Patent Description:
There is a technology to securely share a contract document.

<CIT> discloses an electronic signature document management system that is a system that appropriately performs an electronic signature on a digitized document among a plurality of users and manages the electronic document to be viewable. The electronic signature document management system includes a plurality of terminals used by the respective users, a management apparatus, a first communication path that is encrypted and connects each of the terminals and the management apparatus to each other, and a second communication path that connects the terminals to each other and connects each of the terminals and the management apparatus to each other. A terminal of a first user transmits data of the digitized document to the management apparatus via the first communication path and transmits a notification of an address of the document in the management apparatus and a signature request to terminals of one or a plurality of second users requesting a signature, via the second communication path. The terminal of the second user receiving the request receives the data of the document via the first communication path, and transmits electronic signature data with confirming the contents of the document via the first communication path. The management apparatus stores the digitized document with the electronic signature at the address via the first communication path to be viewable.

There is a technology of retaining the originality of electronic contracts.

<CIT> discloses a contact support integrated service system that uses a communication terminal, a service providing server, and a communication line connecting the server and the communication terminal to each other to certify "each act in the negotiation process of a contract", an "act of signing for contract conclusion", and a "series of history until contract conclusion" which are made on a communication system such as a communication network, and to safely stores the above acts and the history in a form of data that maintains the readability as high as paper. The contact support integrated service system includes a unit that receives a request of a company or the like that wishes to issue a "program using an encryption technology such as an electronic signature and a key of the program", and stores and issues the "program using an encryption technology such as an electronic signature and the key of the program" in a "device having a function of not allowing physical duplication of the encrypted program or data", and a unit that safely stores contract data signed or authenticated by the "program using an encryption technology such as an electronic signature and the key of the program without being tampered, in order for an in-service authentication station authority certified by a third-party authentication authority that provides a highly reliable certification service to use this service. <CIT> discloses systems and methods for providing a report describing the status of an electronic envelope. The electronic envelope includes a first electronic document to be distributed for electronic signature and an electronic signing template defining a set of at least one task that must be performed by an executor of the first electronic document to complete the electronic signature. The first electronic document is subject to a workflow including a plurality of events. The method includes receiving from a monitoring entity a selection of an identifier of an event of the plurality. <CIT> discloses an electronic signature system comprising a business application, said business application having a programming interface configured to request a signature of a document with a signature manager for a user, the system is characterized in that said business application is able to define a content to be signed, to identify criteria and to select a signatory user, to define the use of a type of digital identity, to collect signature properties, and to require a signature format.

A user who is registered in the electronic signature service and uses the electronic signature service as a contract requesting source can confirm contract information being information regarding a contract using the electronic signature service and service information being information regarding the electronic signature service, by logging in to the electronic signature service.

In a case where the user is registered in a plurality of electronic signature services and uses the electronic signature services, the user is required to separately log in to each electronic signature service in order to check the service contents of each electronic signature service, the use status of each electronic signature service, and the like. After separately checking, for example, in a case where an intended electronic signature service is used in a new contract, the user can finally start creation of the contract by separately logging in to the intended electronic signature service again.

The present invention is provided in the appended claims. The following disclosure serves a better understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method capable of receiving selection of an intended electronic signature service without separately checking a plurality of electronic signature services in which a user is registered.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a processor configured to use authentication information of a first user who is registered in a plurality of electronic signature services and uses the electronic signature services, to acquire at least one of contract information regarding a contract using each electronic signature service or service information, from each electronic signature service, the authentication information being provided for each of the electronic signature services and used for using the electronic signature service, and the service information being information regarding each electronic signature service, display a check screen in association with the acquired at least one of the contract information or the service information and the electronic signature service as an acquisition source, the check screen being used for checking the plurality of electronic signature services, and receive selection of the electronic signature service used by the first user on the check screen.

According to a second aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the processor may be configured to use the authentication information of the first user for the selected electronic signature service to receive an input for creating the contract on the selected electronic signature service.

According to a third aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the processor may be configured to, in a case where there is a difference between functions provided by the plurality of electronic signature services, display the function provided by the selected electronic signature service and the function which is not provided by the selected electronic signature service in different display forms, on the check screen on which the selection of the electronic signature service has been received.

According to a fourth aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the processor may be configured to, in a case where there is a difference between functions provided by the plurality of electronic signature services, and selection of the function is received on the check screen before the selection of the electronic signature service is received, display the electronic signature service that provides the function and the electronic signature service that does not provide the function, in different display forms.

According to a fifth aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the processor may be configured to present a remaining number of usages of each electronic signature service on the check screen.

According to a sixth aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the processor may be configured to prohibit reception of the selection of the electronic signature service in which the remaining number of usages is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

According to a seventh aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the processor may be configured to change a display form between the plurality of electronic signature services displayed on the check screen, depending on the acquired at least one of the contract information or the service information.

According to an eighth aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the processor may be configured to acquire the contract information, and, in a case where a second user as a contract requesting destination of a new contract is included as a contract requesting destination of a previous contract included in the contract information, display the electronic signature service used in the previous contract on the check screen in a display form different from a display form of other electronic signature services.

According to a ninth aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the processor may be configured to, in a case where the previous contract of the second user as the contract requesting destination is created by a plurality of electronic signature services, display the electronic signature services on the check screen in descending order of the number of creations.

According to a tenth aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the processor may be configured to, in a case where the selection of the electronic signature service in which the previous contract of the second user as the contract requesting destination is not created is received, issue a warning.

According to an eleventh aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the processor may be configured to use authentication information of a third user other than the first user to further acquire contract information regarding a contract using each electronic signature service, from each electronic signature service, the authentication information being provided for each electronic signature service, and display the electronic signature service in which the third user as a contract requesting destination of a new contract is registered, and which is used by the third user, on the check screen in a display form different from a display form of the electronic signature service which is not used by the third user.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the processor may be configured to display the electronic signature service in which the third user is registered, and which is used by the third user, on the check screen in order of a use frequency.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing program causing a computer to execute a process including using authentication information of a first user who is registered in a plurality of electronic signature services and uses the electronic signature services, to acquire at least one of contract information regarding a contract using each electronic signature service or service information, from each electronic signature service, the authentication information being provided for each of the electronic signature services and used for using the electronic signature service, and the service information being information regarding each electronic signature service, displaying a check screen in association with the acquired at least one of the contract information or the service information and the electronic signature service as an acquisition source, the check screen being used for checking the plurality of electronic signature services, and receiving selection of the electronic signature service used by the first user on the check screen.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing method including using authentication information of a first user who is registered in a plurality of electronic signature services and uses the electronic signature services, to acquire at least one of contract information regarding a contract using each electronic signature service or service information, from each electronic signature service, the authentication information being provided for each of the electronic signature services and used for using the electronic signature service, and the service information being information regarding each electronic signature service, displaying a check screen in association with the acquired at least one of the contract information or the service information and the electronic signature service as an acquisition source, the check screen being used for checking the plurality of electronic signature services, and receiving selection of the electronic signature service used by the first user on the check screen.

According to the first aspect, the thirteenth aspect, and the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to receive the selection of an intended electronic signature service without separately checking the plurality of electronic signature services used by the user by registration.

According to the second aspect, it is possible to create information for requesting a contract from the electronic signature service.

According to the third aspect, it is possible to display a function provided by the electronic signature service separately from other functions, for each electronic signature service.

According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to display the electronic signature service that provides an intended function, separately from other electronic signature services.

According to the fifth aspect, the user can select the electronic signature service after visually recognizing the remaining number of usages for each electronic signature service.

According to the sixth aspect, the user can select the electronic signature service in accordance with the use status of the electronic signature service.

According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to display the electronic signature service separately from other electronic signature services, in accordance with the contract information or the service information.

According to the eighth aspect, the user is urged to select the electronic signature service previously used by the contract requesting destination.

According to the ninth aspect, the user can visually recognize the electronic signature service in descending order of the number of times of the contract requesting destination using previously.

According to the tenth aspect, the user can recognize that the electronic signature service is an electronic signature service which is not previously used by the contract requesting destination.

According to the eleventh aspect, the user is urged to select the electronic signature service in which the contract requesting destination is registered.

According to the twelfth aspect, the user is urged to select the electronic signature service that is frequently used by the contract requesting destination.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The identical reference signs are denoted by the same or equivalent components and portions in the drawings. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of description and may differ from the actual ratios.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic signature service <NUM>.

The electronic signature service <NUM> is a service that realizes the conclusion of a contract between a first user <NUM> being a contract requesting source and a second user <NUM> being a contract requesting destination, by electronic signature.

Here, the first user <NUM> belongs to a company A <NUM> being a tenant. The first user <NUM> registers and uses the electronic signature service <NUM> by using a terminal device <NUM>. The terminal device <NUM> is, for example, a terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, and a personal computer. The first user <NUM> is registered in the electronic signature service <NUM>.

The second user <NUM> belongs to a company B <NUM> being a tenant. The second user <NUM> uses the electronic signature service <NUM> by using a terminal device <NUM>. The terminal device <NUM> is, for example, a terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, and a personal computer. The second user <NUM> may or may not be registered the electronic signature service <NUM>.

A flow in which the first user <NUM> requests a contract from the second user <NUM> by using the electronic signature service <NUM> will be described in order of processes indicated by arrows Y1 to Y5.

The arrow Y1 indicates a flow in which the first user <NUM> creates a contract document <NUM> on the electronic signature service <NUM> by using the terminal device <NUM>. The electronic signature service <NUM> provides a contract-document creation function to the first user <NUM> on a WEB screen, for example. The first user <NUM> creates the contract document <NUM> by the contract-document creation function provided by the electronic signature service <NUM>. The first user <NUM> writes an E-mail address of the second user <NUM> as the contract requesting destination, on the electronic signature service <NUM>. Here, the contract document <NUM> is, for example, text data or data stored in a portable document format (PDF) format or the like.

The arrow Y2 indicates a flow of a process in which the electronic signature service <NUM> requests the second user <NUM> to sign by E-mail. The electronic signature service <NUM> transmits, for example, an E-mail in which a uniform resource locator (URL) of a WEB site for confirming the contract document <NUM> and signing is described. The electronic signature service <NUM> adds meta information such as a signature region <NUM> to the contract document <NUM>.

The arrow Y3 indicates a flow in which the second user <NUM> confirms the contract document <NUM> or signs on the contract document on the electronic signature service <NUM> by using the terminal device <NUM>. The second user <NUM> signs on the signature region <NUM> assigned to the contract document <NUM>, for example. Then, the electronic signature service <NUM> performs the electronic signature using the signature.

The arrow Y4 indicates a flow of a process in which the electronic signature service <NUM> notifies the first user <NUM> of the completion of signing by E-mail. Similarly, the electronic signature service <NUM> also notifies the second user <NUM> of the completion of the signing (not illustrated in <FIG>).

The arrow Y5 indicates a process in which the first user <NUM> confirms contract information on the electronic signature service <NUM> by using the terminal device <NUM>. Here, the contract information is information regarding the contract and includes one or a plurality of items. The contract information includes, for example, the contract status, the contract requesting source, the contract requesting destination, the contract date, the contract expiration, the contract document, or contract-document meta information of the contract. Here, the contract status indicates the conclusion status of the contract. The contract status is, for example, being unrequested, contract-in-progress, or being contracted. The contract-document meta information is information attached to the contract document. The contract-document meta information is, for example, PDF meta information that can be edited before conclusion of a contract, such as the signature region <NUM>, an input box of the amount of money, or a consent check box.

As described above, the electronic signature service <NUM> provides the first user <NUM> with the management function including a contract information confirmation function. The management function includes, for example, a function of allowing use of contract information, a function of confirming the previous contract, and a function of renewing the contract. Here, the function of allowing use refers to transmission of information to the user, or causing the information to be in a viewable state or a downloadable state.

On the other hand, the electronic signature service <NUM> does not provide the second user <NUM> with the management function. Alternatively, the electronic signature service <NUM> provides the second user with the management function limited as compared with the first user <NUM>.

For example, the electronic signature service <NUM> allows the first user <NUM> to use the contract-document meta information before and after the signing. On the other hand, the electronic signature service <NUM> does not allow the second user <NUM> to use the contract-document meta information before and after the signing.

For example, the electronic signature service <NUM> allows the first user <NUM> to use contract information of the previous contract with the second user <NUM>. On the other hand, the electronic signature service <NUM> does not allow the second user <NUM> to use contract information of the previous contract with the first user <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a contract management system <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment.

The contract management system <NUM> is a system that acquires at least one of contract information or service information from one or a plurality of electronic signature services <NUM> and centrally manages contracts. The service information is information regarding the electronic signature service <NUM>. The service information is, for example, the remaining number of usages, which is the number of times that a contract can be requested on the electronic signature service <NUM>, whether or not the electronic signature service is registered, and the expiration date of the authentication information. The remaining number of usages may be the remaining number for the usage limit determined by the electronic signature service <NUM>. In the following description, the contract information and the service information will be referred to as "contract information and the like".

Here, the contract management system <NUM> is configured by a contract management apparatus <NUM>, a WEB server <NUM>, a contract document storage <NUM>, and a contract management database <NUM>.

The contract management apparatus <NUM> acquires contract information and the like from one or a plurality of electronic signature services <NUM>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the acquired contract information and the like on a check screen <NUM>. The check screen <NUM> is a screen for checking the electronic signature service <NUM>. The check screen <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> operates as an information processing apparatus in the present disclosure.

The WEB server <NUM> is a server that transmits and receives to and from a WEB browser or the like by the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). The WEB server <NUM> receives an HTTP request transmitted from the WEB browser installed on the terminal device <NUM>, for example. The WEB server <NUM> transmits information on the received HTTP request to the contract management apparatus <NUM>.

The contract document storage <NUM> is a storage that stores files such as the contract document <NUM>. A file is transmitted in response to a request from the contract management apparatus <NUM> or the like.

The contract management database <NUM> is a database that stores information used for contract management.

The contract management system <NUM>, the mail server <NUM>, the electronic signature service <NUM>, the company A <NUM>, and the company B <NUM> are connected to a network N.

The mail server <NUM> is a mail server that transmits and receives E-mails.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating the contract management system <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment.

A flow in which the first user <NUM> requests a contract from the second user <NUM> by using the contract management system <NUM> will be described in order of processes indicated by arrows Y11 to Y18.

The arrow Y11 indicates a flow in which the first user <NUM> requests a contract with the second user <NUM> from the contract management system <NUM> by using the terminal device <NUM>.

The arrow Y12 indicates a flow of a process in which the contract management system <NUM> requests the contract from the electronic signature service <NUM>. Here, in a case where the electronic signature service <NUM> opens an application programming interface (API) to the public, the contract management system <NUM> requests the contract from the electronic signature service <NUM> by using the API. The electronic signature service <NUM> executes the API using the authentication information of the first user <NUM>. Here, the authentication information is authentication information for using the electronic signature service <NUM>. The authentication information is, for example, a password or an authentication key for using the API of the electronic signature service <NUM>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> stores the authentication information of the first user <NUM> in the contract management database <NUM> in advance. The process of requesting a contract will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The arrow Y13 indicates a flow of a process in which the electronic signature service <NUM> requests the second user <NUM> to sign.

The arrow Y14 indicates a flow of a process in which the second user <NUM> signs on the electronic signature service <NUM>.

The arrow Y15 indicates a flow of a process in which the electronic signature service <NUM> transmits contract information and the like to the contract management system <NUM>. That is, the contract management system <NUM> acquires the contract information and the like from the electronic signature service <NUM>. In a case where the electronic signature service <NUM> opens the API to the public, the contract management system <NUM> uses the API to acquire the contract information and the like from the electronic signature service <NUM>. The process of acquiring the contract information and the like will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The arrow Y16 indicates a flow of a process in which the electronic signature service <NUM> notifies the first user <NUM> and the second user <NUM> of the completion of the signing.

The arrow Y17 indicates a flow of a process in which the contract management system <NUM> notifies the first user <NUM> and the second user <NUM> of the update of the contract information and the like. The update of the contract information and the like is the update of the contract status by signing of the second user <NUM>, for example.

The arrow Y18 indicates a flow in which the first user <NUM> confirms the contract information and the like on the contract management system <NUM> by using the terminal device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the contract management apparatus <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment. The contract management apparatus <NUM> includes components such as a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a read only memory (ROM) <NUM>, a random access memory (RAM) <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, and a communication interface (communication I/F) <NUM>. The components are connected to each other via a bus <NUM> to be communicable with each other.

The CPU <NUM> is a central arithmetic processing unit that executes various programs and controls the units. That is, the CPU <NUM> reads the program from the ROM <NUM> or the storage <NUM>, and executes the program using the RAM <NUM> as a work area. The CPU <NUM> controls the above components and performs various arithmetic processes, in accordance with the program recorded in the ROM <NUM> or the storage <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, an information processing program for managing a contract is stored in the ROM <NUM> or the storage <NUM>. A contract management processing program will be described later with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The ROM <NUM> stores various programs and various types of data. The RAM <NUM> temporarily stores the program or the data as a work area. The storage <NUM> is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores various programs including an operating system and various types of data.

The input unit <NUM> includes a pointing device such as a mouse, and a keyboard, and the input unit is used for performing various inputs.

The display unit <NUM> is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various types of information. The display unit <NUM> may adopt a touch panel type and function as the input unit <NUM>.

The communication interface <NUM> is an interface for communicating with other devices such as a database. For example, standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used for the communication interface.

Next, the operation of the contract management apparatus <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of displaying the check screen <NUM> by the contract management apparatus <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment. The CPU <NUM> reads a processing program for displaying the check screen <NUM> from the ROM <NUM> or the storage <NUM>, and expands the program into a RAM <NUM>, and thus the process of displaying the check screen <NUM> is performed. A specific example of the check screen <NUM> will be described later in <FIG>.

In Step S102, the CPU <NUM> acquires authentication information of the first user <NUM> for each electronic signature service <NUM>. That is, the CPU <NUM> acquires one or a plurality of pieces of the authentication information of the first user <NUM>, which are stored in advance in the contract management database <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S104.

In Step S104, the CPU <NUM> acquires the contract information and the like of each electronic signature service <NUM> from each electronic signature service <NUM> by using the authentication information of the first user <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S106.

In Step S106, the CPU <NUM> stores the contract information and the like. That is, the CPU <NUM> stores the contract information and the like in the contract management database <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S108.

The processes of Steps S102 to S106 are performed by using the authentication information of a user other than the first user <NUM>. In this manner, the contract information and the like of the user other than the first user <NUM> are accumulated in the contract management database <NUM>.

In Step S108, the CPU <NUM> displays the contract information and the like on the check screen <NUM>. Then, the CPU <NUM> displays the check screen <NUM> on the display unit <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> ends the process of displaying the check screen <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process of changing a display form by the contract management apparatus <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment. The CPU <NUM> reads a processing program for changing the display form from the ROM <NUM> or the storage <NUM>, and expands the program into a RAM <NUM>, and thus the process of changing the display form is performed. The change of the display form is, for example, switching of whether or not the display is performed, switching of whether or not the selection is possible, a change of a color such as grayout, a change of an order, highlighting in bold, and the like.

When displaying the check screen <NUM> or when an action described later is selected, the contract management apparatus <NUM> performs the process of changing the display form.

In Step S202, the CPU <NUM> changes the display form of the electronic signature service based on the contract information and the like of the first user <NUM>. A specific example of changing the display form of the electronic signature service will be described later in <FIG> and <FIG>. A specific example of the display form of the electronic signature service is an electronic signature service display region <NUM>, which will be described later. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S204.

In Step S204, the CPU <NUM> receives the selection of the electronic signature service. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S206.

In Step S206, the CPU <NUM> determines whether or not the electronic signature service is selected. In a case where it is determined that the electronic signature service is selected (Step S206: Yes), the CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S208. In a case where it is determined that the electronic signature service is not selected (Step S206: No), the CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S220.

In Step S208, the CPU <NUM> changes the display form of the function based on the selected electronic signature service. The function is a function provided for the user by the electronic signature service <NUM>. A specific example of changing the display form of the function will be described later in <FIG>. A specific example of the display form of the function is a function display region <NUM>, which will be described later. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S210.

In Step S210, the CPU <NUM> receives the selection of the function. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S240.

In Step S220, the CPU <NUM> receives the designation of the contract requesting destination. For example, the CPU <NUM> receives the designation of the contract requesting destination by inputting an E-mail address or being selected from a user list created in advance. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S222.

In Step S222, the CPU <NUM> acquires the contract information and the like of the second user <NUM> being the contract requesting destination. That is, the CPU <NUM> acquires the contract information and the like of the contract between the first user <NUM> and the second user <NUM>, from the contract management database <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S224.

In Step S222, the CPU <NUM> may acquire the contract information and the like of the contract in which the second user <NUM> is the contract requesting source or the contract requesting destination. That is, the CPU <NUM> acquires the contract information and the like of the contract between a user other than the first user <NUM> and the second user <NUM>, from the contract management database <NUM>.

In Step S224, the CPU <NUM> changes the display form of the electronic signature service based on the contract information and the like of the second user <NUM>. A specific example of changing the display form of the electronic signature service will be described later in <FIG>. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S226.

In Step S226, the CPU <NUM> receives the selection of the function. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S228.

In Step S228, the CPU <NUM> changes the display form of the electronic signature service based on the selected function. A specific example of changing the display form of the electronic signature service will be described later in <FIG>. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S230.

In Step S230, the CPU <NUM> receives the selection of the electronic signature service. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S240.

In Step S240, the CPU <NUM> receives an input for creating a contract or the like on the electronic signature service <NUM>. Creation of a contract is, for example, creation of a new contract, renewal of a contract, or an edit of a contract. A specific example of the input for creating a contract on the electronic signature service <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>. The CPU <NUM> causes the process to proceed to Step S242.

In Step S242, the CPU <NUM> requests the contract request from the electronic signature service <NUM>. That is, the CPU <NUM> transmits contract request information to the selected electronic signature service <NUM> by using the authentication information of the first user <NUM>. The contract request information is information for causing the electronic signature service <NUM> to perform a contract request process. That is, the CPU <NUM> causes the electronic signature service <NUM> to perform the contract request processing by using the API. The CPU <NUM> ends the process of changing the display form.

<FIG> are examples of the check screen <NUM> displayed in the display unit <NUM> of the contract management apparatus <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, the check screen <NUM> has a contract information-and-like display region <NUM>, an electronic signature service display region <NUM>, a function display region <NUM>, and a detailed display region <NUM>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> may display the display regions in a case where an action described later is selected. The contract management apparatus <NUM> may display the display regions on the respective screens.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the contract information and the like acquired from the electronic signature service <NUM>, in the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>. The contract information-and-like display region <NUM> includes, for example, a number item, a contract number item, a contract requesting destination item, a contract date item, a contract expiration item, a status item, a contract document item, an electronic signature service item, an action item, and a related contract item.

Here, the electronic signature service item is an item for displaying the electronic signature service <NUM> which is the acquisition source of the contract information. The contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the acquired contract information and the electronic signature service <NUM> as the acquisition source, in association with each other. For example, in a case where the contract management apparatus <NUM> acquires the contract information having a contract number of <NUM> from a service B, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the service B in the electronic signature service item.

The action item is an item for displaying an action for causing the electronic signature service <NUM> to perform a predetermined process. The action is, for example, contract renewal, signature prompting, editing, and new creation. Each action will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The related contract item is an item for displaying information for specifying a related contract. The related contract item will be described later in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays one or a plurality of electronic signature services <NUM> in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>. Then, the contract management apparatus <NUM> receives the selection of the electronic signature service <NUM> by the first user <NUM> from the input box <NUM>. The input box <NUM> receives the input of a value or the selection of an item. In the present disclosure, the input box <NUM> is represented by a double-lined square. The electronic signature service display region <NUM> has an electronic signature service item and a remaining usage count item.

A service A, a service B, a service C, and a service D are displayed in the electronic signature service item.

The remaining usage count item is an item for presenting the remaining number of usages of the first user <NUM> for each electronic signature service <NUM>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the remaining number of usages being the acquired service information and the electronic signature service <NUM> as the acquisition source in association with each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the function of the electronic signature service <NUM> in the function display region <NUM>. The functions are, for example, a signature urging function of notifying the contract requesting destination to urge signing and an expiration management function of performing a notification in a case where the contract expiration is within a predetermined period. The contract management apparatus <NUM> receives the selection of the function by the first user <NUM> from the input box <NUM>.

The function display region <NUM> before receiving the selection of the electronic signature service <NUM> will be described later in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The function display region <NUM> after receiving the selection of the electronic signature service <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The detailed display region <NUM> will be described later with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the check screen <NUM>. In the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>, the contract information and the like acquired from the electronic signature service <NUM> are displayed. <FIG> illustrates the check screen <NUM> in a state where no action is selected.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate examples of the check screen <NUM> used for creating the contract request. The contract information of No. <NUM> is displayed in the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>. The action of No. <NUM> is a new creation. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the check screens <NUM> in a state where the new creation of the action is selected. The new creation of the action is a process of creating information for creating a contract on the electronic signature service <NUM>. That is, the new creation is a process of receiving an input for creating a new contract.

<FIG> illustrates the check screen <NUM> on which the input is received on the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>. In a case where the new creation is selected by the user, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the electronic signature service display region <NUM> and the function display region <NUM>.

For example, in a case where there is an electronic signature service <NUM> of which the remaining number of usages is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the contract management apparatus <NUM> prohibits reception of the selection of the electronic signature service in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> prohibits the reception of selection of the service D of which the remaining number of usages is <NUM>, in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> prohibits the reception of selection by, for example, causing the input box <NUM> to be unselectable or hidden. The contract management apparatus <NUM> may display a warning in a case where the selection is made, instead of prohibiting the reception of the selection.

<FIG> illustrates the check screen <NUM> that receives an input on the detailed display region <NUM>. In a case where the user selects new creation, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the detailed display region <NUM>. The detailed display region <NUM> includes the electronic signature service display region <NUM>, the function display region <NUM>, and the item input box <NUM> for causing the electronic signature service <NUM> to perform a contract request.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate examples of the check screen <NUM> used for editing the contract request. In the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>, the request information of contracts of No. <NUM> and No. <NUM>, which is in the middle of being created is displayed. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the check screens <NUM> in a state where edition of an action is selected. The edition of an action is a process of editing information for creating a contract on the electronic signature service <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the check screen <NUM> for editing a contract request in which the service A is selected as the electronic signature service <NUM>. In the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>, the electronic signature service <NUM> of the contract information of No. <NUM> is the service A.

The contract management apparatus <NUM> changes the display form of the function display region <NUM> based on the electronic signature service selected in the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>.

For example, in a case where there is a difference between the functions provided by the electronic signature services, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the different function in a display form different from the display form of the common functions. The contract management apparatus <NUM> determines whether or not the function is common, based on the information of the function provided for each electronic signature service <NUM>, which is stored in advance in the contract management database <NUM>.

For example, in a case where the service A provides the expiration management function and does not provide the signature urging function, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the expiration management function and the signature urging function in the function display region <NUM> in different display forms. For example, the contract management apparatus displays the expiration management function in a selectable form, and displays the signature urging function in an unselectable form. In this case, the contract management apparatus <NUM> prohibits reception of the selection, for example, by causing the input box <NUM> to be unselectable or hidden. The contract management apparatus <NUM> may display a warning in a case where the selection is made, instead of prohibiting the reception of the selection.

<FIG> illustrates the check screen <NUM> for editing a contract request in which a company D is selected as the contract requesting destination. The contract requesting destination for the contract information of No. <NUM> is the company D.

The contract management apparatus <NUM> changes the display form of the electronic signature service display region <NUM> based on the contract requesting destination selected in the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>.

For example, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays a registration status item of the contract requesting destination and a usage count item of the contract requesting destination, in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>.

The registration status item of the contract requesting destination is an item for displaying whether or not the contract requesting destination is registered in the electronic signature service <NUM>, for each electronic signature service <NUM>. Whether or not the electronic signature service <NUM> is registered is included in the service information. In a case where the authentication information of the contract requesting destination is not stored in the contract management database <NUM>, the contract management apparatus <NUM> may determine that the electronic signature service <NUM> is not registered.

The contract management apparatus <NUM> prohibits reception of the selection of the electronic signature service <NUM> which is not registered by the contract requesting destination, in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>. For example, the contract management apparatus <NUM> prohibits the reception of the selection of the service A in which the registration status item of the contract requesting destination is empty in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>.

The usage count item of the contract requesting destination is an item for displaying the number of times of creating the contract which is created by the contract requesting destination on the electronic signature service <NUM> for each electronic signature service <NUM>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the acquired contract information and the electronic signature service <NUM> as the acquisition source, in association with each other. For example, the contract management apparatus <NUM> acquires the contract information between the first user <NUM> and the company D being the contract requesting destination, from the contract management database <NUM> for each electronic signature service <NUM>. Then, the contract management apparatus displays the number of contracts in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>. The contract management apparatus <NUM> may use the frequency of use instead of the number of usages. The contract management apparatus <NUM> displays, for example, the frequency of use, which is the number of usages within one month, in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>.

The contract management apparatus <NUM> may acquire the number of contracts in which the company D is the contract requesting source or the contract requesting destination, and display the acquired number in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>.

The contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the electronic signature service used in the previous contract, in a display form different from display forms of other electronic signature services. For example, the contract management apparatus <NUM> prohibits the reception of selection of the service B of which the number of usages of the contract requesting destination is <NUM>, in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>.

The contract management apparatus <NUM> displays the electronic signature service items in the electronic signature service display region <NUM> in descending order of the number of usages of the contract requesting destination.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the check screen <NUM> used for updating the contract request. The contract information having a contract number of <NUM> is displayed in the contract information-and-like display region <NUM>. The status of the contract information of the contract number <NUM> is contracted. In a case where the renewal of the contract having a contract number of <NUM> is selected, the contract management apparatus <NUM> duplicates the values of the contract requesting destination item, the contract expiration item, the contract document item, the electronic signature service item, and the like. Then, the contract management apparatus <NUM> displays <NUM>, which is the contract number of the duplication source, in the related contract item.

<FIG> illustrates an example of the check screen <NUM> used for creating the contract request. <FIG> illustrates the check screen <NUM> in a state where the signature urging function of the function display region <NUM> is selected. The contract management apparatus <NUM> changes the display form of the electronic signature service display region <NUM> based on the function selected in the function display region <NUM>. In a case where the service A does not provide the signature urging function, the contract management apparatus <NUM> prohibits the reception of the selection of the service A in the electronic signature service display region <NUM>.

Hitherto, the contract management apparatus <NUM> in the present exemplary embodiment has been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary embodiment. Various improvements or modifications can be made.

The above processes can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, the above processes may be performed by one type of hardware or a plurality of types of hardware.

In addition, the program for operating the contract management apparatus <NUM> may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded in the computer-readable recording medium is normally transferred into a memory, a storage, or the like and then stored. Further, the program may be provided as independent application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of the contract management apparatus <NUM>, for example.

Claim 1:
An information processing apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a processor configured to:
use authentication information of a first user (<NUM>) who is registered in a plurality of electronic signature services and uses the electronic signature services, to acquire at least one of contract information regarding a contract using each electronic signature service or service information, from each electronic signature service, the authentication information being provided for each of the electronic signature services and used for using the electronic signature service, and the service information being information regarding each electronic signature service;
display a check screen in association with the acquired at least one of the contract information or the service information and the electronic signature service as an acquisition source, the check screen being used for checking the plurality of electronic signature services; and
receive selection of the electronic signature service used by the first user (<NUM>) on the check screen, the information processing apparatus (<NUM>) being characterized in that the processor is further configured to:
in a case where there is a difference between functions provided by the plurality of electronic signature services, display the function provided by the selected electronic signature service and the function which is not provided by the selected electronic signature service in different display forms, on the check screen on which the selection of the electronic signature service has been received.