highlighted display together with the electronic document D downloaded from the personal tray of the approver, upon starting of the document application48by the document processing unit54.

In the exemplary embodiment, the return process for the electronic document D is a process of assigning the return stamp to the electronic document D and storing the electronic document D in the personal tray of the approval requester. Accordingly, in a case where the electronic document D is opened by starting the document application48, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of the stamp button70fnecessary for assigning the return stamp to the electronic document D. In the exemplary embodiment, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of the stamp button70fby displaying the stamp button70fand not displaying the operators other than the stamp button70f.

In a case where the approver operates the stamp button70f,the stamp toolbar74is displayed. Here, in a case where the user terminal14receives the action ID indicating the return process, the display control unit52also performs the highlighted display of a return stamp button72bin the stamp toolbar74. The return stamp button72bis used for assigning a stamp related to the return process, which is the expected process, to the electronic document D. In the exemplary embodiment, the return stamp button72bis subjected to the highlighted display by displaying only the return stamp button72band not displaying the other stamp buttons in the stamp toolbar74. However, the highlighted display may have various aspects as described above.

FIG.12is a second diagram illustrating the operators displayed on the display44in a case where the action ID indicates the return process. In a case where the return stamp is assigned to the electronic document D by operating the return stamp button72bby the approver, the display control unit52removes the toolbar70and the stamp toolbar74and then, performs the highlighted display of the return button78among the approval button76, the return button78, and the storage button80(refer toFIG.8). In the exemplary embodiment, the return button78is subjected to the highlighted display by displaying the return button78and not displaying the approval button76and the storage button80. However, the highlighted display may have various aspects as described above.

In such a manner, in a case where the user terminal14receives the action ID indicating the return process, the display control unit52sequentially performs the highlighted display of operators necessary for the return process. Accordingly, the approver may easily specify operators corresponding to the return process compared to a case of displaying the plurality of operators in the same aspect. Specifically, the approver can execute the return process of returning the electronic document D by simply operating the operators subjected to the highlighted display one by one.

In the exemplary embodiment, in a case where the electronic document D is opened by starting the document application48, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of the stamp button70f.However, in a case where the electronic document D is opened by starting the document application48, the display control unit52may perform the highlighted display of the return stamp button72bin the stamp toolbar74by displaying the stamp toolbar74from the beginning without displaying the toolbar70. Accordingly, the approver does not need to operate the stamp button70fin order to display the return stamp button72b,and the operation amount of the approver is reduced.

In addition, similarly, in a case where the notification message60(refer toFIG.6) displayed on the display44of the user terminal14is operated, and the electronic document is opened by starting the document application48, the operators for executing the return process on the electronic document D are subjected to the highlighted display. Accordingly, by operating the notification message60and operating the operators subjected to the highlighted display one by one, the approver can execute a series of processes including starting of the document application48, assigning of the return stamp to the electronic document, and storage of the electronic document in the personal tray of the approval requester.

FIG.13is a first diagram illustrating operators displayed on the display44in a case where the action ID indicates the storage process in the workspace. In a case where the action ID received by the user terminal14indicates the storage process in the workspace, an operator for executing the storage process of the electronic document D in the workspace is subjected to the highlighted display together with the electronic document D downloaded from the personal tray of the approver, upon starting of the document application48by the document processing unit54.

In the exemplary embodiment, the storage process of the electronic document D in the workspace is a process of storing the electronic document D in the workspace of the approver after editing such as assigning of a stamp is performed on the electronic document D. Accordingly, in a case where the electronic document D is opened by starting the document application48, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of the completion button70a,the highlighter pen button70b,the text button70c,the note button70d,and the line button70ethat are necessary for editing processes other than assigning of the stamp for the electronic document D. In the exemplary embodiment, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of these operation buttons by displaying the completion button70a,the highlighter pen button70b,the text button70c,the note button70d,and the line button70eand not displaying the other operators.

The approver can execute the editing processes on the electronic document D by operating the highlighter pen button70b,the text button70c,the note button70d,and the line button70e.

FIG.14is a second diagram illustrating the operators displayed on the display44in a case where the action ID indicates the storage process in the workspace. In a case where the approver operates the completion button70a,the display control unit52removes the toolbar70and then, performs the highlighted display of the storage button80among the approval button76, the return button78, and the storage button80(refer toFIG.8). In the exemplary embodiment, the storage button80is subjected to the highlighted display by displaying the storage button80and not displaying the approval button and the return button78. However, the highlighted display may have various aspects as described above.

In such a manner, in a case where the user terminal14receives the action ID indicating the storage process in the workspace, the display control unit52sequentially performs the highlighted display of operators necessary for the storage process. Accordingly, the approver may easily specify operators corresponding to the storage process compared to a case of displaying the plurality of operators in the same aspect. Specifically, the approver can execute the storage process of storing the electronic document D in the workspace of the approver after editing the electronic document D by simply operating the operators subjected to the highlighted display one by one.

Similarly, in a case where the notification message (refer toFIG.6) displayed on the display44of the user terminal14is operated, and the electronic document is opened by starting the document application48, the operators for executing the storage process of storing the electronic document D in the workspace are subjected to the highlighted display. Accordingly, by operating the notification message60and operating the operators subjected to the highlighted display one by one, the approver can execute a series of processes including starting of the document application48, editing of the electronic document, and storage of the electronic document in the workspace of the approver.

Hereinafter, a flow of process of the user terminal will be described in accordance with a flowchart illustrated inFIG.15. At a start of the flowchart inFIG.15, the electronic document from the approval requester is stored in the personal tray of the approver.

In step S10, the user terminal14of the approver receives, from the document management server12, the notification information for prompting the approver to execute the process related to the electronic document stored in the personal tray of the approver.

In step S12, the display control unit52displays the notification message60(refer toFIG.6) based on the notification information received in step S10on the display44.

In step S14, the document processing unit54determines whether or not the notification message60displayed in step S12is operated by the user (approver). The document processing unit54waits until the notification message60is operated by the approver. In a case where the notification message60is operated, a transition is made to step S16.

In step S16, the document processing unit54accesses the personal tray of the approver of the document management server12and downloads the electronic document related to the notification information received in step S10from the personal tray of the approver. Then, the document processing unit54starts the document application48and displays the electronic document.

In step S18, the display control unit52determines whether or not the user terminal14receives the action ID from the document management server12. Specifically, the display control unit52determines whether or not the action ID is included in the notification information received in step S10or whether or not the action ID is received together with the electronic document in step S16.

In a case where the user terminal14does not receive the action ID, a transition is made to step S20. In step S20, the display control unit52displays the normally used operators on the execution screen of the document application48. That is, the display control unit52displays the toolbar70(refer toFIG.7) including the completion button70a,the highlighter pen button70b,the text button70c,the note button70d,the line button70e,and the stamp button70f.

In a case where the user terminal14receives the action ID, a transition is made to step S22. In step S22, the display control unit52determines the process content indicated by the action ID.

In a case where the action ID indicates the approval process, a transition is made to step S24. In step S24, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of operation buttons necessary for the approval process on the execution screen of the document application48(refer toFIG.9andFIG.10).

In a case where the action ID indicates the return process, a transition is made to step S26. In step S26, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of operation buttons necessary for the return process on the execution screen of the document application48(refer toFIG.11andFIG.12).

In a case where the action ID indicates the storage process in the workspace, a transition is made to step S28. In step S28, the display control unit52performs the highlighted display of operation buttons necessary for the storage process in the workspace on the execution screen of the document application48(refer toFIG.13andFIG.14).

In step S30, the document processing unit54executes the process related to the electronic document in accordance with the operation button operated by the approver.

While the exemplary embodiment according to the invention is described above, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment and can be subjected to various modifications without departing from a gist of the invention.

For example, while a case where the electronic document is stored in the personal tray of the approver in the document management service is generally described in the exemplary embodiment, the invention can be applied to a case where the electronic document is stored in other folders. For example, the invention can be applied to a case where a format of a certain electronic document is reviewed by a plurality of users, and a draft of the format is stored in a certain shared tray. In a case where the electronic document is stored in the shared tray, the notification information including the action ID indicating the editing processes other than assigning of the stamp is transmitted to the user terminal14used by the user (user reviewing the format) registered in advance for the shared tray. In a case where each user operates the notification message based on the notification information, operation buttons necessary for the editing processes other than assigning of the stamp are subjected to the highlighted display together with the draft of the format on the execution screen of the document application displayed on the user terminal14of each user. Accordingly, each user can easily perform the editing processes on the draft of the format.

In addition, while the process related to the electronic document managed by the document management server12is performed in the exemplary embodiment, the electronic document may not be the electronic document managed by the document management server12, as long as the user terminal14can acquire the action ID corresponding to the electronic document. For example, in a case where the document processing unit54opens the electronic document stored in the memory46of the user terminal14by starting the document application48, that is, even in a case where the user terminal14executes the process related to the electronic document in a stand-alone manner, the display control unit52can perform the highlighted display of the operator for executing the expected process indicated by the action ID on the display screen as long as the user terminal14can acquire the action ID corresponding to the electronic document such that the action ID is assigned to the electronic document in advance.