JP2010204897A - Information selection device, information selection program, and information selection method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information selection device for selecting an item such as a file related to a predetermined theme from items such as accumulated files. <P>SOLUTION: Metadata including identification keys for identifying items such as files accumulated in a computer are managed in association with the items. The identification keys of the items related to one theme are designated to sketch information for drawing information related to the theme. When the sketch information is designated, it is possible to draw the information on the items related to a certain theme in a free format according to the set sketch information. Retrieval conditions are included in the accumulated items, so that it is possible to retrieve and select, as an object to be output, the items satisfying the specific conditions, and to automatically display newly added items without performing any operation to designate the items for each theme. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information selection device, an information selection program, and an information selection method for selecting a file or data related to a predetermined theme from collected files or data.

  In businesses and public institutions, various operations are performed using computers and networks. In particular, application programs such as e-mail mailers, document creation, and spreadsheets are often used. When computer users send and receive e-mails, check their contents, create documents, and calculate spreadsheets, The application program will be launched and work will be done.

  Information such as files and data created by these application programs will be distributed depending on the function set of each tool, but for users who are working, this information is It should be understood by the user according to some theme, such as the type of work performed and the period of work performed.

  As a method for managing information according to a theme necessary for the user side, for example, using a folder management function of a computer OS, a folder is created for each theme for which the user wants to organize information, and an application program is created in the folder. Can store files. However, according to this method, when a folder is opened, the file icons and thumbnails that are normally displayed are displayed, so the information that you want to display directly when listing the theme cannot be written in a form such as a memo. However, the layout of information to be displayed cannot be set freely.

  In response to these problems, an information aggregation tool for collecting and displaying information related to a certain theme among information stored in various file formats has been provided ( For example, see Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-107458 A (pages 7-8)

Product overview of Microsoft Office OneNote 2007, Microsoft website, [Search February 13, 2009], Internet <http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote/default.aspx>

  When using the information aggregation tool as described above, the user manages necessary information by theme, freely sets the layout when displaying information related to the theme, and displays information such as memos to be displayed directly. It becomes possible to add.

  However, in these tools, shortcuts to related files are created in the form created by the tool, or the file is directly embedded, and the file to be managed corresponds to the tool. This is limited to the file created by the application program. In addition, if the original file is moved in the form of creating a shortcut to the file, the file cannot be opened, and if the file is embedded, the original file or a file embedded in another form Even if is updated, the updated information is not reflected, and there is a problem that it is necessary to update the files of all the forms in which the file is embedded.

  In addition, with these tools, it is necessary to individually specify the files to be aggregated, and even if a new file related to the theme is created, an operation for adding the file as an aggregation target is not possible. There is a problem that it becomes necessary.

  Projects for which the user is in charge of collecting information such as files and data used by the user without depending on the type of application program used by the user for these problems of the tools currently provided. Thus, there is a need for a tool that can select and output information necessary for a specific theme based on the work that the user wants to perform.

  The present invention has been made to cope with such a problem, and is an information selection device, an information selection program, and an information selection method for selecting a file or data related to a predetermined theme from the collected files or data. Is intended to provide.

  The present invention for solving such a problem is an information selection device for selecting a file or data related to a predetermined theme from the collected files or data, wherein the plurality of collected files or data are stored in the file. Alternatively, data storage means for storing data in association with metadata including an identification key of each file or data, and a file related to the theme as information used for drawing information related to one theme or Sketch information storage means for storing sketch information including an identification key of data, an information output reception means for specifying one theme and receiving an output request for information related to the theme, and received by the information output reception means The sketch information corresponding to the theme is read from the sketch information storage means, and the sketch information is read out. An identification key specifying means for specifying an identification key of the included file or data, a file or data corresponding to the identification key specified by the identification key specifying means is specified from the metadata stored in the data storage means, and the file Or an output data generating means for generating output data for drawing and outputting information related to the theme in which information related to data is embedded according to the sketch information.

  In the present invention, files and data collected in a computer are managed in association with metadata including an identification key for identifying these files and data, and sketch information for drawing information related to one theme is used. By specifying an identification key of a file or data related to the theme, if sketch information is specified without being restricted by the type of the file or data, information on the file or data related to a certain theme is displayed. It is possible to draw in a free format by setting information.

  In the information selection device according to the present invention, the file or data stored in the data storage means is search data that specifies a search condition for searching for another file or data stored in the data storage means. The sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key for the search data, and the identification key for the search data is included in the identification key specified by the identification key specifying means. Is included, the output data generation means executes a search process according to the search condition specified in the search data specified by the identification key, and obtains information on the file or data corresponding to the search condition. It can also be characterized by generating embedded output data.

  In this way, by including search conditions in the files or data to be collected, search for files or data that meet specific conditions and select them as output targets, so newly added files or data are specified for each theme. It is possible to automatically display without performing the work.

  In the information selection device according to the present invention, the identification key is assigned to each sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means, and one sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means is included in one sketch information. When the identification key of other sketch information is included, and the identification key specified by the identification key specifying means includes the identification key of the other sketch information, the output data generating means A file or data may be specified according to other sketch information specified by the identification key, and output data in which information relating to the file or data specified by the other sketch information is embedded may be generated.

  By making it possible to specify other sketch information in sketch information in this way, it is possible to embed information on other themes related to that theme in the information drawn as information related to a certain theme Become.

  Furthermore, when the information selection device according to the present invention receives a selection of a file created by an application program, a file selection reception unit that stores the file in the data storage unit, and the file selection reception unit receives the selection. A metadata generation unit that assigns an identification key to the file, generates metadata of the file including the identification key, and stores the metadata in the data storage unit in association with the file.

  With this configuration, when the user performs an operation of selecting a file or data to be added to the information output target according to the present invention, the file or data is added as a management target of the present invention. .

  Furthermore, the information selection device according to the present invention includes an electronic mail transmission / reception means for storing the new electronic mail file in the data storage means when the mailer detects transmission / reception of a new electronic mail, and the electronic mail transmission / reception means includes: Metadata generation means may be provided that assigns an identification key to the transmitted / received file, generates metadata of the file including the identification key, and stores the metadata in association with the file in the data storage means.

  With this configuration, new e-mails sent and received by the mailer are automatically added to the files or data collected as the management target of the present invention.

  The present invention can also be specified as an information selection program provided in the information selection device according to the present invention.

  An information selection program according to the present invention is an information selection program for selecting a file or data related to a predetermined theme from an accumulated file or data, and the plurality of accumulated files or data are selected from the file or data. Data storage means for storing in association with the metadata including the identification key of each file or data, and information used for drawing information related to one theme as a file or data related to the theme A computer having sketch information storage means for storing sketch information including an identification key, or at least one of the data storage means and the sketch information storage means provided in another computer connected by a network; Specify one theme on a computer equipped with An information output receiving step for receiving an output request for information related to the theme, and sketch information corresponding to the theme received in the information output receiving step is read from the sketch information storage means, and a file or data included in the sketch information An identification key identifying step for identifying the identification key, a file or data corresponding to the identification key identified in the identification key identifying step is identified from the metadata stored in the data storage means, and information about the file or data is An output data generation step of generating output data for drawing and outputting information related to the embedded theme according to the sketch information.

  Further, the information selection program according to the present invention is a search data in which a search condition for searching for another file or data stored in the data storage means is specified in the file or data stored in the data storage means. The sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key for the search data, and the identification key for the search data is included in the identification key specified in the identification key specifying step. In the output data generation step, the computer executes a search process according to the search condition specified in the search data specified by the identification key, and a file or a file corresponding to the search condition It is also possible to execute a process of generating output data in which information related to data is embedded.

  In the information selection program according to the present invention, the identification key is also assigned to each piece of sketch information stored in the sketch information storage unit, and one sketch information stored in the sketch information storage unit includes When the identification key of other sketch information is included and the identification key specified in the identification key specifying step includes the identification key of the other sketch information, the output data generation step includes: Causing the computer to specify a file or data according to other sketch information specified by the identification key, and to execute processing for generating output data in which information relating to the file or data specified by the other sketch information is embedded. Can also be characterized.

  Further, the information selection program according to the present invention includes a file selection reception step for causing the computer to store the file in the data storage means upon receiving selection of a file created by the application program, and the file selection reception step. An identification key is assigned to a file for which selection has been received, metadata of the file including the identification key is generated, and a metadata generation step is performed in association with the file and stored in the data storage unit. Also good.

  Further, the information selection program according to the present invention includes: an e-mail transmission / reception step for causing the computer to store the new e-mail file in the data storage means when the mailer detects transmission / reception of a new e-mail; Assigning an identification key to the file transmitted / received in the mail transmission / reception step, generating metadata of the file including the identification key, and causing the data storage means to store the metadata in association with the file. It may be a feature.

  The present invention can also be specified as an information selection method executed by the information selection device or the information selection program according to the present invention.

  An information selection method according to the present invention is an information selection method for selecting a file or data related to a predetermined theme from an accumulated file or data, wherein the plurality of accumulated files or data are selected from the file or data. Data storage means for storing in association with the metadata including the identification key of each file or data, and information used for drawing information related to one theme as a file or data related to the theme A computer having sketch information storage means for storing sketch information including an identification key, or at least one of the data storage means and the sketch information storage means provided in another computer connected by a network; The computer having the above means designates one theme, and the theme An information output receiving step for receiving an output request for related information, and the computer reads sketch information corresponding to the theme received in the information output receiving step from the sketch information storage means, and a file included in the sketch information or An identification key identifying step for identifying an identification key of data; and the computer identifies a file or data corresponding to the identification key identified in the identification key identifying step from metadata stored in the data storage means, and the file Or an output data generation step of generating output data for drawing and outputting information related to the theme in which information related to data is embedded in accordance with the sketch information.

  In the information selection method according to the present invention, the file or data stored in the data storage means is search data in which a search condition for searching for another file or data stored in the data storage means is specified. The sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key for the search data, and the identification key for the search data is included in the identification key specified in the identification key specifying step. In the output data generation step, the computer executes a search process according to a search condition specified in the search data specified by the identification key, and a file or a file corresponding to the search condition It is also possible to generate output data in which information about data is embedded.

  In the information selection method according to the present invention, the identification key is also assigned to each piece of sketch information stored in the sketch information storage unit, and one sketch information stored in the sketch information storage unit includes When the identification key of other sketch information is included and the identification key specified in the identification key specifying step includes the identification key of the other sketch information, the output data generation step includes: The computer specifies a file or data according to other sketch information specified by the identification key, and generates output data in which information relating to the file or data specified by the other sketch information is embedded. You can also.

  Further, according to the information selection method of the present invention, when the computer receives a selection of a file created by an application program, a file selection receiving step for storing the file in the data storage means; and A metadata generation step of assigning an identification key to the file whose selection has been received in the selection reception step, generating metadata of the file including the identification key, and storing the metadata in association with the file in the data storage means May be a feature.

  Furthermore, in the information selection method according to the present invention, when the mailer detects the transmission / reception of a new electronic mail, the computer stores the new electronic mail file in the data storage means, and the computer A metadata generation step of assigning an identification key to the file transmitted / received in the e-mail transmission / reception step, generating metadata of the file including the identification key, and storing the metadata in the data storage means in association with the file. It may be characterized by having.

  The present invention collects information such as files and data used by the user without depending on the type of application program used by the user, and is based on the work that the user wants to perform, such as a project that the user is in charge of. It becomes possible to select and output necessary information corresponding to a specific theme.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of 1st Embodiment of the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of 2nd Embodiment of the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure in 1st Embodiment of the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure in 2nd Embodiment of the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of correlation with sketch information, a file, etc. in the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information output on the display in the 1st example of correlation with sketch information, a file, etc. in the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of correlation with sketch information, a file, etc. in the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information output on the display in the 2nd example of correlation with sketch information, a file, etc. in the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the metadata linked | related with each file etc. in the information selection apparatus concerning this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of selecting a file or the like and outputting information in the information selection device according to the present invention.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that specific examples such as application programs and metadata formats to be collected in the following description are examples of embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such implementations. The form is not limited.

  1 and 2 show the outlines of the first and second embodiments of the information selection apparatus according to the present invention, respectively. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment in which necessary information is selected and output for information such as files and data accumulated in a computer used by a user. FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment in which necessary information is selected and output in addition to information such as files and data accumulated in a file server shared by a network to which a computer used by a user is connected. The form is shown.

  In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, files and data created by application programs such as document creation and spreadsheet and managed by a file management system are accumulated on a computer used by a user, and the accumulated files, etc. An information integration application having a function of selecting and outputting necessary information from the items is provided. An identification key for each file or data is assigned to an item such as an accumulated file by an information accumulation application. An e-mail file transmitted and received by the computer by the mail server can also be included in the file to be collected.

  On the other hand, for each theme that is a unit in which the user organizes information, such as the project that the user is in charge of, the department in charge, the person in charge, the type of work that was performed, and the period of time that the work was performed, The information collection application generates sketch information including items related to the items and information on the layout when outputting them. When the user selects one piece of sketch information and performs an information output operation, information on an item such as a file specified in the sketch information is output according to a layout specified in the sketch information.

  A file icon or the like is displayed on the output screen, and when the user selects one, the corresponding file is read out. It is also possible to specify data such as a URL that is not in a file format for an item. In this case, a link to the specified URL is displayed, and when the user selects this, a Web corresponding to the URL is displayed. A web page is read by accessing the server.

  In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, items such as files created by application programs such as document creation and spreadsheet are accumulated in a file server shared by a network to which a computer used by a user is connected. A client application provided on a user computer and a server application of a server connected via a network function as an information integration application. Also in the second embodiment, an e-mail file transmitted / received by a user computer by a mail server may be included in a file to be collected.

  As in the first embodiment, identification keys for items such as files are assigned to the collected files and data by the information accumulation application. Sketch information generated for each theme, which is a unit for organizing information by the user, is stored in the database server. When the user selects one sketch information and performs an information output operation, the file specified in the sketch information, etc. The information on the item is output to the computer on the user side according to the layout specified in the sketch information.

  As in the first embodiment, a file icon or the like is displayed on the output screen, and when the user selects one, the corresponding file is read from the file server. It is also possible to specify data such as a URL that is not in a file format for an item. In this case, a link to the specified URL is displayed, and when the user selects this, a Web corresponding to the URL is displayed. A web page is read by accessing the server.

  FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an example of the configuration in the first and second embodiments of the information selection device according to the present invention, respectively. First, the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the association between sketch information and files shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, and examples of information output to the display, examples of metadata associated with each file shown in FIG. 9, The operation of the information selecting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  A computer 10 operating as an information selection device according to the present invention includes an information accumulation execution unit 11, an application execution unit 12, a mailer 13, a file storage unit 14, a Web browser 15, and a sketch information storage unit 16. The computer 10 is configured to be connected to the mail server 20 and the Web server 30 via the Internet.

  The computer 10 includes a CPU, a main memory, and an HDD. When an application program stored in the HDD is operated, the application program is read into the main memory, and arithmetic processing is executed by the CPU. .

  The information accumulation execution unit 11, the application execution unit 12, the mailer 13, and the web browser 15 are all functionally specified, and application programs corresponding to these functions are read from the HDD to the main memory. Each function is realized by executing arithmetic processing by the CPU. The information accumulation execution unit 11 executes an information accumulation application such as an accumulation process of items such as files and an information output process for the present invention. The application execution unit 12 mainly performs document creation, spreadsheet calculation, and the like. An office application is executed. Each of the file storage unit 14 and the sketch information storage unit 16 is assigned a predetermined storage area of the HDD.

  The file storage unit 14 stores document files and spreadsheet files created by the application execution unit 12. These files can be created and edited by starting the corresponding application program. When an operation for saving the file after the operation is performed, the created or updated file is saved in the file storage unit 14. The These stored files can be systematically managed by a folder management function provided in the OS of the computer 10.

  The file storage unit 14 also stores e-mail files transmitted and received by connecting to the mail server 20 by the mailer 13. The e-mail file is sent and received by the mailer 13 and stored in a predetermined folder in the file storage unit 14 generated by the mailer 13.

  Among these files, metadata such as those shown in the example of FIG. 9 is generated for items such as files registered as objects of use in the information selection device according to the present invention, and the files are associated with each file. Files stored in the storage unit 14 and targeted for use are accumulated in association with metadata. In the example of FIG. 9, a unique number is recorded for each file in the “title” field as a file identification key. By this “title”, files created by different applications are also managed in a unified manner, and the file can be specified by specifying the “title”.

  In addition, information on items such as corresponding files is recorded in the metadata. For example, as tag information, it may be possible to record fixed information such as a sender or receiver of an email, or to record arbitrary information such as information for specifying a related project. it can. The update history of the file may be recorded, or access to the file may be restricted by setting an access right to the file.

  The generation of metadata may be automatically executed by the information accumulation execution unit 11 triggered by processing such as saving of an item such as a file or transmission / reception of an email by a target application program, It may be executed by activating the accumulation execution unit 11 and performing a predetermined operation for specifying an item such as a file to be registered. In particular, since e-mail is an important application for office use, it is preferable that metadata is automatically generated for e-mail files transmitted and received by connecting to the mail server 20 by the mailer 13.

  In addition, as an item such as a file associated with the generated metadata, an item such as a file created by an application program may be used as it is, but the file storage unit 14 is used as an object of use of the information selection device according to the present invention. In order to manage items such as files that are collected in a file separately from other files, for example, when a file is registered, a copy of the original file is generated and managed by a folder system unique to the information accumulation application. It is preferable to do. With this configuration, it is possible to automatically specify a file to be registered in sketch information, which will be described later, by starting the information accumulation execution unit 11 and moving a file between folders set for each theme. .

  In this way, for items such as files stored in the file storage unit 14 in association with metadata, in the present invention, for example, projects, departments in charge, persons in charge, and tasks performed in the sketch information storage unit 16 For each theme that is a unit in which information is organized by the user, such as the type of work and the period of work, information related to a theme consisting of information on the files subject to the theme and the layout when outputting them The sketch information used for drawing is stored, and the item such as the target file is specified in the sketch information by the identification key (“title” in the example of FIG. 9) of the item such as the file included in the metadata. Is done.

  The sketch information is generated when the user activates the information accumulation execution unit 11. A method for generating sketch information is not particularly limited, and an item such as a target file may be selected from a folder while a screen to be actually drawn is generated. It is also possible to specify necessary information including items such as target files. It is also possible to specify an item such as a file by creating a folder for each sketch information and moving an item such as a target file to the folder.

  In this way, sketch information includes the identification key included in the metadata for identifying items such as files related to the theme, and the display position and icons when drawing such items as files. The file is generated as a file controlled by the information integration application and includes the display conditions such as the format, background color, and other design elements such as a memo that can be written for each sketch, and is stored in the sketch information storage unit 16.

  In the sketch information stored in the sketch information storage unit 16, an item such as a file stored in the target file storage unit 14 can be specified as shown in the first example of FIG. In the sketch information of S1 for outputting information related to “Project A”, D1 which is a document file, X1 which is a spreadsheet file, and M1 to M3 which are e-mail files are designated by metadata identification keys. ing. In addition to this, a file such as a folder F1 in which other files are stored (in the example of FIG. 5, a folder in which a file related to the project A2 that constitutes a part of the project A is stored), or a URL of a related Web page. You can also specify non-format data as items.

  When the user activates the information accumulation execution unit 11 and designates the sketch information of S1 in FIG. 5 and outputs information related to “project A”, the design of the layout, background, etc. designated in the sketch information of S1 Accordingly, a screen as shown in the example of FIG. 6 is drawn and displayed on the display. Here, the storage location of the corresponding file or folder is embedded in the icon of each file or folder. For example, when an operation of double-clicking the icon or the like is performed, the corresponding application program is started. , Files and folders are read and displayed.

  Also, a link is embedded in the display portion such as the URL of the Web page. When an operation of double-clicking the URL or the like is performed, the Web browser 15 is activated to access the Web server 30 designated by the link, and Read the specified file and display it.

  In the sketch information, data related to the item search condition such as a file can be specified. For example, in the case of the sketch information of S2 in FIG. 5, when the sketch information of S2 is selected and an operation for outputting information related to “project B” is performed, the target is obtained according to the search condition specified as one of the data. Search processing is executed for metadata of items such as files. In this example, the M3 to M5 e-mail files that match the search conditions match the search conditions, and the icons of these e-mail files are displayed on the display.

  Specifying the search condition is effective in the following cases. For example, a search condition such as an e-mail file including the name “Project B” in the message body is specified, and metadata is automatically generated and registered in the file storage unit 14 for the e-mail file transmitted / received by the mailer 13. If configured to do so, it is possible to automatically add an email file related to "Project B" to the output target without performing an operation for designating newly sent and received email files as sketch information. become.

  FIG. 7 shows a second example of associating sketch information stored in the sketch information storage unit 16 with items such as files stored in the file storage unit 14. The sketch information of S1 for outputting information related to “Project A” includes D1 that is a document file, M1 to M3 that are email files, and information related to “Project B” that is another theme. The sketch information of S2 is designated by the metadata identification key (that is, the metadata of the same format as the items such as other files is generated as the sketch information as a file created by the information accumulation application). In this way, in the example of FIG. 7, other sketch information is designated as sketch information.

  In the sketch information of S2 for outputting information related to “project B”, X1 that is a spreadsheet file and data related to a search condition are specified by a metadata identification key. If the metadata of the electronic mail file is searched according to the search condition specified here, the electronic mail files of M4 to M5 can be specified.

  When the user activates the information accumulation execution unit 11 and designates the sketch information of S1 in FIG. 7 and outputs information related to “Project A”, the design of the layout, background, etc. designated in the sketch information of S1 Accordingly, a screen as shown in the example of FIG. 8 is drawn and displayed on the display. That is, it is possible to embed and display information related to “Project B”, which is another theme specified from the sketch information in S2, in the information related to “Project B” specified from the sketch information in S1.

  As explained in the above two examples, in addition to the file created by the application program, sketch information includes meta data about items such as URL data, data specifying search conditions, sketch information related to other themes, etc. A data identification key can be specified.

  The metadata format is not particularly limited, but it is necessary that a unique number is assigned to the metadata identification key so that an item such as a target file can be identified. is there. In the example of FIG. 9, a unique number assigned to each file or the like is recorded in the “title” field.

  The tag information that can be used as a search key when a search condition is specified is a field for recording fixed information such as a sender and a recipient of an email automatically acquired from an item such as an associated file. In addition, it is possible to set various search conditions by providing a field for recording arbitrary information such as a project name, a department in charge, and a person in charge. Like the “memo” in the example of FIG. 9, although not used as a search key, a field for recording memorandum information regarding a file or the like may be provided.

  The format of information drawn for each item such as a file is not particularly limited. For example, the item type (file type) and the file name are recorded in the metadata and specified from the item type. What is necessary is just to be able to recognize what kind of item it is by drawing an icon indicating the application program and the file name.

  The flowchart of FIG. 10 shows a flow of selecting items such as files described so far and outputting information. The user selects and selects a theme to be output on the computer display by designating the project name, the department in charge, etc., and the computer accepts this (S01). Since each theme stores sketch information for outputting information related to the theme, the computer reads sketch information corresponding to the accepted theme (S02).

  Next, an item such as one file designated in the sketch information is selected from the metadata identification key (S03). If the item is a search expression, that is, data relating to a search condition (S04), the metadata of the item such as a file is searched according to the search expression, and an item corresponding to the search expression is specified (S05).

  If the selected item is not a search expression, the icon or file name of the item obtained from the search result is specified for the item (S06). When other items are specified in the sketch information (S07), the same processing as described above is repeated to specify icons, file names, etc. of all items related to the selected theme.

  When the above processing is completed for all items specified in the sketch information, an output screen in which icons and file names are drawn according to the layout specified in the sketch information is generated and output to the computer display ( S08). Note that the hardware for outputting information is not limited to the display, and similar information may be output to the printer.

  Next, FIG. 4 showing an example of the configuration according to the second embodiment of the information selection device according to the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, items such as files created by application programs such as document creation and spreadsheet are accumulated in a file server shared by a network to which a computer used by a user is connected. It is configured as an information selection device in which a client and a server connected via a network cooperate.

  In FIG. 4, the file storage unit 14 and the sketch information storage unit 16 provided in the computer 10 operated by the user in the first embodiment are the file storage unit 61 of the file server 60 and the sketch information storage unit of the database server 70, respectively. 72 is provided in a server computer connected via a network. However, since the e-mail file transmitted / received by the mailer 43 is stored on the client side, it is stored in the file storage unit 44 of the client terminal 40 as in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. Used.

  In addition, information accumulation related to items such as files and information selection processing for output for each theme, which are specific to the present invention, are performed by a client application of the information accumulation execution unit 41 of the client terminal 40 and a server application of the information accumulation server 50. Is done in collaboration. Other operations of the application execution unit 42, mailer 43, and Web browser 45, and positioning of the mail server 80 and Web server 90 are not particularly different from those of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, metadata about an item such as a file is stored in the metadata storage unit 71 of the database server 70 and is associated with an item such as a file stored in the file storage unit 61 of the file server 60. Although it is configured, in the present invention, it is only necessary to store metadata corresponding to each item such as a file, and the configuration of the file server or database server is not particularly limited.

  That is, a file or the like generated by the application program is generated in the file storage unit 61 of the file server 60, and metadata for the present invention is generated and stored in the file storage unit 61. The file may be stored in the metadata storage unit 71 of the database server 70 in association with the item, or the file server 60 or the database server 70 normally uses items such as files for use only in the present invention. It is good also as copying from items, such as a file stored in the file storage part 61 of the server 60, and associating and storing each metadata to this.

  The information accumulation server 50, the file server 60, and the database server 70 are functionally specified, and the hardware configuration of the server computer is not particularly limited. These may be provided in different computers, or may be provided in one computer having two or more functions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Computer 11 Information accumulation execution part 12 Application execution part 13 Mailer 14 File storage part 15 Web browser 16 Sketch information storage part 20 Mail server 30 Web server 40 Client terminal 41 Information accumulation execution part 42 Application execution part 43 Mailer 44 File storage part 45 Web browser 50 Information accumulation server 60 File server 61 File storage unit 70 Database server 71 Metadata storage unit 72 Sketch information storage unit 80 Mail server 90 Web server

Claims (11)

An information selection device for selecting a file or data related to a predetermined theme from the collected files or data,
Data storage means for storing a plurality of collected files or data in association with metadata including an identification key of each file or data for the files or data;
Sketch information storage means for storing sketch information including an identification key of a file or data related to the theme as information used for drawing information related to one theme;
An information output receiving means for specifying one theme and receiving an output request for information related to the theme;
Identification key specifying means for reading out sketch information corresponding to the theme received by the information output receiving means from the sketch information storage means, and specifying an identification key of a file or data included in the sketch information;
A file or data corresponding to the identification key specified by the identification key specifying means is specified from the metadata stored in the data storage means, and information related to the theme in which information relating to the file or data is embedded is drawn. Output data generating means for generating output data for output according to the sketch information;
An information selection device comprising: The file or data stored in the data storage means includes search data specifying a search condition for searching other files or data stored in the data storage means,
One sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key of the search data,
When the identification key of the search data is included in the identification key specified by the identification key specifying means, the output data generating means follows the search conditions specified in the search data specified by the identification key. 2. The information selection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a search process is executed to generate output data in which information relating to a file or data corresponding to the search condition is embedded. The identification key is assigned to each sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means,
One sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key for other sketch information,
When the identification key specified by the identification key specifying means includes the identification key of the other sketch information, the output data generation means is a file or a file according to the other sketch information specified by the identification key. 3. The information selection device according to claim 1, wherein output data is generated by specifying data and embedding information relating to the file or data specified by the other sketch information. When receiving selection of a file created by an application program, file selection receiving means for storing the file in the data storage means,
A metadata generation unit that assigns an identification key to the file received by the file selection reception unit, generates metadata of the file including the identification key, and stores the metadata in the data storage unit in association with the file;
The information selection device according to claim 1, further comprising: When the mailer detects transmission / reception of a new e-mail, e-mail transmission / reception means for storing the new e-mail file in the data storage means;
A metadata generation unit that assigns an identification key to a file transmitted / received by the e-mail transmission / reception unit, generates metadata of the file including the identification key, and stores the metadata in the data storage unit in association with the file;
The information selection device according to claim 1, further comprising: An information selection program for selecting a file or data related to a predetermined theme from the collected files or data,
In order to draw information related to one theme, data storage means for storing a plurality of accumulated files or data in association with metadata including an identification key for each file or data As information to be used, a computer comprising sketch information storage means for storing sketch information including an identification key of a file or data related to the theme, or at least one means of the data storage means and the sketch information storage means A computer provided on another network-connected computer and provided with other means,
An information output reception step of specifying one theme and receiving an output request for information related to the theme;
An identification key specifying step of reading out sketch information corresponding to the theme received in the information output receiving step from the sketch information storage means, and specifying an identification key of a file or data included in the sketch information;
A file or data corresponding to the identification key identified in the identification key identification step is identified from the metadata stored in the data storage means, and information related to the theme in which information related to the file or data is embedded is drawn. An output data generation step for generating output data for output according to the sketch information;
An information selection program characterized in that The file or data stored in the data storage means includes search data specifying a search condition for searching other files or data stored in the data storage means,
One sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key of the search data,
When the identification key specified in the identification key specifying step includes the identification key of the search data, the output data generation step specifies the search data specified by the identification key in the computer. 7. The information selection program according to claim 6, wherein a search process is executed according to the search condition, and a process of generating output data in which information relating to the file or data corresponding to the search condition is embedded is executed. The identification key is assigned to each sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means,
One sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key for other sketch information,
When the identification key specified in the identification key specifying step includes the identification key of the other sketch information, the output data generation step causes the computer to store another sketch specified by the identification key. 8. The information selection program according to claim 6, wherein a file or data is specified according to the information, and a process for generating output data in which information relating to the file or data specified by the other sketch information is embedded is executed. . An information selection method for selecting a file or data related to a predetermined theme from collected files or data,
In order to draw information related to one theme, data storage means for storing a plurality of accumulated files or data in association with metadata including an identification key for each file or data As information to be used, a computer comprising sketch information storage means for storing sketch information including an identification key of a file or data related to the theme, or at least one means of the data storage means and the sketch information storage means A computer provided in another computer connected via a network and provided with other means,
An information output reception step of specifying one theme and receiving an output request for information related to the theme;
An identification key specifying step of reading out sketch information corresponding to the theme received in the information output receiving step from the sketch information storage means, and specifying an identification key of a file or data included in the sketch information;
Information related to the theme in which the computer specifies a file or data corresponding to the identification key identified in the identification key identification step from metadata stored in the data storage means, and information relating to the file or data is embedded. An output data generation step for generating output data for drawing and outputting according to the sketch information;
An information selection method characterized by comprising: The file or data stored in the data storage means includes search data specifying a search condition for searching other files or data stored in the data storage means,
One sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key of the search data,
If the identification key specified in the identification key specifying step includes the identification key of the search data, the output data generation step specifies the computer as the search data specified by the identification key. The information selection method according to claim 9, wherein search processing is executed in accordance with the search conditions, and output data in which information relating to files or data corresponding to the search conditions is embedded is generated. The identification key is assigned to each sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means,
One sketch information stored in the sketch information storage means includes an identification key for other sketch information,
When the identification key specified in the identification key specifying step includes the identification key of the other sketch information, in the output data generation step, the computer specifies another sketch specified by the identification key. 11. The information selection method according to claim 9, wherein a file or data is specified according to the information, and output data in which information relating to the file or data specified by the other sketch information is embedded is generated.