JP6281253B2 - Mail sending program, mail sending method and mail system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mail transmission program, a mail transmission method, and a mail system.

  In recent years, e-mail is often used as a communication tool, and e-mail is regularly exchanged between users inside and outside the company. On the other hand, since an erroneously sent email leads to information leakage and loss of trust, there is a mechanism to send an email to the destination after an approver such as a supervisor checks the destination and contents of the email sent by the user. It has been adopted.

  As a related prior art, when the server detects that it is necessary to check the mail for transmission, the mail is stored in the storage area, and the approver checks the mail stored in the storage area from the terminal, If it is inappropriate, there is one that sends back the sender of the mail as a destination. Also, after performing numeric character conversion, search for a word that matches the prohibited word stored in the prohibited word storage device, and if a prohibited word is included, delete the prohibited word There is a technique for replacing prohibited words with other characters and symbols. Also, according to the user's knowledge level specification, the corresponding field is selected, the field value of the selected field is extracted from the holding unit to generate a variable item value, and the variable item in the document skeleton is replaced with the generated variable item value. There is a technology to generate documents.

JP 2002-63117 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-271481 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-106464

  However, according to the prior art, there is a problem that, in the email requested for approval, a portion that the approval requester wants to check is difficult to be transmitted to the approver. If the part requested by the approval requester is not transmitted to the approver, the request may be transferred to the destination without performing the check expected by the approval requester.

  In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a mail transmission program, a mail transmission method, and a mail system capable of suppressing oversight of selection of a mail subject or a part of a body.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of selectable items related to a subject or body corresponding to a part of the first mail included in the received first mail are displayed, and the first mail is displayed. Based on the displayed items, an item selected by the selection operation is set as a display target, a second mail is generated by deleting or deleting a non-selected item, and the generated second mail is generated. A mail transmission program and a mail transmission method are proposed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a client device having a display, and a plurality of selectable items related to a subject or body corresponding to a part of the first mail included in the first mail are displayed on the display. In response to a selection operation for selecting any item from among the plurality of displayed items, the selection is made by the selection operation among the plurality of items based on the first mail. A mail system including an information processing apparatus that generates a second mail in which the selected item is a display target, a non-selected item is to be hidden or deleted, and transmits the generated second mail is proposed.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to suppress oversight of selection of a subject of a mail or a part of a text.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the mail transmission method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the mail system 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 201. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the client device 202. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the user DB 220. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the mail DB 230. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the approval DB 240. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the option DB 250. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example of the mail list screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a mail creation screen. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen example of the approval list screen. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of creating a mail. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating a screen example of the approval screen. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a screen example of the approval screen. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of a screen example of the approval screen. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus 201. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of updating the option DB 250. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of updating the mail DB 230. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the approval notification mail. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the rejection notice mail. FIG. 21 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of a mail processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 201. FIG. 22 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of the mail processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 201. FIG. 23 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval screen transmission process. FIG. 24 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval screen transmission process. FIG. 25 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval screen transmission process. FIG. 26 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of the mail processing procedure of the client apparatus 202. FIG. 27 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of the mail processing procedure of the client apparatus 202. FIG. 28 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating an example of the mail processing procedure of the client apparatus 202. FIG. 29 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval process. FIG. 30 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval process.

  Embodiments of a mail transmission program, a mail transmission method, and a mail system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the mail transmission method according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, information processing apparatuses 101 and 102 are computers that display, generate, and transmit / receive electronic mail. E-mail is electronic information transmitted and received between computers via a network. The email includes, for example, a header and a body.

  The header includes, for example, an e-mail message ID (identification), a subject, a destination mail address, a source mail address, a transmission date and time, and the like. The body includes, for example, the text of an e-mail. The body may include attached information such as images, sounds, and programs, for example. In the following description, an electronic mail may be simply referred to as “mail”.

  Here, the information processing apparatus 101 is a computer used by an approval requester who requests approval of mail. The information processing apparatus 102 is a computer used by an approver who is requested to approve mail. Approval of mail means that the approver checks whether there is an error or inappropriate expression in the address, subject, and content of the mail created by the requester.

  In organizations such as companies and government offices, mis-sent emails can lead to information leakage and loss of trust. Therefore, after the approver such as the supervisor checks the content of the email sent by the approval requester, the email is sent to the destination. The mechanism is adopted. However, the approver often receives a large amount of email as an approval request, and when the approver checks the email, the details may not be fully visible.

  In addition, even when an approval requester composes an email, even if he / she is worried about the recipient or the expression of the subject or text of the subject, the approver does not know what part he / she was worried about. May not perform the expected check. For example, it is conceivable that the approver makes an inquiry to the approval requester and asks for details, but it takes time and effort for both the approval requester and the approver.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, a plurality of selectable items are added to a part of an email for requesting approval, and a mail for generating only items selected by a selection operation among the plurality of items is generated. A mail transmission method that can transfer mail will be described. An example of the mail transmission method according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  (1) The information processing apparatus 101 adds a plurality of selectable items corresponding to a part of the mail M1 to the mail M1. Here, the mail M1 is a mail for requesting approval. The part of the mail M1 is any part of the destination, the subject, and the text. For example, when creating the mail M1, the part of the destination, the subject, and the text entered by the approval requester.

  The item is information indicating a character string that is a candidate for a part of the mail M1, and for example, a candidate for a character string to be replaced in place of a part of the destination, subject, and body text input by the approval requester. It is. A plurality of items are input in association with a part of the mail M1 by an input operation of the approval requester.

  (2) The information processing apparatus 101 transmits a mail M1 with a plurality of items added thereto to the information processing apparatus 102. Specifically, for example, the information processing apparatus 101 transmits an approval request for the mail M1 to which a plurality of items are added to the information processing apparatus 102.

  (3) The information processing apparatus 102 displays a plurality of selectable items corresponding to a part of the mail M1 included in the received mail M1. Specifically, for example, the information processing apparatus 102 displays a pull-down menu that displays a plurality of selectable items in response to a selection operation for selecting a part of the mail M1.

  In the example of FIG. 1, when the button b1 in the destination part of the mail M1 is clicked by an approver selection operation, a pull-down menu 110 that displays the selectable destinations A, B, and C is displayed. As a result, the approver can grasp that the approval requester is worried about which of the destinations A, B, and C should be set as the destination of the mail M1.

  When the button b2 in the subject part of the mail M1 is clicked by the approver's selection operation, a pull-down menu 120 that displays selectable subject X, subject Y, and subject Z is displayed. Thereby, the approver can grasp that the approval requester was troubled as to which of the subject X, the subject Y, and the subject Z should be set as the subject of the mail M1.

  In addition, when the button b3 of a certain word portion in the text of the mail M1 is clicked by the approver's selection operation, a pull-down menu 130 that displays selectable words 1, 2, and 3 is displayed. Thereby, the approver can grasp that the approval requester was worried about which of the words 1, 2 and 3 should be used as the word in the text of the mail M1.

  (4) Based on the mail M1, the information processing apparatus 102 generates an email M2 in which an item selected by a selection operation is displayed from among the displayed items, and an unselected item is hidden or deleted. To do. For example, it is assumed that “word 1” in the pull-down menu 130 is selected by the approver's selection operation.

  In this case, the information processing apparatus 102 displays the word 1 selected by the selection operation among the displayed words 1, 2, and 3 based on the mail M 1, and selects the unselected words 2 and 3 as the display targets. A mail M2 to be hidden or deleted is generated. As a result, the approver can determine which word is appropriate from the options designated by the approval requester and insert it into the text for the word in the text troubled by the approval requester.

  (5) The information processing apparatus 102 transmits the generated mail M2. Specifically, for example, the information processing apparatus 102 transfers the generated mail M2 to a destination in response to receiving an input operation indicating that the approver has approved the mail M2.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to add a plurality of selectable items to a part of an email requested for approval. For example, according to the information processing apparatus 101, a plurality of selectable destination candidates can be added to a mail destination. Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, a plurality of selectable subject candidates can be added to the subject of the mail. Further, according to the information processing apparatus 101, a plurality of selectable candidate character strings can be added to the character string in the mail text.

  As a result, even if there is a part of the requester who is worried about what expression to use when composing an email, which part of the request is not spoken to the approver verbally, It is possible to efficiently communicate to the approver how he / she worried.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 102 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of selectable items corresponding to a part of an email requested for approval are displayed, and only items selected by a selection operation among the plurality of items are displayed. Can be generated and sent to a destination. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an oversight of selection about a subject or a part of the body of the mail. For example, when checking an email, the approver can easily grasp the part troubled by the approval requester and make corrections, etc. Mail can be prevented.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a system configuration example of the mail system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that description of portions similar to those described in the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the mail system 200. In FIG. 2, the mail system 200 includes an information processing apparatus 201 and a plurality of client apparatuses 202. In the mail system 200, the information processing apparatus 201 and the plurality of client apparatuses 202 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless network 210 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 210 is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

  Here, the information processing apparatus 201 is a computer that includes a user DB (database) 220, a mail DB 230, an approval DB 240, and an option DB 250, and transmits and receives mail. The information processing apparatus 201 is a mail server, for example. The description of the user DB 220, the mail DB 230, the approval DB 240, and the option DB 250 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The client device 202 is a computer that displays, creates, and transmits / receives mail. The client device 202 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) used by a user of the mail system 200, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like.

(Example of hardware configuration of information processing apparatus 201)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus 201. In FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a memory 302, an I / F (Interface) 303, a disk drive 304, and a disk 305. Each component is connected by a bus 300.

  Here, the CPU 301 governs overall control of the information processing apparatus 201. The memory 302 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a flash ROM. Specifically, for example, a flash ROM or ROM stores various programs, and a RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The program stored in the memory 302 is loaded into the CPU 301 to cause the CPU 301 to execute the coded process.

  The I / F 303 is connected to the network 210 through a communication line, and is connected to another computer (for example, the client device 202 illustrated in FIG. 2) via the network 210. The I / F 303 controls an internal interface with the network 210 and controls input / output of data from other computers. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter may be employed as the I / F 303.

  The disk drive 304 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the disk 305 according to the control of the CPU 301. The disk 305 stores data written under the control of the disk drive 304. Examples of the disk 305 include a magnetic disk and an optical disk. Note that the information processing apparatus 201 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and the like in addition to the components described above.

(Hardware configuration example of client device 202)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the client device 202. In FIG. 4, the client apparatus 202 includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, a disk drive 403, a disk 404, a display 405, an I / F 406, a keyboard 407, a mouse 408, a scanner 409, a printer 410, Have Each component is connected by a bus 400.

  Here, the CPU 401 governs overall control of the client device 202. The memory 402 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a flash ROM, and the like. Specifically, for example, a flash ROM or ROM stores various programs, and the RAM is used as a work area of the CPU 401. The program stored in the memory 402 is loaded on the CPU 401 to cause the CPU 401 to execute the coded process.

  The disk drive 403 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the disk 404 according to the control of the CPU 401. The disk 404 stores data written under the control of the disk drive 403. Examples of the disk 404 include a magnetic disk and an optical disk.

  A display 405 displays data such as a document, an image, and function information as well as a cursor, an icon, or a tool box. As the display 405, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The I / F 406 is connected to the network 210 via a communication line, and is connected to another computer (for example, the information processing apparatus 201) via the network 210. The I / F 406 serves as an internal interface with the network 210 and controls input / output of data from other computers. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter may be employed as the I / F 406.

  The keyboard 407 includes keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like, and inputs data. The keyboard 407 may be a touch panel type input pad or a numeric keypad. The mouse 408 performs cursor movement, range selection, window movement, size change, and the like.

  The scanner 409 optically reads an image and takes in the image data into the client device 202. The scanner 409 may have an OCR (Optical Character Reader) function. The printer 410 prints image data and document data. As the printer 410, for example, a laser printer or an ink jet printer can be adopted. Note that the client device 202 may not include the scanner 409, the printer 410, or the like among the above-described components.

(Storage contents of various DBs 220, 230, 240, 250)
Next, the storage contents of various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 included in the information processing apparatus 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. The various DBs 220, 230, 240, and 250 are realized by storage devices such as the memory 302 and the disk 305 of the information processing apparatus 201 illustrated in FIG.

<Storage contents of user DB 220>
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the user DB 220. In FIG. 5, the user DB 220 has fields for user ID, password, user name, approver ID, and approver name. By setting information in each field, user information (for example, user Information 500-1 to 500-5) is stored as a record.

  Here, the user ID is an identifier for identifying a user of the mail system 200. Here, the user's mail address is set as the user ID. The password is a list of letters and numbers that authenticate the user. The user name is the name of the user. The approver ID is an identifier for identifying an approver who approves the user's mail transmission. Here, the e-mail address of the approver is set as the approver ID. The approver name is the name of the approver.

  For example, the user information 500-1 includes a user ID “kuroda@xxx.ww”, a password “jjleriuth”, a user name “Kuroda”, and an approver ID “yamada@xxx.www”. And the approver name “Yamada” is shown.

<Storage contents of mail DB 230>
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the mail DB 230. In FIG. 6, the mail DB 230 has fields for user ID, type, message ID, caller address, destination, call date and time, subject, and text. By setting information in each field, mail information (for example, mail information 600-1 to 600-3) of transmission / reception mail is stored.

  Here, the user ID is an identifier for identifying a user of the mail system 200. The type is information that identifies whether the type of mail is sent mail or received mail. The message ID is an identifier for identifying mail transmitted / received in the mail system 200.

  The sender address is the mail address of the user who is the sender of the mail. The destination is the mail address of the user who is the destination of the mail. The destination includes, for example, CC (Carbon Copy) and BCC (Blind Carbon Copy). The outgoing date / time is the outgoing date / time of the mail. Here, the approval date and time when the mail is approved is set as the transmission date and time. The subject is the subject of the mail. The text is the text of the mail.

  For example, the mail information 600-1 is information about the received mail of the user with the user ID “kuroda@xxx.ww”. The mail information 600-1 includes a message ID “enkai@xxx.ww”, a caller address “sato@xxx.ww”, destinations “kuroda@xxx.ww, tanaka @ xxx. The date and time “2013/4/31 10:34:23”, the subject “About the banquet” and the text “Thank you for your support. My name is Sato. The project has been successfully completed.

  The stored contents of the mail DB 230 are managed for each user of the mail system 200. In the example of FIG. 6, only the mail information about the user with the user ID “kuroda@xxx.ww” is displayed.

<Storage contents of approval DB 240>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the approval DB 240. In FIG. 7, the approval DB 240 includes fields for an approver ID, a message ID, a status, a sender ID (user ID), a destination, an approval request date / time, an approval date / time, a subject, a text, and a comment. By setting information in each field, approval mail information (for example, approval mail information 700-1 to 700-3) is stored.

  Here, the approver ID is an identifier for identifying the approver. The message ID is an identifier for identifying mail. The status is information for identifying whether the mail is waiting for approval (unapproved), approved (transmitted), or rejected. The sender ID is an identifier for identifying a user who is a sender of mail.

  The destination is the mail address of the user who is the destination of the mail. The approval request date and time is the date and time when the email approval request was made. The approval date and time is the date and time when the mail is approved. The subject is the subject of the mail. The text is the text of the mail. The comment is an approver's comment on the mail.

  For example, the approval mail information 700-1 is information about the mail requested to be approved by the approver of the approval ID “yamada@xxx.www”. Approval mail information 700-1 includes message ID “system@xxx.ww”, status “waiting for approval”, caller ID “kuroda@xxx.ww”, destination “kawasaki @ asya. Approval request date and time “2012/9/30 9:32:08”, subject “about XX system”, main text “□ company Kawasaki-san will inform you about XX system. In the example of FIG. 7, the approval date and time and the comment are not set.

  The contents stored in the approval DB 240 are managed for each approver who approves the mail of the user of the mail system 200. In the example of FIG. 7, only the approval information about the approver with the approver ID “yamada@xxx.www” is displayed.

<Storage contents of option DB 250>
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the option DB 250. In FIG. 8, the option DB 250 includes fields for message ID, character position, written character, other candidate 1, other candidate 2, other candidate 3, and a decision option. By setting information in each field, option information (for example, option information 800-1, 800-2) is stored.

  Here, the message ID is an identifier for identifying mail. The character position is information indicating the position of the selected character string in the mail text. The selected character string is a character string that is selected from the body of the mail by the selection operation of the approval requester. Here, the character position indicates the number of characters from the beginning of the body of the mail at the beginning of the selected character string.

  The written character indicates a selected character string. Other candidates 1 to 3 indicate candidate character strings to be replaced in place of the selected character string. The decision option indicates an option selected from a plurality of choices of written characters and other candidates 1 to 3 by the approver's selection operation.

  For example, the option information 800-1 includes the character position “72”, the description character “1 million”, the other candidate 1 “900,000”, the other candidate in the body of the mail with the message ID “system@xxx.ww”. 2 “800,000” and other candidates 3 “None”. In the example of FIG. 8, the decision option is not set.

  Note that the stored contents of the option DB 250 are managed for each email requested for approval. In the example of FIG. 8, only option information regarding the mail with the message ID “system@xxx.ww” is displayed.

(Example of received mail list screen)
Next, a received mail list screen displayed on the display 405 (see FIG. 4) of the client device 202 will be described. Screen information of various screens (for example, received mail list screen) displayed on the display 405 is generated by the information processing apparatus 201 and transmitted to the client apparatus 202, for example.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen example of the mail list screen. In FIG. 9, summary information (for example, summary information 900-1 and 900-2) of the email sent to the user with the user ID “kuroda@xxx.www” is displayed on the email list screen 900. Yes.

  The summary information is information indicating the sender, date, and subject of the mail. The sender identifies the user who is the sender of the mail. Here, the user ID of the user who is the sender of the mail is shown as the sender. The date is the transmission date and time of the mail. The subject is the subject of the mail.

  For example, the summary information 900-1 includes the sender “sato@xxx.ww” and the date “2013/5/31 10:34:23” sent to the user with the user ID “kuroda@xxx.ww”. "And the subject" About Banquet ".

  In the mail list screen 900, when any outline information is clicked by moving the cursor C by the user's operation input using the keyboard 407 or the mouse 408 shown in FIG. 4, the mail corresponding to the outline information is clicked. Is selected. In the example of FIG. 9, the summary information 900-1 is clicked.

  In addition, when the button B1 is clicked by a user operation input on the mail list screen 900, a mail creation request for a new mail is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 201, and a mail creation screen for a new mail is displayed on the display 405. The The mail creation screen will be described later with reference to FIG. In addition, when the button B2 is clicked by a user operation input on the mail list screen 900, a mail creation request for a reply mail is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 201, and a mail creation screen for the reply mail of the selected mail is displayed. It is displayed on the display 405.

  In addition, when the button B3 is clicked by a user operation input on the mail list screen 900, a mail approval request is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 201, and the approval list screen is displayed on the display 405. The approval list screen will be described later with reference to FIG. In addition, when button B4 is clicked by a user's operation input on mail list screen 900, a logout request is transmitted to information processing apparatus 201, and display of mail list screen 900 ends.

(Screen example of mail creation screen)
Next, a mail creation screen displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202 will be described. For example, the mail creation screen is displayed on the display 405 when any of the buttons B1 and B2 is clicked on the mail list screen 900 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a mail creation screen. In FIG. 10, the mail creation screen 1000 includes boxes 1001 to 1003. In the mail creation screen 1000, new mail and reply mail can be created by inputting mail information in each of the boxes 1001 to 1003 by user operation input. A box 1001 is a box in which a mail destination is input. A box 1002 is a box in which the subject of the mail is input. A box 1003 is a box in which a mail text is input.

  When the button B5 is clicked by a user operation input on the mail creation screen 1000, the mail information input in the boxes 1001 to 1003 is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 201. When button B6 is clicked on mail creation screen 1000, a logout request is transmitted to information processing apparatus 201, and display of mail creation screen 1000 ends.

  When the button B2 is clicked on the mail list screen 900 (see FIG. 9), for example, in each box 1001 to 1003 of the mail creation screen 1000, based on the selected mail information, a destination, a subject, a citation It is displayed on the display 405 in a state where a sentence is inserted.

(Screen example of approval list screen)
Next, an approval list screen displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202 will be described. The approval list screen is displayed on the display 405 when, for example, the button B3 is clicked on the mail list screen 900 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen example of the approval list screen. 11, unapproved mail information (for example, unapproved mail information 1100-1 and 1100-2) of mail not approved by the approver with the approver ID “yamada@xxx.www” is displayed on the approval list screen 1100. It is displayed.

  Unapproved mail information is information indicating the requester, destination, and subject of an unapproved mail. The requester identifies a user who is a sender of unapproved mail. Here, the user name of the user who is the transmission source of the unapproved mail is shown as the requester. The subject is the subject of an unapproved email.

  For example, the unapproved mail information 1100-1 indicates the address “company A) Kawasaki-san, Director Tanaka” and the subject “about OO system” of the mail requested by the requester “Suzuki”. In the following description, an unapproved mail may be referred to as an “unapproved mail”.

  When any unapproved mail information is clicked on the approval list screen 1100, mail selection information indicating an unapproved mail corresponding to the unapproved mail information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 201, and the approval screen is displayed on the display 405. Is displayed. The approval screen will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

(Example of creating an email)
Next, a mail creation example created on the mail creation screen 1000 displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of creating a mail. In (12-1) of FIG. 12, the mail destination, subject, and text are entered in each box 1001 to 1003 of the mail creation screen 1000. This e-mail is an e-mail created by the user (authorization requester) with the user name “Suzuki” and requested for approval by the user (authorizer) with the approver name “Yamada”.

  Here, it is assumed that the user (approval requester) is worried that “1 million” input as the estimated amount of the XX system is appropriate in creating the mail. In this case, when “1 million” is selected as a selected character string and right-clicked on the mail creation screen 1000 by the user's operation input, a selection candidate input screen is displayed.

  In (12-2) of FIG. 12, a selection candidate input screen 1200 is displayed as a pop-up. The selection candidate input screen 1200 is a screen for inputting a candidate character string to be replaced instead of the selected character string. Selection candidate input screen 1200 includes boxes 1201 and 1202 for inputting candidate character strings.

  Here, “900,000” is input to the box 1201 and “800,000” is input to the box 1202 as the candidate character strings. When button B7 is clicked on selection candidate input screen 1200, a candidate character string confirmation request is input, and display of selection candidate input screen 1200 ends. Note that the number of boxes for inputting candidate character strings can be arbitrarily set.

(Screen example of approval screen)
Next, an approval screen displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202 will be described. The approval screen is displayed on the display 405 when any unapproved mail information is clicked on the approval list screen 1100 shown in FIG.

  13-15 is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen of an approval screen. In (13-1) of FIG. 13, the approval screen 1300 is requested for approval from the user (authorization requester) of the user name “Suzuki” to the user (authorizer) of the approver name “Yamada”. The mail information of the mail is displayed. This approval screen 1300 is displayed on the display 405 when the unapproved mail information 1100-1 is clicked on the approval list screen 1100 (see FIG. 11).

  Here, on the article screen (text) of the approval screen 1300, the pull-down menu 1301 added to the selected character string “1 million” selected by the approval requester is displayed in a closed state. The pull-down menu 1302 added to the selected character string “10%” selected by the approval requester is displayed in a closed state.

  In the approval screen 1300 shown in (13-2) of FIG. 13, when the pull-down menu 1301 is clicked by a user (approver) operation input, it is input by the approval requester together with the selected character string “1 million”. The candidate character strings “900,000” and “800,000” are displayed. When the pull-down menu 1302 is clicked by an operation input by the user (approver), the candidate character strings “12%” and “13%” input by the approval requester together with the selected character string “10%”. Is displayed.

  In the approval screen 1300 shown in (13-3) of FIG. 14, any character string (selected character string or candidate character string) in the pull-down menus 1301 and 1302 is clicked by the operation input of the user (approver). Then, the selected character string is replaced with the clicked character string.

  In the example of FIG. 14, the candidate character string “900,000” in the pull-down menu 1301 is clicked, and the selected character string “1 million” is replaced with the candidate character string “900,000”. In this case, option character string information indicating that the candidate character string “900,000” is selected as a character string to be replaced instead of the selected character string “1 million” is transmitted from the client device 202 to the information processing device 201.

  Also, the candidate character string “12%” in the pull-down menu 1302 is clicked, and the selected character string “10%” is replaced with the candidate character string “12%”. In this case, option character string information indicating that the candidate character string “12%” is selected as a character string to be replaced instead of the selected character string “10%” is transmitted from the client device 202 to the information processing device 201.

  On the approval screen 1300, when button B8 is clicked by an operation input by the user (approver), the mail is approved and the mail is transmitted to the destination. That is, the button B8 is clicked when the user (approver) approves the mail. In this case, an approval notification mail is transmitted to the user (authorization requester). The approval notification mail will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the approval screen 1300, when button B9 is clicked by an operation input by the user (approver), the mail is disapproved and the mail is not transmitted to the destination. That is, the button B9 is clicked when the user (approver) does not approve the mail. In this case, a rejection notice email is transmitted to the user (authorization requester). The rejection notification mail will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the approval screen 1300, when the button B10 is clicked by an operation input by the user (approver), the display of the approval screen 1300 ends. In the approval screen 1300, an arbitrary comment for the approval requester can be input in the box 1303 by an operation input by the user (approver).

  When the button B8 is clicked in the approval screen 1300 when the selection of the character strings for all the selected character strings in the article screen (text) is not completed, all of the selected character strings are displayed. An alarm indicating that the selection of the character string has not been completed may be displayed.

  In the approval screen 1300 shown in FIG. 15, the alarm screen 1500 is popped up as a result of the button B8 being clicked when the selection of the character string “10%” in the article screen (text) is not completed. Has been. The alarm screen 1500 is a screen for notifying that selection of character strings for all selected character strings in the article screen (text) has not been completed.

  According to the alarm screen 1500, the approver can recognize that the selection of the character strings for all the selected character strings in the article screen (text) has not been completed, and the part where the approval requester is troubled. Can prevent omission of confirmation.

(Functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus 201)
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus 201. In FIG. 16, the information processing apparatus 201 includes a reception unit 1601, a generation unit 1602, a transmission unit 1603, and a registration unit 1604. The receiving unit 1601 to the registering unit 1604 are functions as control units. Specifically, for example, by causing the CPU 301 to execute a program stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305 illustrated in FIG. Alternatively, the function is realized by the I / F 303. The processing result of each functional unit is stored in a storage device such as the memory 302 and the disk 305, for example.

  The receiving unit 1601 receives user information from the client device 202. Here, the user information is information of the user of the mail system 200, and is information including a user ID, a password, and the like, for example. The user ID is used to identify a user who becomes an approval requester or an approver. The password is used to authenticate the user.

  The generation unit 1602 generates screen information of the mail list screen. Here, the mail list screen is a mail list screen that displays mail addressed to the user and mail transmitted from the user. The mail list screen is, for example, the mail list screen 900 shown in FIG.

  Specifically, for example, the generation unit 1602 specifies the user ID included in the user information in response to the user information being received. Next, the generation unit 1602 acquires mail information corresponding to the identified user ID from the mail DB 230 (see FIG. 6). Then, the generation unit 1602 generates screen information of the mail list screen based on the acquired mail information.

  Note that the generation unit 1602 may generate screen information of the mail list screen when the user authentication based on the user information is successful. User authentication is performed using, for example, the user DB 220 (see FIG. 5). For example, the generation unit 1602 acquires a password corresponding to the user ID included in the user information from the user DB 220. Then, the generation unit 1602 authenticates the user (successful authentication) when the acquired password matches the password included in the user information.

  The transmission unit 1603 transmits the screen information of the mail list screen generated by the generation unit 1602 to the client device 202. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 1603 transmits the screen information of the mail list screen 900 to the client device 202. As a result, the mail list screen 900 is displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202.

  The receiving unit 1601 receives a mail creation request from the client device 202. Here, the mail creation request is a request to display a mail creation screen for creating a new mail or a reply mail. The mail creation screen is, for example, the mail creation screen 1000 shown in FIG.

  Further, the generation unit 1602 generates screen information of the mail creation screen. The mail creation screen is, for example, the mail creation screen 1000 shown in FIG. Specifically, for example, the generation unit 1602 generates screen information of the email creation screen 1000 in response to the reception of the email creation request by the reception unit 1601.

  In addition, the transmission unit 1603 transmits the screen information of the mail creation screen generated by the generation unit 1602 to the client device 202. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 1603 transmits the screen information of the mail creation screen 1000 to the client device 202. As a result, the mail creation screen 1000 is displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202.

  The receiving unit 1601 receives mail information from the client device 202. Here, the e-mail information is e-mail information input on the e-mail creation screen and includes, for example, an e-mail destination, a subject, a body text, and the like. In addition, the mail information may include candidate character string information. The candidate character string information is information indicating a candidate character string to be replaced instead of the selected character string.

  For example, the candidate character string information indicates a candidate character string of a selected character string such as a sentence or a word in the text input by the user (requester of approval) when creating a mail. The candidate character string information includes, for example, information such as the character position of the selected character string, the written character, and the candidate character string.

  The registration unit 1604 registers the mail information received by the reception unit 1601 in the approval DB 240 (see FIG. 7). Specifically, for example, first, the registration unit 1604 refers to the user DB 220 and identifies the approver ID corresponding to the user ID of the user (authorization requester). Then, the registration unit 1604 sets a message ID, a status, a caller ID, an approval request date and time, and a subject and a text included in the mail information in association with the specified approver ID in each field of the approval DB 240.

  As a result, new approval mail information is registered in the approval DB 240. The message ID is generated, for example, when mail information is received from the client device 202, and is included in the header information of the mail. The status is “Waiting for approval”. The caller ID is the user ID of the user (authorization requester). The approval request date and time is, for example, the date and time when mail information is received from the client device 202.

  Further, the registration unit 1604 registers the candidate character string information in the option DB 250 when the candidate character string information is included in the mail information. Specifically, for example, the registration unit 1604 sets a character ID, a written character, and a candidate character string included in the message ID and candidate character string information in each field of the option DB 250. As a result, new option information is registered in the option DB 250.

  The receiving unit 1601 receives a mail approval request from the client device 202. Here, the mail approval request is a request to display an approval list screen for displaying unapproved mail. The approval list screen is, for example, the approval list screen 1100 shown in FIG.

  Also, the generation unit 1602 generates screen information for the approval list screen. Specifically, for example, in response to the reception of the mail approval request, the generation unit 1602 receives the status “waiting for approval” from the approval DB 240 in the approval mail information corresponding to the user (approver) approver ID. ”Approval email information is acquired. The approver ID is a user ID included in the user information. Then, the generation unit 1602 generates screen information of the approval list screen based on the acquired approval mail information.

  Further, the transmission unit 1603 transmits the screen information of the approval list screen generated by the generation unit 1602 to the client device 202. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 1603 transmits the screen information of the approval list screen 1100 to the client device 202. As a result, the approval list screen 1100 is displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202.

  The receiving unit 1601 receives mail selection information from the client device 202. Here, the mail selection information is information indicating an unapproved mail selected from the approval list screen. In the following description, an unapproved mail selected from the approval list screen may be referred to as “selected mail”. The mail selection information includes, for example, the message ID of the selected mail.

  In addition, the generation unit 1602 generates screen information of an approval mail approval screen. Here, the approval screen is a screen for approving the selected mail. The approval screen is, for example, the approval screen 1300 shown in FIGS.

  Specifically, for example, first, the generation unit 1602 acquires approval mail information corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail included in the received mail selection information from the approval DB 240. Furthermore, the generation unit 1602 acquires option information corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail from the option DB 250.

  Next, based on the acquired option information, the generation unit 1602 adds a pull-down menu that displays a candidate character string to be selectable at the character position of the selected character string in the text included in the acquired approval mail information. . Then, the generation unit 1602 generates screen information on the approval mail approval screen based on the approval mail information to which the pull-down menu is added.

  When option information corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail does not exist in the option DB 250, the generation unit 1602 generates screen information of an approval screen for the selected mail based on the approval mail information acquired from the approval DB 240.

  In addition, the transmission unit 1603 transmits the screen information of the approval screen generated by the generation unit 1602 to the client device 202. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 1603 transmits the screen information of the approval screen 1300 to the client device 202. As a result, the approval screen 1300 is displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202.

  The receiving unit 1601 receives option string information from the client device 202. Here, the choice character string information is information indicating a candidate character string selected by a user (authorizer) selection operation as a character string to be replaced instead of the selected character string. The option character string information includes, for example, the character position of the selected character string. When the selected character string is not replaced with the candidate character string, the option character string information includes, for example, information indicating that the selected character string is selected by a user (approver) selection operation.

  The registration unit 1604 registers the candidate character string indicated by the option character string information received by the receiving unit 1601 in the option DB 250. Specifically, for example, the registration unit 1604 registers the candidate character string indicated by the option character string information in the determined option field corresponding to the selected character string of the selected mail in the option DB 250. Here, an example of updating the option DB 250 will be described.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of updating the option DB 250. Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the candidate character string “900,000” is selected as the character string to be replaced instead of the selected character string “1 million” on the approval screen 1300, and the selected character string “10%” is replaced. Assume that the candidate character string “12%” is selected as the character string to be replaced with.

  In this case, the registration unit 1604 sets “900,000” in the decision option field of the option information 800-1 in the option DB 250 corresponding to the selected character string “1 million”. Further, “12%” is set in the decision option field of the option information 800-2 in the option DB 250 corresponding to the selected character string “10%”.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 16, the receiving unit 1601 receives the approval information from the client device 202. Here, the approval information is information indicating that the selected mail has been approved. The approval information includes, for example, a message ID of an email approved by the approver, a comment input on the approval screen, and the like. For example, the approval information is transmitted from the client apparatus 202 to the information processing apparatus 201 when the button B8 is clicked by an operation input of the user (approver) on the approval screen 1300 illustrated in FIG.

  The generation unit 1602 generates mail information of the approved mail. Here, the approved mail is a mail approved by the approver. Specifically, for example, first, the generation unit 1602 acquires option information corresponding to the message ID of the approved mail from the option DB 250 (see FIG. 17) in response to the approval information being received.

  The message ID of the approved mail is included in the approval information, for example. Then, the generation unit 1602 replaces the selected character string included in the body of the approval mail information of the approved mail acquired from the approval DB 240 with the determination option based on the acquired option information, thereby determining the mail information of the approved mail. Is generated.

  The transmission unit 1603 transmits the mail information of the approved mail generated by the generation unit 1602. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 1603 records the generated mail information of the approved mail in the mail DB 230 as the received mail of the user corresponding to the destination of the approved mail. In addition, the transmission unit 1603 records the generated mail information of the approved mail in the mail DB 230 as the user's transmission mail corresponding to the transmission source of the approved mail. Here, an example of updating the mail DB 230 will be described.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of updating the mail DB 230. Here, a case where the mail information of the approved mail is recorded in the mail DB 230 as a user's transmission mail corresponding to the transmission source of the approved mail will be described as an example. In addition, the user ID of the user corresponding to the transmission source of the approved mail is “kuroda@xxx.ww”.

  In this case, the transmission unit 1603 associates each field of the mail DB 230 with the user ID “kuroda@xxx.ww”, the type of the approved mail, the message ID, the sender address, the destination, the transmission date and time, the subject, Set the text. As a result, new mail information 1800 is registered in the mail DB 230.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 16, the generation unit 1602 generates mail information of an approval notification mail in response to reception of approval information. Here, the approval notification mail is an mail indicating that the mail requested by the user (approval requester) has been approved. The approval notification mail includes, for example, information indicating a candidate character string (decision option) selected instead of a comment or a selected character string input by the approver. The approval notification mail will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The transmission unit 1603 transmits the mail information of the approval notification mail generated by the generation unit 1602. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 1603 records mail information of the generated approval notification mail in the mail DB 230 as a received mail of the user (approval requester).

  The receiving unit 1601 receives rejection information from the client device 202. Here, the rejection information is information indicating that the selected mail has not been approved. The rejection information includes, for example, a message ID of an email that has not been approved by the approver, a comment entered on the approval screen, and the like. Rejection information is transmitted from the client device 202 to the information processing device 201 when the button B9 is clicked by an operation input of the user (authorizer) on the approval screen 1300 shown in FIG.

  The generation unit 1602 generates mail information of the rejection notification mail in response to the rejection information being received. Here, the rejection notification email is an email indicating that the email requested by the user (authorization requester) has not been approved. The rejection notification email includes, for example, information indicating a comment input by the approver. The rejection notification mail will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The transmission unit 1603 transmits the email information of the rejection notification email generated by the generation unit 1602. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 1603 records the generated mail information of the rejection notification mail in the mail DB 230 as the received mail of the user (authorization requester).

(Specific example of approval notification email)
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the approval notification mail. In FIG. 19, an approval notification email 1900 is an email indicating that the email requested by the user (approval requester) has been approved. In the approval notification mail 1900, the address and subject of the mail approved by the approver are displayed. In the approval notification mail 1900, a comment input by the approver is displayed. The approval notification mail 1900 displays candidate character strings selected by the approver instead of the selected character string.

  According to the approval notification mail 1900, the user (approval requester) can recognize that his mail has been approved. Further, the user (approval requester) confirms that the selected character string “1 million” has been replaced with the candidate character string “900,000” and the selected character string “10%” has been replaced with the candidate character string “12%”. Can be recognized.

(Specific example of rejection notification email)
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the rejection notice mail. In FIG. 20, a rejection notification mail 2000 is an email indicating that the email requested by the user (authorization requester) has not been approved. Rejection notification mail 2000 displays the address and subject of mail that has not been approved by the approver. In the rejection notification mail 2000, a comment input by the approver is displayed.

  According to the rejection notification mail 2000, the user (requester of approval) can recognize that his mail has not been approved. Further, the user (approval requester) is not approved because there is no candidate character string to replace in place of the selected character string “10%”, and the selected character string “10%” should be replaced with “5%”. I can recognize that.

(Mail processing procedure of information processing apparatus 201)
Next, a mail processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 201 will be described. 21 and 22 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a mail processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 201. In the flowchart of FIG. 21, first, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether or not a mail display request has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2101).

  Here, the information processing apparatus 201 waits to receive a mail display request (step S2101: No). When receiving the mail display request (step S2101: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 generates screen information of the authentication screen (step S2102), and transmits the generated screen information of the authentication screen to the client apparatus 202 (step S2103). ).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether user information has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2104). Here, the information processing apparatus 201 waits to receive user information (step S2104: No). When receiving the user information (step S2104: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 refers to the user DB 220 and executes an authentication process for authenticating the user (step S2105).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether the user authentication is successful (step S2106). If the user authentication is successful (step S2106: YES), the information processing apparatus 201 refers to the mail DB 230 and generates screen information of the mail list screen (step S2107). Then, the information processing apparatus 201 transmits the generated screen information of the mail list screen to the client apparatus 202 (step S2108), and proceeds to step S2201 shown in FIG.

  If the user authentication fails in step S2106 (step S2106: NO), the information processing apparatus 201 generates screen information of an authentication error screen (step S2109). Then, the information processing apparatus 201 transmits the screen information of the generated authentication error screen (step S2110), and ends a series of processes according to this flowchart.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 22, first, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether a mail creation request has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2201). If the mail creation request is not received (step S2201: No), the information processing apparatus 201 proceeds to step S2210.

  On the other hand, when the mail creation request is received (step S2201: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 generates screen information of the mail creation screen (step S2202), and transmits the generated screen information of the mail creation screen to the client device 202. (Step S2203).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether or not mail information has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2204). Here, the information processing apparatus 201 waits for reception of mail information (step S2204: No). Then, when receiving the mail information (step S2204: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 creates a message ID and a header (step S2205).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether or not candidate character string information is included in the received mail information (step S2206). If candidate character string information is not included (step S2206: NO), the information processing apparatus 201 proceeds to step S2208.

  On the other hand, when candidate character string information is included (step S2206: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 registers candidate character string information in the option DB 250 in association with the message ID (step S2207). Next, the information processing apparatus 201 refers to the user DB 220 and identifies an approver ID corresponding to the user ID of the user (authorization requester) (step S2208).

  Then, the information processing apparatus 201 registers the mail information in the approval DB 240 in association with the identified approver ID (step S2209). Next, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether an email approval request has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2210). If the mail approval request has not been received (step S2210: NO), the information processing apparatus 201 proceeds to step S2212.

  On the other hand, when the mail approval request is received (step S2210: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 executes an approval screen transmission process (step S2211). A specific processing procedure of the approval screen transmission process will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The information processing apparatus 201 determines whether a logout request is received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2212). If no logout request has been received (step S2212: NO), the information processing apparatus 201 returns to step S2201. On the other hand, when the logout request is received (step S2212: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 ends the series of processes according to the flowchart.

  As a result, an unapproved mail can be created by an approval requester, and an unapproved mail can be approved by an approver.

<Specific processing procedure of approval screen transmission processing>
Next, a specific processing procedure of the approval screen transmission processing in step S2211 shown in FIG. 22 will be described.

  23 to 25 are flowcharts showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval screen transmission process. In the flowchart of FIG. 23, first, the information processing apparatus 201 obtains approval mail information of the status “waiting for approval” from among the approval mail information corresponding to the approver ID of the user (approver) from the approval DB 240 (step) S2301).

  The information processing apparatus 201 generates screen information of the approval list screen based on the acquired approval mail information (step S2302), and transmits the generated screen information of the approval list screen to the client device 202 (step S2303). ). Next, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether or not mail selection information has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2304).

  Here, the information processing apparatus 201 waits for reception of mail selection information (step S2304: No). When receiving the mail selection information (step S2304: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 acquires approval mail information corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail included in the mail selection information from the approval DB 240 (step S2305).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether there is a message ID of the selected mail in the option DB 250 (step S2306). If there is a message ID of the selected mail (step S2306: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 acquires option information corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail from the option DB 250 (step S2307).

  Then, based on the acquired option information, the information processing apparatus 201 adds a pull-down menu for displaying a candidate character string to be selectable at the character position of the selected character string in the text included in the acquired approval mail information. (Step S2308). Next, the information processing apparatus 201 generates screen information of an approval screen based on the approval mail information to which the pull-down menu is added (step S2309).

  Then, the information processing apparatus 201 transmits the screen information of the generated approval screen to the client apparatus 202 (step S2310), and proceeds to step S2401 illustrated in FIG.

  In step S2306, when there is no message ID of the selected mail (step S2306: No), the information processing apparatus 201 generates screen information of an approval screen based on the acquired approval mail information (step S2311). The process moves to step S2310.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 24, first, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether option character string information has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2401). If the option character string information has not been received (step S2401: NO), the information processing apparatus 201 proceeds to step S2403.

  On the other hand, when the option character string information is received (step S2401: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 registers the candidate character string indicated by the received option character string information in the determined option of the option DB 250 (step S2402). The information processing apparatus 201 determines whether approval information has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2403).

  Here, when approval information is received (step S2403: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 proceeds to step S2501 illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, when the approval information has not been received (step S2403: No), the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether or not rejection information has been received from the client apparatus 202 (step S2404). If the rejection information has not been received (step S2404: NO), the information processing apparatus 201 returns to step S2401.

  On the other hand, when the rejection information is received (step S2404: YES), the information processing apparatus 201 generates email information of the rejection notification email (step S2405). Then, the information processing apparatus 201 records the mail information of the generated rejection notification mail in the mail DB 230 as the user's received mail (step S2406).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 changes the status of the approval mail information in the approval DB 240 corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail to “disapproved” and sets a comment included in the rejection information (step S2407). Then, the information processing apparatus 201 returns to the step that called the approval screen transmission process.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 25, first, the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether or not there is a message ID of the selected mail in the option DB 250 (step S2501). If there is no message ID of the selected mail (step S2501: No), the information processing apparatus 201 proceeds to step S2505. On the other hand, when there is a message ID of the selected mail (step S2501: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 determines whether or not all the decision options corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail have been set (step S2502). .

  Here, when all the decision options have been set (step S2502: Yes), the information processing apparatus 201 acquires option information corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail from the option DB 250 (step S2503). Based on the acquired option information, the information processing apparatus 201 replaces the selected character string included in the body of the approved mail information of the selected mail with the determined option, and generates mail information of the selected mail (step S2504).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 records the generated mail information of the selected mail in the mail DB 230 as the received mail of the user corresponding to the destination of the selected mail (step S2505). Further, the information processing apparatus 201 records the mail information of the selected mail in the mail DB 230 as the user's mail sent corresponding to the transmission source of the selected mail (step S2506).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 generates mail information of the approval notification mail (step S2507), and records the generated mail information of the approval notification mail in the mail DB 230 as the user's received mail (step S2508).

  Next, the information processing apparatus 201 changes the status of the approval mail information in the approval DB 240 corresponding to the message ID of the selected mail to “approved” and sets a comment included in the approval information (step S2509). Then, the information processing apparatus 201 transmits a selection mail transmission completion notification to the client apparatus 202 (step S2510), and returns to the step of calling the approval screen transmission process.

  In step S2502, if at least one of the decision options has not been set (step S2502: No), the information processing apparatus 201 generates screen information of an alarm screen (step S2511). The alarm screen is a screen for notifying that selection of character strings has not been completed for all selected character strings in the article screen (text). The information processing apparatus 201 transmits the generated alarm screen information to the client apparatus 202 (step S2512), and returns to step S2401 illustrated in FIG.

  As a result, it is possible to generate mail information in which a pull-down menu for displaying a selectable candidate character string at the character position of the selected character string in the body of the unapproved mail is added. In addition, an approval screen for an unapproved mail with a pull-down menu added can be displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202. Further, by replacing the selected character string included in the text of the unapproved mail with the decision option, mail information of the approved mail can be generated.

(Mail processing procedure of client device 202)
Next, a mail processing procedure of the client device 202 will be described. 26 to 28 are flowcharts showing an example of a mail processing procedure of the client apparatus 202. In the flowchart of FIG. 26, first, the client apparatus 202 transmits a mail display request to the information processing apparatus 201 (step S2601).

  Next, the client device 202 determines whether or not the screen information of the authentication screen has been received from the information processing device 201 (step S2602). Here, the client device 202 waits to receive screen information of the authentication screen (step S2602: No). When the client device 202 receives the screen information of the authentication screen (step S2602: Yes), the client device 202 displays the authentication screen on the display 405 (step S2603).

  Next, the client device 202 determines whether or not user information has been accepted by a user operation input using the keyboard 407 or the mouse 408 (step S2604). Here, the client apparatus 202 waits to receive user information (step S2604: No). When receiving the user information (step S2604: Yes), the client device 202 transmits the user information to the information processing device 201 (step S2605).

  Next, the client device 202 determines whether or not the screen information of the mail list screen has been received from the information processing device 201 (step S2606). Here, when the screen information of the mail list screen is received (step S2606: Yes), the client device 202 displays the mail list screen on the display 405 (step S2607), and proceeds to step S2701 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the screen information of the mail list screen has not been received (step S2606: No), the client device 202 determines whether the screen information of the authentication error screen has been received from the information processing device 201 (step S2608). . Here, when the screen information of the authentication error screen has not been received (step S2608: No), the client device 202 returns to step S2606.

  On the other hand, when the screen information of the authentication error screen is received (step S2608: Yes), the client device 202 displays the authentication error screen on the display 405 (step S2609), and ends the series of processing according to this flowchart.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 27, first, the client apparatus 202 determines whether or not a mail creation request has been accepted by a user operation input (step S2701). If no mail creation request has been received (step S2701: NO), the client apparatus 202 proceeds to step S2801 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when a mail creation request is received (step S2701: YES), the client device 202 transmits a mail creation request to the information processing apparatus 201 (step S2702). Then, the client device 202 determines whether or not the screen information of the mail creation screen has been received from the information processing device 201 (step S2703).

  Here, the client device 202 waits to receive the screen information of the mail creation screen (step S2703: No). When the client device 202 receives the screen information of the mail creation screen (step S2703: Yes), the client device 202 displays the mail creation screen on the display 405 (step S2704).

  Then, the client device 202 receives mail information (address, subject, text) and displays it on the display 405 according to the user's operation input (step S2705). Next, the client device 202 determines whether or not selection of any character string in the text has been accepted by the user's operation input (step S2706).

  Here, when the selection of the character string is not received (step S2706: No), the client apparatus 202 proceeds to step S2710. On the other hand, when selection of a character string is received (step S2706: YES), the client device 202 displays a candidate character string input screen on the display 405 (step S2707).

  Then, the client device 202 determines whether or not a candidate character string confirmation request has been accepted by a user operation input (step S2708). Here, the client device 202 waits to accept a candidate character string confirmation request (step S2708: No). When the client device 202 receives the candidate character string confirmation request (step S2708: Yes), the client device 202 adds the candidate character string information to the mail information (step S2709).

  Next, the client device 202 determines whether or not a mail transmission request has been accepted by a user operation input (step S2710). If the mail transmission request has not been received (step S2710: NO), the client device 202 returns to step S2706.

  On the other hand, when a mail transmission request is received (step S2710: Yes), the client apparatus 202 transmits mail information to the information processing apparatus 201 (step S2711). Then, the client device 202 displays a mail list screen on the display 405 (step S2712), and proceeds to step S2801 shown in FIG.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 28, first, the client device 202 determines whether or not a mail approval request has been accepted by a user operation input (step S2801). If the mail approval request has not been received (step S2801: NO), the client device 202 proceeds to step S2805.

  On the other hand, when a mail approval request is received (step S2801: YES), the client device 202 transmits a mail approval request to the information processing device 201 (step S2802). The client device 202 executes an approval process (step S2803). A specific processing procedure of the approval processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30.

  Next, the client device 202 displays a mail list screen on the display 405 (step S2804). Then, the client device 202 determines whether or not a logout request has been accepted based on a user operation input (step S2805).

  If the logout request is not accepted (step S2805: NO), the client device 202 returns to step S2701 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when a logout request is accepted (step S2805: YES), the client device 202 ends a series of processes according to this flowchart.

  As a result, an unapproved mail can be created by an approval requester, and an unapproved mail can be approved by an approver.

<Specific processing procedure of approval process>
Next, a specific processing procedure of the approval processing in step S2803 shown in FIG. 28 will be described.

  29 and 30 are flowcharts showing an example of a specific processing procedure of the approval process. In the flowchart of FIG. 29, first, the client device 202 determines whether or not the screen information of the approval list screen has been received from the information processing device 201 (step S2901).

  Here, the client device 202 waits to receive the screen information of the approval list screen (step S2901: No). When the client device 202 receives the screen information of the approval list screen (step S2901: Yes), the client device 202 displays the approval list screen on the display 405 (step S2902).

  Next, the client device 202 determines whether or not an unapproved mail is selected by a user operation input (step S2903). Here, the client device 202 waits for an unapproved mail to be selected (step S2903: No). When the unapproved mail is selected (step S2903: Yes), the client apparatus 202 transmits mail selection information to the information processing apparatus 201 (step S2904).

  Next, the client device 202 determines whether or not the screen information of the approval screen has been received from the information processing device 201 (step S2905). Here, the client device 202 waits to receive the screen information of the approval screen (step S2905: No). When the client device 202 receives the screen information of the approval screen (step S2905: Yes), the client device 202 displays the approval screen on the display 405 (step S2906).

  Then, the client device 202 determines whether a candidate character string has been selected by a user operation input (step S2907). If no candidate character string has been selected (step S2907: NO), the client apparatus 202 proceeds to step S3001 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the candidate character string is selected (step S2907: YES), the client device 202 replaces the mail information based on the candidate character string information (number of characters, selected character) (step S2908). Then, the client apparatus 202 transmits the option character string information to the information processing apparatus 201 (step S2909), and proceeds to step S3001 illustrated in FIG.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 30, first, the client device 202 determines whether or not the selected mail has been approved by a user operation input (step S3001). If the selected mail is not approved (step S3001: No), the client device 202 determines whether the selected mail is rejected (step S3002).

  If the selected mail is not rejected (step S3002: No), the client apparatus 202 returns to step S2907 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the selected mail is rejected (step S3002: Yes), the client apparatus 202 transmits rejection information including a comment to the information processing apparatus 201 (step S3003), and returns to the step that called the approval process.

  In step S3001, when the selection mail is approved (step S3001: Yes), the client device 202 transmits approval information including a comment to the information processing device 201 (step S3004). Then, the client device 202 determines whether a transmission completion notification has been received from the information processing device 201 (step S3005).

  Here, when the transmission completion notification is received (step S3005: Yes), the client device 202 returns to the step that called the approval process. On the other hand, when the transmission completion notification has not been received (step S3005: No), the client device 202 determines whether or not the screen information of the alarm screen has been received from the information processing device 201 (step S3006).

  Here, when the screen information of the alarm screen has not been received (step S3006: No), the client apparatus 202 returns to step S3005. On the other hand, when the screen information of the alarm screen is received (step S3006: Yes), the client device 202 displays the alarm screen on the display 405 (step S3007).

  Then, the client device 202 determines whether or not OK has been accepted by the user's operation input (step S3008). Here, the client device 202 waits for acceptance of OK (step S3008: No). If the client apparatus 202 receives OK (step S3008: YES), the client apparatus 202 returns to step S2907 illustrated in FIG.

  Thereby, the approver can appropriately replace the character string with respect to the part that the approval requester has troubled when creating the mail from the options designated by the approval requester.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 201 according to the second embodiment, a pull-down menu for displaying a candidate character string so as to be selectable is added to the character position of the selected character string in the body of the unapproved mail. be able to. Further, according to the information processing apparatus 201, it is possible to generate screen information of an approval screen for an unapproved mail with a pull-down menu added thereto and transmit it to the client device 202.

  As a result, a pull-down menu for displaying a selectable candidate character string at the character position of the selected character string in the body of the unapproved mail can be displayed on the display 405 of the client device 202. As a result, the approver can grasp the part that the approval requester has troubled in creating the unapproved email, and can select the character string to be replaced instead of the selected character string from the options specified by the approval requester. it can.

  Further, according to the information processing apparatus 201, it is possible to receive option information indicating a candidate character string (decision option) selected by an approver's selection operation as a character string to be replaced instead of the selected character string. Furthermore, according to the information processing apparatus 201, the mail information of the approved mail can be generated by replacing the selected character string included in the text of the unapproved mail with the determined option based on the received option information. And according to the information processing apparatus 201, the mail information of the generated approved mail can be transmitted to the destination.

  As a result, for the part that the approval requester was troubled with when creating the email, an approved email was generated by replacing the choices specified by the approval requester with a character string appropriately selected by the approver, and the approved email was sent to the destination. Can be sent.

  For these reasons, even if there is a part of the expression that should be used when composing an e-mail, the requester of the approval can choose which one without verbal information to the approver. You can efficiently communicate to the approver how you worried about the part. In addition, since the approver can easily check and correct the troubled part of the approval requester when checking the e-mail, the checker of the part troubled by the approval requester can be prevented from being missed. Send mail can be prevented.

  Note that the mail transmission method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. The mail transmission program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The mail transmission program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the embodiment described above.

(Supplementary note 1)
A plurality of selectable items related to a subject or body corresponding to a part of the first mail included in the received first mail;
Based on the first email, generate a second email in which the item selected by the selection operation among the displayed items is a display target, and a non-selected item is a target to be hidden or deleted,
Send the generated second email;
A mail transmission program characterized by causing processing to be executed.

(Supplementary note 2)
Adding a plurality of selectable items related to a subject or body corresponding to a part of the third mail inputted by the input operation to the third mail;
Sending the third mail with the plurality of items added;
The mail transmission program according to appendix 1, wherein the program is executed.

(Supplementary note 3)
A plurality of selectable items related to a subject or body corresponding to a part of the first mail included in the received first mail;
Based on the first email, generate a second email in which the item selected by the selection operation among the displayed items is a display target, and a non-selected item is a target to be hidden or deleted,
Send the generated second email;
A mail transmission method characterized by executing processing.

(Appendix 4) a client device having a display;
One of the displayed plurality of items is displayed by performing control to display on the display a plurality of selectable items related to a subject or body corresponding to a part of the first mail included in the first mail. In accordance with the selection operation for selecting the item, the item selected by the selection operation among the plurality of items is set as the display target and the non-selected item is set as the non-display target or deleted based on the first mail An information processing apparatus for generating a second mail and transmitting the generated second mail;
The mail system characterized by including.

(Appendix 5)
A plurality of selectable items related to a subject or body corresponding to a part of the first mail included in the received first mail;
Based on the first email, generate a second email in which the item selected by the selection operation among the displayed items is a display target, and a non-selected item is a target to be hidden or deleted,
Send the generated second email;
A computer-readable recording medium on which a mail transmission program for executing processing is recorded.

101, 102, 201 Information processing device 200 Mail system 202 Client device 220 User DB
230 Mail DB
240 Approval DB
250 Choice DB
1601 Receiver 1602 Generator 1603 Transmitter 1604 Registration Unit

Claims (4)

On the computer,
Accepts a string selection,
When an approval request for the first mail is received, an item corresponding to the character string selected from the subject or body of the first mail included in the first mail is replaced with the character string. Display multiple selectable items, including items corresponding to the replacement candidate string ,
Based on the first email, generate a second email in which the item selected by the selection operation among the displayed items is a display target, and a non-selected item is a target to be hidden or deleted,
Send the generated second email;
A mail transmission program characterized by causing processing to be executed. In the computer,
The item corresponding to the character string included in the subject or body of the third mail selected by the selection operation, and the item corresponding to the candidate character string to be replaced instead of the character string input by the input operation a plurality of items selectable comprising adding to the third mail,
Sending an approval request for the third mail with the plurality of items added;
The mail transmission program according to claim 1, wherein processing is executed. Computer
Accepts a string selection,
When an approval request for the first mail is received, an item corresponding to the character string selected from the subject or body of the first mail included in the first mail is replaced with the character string. Display multiple selectable items, including items corresponding to the replacement candidate string ,
Based on the first email, generate a second email in which the item selected by the selection operation among the displayed items is a display target, and a non-selected item is a target to be hidden or deleted,
Send the generated second email;
A mail transmission method characterized by executing processing. A client device having a display;
Upon accepting selection of a character string and receiving an approval request for the first mail, an item corresponding to the character string selected from the subject or body of the first mail included in the first mail ; , Control to display a plurality of selectable items including items corresponding to candidate character strings to be replaced in place of the character strings, and select any one of the displayed items In response to the selection operation, based on the first mail, the second mail in which the item selected by the selection operation among the plurality of items is to be displayed and the non-selected item is to be hidden or deleted And an information processing device that transmits the generated second mail;
The mail system characterized by including.

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