JP5174297B2 - Procedure management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the status of the procedures, etc. by persons who perform various projects and procedures, etc. themselves or through intermediaries, agents, etc., especially those who perform various applications, notifications, procedures, etc. to public offices, administrative institutions, judicial institutions, etc. It is related with the procedure management system which can grasp | ascertain easily.
[0002]
Specifically, for example, the present invention relates to a procedure management system for efficiently performing procedures for pending patents, trademarks, etc., or pension payment after registration and lifetime registration. In particular, the client who is requesting the management of the procedure from a patent office or an annuity management company can easily check his / her own application and the status of his rights at any time without introducing his own management system. It is about the system.
[0003]
[Prior art]
For example, in the procedures from application to registration of patents, trademarks, etc., or procedures such as payment of annuity and registration of renewal of lifetime after registration, various numbers given in advance by the JPO, as well as strict deadline management. In many cases, procedures must be performed using Therefore, large enterprises and patent offices with many projects to be managed have conventionally managed procedures using dedicated computer software.
[0004]
On the other hand, for small and medium-sized businesses and individuals who do not have so many projects to manage, purchasing management software on their own is an exaggeration. Therefore, it is the actual situation that it is managed independently by the bookkeeping etc. based on the notification from the patent office requesting the application, etc. or left to the patent office without management.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even for SMEs and individuals, it is not uncommon for the number of projects to be managed to expand to several, dozens, and dozens. However, even in this case, it is costly to introduce the management software independently, and the maintenance and management after the installation is also burdened with great human and cost. Moreover, even if it can be introduced, as long as it is made based on the notification from the patent office requesting the application, etc., only the duplicate management between the patent office and its client will be performed. .
[0006]
On the other hand, if the client does not manage it, the status of the application or rights cannot be confirmed immediately when necessary, and each time searching for documents sent in the past from the patent office, There was no choice but to contact us by phone. Such a situation was troublesome not only for the client itself but also for the patent office. Further, in such a situation, it is difficult to set a budget because the client himself cannot easily grasp, for example, a pension to be paid in the next fiscal year. In addition, there are many clients who are not familiar with patent applications, etc., and in that case, it is unclear which stage each individual case is in from the series of flow from filing to registration (and expiration). There are many cases. Moreover, it was difficult to know the future costs for each project.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the main purpose of the present invention is that a client who requests management of procedures from a patent office or a pension management company does not introduce a unique management system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a procedure management system that can confirm the status of one's application and rights at any time at a low cost and in a simple manner.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The procedure management system of the present invention is configured as described in the above-mentioned claims which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the procedure management system of the present invention will be described in more detail. In addition, here, a case where it is applied to the management of applications and rights of patents, utility models, designs, trademarks, etc. will be described as an example, but the procedure management system of the present invention is not limited to this, and other various procedures and projects It can also be applied to progress. In particular, the present invention can be suitably applied to a system in which the client can grasp the progress of the procedure in an intermediary or agency business.
[0010]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an embodiment of a procedure management system according to the present invention.
In the system of this embodiment, a client (requester) that is originally one of the procedure parties performs various procedures to a predetermined procedure destination that is the other procedure party via an administrator such as an intermediary / agent. Applies to In this case, the system is such that the client himself can easily grasp the status of the case requested by the administrator at any time, and preferably can instruct future procedures. For example, the administrator is a patent office (patent attorney) or an agent of a pension management company, the destination is the JPO (secretary, examination / trial), and the client is the applicant or right holder of patents, etc. Become a company or individual.
[0011]
On the side of the manager such as an intermediary or agent, a server 1 that is a main part of the procedure management system is provided. On the other hand, one or more client terminals 4 are provided on each client side. The server 1 can be connected to the plurality of requester terminals 4, 4... Via the network 5 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. In this embodiment, they are connected via the Internet.
[0012]
Each requester terminal 4 is an input / output device operated by the requester, and is configured by a personal computer in this embodiment. That is, for example, in addition to a personal computer body, a keyboard, a mouse, and a display, a modem or a terminal adapter, a WWW browser, a mailer, and the like are provided to enable communication with the server 1.
[0013]
By the way, the requester is registered with the server information (user registration) in the server 1 in accordance with the initial procedure request of the first case to the patent office or the like, and is given a user ID, a password, and the like. The own terminal can be used as the client terminal 4. For this purpose, each administrator performs user registration for the requester using the server itself or the administrator terminal 2 connected to the server. The server is provided with user registration means 6.
[0014]
In addition to this, or instead of this, a new client who is going to request annuity management, etc., connects to the website of this system with his / her terminal and inputs information on the web page. Alternatively, user registration can be made online, and the user's terminal can be used as the client terminal 4.
[0015]
The user registration means 6 is means for receiving predetermined user management information input from the administrator terminal 2 or the like and registering it in the user management information storage means 15. Usually, the administrator performs user registration of the client by a delegation contract with a new client (delegation of procedures to a patent office or the like, entrusted by a patent office or the like). Specifically, for example, after selecting “User Registration” on the menu screen of the server procedure management program, each item of user management information displayed on the screen is requested from an input means such as a keyboard. This is done by inputting information about the person and registering it in the user management information storage means 15.
[0016]
The manager terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer installed in a patent office or the like. The administrator terminal 2 and the server 1 can be connected via a network 5 such as the Internet as well as a LAN or an intranet (FIG. 8). Here, when the administrator terminal 2 is connected to the server 1 via the Internet or the like, the administrator terminal 2 is provided with a WWW browser or the like, similar to the client terminal 4.
[0017]
By the way, as described above, when accepting online user registration by the client, the user registration unit 6 receives the user management information input from the client terminal 4 and stores it in the user management information storage unit. 15 is a means for registering to No. 15. For example, after connecting to the website of the present system from the client terminal 4 via the Internet 5, “User Registration” is selected by clicking with a mouse on the menu screen on the web page. As a result, each item of the user management information and its input or selection column are displayed on the screen in correspondence with each other, so you can input or select your own information from the input means such as a keyboard for each item. That's fine. Then, by clicking the send button displayed on the screen, the information may be sent to the server 1 and registered in the user management information storage unit 15 of the server 1.
[0018]
Also, registration may be accepted using e-mail or FAX. In this case, the contents of the e-mail, fax, etc. received on the server side may be automatically read and converted into text and registered in the user management information storage means 15, or the administrator who received the e-mail However, user registration may be performed in the same procedure as described above.
[0019]
The user management information is predetermined information related to the user of this system, such as a client. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the user ID, the user's name and name, its location, telephone number, fax number, contact name, e-mail address, password, and the like are included. Among these, the user ID is a serial number assigned by the server 1. On the other hand, the password is preferably determined by the client himself. Other items can be obtained from the client.
[0020]
The user management information storage means 15 is a means for storing the user management information, and is usually composed of a database.
[0021]
The client registered user can receive various services of the system by connecting to the website of the system using the client terminal 4. For this purpose, the server 1 is provided with authentication means 7 for authenticating a site connection person.
[0022]
The authentication means 7 is means for authenticating a user such as a client. In the present embodiment, in particular, it is a means for authenticating whether or not the person who wishes to browse is a legitimate user before permitting browsing from the requester terminal 4 with respect to case management information, packaging information, etc., which will be described later. For example, the requester terminal 4 is requested to input a user ID and password, the information received from the requester terminal 4 is compared with that of the user management information storage means 15 and authentication is performed based on the consistency. Then, a predetermined service is provided to the client, such as disclosing information only when authenticated.
[0023]
Further, for example, the following means can be employed for the authentication means to ensure security. That is, as described above, after connecting to the website of this system from the client terminal 4 and receiving initial authentication with the ID and password (first password), the server 1 receives the initial authenticated client. Is obtained from the user management information storage means 15, the second password is notified to the requester based on the contact information, and the second password is received from the requester who has received the second password. Can be returned to complete the authentication. The second password is preferably created at random each time.
[0024]
The notification of the second password is performed for a pre-registered e-mail address, telephone number, or FAX number. Note that it is more preferable that the user can set which method is used for incoming calls.
[0025]
Contact information is obtained by searching the user management information storage unit 15 based on the authenticated user ID after the initial authentication, and the server 1 automatically transmits a second password to the client immediately based on the information. To do. Then, the client who has received it inputs the second password in a predetermined field of the authentication screen and transmits it to the server 1. And the server 1 which received it completes final authentication by confirming the coincidence with the 2nd password which self created and transmitted. It is preferable to maintain the connection between the client terminal 4 and the server 1 from the initial authentication to the completion of the final authentication. However, the connection is temporarily interrupted, and the connection is made again after the second password is given. It may be. In this case, authentication is validated only when the second password is returned within a predetermined fixed time.
[0026]
In this way, after the initial authentication, a notification is sent to the authenticated client and a response is received, so that it can be grasped as a connection request from that person. In other words, when you receive a notification even though you do not remember making a connection request, someone will try to gain unauthorized access, so you can prevent information leaks by contacting the administrator immediately. It becomes possible.
[0027]
After initial authentication, a web page displaying the second password is created in an arbitrary URL, the URL of the page is automatically transmitted to the client by e-mail, and the client who receives the page opens the page. You may make it acquire a 2nd password. In this case, if the server recognizes that the confirmation has been made by checking the confirmation column on the URL page and completes the final authentication, the second password is displayed on the authentication screen. This saves the time and effort of the client. Similarly, the mobile information terminal or the like may be notified that the initial authentication has been performed, and a confirmation reply may be received at the notified terminal.
[0028]
By the way, when notifying the second password by telephone, the server 1 automatically calls the requester's telephone and reads the second password converted into voice after securing the call state with the requester. Alternatively, in the case of a mobile phone or a pager, the second password may be notified by a character string (email or the like). Use of a portable information terminal that a legitimate user will carry, that the portable information terminal is a separate terminal from the personal computer, that information is transmitted on a different route, and that other security is ensured. As a result of such combined actions, higher security can be expected. In addition, if the configuration is such that the second password is transmitted to the portable information terminal and is returned from the personal computer, the server need only have a transmission function to the portable information terminal (reception processing from the portable information terminal). As a client, it is only necessary to access the server (no need to make a call from a mobile phone). The same authentication can be performed not only for the requester but also for the administrator.
[0029]
The administrator registers case management information such as progress information for each case of the client in the server 1, and if the information is added or modified, the information is added / corrected as appropriate. can do. For this purpose, the server 1 is provided with case management information registration means 8.
[0030]
The case management information registration unit 8 is a unit for registering predetermined case management information in the case management information storage unit 16. Normally, when a new matter is received from a client, the administrator registers matter management information for that matter, and updates the matter management information whenever the matter status changes. Is done. This registration can also be performed from the server itself or from one or more administrator terminals 2 connected to the server. Specifically, for example, after selecting “Register Item Management Information” on the menu screen of the server procedure management program, for each item of item management information displayed on the screen, from an input means such as a keyboard, What is necessary is just to input or select the progress information regarding the case and register it in the case management information storage unit 16.
[0031]
In addition, the configuration may be such that the registration of the case management information online by the requester itself is received, in which case the case management information registration means 8 receives the case management information input at the requester terminal 4, It becomes means for registering it in the case management information storage means 16. In this case, for example, after connecting to the website of this system from the client terminal 4 via the Internet, “Register Item Management Information” is selected on the menu screen on the web page and displayed on the screen. Information may be entered or selected from input means such as a keyboard in the entry field or selection field for each item of the case management information and registered in the case management information storage means 16. For trademarks and the like, image information and the like can be uploaded. As in the case of user registration, registration may be accepted using e-mail or FAX and registered on the administrator side.
A case where the case management information is changed at a later date due to a change in status or the like will be described later.
[0032]
By the way, the case management information is predetermined information related to each case such as the status of each case received by the administrator. For example, in the case of a patent application, as shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the case number and reference number (for application, for client management, etc.), the name or name of the applicant or right holder, its identification number, address, name of the invention, Inventor, number of claims, application date, application number, publication date, application publication number, examination request date, registration date, registration number, registration publication date, and pension payment status as pension payment date and payment year Is included.
[0033]
In the case of a trademark, in addition to the case number, the name or name of the applicant or right holder, its identification number, address, trademark, its designation, product or service category or similar group, designated product or designated service, Application date, application number, registration date, registration number, registration bulletin issue date, lifetime update registration status, and the like are included.
[0034]
Other rights are almost the same, but common items such as the filing date are commonly used for each right, and it is possible to set items specific to the right by selecting the application type. It is also possible to specify the application type, the original application, the related application, etc. in preparation for divisional applications or change applications. In addition, other items such as final disposal are included as appropriate. Furthermore, you may enable registration of a foreign application etc. as needed.
[0035]
Further, the case management information includes information for determining from which user the case is requested, for example, a user ID in the user management information. By the way, in the case management information described above, the case number is a serial number assigned by the server 1. The other items are unique to each item, but are sequentially accumulated as the procedure of the item proceeds. That is, for each case, the new situation is added as case management information whenever there is a change in the state. For example, in the case of adding case management information to an existing case, specifying the case number displays the existing information related to the case, and it is only necessary to add and correct it.
[0036]
In other words, when changing the case management information at a later date due to a change in status, for example, after selecting “Register item management information” on the menu screen, each item management information displayed on the screen This can be done by changing only the item number of the item to that of the item and then clicking the “update item management information” button displayed on the screen. As a result, the matter management information registered up to the previous time is acquired from the matter management information storage unit 16 and the matter management information is displayed corresponding to each item. You can subscribe or change the display that has already been entered.
[0037]
Note that “Register Item Management Information” on the menu screen is dedicated to registering Item Management Information for new Items, and “Add / Change Item Management Information” is added to the menu to update Item Management Information for existing Items. It may be provided in parallel. In that case, when adding or changing matter management information for an existing matter, selecting “Add / Change matter management information” on the menu screen causes the server to request the requester terminal 4 to enter the matter number. The requester inputs the item number of the item from the keyboard of the requester terminal 4 and transmits it to the server. In addition, it is preferable that other items such as the application number can be specified.
[0038]
The server 1 that has received the specified case number etc. searches the case management information storage means 16 based on the case number etc., extracts the already registered case management information about the relevant case, and describes it Then, a screen similar to the case management information registration screen is transmitted to the client terminal 4 and displayed. Therefore, the client terminal 4 can see it and join the blank part or change the display already input. In the case where the change of the case management information by the requester himself / herself is permitted, the request is made after the authentication means 7 authenticates whether the requester to be changed is an authorized requester of the case. It is natural.
[0039]
The case management information storage means 16 is a means for storing the case management information, and is usually composed of a database.
[0040]
A user such as a client can use the terminal of his / her own terminal to connect to the server 1 whenever necessary, and browse the case management information about his / her case. For this purpose, the server 1 is provided with case management information disclosure means 9.
[0041]
The case management information disclosing means 9 is means for disclosing all or part of the case management information stored in the case management information storage means 16 to the requester terminal 4 and the administrator terminal 2. It should be noted that the case management information can be disclosed to the requester terminal 4 only for cases that are accepted from the requester. On the other hand, the disclosure to the administrator terminal 2 is different in that there is no such restriction in principle. This disclosure is performed by making it possible to browse only the case management information related to the requester on the web page after the requester is authenticated.
[0042]
For example, after connecting from the client terminal 4 to the server 1 via the Internet 5, the user clicks “view item management information” on the menu screen on the web page by clicking with the mouse. In this case as well, on the premise that the requester has already been authenticated, only the items related to the request from the authenticated requester are disclosed. At that time, the case management information storage unit 16 is searched based on the user ID and the like, and the corresponding case is extracted.
[0043]
In preparation for a case where there are a plurality of acceptance cases, a list of assignment cases from the requester is first transmitted to the requester terminal 4 and displayed on the screen of the requester terminal 4. In this list, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, in addition to the case identification items such as the case number, the application number, and the name of the invention, preferably the latest situation (“waiting for examination request” or “notification of reason for refusal” "During response period", "Confirm rejection decision", etc.) are displayed. In addition, for a case that is under deadline management, the deadline may be displayed.
[0044]
Therefore, the requester specifies the matter management information related to the matter by clicking the matter number of the matter for which the details of the matter management information is to be browsed with the mouse in the list displayed on the requester terminal 4. The details of can be viewed. That is, when a case is specified, the server 1 acquires the case management information of the case from the case management information storage unit 16 based on the case number of the case, and transmits it to the requester terminal 4 to request To the user terminal 4.
[0045]
In addition, the case management information related to the case may be disclosed by designating the case by inputting the case identification information such as the case number from the requester terminal 4 without displaying the list of cases. In this case, after connecting to the server 1 from the requester terminal 4 and selecting “browse case management information” on the menu screen, the server requests the requester terminal 4 to input case specifying information such as a case number. Therefore, the requester inputs a case number or the like from the keyboard of the requester terminal 4 and sends it back to the server. Then, the server 1 searches the case management information storage unit 16 based on the received case number and the like, acquires the case management information of the case from there, transmits it to the requester terminal 4 and displays it on the requester terminal 4 Will do.
[0046]
In addition, you may respond by transmitting an e-mail or FAX to the requester side. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the matter management information is output by a printer connected to the server 1 or the administrator terminal 2 and is mailed or faxed to the requester. It goes without saying that each destination information in these cases can be acquired from the user management information storage means 15.
[0047]
Further, when the status or the like is changed, the requester of the case may be notified by e-mail or the like. At that time, it is preferable that the URL for displaying the case management information of the changed case is informed, and the case management information can be viewed immediately after authentication by clicking the URL on the mail.
[0048]
The server 1 is provided with procedure management means 10 in order to perform the next procedure, particularly the time limit management. That is, the procedure management means 10 is a means for managing the next procedure and the like for the case based on the case management information. In particular, when the next procedure needs to be performed within a predetermined period, it is means for managing at least the time limit. For example, when the case management information registration means 8 adds progress information as case management information to the case management information storage means 16, if the progress information to be added is predetermined, Management is performed for the type of predetermined next procedure for the procedure and the time limit for the procedure.
[0049]
The derivation of the type of the next procedure and the time limit for the procedure is determined when the manager requests predetermined information on the next procedure for the case management information when the case management information is to be registered in the case management information storage means 16. These are registered in the case management information storage means 16 at the same time. Alternatively, it is preferably performed on the program of the case management information registration means 8. In other words, when registering item management information of a predetermined item in the item management information storage unit 16, the type of the next procedure and the procedure deadline corresponding to the item are automatically derived, and the information is also stored as item management information. Preferably configured to be managed. For example, registration of project management information such as the filing date and application number accompanying the filing of a new patent application will require a “request for application examination” as the next procedure, and the final deadline will be determined from the filing date. The final date of the examination request final date after the period is calculated and managed.
[0050]
Information such as the type of the next procedure and the time limit is registered and managed as part of the case management information, but the registration destination of this part may be the same as or different from the case management information storage unit 16. In any case, the time limit is managed by the procedure management means 10 in comparison with the daily date using the clock of the server. In addition, for matters to be managed by the deadline, only the information to be managed by the deadline may be stored as a separate file, and the deadline in the separate file may be managed daily until the next procedure is completed.
[0051]
Further, only the progress information actually performed until now is registered in the case management information storage means 16, and the next procedure and time limit are determined by the procedure management means 10 from the type and date of the predetermined progress information. May be managed daily by comparing the date.
[0052]
The server 1 is provided with a procedure confirmation means (procedure instruction means) 11 for requesting an instruction regarding a procedure from the client or receiving a procedure instruction from the client. In this embodiment, it is means for confirming with the client the presence or absence of execution of various procedures such as the next procedure. Specifically, for example, an e-mail or FAX is transmitted from the server 1 to the client, and an e-mail or FAX transmitted from the client is received in order to respond to the request, and a procedure is performed based on the reception result. Whether or not to execute is managed. In this case as well, as in the case of user registration, an instruction for the procedure is automatically extracted based on the received mail from the requester, and it is registered in the case management information storage means 16 and the like to manage the procedure. The administrator may view and register and manage the received mail.
[0053]
Alternatively, the output means such as the printer of the server 1 or the administrator terminal 2 outputs an answer sheet for confirming the presence or absence of the next procedure or the destination label for the requester, and mails it to the requester using it. Faxing may be performed, and the requester may write a predetermined item in the reply document, and manage whether or not the procedure is executed based on information obtained by replying by mail, fax, e-mail, or the like.
[0054]
Alternatively, whether or not the procedure is executed can be performed using a web page that can be browsed by the requester of the subject matter. In this case, the URL for displaying the instruction screen can be sent by e-mail to the client, and the client who sees it can connect to the URL and authenticate the user after authentication. Of course, a plurality of means may be provided among the above methods.
[0055]
By the way, when using the web page, the client can connect to the server 1 from the client terminal 4 and then, for example, select “procedure instruction” on the menu screen. By selecting this menu, the item identification information such as the item number and the input fields for instructing the procedure are displayed, so that it can be input from the client terminal 4 and returned to the server. Note that it is also possible to simply send an e-mail requesting the case identification information and instructions for the procedure relating to the case to the administrator.
[0056]
Alternatively, if there are cases whose deadlines are being managed with respect to the case of the client, the list may be displayed so that the procedure can be instructed in the list. For example, the item identification information such as the item number, the type of the next procedure, the time limit, etc. are displayed in a list, and a confirmation column for whether or not the procedure is executed is displayed for each item. Therefore, the requester can instruct the procedure by checking the “execution” or “non-execution” column of the procedure with the mouse of the requester terminal 4 or the like. If there is no instruction regarding the presence or absence of procedures by viewing this deadline book within the prescribed period, confirmation of the execution of the procedures by means such as e-mail, or browsing the web page It is preferable to give guidance to instruct the presence / absence.
[0057]
Then, according to the requester's instruction confirmed by the procedure confirmation unit 11, the procedure management unit 10 manages the next procedure. In other words, when the next procedure is performed, the time limit of the next procedure is at least managed.
[0058]
The server 1 is provided with procedure preparation means 12 for creating a desired document such as the next procedure using various procedure forms stored in the form information storage means 17. For example, when the procedure confirmation means 11 confirms the client's intention to execute the next procedure, the form information of the predetermined procedure format corresponding to the next procedure is acquired from the format information storage means 17, and if necessary the case Procedural information for the next procedure is also obtained by acquiring principal information such as the applicant, right holder, etc., its identification number, etc. and objective information such as the application number and registration number, etc. stored in the management information storage means 16 (Procedure file) is created. At this time, if there is insufficient information for document preparation, necessary information is input from the administrator terminal 2 or the client terminal 4 and is added to the procedure document.
[0059]
The format information storage unit 17 is a unit for storing the format information, and is usually stored as a text file, a document file of a predetermined format, or a file such as an image file.
[0060]
The form information is the form when performing the prescribed procedures. For example, in addition to the forms prescribed in the Patent Law Enforcement Rules, etc., other forms such as assignment certificates, etc., if necessary, exclusive for managers (agents) The power of attorney is also included. Each of these forms can be taken out from the client terminal or the like by designating a desired one via the procedure instruction means as required.
[0061]
The server 1 is provided with procedure execution means 13 for executing the next procedure at the procedure destination where the next procedure is to be performed using the procedure documents (procedure file) created by the procedure preparation means 12. For example, the server 1 is connected to the procedure destination terminal 3 to perform the next procedure via a communication line or a network, and the procedure file is directly converted from the server 1 to the procedure destination terminal 3 after being converted into a predetermined format. It is a means for proceeding. The procedure may be performed directly from the server 1 itself to the procedure destination terminal 3, but once the procedure file is transmitted to the administrator terminal 2 or the requester terminal 4, the procedure is performed from the administrator terminal 2 or the requester terminal 4. The procedure may be performed on the destination terminal 3 online.
[0062]
Moreover, you may comprise so that a procedure can be processed not offline but offline. In that case, the procedure file created by the procedure preparation means 12 is output by the printer of the server 1 or each terminal 2 or 4, or is output to a recording medium such as a floppy disk in a predetermined format, and the procedure file is processed. Just send it by mail.
[0063]
The server 1 is provided with packing information storage means 18. This is means for accumulating and saving progress documents for each case, and is stored as a file such as a document file or an image file. Each file is stored in association with a case number or the like. Note that the packaging information is electronic data relating to documents related to the matter, such as documents actually submitted to the procedure. This packaging information can be viewed from each terminal by the case management information disclosure means 9. Of course, it is natural that only the matters relating to the requester are disclosed to the client terminal 4 by the authentication.
[0064]
The server 1 is provided with fee billing means 14. This is means for charging the requester using the charge information storage means 19 in which the charge information for each predetermined procedure is stored. Specifically, for the procedure being managed by the procedure management means 10 or the procedure executed by the procedure execution means 13, the procedure is executed using the charge information in the charge information storage means 19 based on the type of the procedure. The fee is calculated and billed to the client. For example, a bill or a destination label may be printed by a printer of the server 1 or the administrator terminal 2, and the bill may be mailed to the client based on the bill. Alternatively, an invoice file may be created and transmitted by e-mail, or may be transmitted to the client terminal 4 by FAX. Preferably, a payment institution having a payment means is provided on the network to enable online payment. Then, the settlement information is transmitted to the server 1 and a charge elimination process is performed.
[0065]
The fee information storage unit 19 is a unit that stores a fee according to the type of procedure, unit amount, and the like, and usually includes a file (table). In the price information, in addition to the stamp fee, a fee is stored. Preferably, a charge is set for each requester (user ID) or an increase / decrease rate for each requester is stored, and the increase / decrease rate for the reference fee is stored. The actual charge may be calculated by the charge requesting means 14.
[0066]
The billing information storage means 20 is a means for storing the billing contents created by the fee billing means 14 and is usually a file. In addition, it is preferable to make it possible to view the contents of unpaid bills and past bills on the web page or the like from the client terminal 4 as well as the manager terminal 2. Needless to say, browsing from a client can only browse a client who has received authentication in response to his request.
[0067]
Next, the operation of the procedure management system configured as described above will be described.
Here, for example, a case where a procedure for a patent application has been requested from an administrator such as a patent office from the time of filing will be described.
[0068]
If there is no other commissioned case and the client is a completely new client, the server 1 or the administrator terminal 2 registers information about the client in the user management information storage unit 15 by the user registration unit 6, and the user ID And set a password. The user ID and password are notified to the requester by e-mail or the like. Therefore, the client can thereafter browse the predetermined information at any time using the user ID and password.
[0069]
When the administrator makes a patent application to a predetermined procedure destination, the application number and application date are registered in the case management information storage unit 16 by the case management information registration unit 8. If an identification number or the like has already been registered in the case management information storage means 16 in addition to the address and name of the patent applicant, etc., the application stored in the case management information and the form information storage means 17 The procedure preparation means 12 automatically fills in the necessary items as much as possible, adds the missing parts, and converts them to a transmission file if necessary. The procedure execution means 13 can apply online to the JPO. The file for application or the proof received from the Patent Office is stored in the bag information storage means 18.
[0070]
With the registration of the application date and the like in the case management information storage means 16, the next procedure such as a request for application examination is derived, and the final deadline is calculated. These pieces of information are stored in the case management information storage means 16 or a separate file as part of the case management information, and are managed by the procedure management means 10 for a time limit.
[0071]
On the other hand, by connecting to the server 1 at the client terminal 4, information about each case can be obtained by the case management information disclosure means 9.
[0072]
In order for the client to browse the case management information, the client terminal 4 that can use the Internet is connected to the server 1 by a WWW browser. Accordingly, the server 1 transmits an authentication screen requesting input of, for example, a user ID and a password to the requester terminal 4 and displays the authentication screen on the display of the requester terminal 4. In response to this, the requester inputs his / her user ID, password, etc., and returns it to the server 1.
[0073]
Receiving this information, the server 1 authenticates whether or not the requester is a legitimate requester based on the received information. And only when it authenticates with a regular requester, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 4 is transmitted to the requester terminal 4 and displayed on the display.
[0074]
The client receives the menu screen and looks at the displayed display, and the requester selects “Browse item management information” on the menu screen. For example, the item is selected by clicking with the mouse. Upon receipt of this selection signal, the server 1 selects a list format of the case management information, for example, as shown in FIG. A selection screen displaying item buttons such as “Search” is transmitted to the client terminal 4 and displayed on the display. On the other hand, the client clicks on any item with the mouse and selects the initial browsing format.
[0075]
For example, when “list” is selected, the server searches the case management information storage unit 16 for cases related to the requester based on the user ID, and displays a list of accepted cases from the requester. 4 and displayed on the display of the client terminal 4. In this list, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, in addition to the case identification items such as the case number and the name of the invention, the current status and the like are displayed in the order of the case number. Then, in the list displayed on the requester terminal 4, the requester clicks and specifies the case number etc. with the mouse for the case for which the details of the case management information are to be browsed. It becomes possible to view the details of the matter management information regarding. That is, when the case is specified, the server 1 acquires the case management information of the case from the case management information storage unit 16 based on the case number of the case, and transmits the case management information to the requester terminal 4. Publish to terminal 4.
[0076]
Furthermore, since a button “Browse Bags” is displayed in the detailed screen, the requester can click the button to view the bag information of the case. That is, when this is selected, the server 1 searches the packaging information storage means 18 based on the item number and displays a list of files of the corresponding item number, so that it is selected to view the packaging information. It becomes possible. For example, it becomes possible to see the document contents at the time of patent application.
[0077]
On the other hand, when “list by due date (deadline book)” is selected in the menu, the server 1 searches the matter management information storage unit 16 for the matter related to the requester based on the user ID, and for each matter, In the management information, the presence or absence of data of a predetermined item related to the deadline management is checked, and if the data is newer than the current one, the cases are rearranged from the one whose deadline is earlier, and the list A list is displayed as in the case of the display (FIG. 6B), and then detailed information can be seen. If the procedure management means 10 manages the cases to be managed by the deadline in a separate file, the file is searched based on the user ID, and the list of cases is displayed in order of close deadline. May be displayed on the display of the client terminal 4.
[0078]
Further, when “number designation (search)” is selected in the menu, the server transmits a search screen to the client terminal 4 and displays it on the display. The search screen includes a selection field in a pull-down format for a case identification item such as a case number, application number, or invention name, and an input field for the number. So, for example, if you want to view the matter management information of the relevant matter from the matter number, specify “Matter number” as the matter identification item, enter the relevant matter number in the entry field such as number, and click the search start button. Just click. As a result, the case specifying information is transmitted to the server. The server that has received the request searches the case management information storage unit 16 based on the case specifying information, and transmits the case management information related to the relevant case of the requester to the requester terminal 4 to be disclosed. .
[0079]
In addition, since there is a button “procedure instruction” on the menu screen and the item management information browsing screen, the requester can click and select this button to instruct the next procedure for each item.
[0080]
That is, when “procedure instruction” is selected in the menu, the server uses the procedure confirmation means 11 to transmit a procedure instruction screen to the client terminal 4 and display it on the display. In the procedure instruction screen, there is an entry or selection field for procedure instructions in addition to an entry or selection field for matter identification items such as a matter number. The server that receives this information updates the item management information in the item management information storage unit 16 and the like based on the item specifying item, and the procedure management unit 10 manages the next procedure accordingly. In addition, when proceeding to the procedure instruction screen from the item management information browsing screen of a specific item, the item specifying item such as the item number of the specific item is transmitted and displayed on the requester terminal 4 Is preferred.
[0081]
The server 1 receiving the answer in this way manages the procedure based on it. For example, when the next procedure is performed, a procedure file is created by the procedure preparation unit 12 using a predetermined format in the format information storage unit 17, and the procedure execution unit 13 performs the procedure on the procedure destination terminal 3. I do. Then, the case management information is added in the case management information registration means 8 along with the procedure, and the data of the submitted documents is stored in the packaging information storage means 18. Before and after each procedure, the billing means 14 is used as necessary to issue bills using the charge information stored in the charge information storage means 19 and bill the requester. The billing information is stored and managed in the billing information storage means 20.
[0082]
Next, a description will be given of a case where this system is used for pension management including setting registration and lifetime update registration by a patent office or a pension management company. Here, in addition to the user registration on the administrator side, the system allows the user himself to register online.
[0083]
A client who intends to register as a new user connects to the website of the server 1 via the Internet using his / her terminal. Then, a button for an item “user registration” for a new user is displayed together with an authentication screen for an existing user. In response to this selection signal, the server transmits a user registration screen to the requester terminal 4 to be displayed on the display.
[0084]
This user registration screen has the same configuration as that for user registration from the administrator terminal 2 side. For example, an input screen for a user ID, a user name (name / name), a location (address), a telephone number, a FAX number, a person in charge name, an e-mail address, and a password is displayed. Among these, a predetermined user ID is assigned and displayed in advance from the server 1, and other items are input by the client from the keyboard of the client terminal 4 and sent to the server 1. The user management information input in this way is registered in the user management information storage unit 15.
[0085]
Once you have registered as a user in this way, once you connect to the server, you will be authenticated with your user ID and password, etc., and then you will be able to proceed to the menu screen and receive services such as browsing project management information become.
[0086]
When the user registration is performed, the server 1 transmits a case management information registration screen to the requester terminal 4 to be displayed on the display of the requester terminal 4. This case management information registration screen is also the same as that for registering case management information on the administrator terminal 2 side. For example, in addition to the user ID and the case number, the subject information such as the right holder and objective information such as the progress information are included. Of these, the case number is unique to the case, and a predetermined number is assigned and displayed in advance from the server side for each case.
[0087]
In this way, the case management information input at the requester terminal 4 is transmitted to the server 1, and the server 1 receiving it registers the case management information in the case management information storage unit 16. The item management information can be registered via the item management information registration screen displayed by selecting “Register item management information” on the menu screen. For example, it is used when a registered user requests management of a new case.
[0088]
By the way, if the matter management information changes, on the matter management information registration screen, specify the matter number and click the "update matter management information" button to manage the matter already registered for the matter. After the information is output and displayed, it can be done by subscribing to the blank or rewriting predetermined items.
[0089]
Then, the case management information registered in the case management information storage unit 16 can be viewed from the requester terminal 4 by the case management information disclosure unit 9. Since this configuration is the same as that described above, the following description will mainly focus on different points.
[0090]
When listing is selected when browsing project management information, in addition to the project specific matters such as the right number and the name of the invention, the expiration date of the lifetime and the year of the final pension payment paid so far, preferably The next due date will be displayed.
[0091]
Also, in the procedure instruction column, it is possible to instruct for which matter how many years of pensions will be paid or whether rights will be extinguished without payment.
[0092]
Then, when the procedure is instructed, the procedure preparation means 12 creates a file for the pension payment procedure using the case management information and the format information, and performs the payment procedure on the procedure destination terminal 3. Become.
[0093]
By the way, in the case of transfer of rights, for example, the requester may instruct the procedure from the requester terminal 4 via the procedure instruction means (procedure confirmation means) 11. Accordingly, the server retrieves the form of the assignment certificate from the form information storage means 17 by the procedure preparation means 12 and transmits it to the client terminal 4 with as many items as possible subscribed. For example, it is transmitted as an attached file of an electronic mail. The client who has received it may open the file and, if necessary, with a predetermined item added, print it out and press or push the seal of the transfer contract.
[0094]
Further, other documents such as a power of attorney can be taken out by the client terminal 4 using the procedure preparation means 12 by appropriately instructing the format from the procedure instruction means. Then, the requester prints out the file (document or image file, etc.) at the requester terminal 4 and returns it by pressing a seal. Note that electronic authentication or notarization may be used instead of the seal.
[0095]
The procedure management system of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate.
In particular, it is needless to say that each piece of information such as user management information and item management information, that is, items registered in each storage means can be changed as appropriate without being restricted by the above embodiment.
[0096]
Further, in the above embodiment, when a procedure instruction is received from the client, the file created by the procedure preparation means 12 is stored in a predetermined procedure destination using the procedure execution means 13 of the server 1 or the administrator terminal 2. Although the example which transmits to the terminal 3 and performs a procedure was demonstrated, after transmitting a file to the client terminal 4, you may make it perform the procedure in the procedure destination terminal 3 in the client terminal 4 side which received it. . Furthermore, in the said Example, you may leave the browsing history of each client. In this case, the user ID may be stored in association with the browsing page, the browsing time, and the like. Further, when there is a reason for refusal, the cited example may be made browseable or downloadable on the web by the same method as the wrapping information and the like.
[0097]
In FIG. 1, only one administrator terminal 2 is shown, but a plurality of administrator terminals 2 may be connected to the server. For example, a plurality of devices may be installed in a patent office, and each information can be used by connecting to a server from a terminal of each person in charge. In this case, it is preferable to perform the same authentication as the client terminal 4 for the manager terminal 2 of each person in charge. Furthermore, a plurality of administrator terminals 2 can be used, and the system can be shared by a plurality of patent offices. In these cases, as shown in FIG. 8, each administrator terminal 2 can be connected to a server via a network.
[0098]
When sharing a system with multiple offices (agents, etc.) and their clients, specifically, for example, each management code of each case is attached with an identification code for the manager and the client, This is realized by registering both the client and the administrator as users. That is, in addition to the requester user ID described in the above embodiment, the manager user ID indicating which agent (office) the case is for is added to the case management information of each case. I will keep it. Further, at the time of authentication, the client ID or password is entered after selecting an item in which the input ID is the requester ID or the administrator ID, and the requester or the administrator is authenticated.
[0099]
For example, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the requester can select the “requester ID” on the authentication screen by checking with a mouse, etc., and enter the requester ID (user ID) and password to receive authentication. Similarly, by searching the case management information storage unit 16 based on the requester ID, it is possible to browse the case management information about the own case. At this time, the same client ID is assigned to each case in common, so that even if different agents are requesting procedures for each case, each agent uses this system. As long as the request is made, the requester can view all his / her cases regardless of which agent he / she is requesting.
[0100]
On the other hand, each administrator also registers as a user in the user management information storage means (which may be configured separately for the requester, but a common one can be used) as in the case of the requester. By receiving the ID (user ID) and password settings, you can select the “Administrator ID” item for authentication and enter the administrator ID and password for authentication. It is possible to browse the information of each project that is entrusted. That is, after authentication is performed, information on all the cases to which the manager ID is attached can be used by searching the case management information storage unit 16 based on the manager ID. . Note that if the administrator ID and the requester ID are handled equally without distinction, the authentication is performed in common, and both IDs are attached to the case management information of each case.
[0101]
In addition, when the agent registers as a user for a new client, it may be possible that the client is already registered as a user by another agent. Therefore, first, the user management information storage unit 15 is searched, It is confirmed whether the user is registered. In the case of an already registered client, the user ID may be used to register the case management information. In the case of an unregistered client, the user is registered and then given to the user. The item management information may be registered using the ID. If an identification number assigned by the JPO is used for the requester ID or the manager ID, these can be managed easily.
[0102]
By the way, instead of selecting “requester ID” or “administrator ID” at the time of authentication, authentication for the requester and authentication for the administrator can be performed from different screens. Of course. In addition to the case management information, it is needless to say that the packaging information and billing information can be similarly classified by the manager ID and the requester ID. As a result, the agent can obtain various information about the case of his / her acceptance, registration / change, etc., and the client can make various changes only for his / her case, regardless of which agent he / she delegated to. Information can be acquired.
[0103]
In addition, when registering a user as an administrator, it is preferable to register the specialized field and business scope of each administrator. As a result, a new matching between the client and the manager is possible. For example, when the client seeks a strong agent in a certain field, an appropriate agent can be extracted by searching the administrator information storage means (user management information storage means) 15. . This search may be made by the client himself / herself from the client terminal 4 or may be performed by an intermediary on the management center side.
[0104]
Each user may be further divided into a plurality of hierarchies such as a main user and a sub user, or the usage level of the service of this system may be set for each user. For example, each requester is divided into a main requester of the client itself and a sub-requester belonging to the main requester, and a user ID and a password are set for each. The sub-requester may be managed in the same manner as the main requester. Alternatively, a sub-user table that is different from the main user is created in the user management information storage means 15, and the sub-user ID, its attribute, and password are set and the main user belongs to, as in the case of the main user. In order to identify the user ID, the main user ID may be used as a key for management. Alternatively, by managing either one of the user ID and the password in common with that of the main user, it may be managed in association with the main user.
[0105]
The main requester is a company as a client, and the sub-requester can be set for each employee, department, affiliated company, and the like. Then, it is preferable to be able to set a case and usage level that can be handled for each client. That is, the sub user ID is associated with the item code. For example, one or more IDs of sub-requesters who can browse the case may be attached to the user ID of each case management information record. It should be noted that the ID of the main client is always attached to each record of the case management information.
[0106]
Furthermore, the setting of the usage level is, for example, setting whether the sub-user can only browse or rewrite the item management information, for example, by setting a flag for each record of the sub-requester management information What is necessary is just to identify. In this case, when registration or correction of the case management information is selected, the flag may be confirmed. Note that it is preferable that such a sub user setting can be performed from the client terminal 4 by the main client. That is, it is preferable to enable registration and correction of sub-user attributes, passwords, usage levels, usage cases, etc. on the sub-requester setting screen. Note that the main requester can also specify a sub-requester who can handle the case on the case management information registration screen.
[0107]
It should be noted that counting and statistical processing can be performed on the number of applications and the like, and statistics for each department can be made possible by using the sub-user ID for the processing. Further, as in the case of the requester, the manager can also be classified into a main manager and its sub-administrators, and handling cases and usage levels can be set.
[0108]
By the way, if an administrator ID is attached to each piece of charge information in the charge information storage means 19, a charge table for each office can be created using the method described later. Further, if an administrator ID and a requester ID are attached to each billing information in the billing information storage means 20, it is possible to classify which agent is charged from which agent. It is more preferable to enable various accounting / tax processing for each agent based on the billing information.
[0109]
Further, instead of adding both the manager ID and the requester ID in the item management information item of each case, only the requester ID is attached in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and as follows. It can also respond. That is, a correspondence table is created that associates each agent with all matters accepted by the agent (for example, a table in which each manager ID is associated with all matter numbers accepted by the administrator). When the authorized agent uses the case management information, the table can be used to make it possible to use the case management information only for the case that is accepted. .
[0110]
Alternatively, when a database is simply shared by a plurality of agents, a correspondence table (for example, an administrator ID and a client requester ID of the client) that associates each agent with a client that the agent is entrusted with. When the agent uses the case management information using the correspondence table created on the memory), only the case of the client's case that is associated with the table can be used. It may be.
[0111]
When a database is shared by a plurality of agents and each client, specific items in the case management information storage means 16 may be dedicated to the requester or dedicated to the agent. The input to the part dedicated to the requester is made by using the case management information registration means 8 from the requester terminal 4 via the Internet or the like. For example, in-house processing items are input and registered. Further, the input to the manager-exclusive part is also performed by the case management information registering means 8, and in-house processing items such as a person in charge in the office are input and registered.
[0112]
And it is preferable that each of these dedicated portions can be browsed only from the input terminal. In particular, the in-house processing items and the like should not be disclosed to the client terminal 4 side. In this case, the case management information disclosing means 9 may be configured to acquire the part excluding the dedicated item on the office side from the case management information storage means 16 and transmit it to the requester terminal 4 for browsing.
[0113]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the requester is authenticated in advance before issuing a request for browsing the item management information or the like to the server has been described. However, the configuration may be such that authentication is performed after browsing request and browsing is performed. Of course.
[0114]
Further, disclosure of the case management information to the requester terminal 4 may not be all of the case management information but may be a main part thereof. In addition, at that time, the current position of the case in the procedure may be clearly indicated by using a chart or the like showing a series of procedures. For example, in the case of a patent application case, if a flowchart as shown in FIG. 7 is shown and the current position is indicated there, even a client who is unfamiliar with the procedure can easily know the current position of each case. Moreover, it is more preferable to indicate the date of the procedure and the costs required for the procedures that have been carried out in the chart and clearly indicate any time limits for the procedures to be carried out. . The cost required so far can be acquired from the billing information storage means 20 based on the case code.
[0115]
Further, it is more preferable if the procedure to be performed by the applicant is clearly indicated (indicated by a bold frame in FIG. 7) and the estimated cost required for the procedure to be performed in the future is also specified. The fee information in the fee information storage means 19 is used for calculating the cost. The chart is not limited to the flowchart, but may be a list of items in the order of procedures.
[0116]
By the way, it is further preferable that the screen for browsing the case management information in order by the deadline by the case management information disclosing means 9 can calculate the individual costs of the next procedure to be generated within a predetermined period and the total cost thereof. As a result, the client can grasp pensions and the like generated in the next fiscal year, and can easily make a budget. Note that the cost of each case is calculated using the charge information in the charge information storage means 19, and it is preferable that the predetermined period can be specified from the client terminal 4. In this case, the server searches for a case that requires a procedure within a designated period, and calculates a fee based on the content of the procedure.
[0117]
Furthermore, the charge table may be browsed from the client terminal 4 by using the chart. In other words, for example, a chart of the flow of procedures from application to registration is displayed with the estimated costs required at each stage. This makes it easier for a client who wants to request a patent application or the like to set up a budget until registration. In addition, a client who is unfamiliar with the procedure can easily grasp the flow of the procedure. By making it possible to set the fee calculation by the fee information storage means 19 for each company using the above-described method, it is possible to display a unique fee table for each client.
[0118]
Note that the fee for each client used when calculating the fee can be set so that the rate of increase / decrease varies automatically based on the number of cases received from the client.
[0119]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where it is basically applied to the management of the client's own case, that is, the company's case, has been described. That is, the user and the applicant of the case management information may be different. Even in such a case, there is no problem because the user ID in the case management information can be made to correspond to that of the requester. By managing the other company's projects, it will be possible to watch the progress and promptly file an opposition. The progress information of other company's case is updated by accessing a predetermined database every predetermined period and looking at the change from the already registered case management information. This is done by updating management information.
[0120]
Furthermore, this system can also be a so-called distributed processing type. Further, some or all of the functions of the server 1 may be provided in the administrator terminal 2 or the procedure destination terminal 3. For example, the format information storage unit 17, the procedure preparation unit 12, the procedure execution unit 13, and the like may use those of the procedure destination terminal 3 as necessary. In the above embodiment, it goes without saying that the exchange of e-mail between the server 1 and the client terminal 4 or the like may be performed via a mail server on the network.
[0121]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the server 1 side is requested to manage the procedure has been mainly described. However, a system for facilitating the creation of the procedure document by the client who intends to perform the procedure can be used. In this case, as described above, when “procedure instruction” is selected on the menu screen after connecting to the website of the server 1, a list of format items and procedure names that can be taken out is displayed. The desired format (form) and procedure name can be selected from the above. Here, when a procedure name is designated, a format corresponding to the procedure is taken out. When the format is selected by the procedure instructing means 11, the procedure preparing means 12 searches the format information storage means 17 based on the selection signal and extracts the corresponding format.
[0122]
Since the extracted form information is transmitted to the client terminal 4 as an attached file of an electronic mail or the like, the client opens the file if necessary, adds necessary items to the file, and outputs it with a printer. In addition, you may join a necessary matter after outputting with a printer. Further, in addition to the stamp, it may be output to a floppy disk or the like in a predetermined format, or may be provided as a predetermined transmission file for online procedure to the procedure destination terminal 3.
[0123]
In addition, after acquiring the format selected from the client terminal 4 from the format information storage means 17, you may disclose the document to the client terminal 4 on a web page. In this case, a predetermined item may be input from the client terminal 4 on the web page in the blank in the format. The document created in this way can be output to a printer or floppy at the client terminal 4 or downloaded and used as a file for online procedure to a predetermined procedure destination terminal 3.
[0124]
By the way, also in the case of this embodiment, as in the case of the above embodiment, predetermined subject information or objective information is registered in the case management information storage means 16 by the case management information registration means 8 in advance as the case management information. You can also use it to create documents. In this case, by specifying the desired format and case in the procedure instruction means 11, the predetermined form information acquired from the form information storage means 17 and the predetermined case acquired from the case management information storage means 16 Based on the management information, procedural documents in a state where necessary items are described as much as possible will be created. Note that the user management information in the user management information storage unit 15 may be used as the case management information in the case management information storage unit 16.
[0125]
By the way, in this case, as the case management information, information at the time of previous document creation may be registered in the case management information storage means 16 and used thereafter. That is, in the past, when a document is created by subscribing a predetermined item in the blank on the web page using the format of the format information storage means 17, the subscribing information etc. is used as the project management information 8 By registering in the management information storage means 16, it can be used for subsequent document creation. In this case, a case number is assigned when a document is created, and if it is desired to create a document using the information thereafter, the case number may be designated.
[0126]
Also in the case of the system of this embodiment, the service can be provided only to the client who has been authenticated by the authentication means 7 as in the case of the above-described embodiment. In the case of this embodiment, it is conceivable that a fee is charged each time a form is taken out or a document is created, and the billing means 14 registers the billing information in the billing information storage means 20 and charges the requester. .
[0127]
In the case of this embodiment as well, in the same way as in the case of the above-described embodiment, the document created on the web page or the like can be processed from the server 1 or the administrator terminal 2 to the procedure destination, not from the client terminal 4 side. May be. For example, the procedure execution means 13 of the server 1 may be used to perform the procedure online at the procedure destination terminal 3.
[0128]
In each of the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is mainly applied to the management of patent offices has been described. However, the system of the present invention is not limited to the management of patent offices. For example, the present invention can be applied to management of procedures to various administrative bodies, public offices (government offices), judicial institutions, and the creation and submission of various application documents.
[0129]
【Effect of the invention】
As described above in detail, according to the procedure management system of the present invention, a client who is requesting a proxy or management of a procedure from an agent or the like can always perform cheaply and easily without introducing an original management system. You can check the status of your case and, if necessary, give instructions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an embodiment of a procedure management system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of user management information.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of item management information.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main menu screen.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for selecting a browsing format for item management information.
6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a list screen for browsing case management information, where FIG. 6A is a list in order of case numbers, and FIG. 6B is a list in order of deadlines.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case management information disclosure screen, which is an example of a screen that allows the current position and the like to be clearly shown in a chart showing a series of procedures.
FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram of another embodiment of the procedure management system of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 server (management center)
2 administrator terminal
3 destination terminal
4 Client terminal
5 Network (Internet)
6 User registration means
7 Authentication means (client authentication means, administrator authentication means)
8 Item management information registration means
9 Case management information disclosure means
10 Procedure management means
11 Procedure confirmation means (procedure instruction means)
12 Procedure preparation means
13 Procedure execution means
14 Fee billing means
15 User management information storage means (requester information storage means, administrator information storage means)
16 Item management information storage means
17 Style information storage means
18 Packaging information storage means
19 Fee information storage means
20. Claim information storage means

Claims (2)

It is a procedure management system that manages information on matters relating to patents, utility models, designs or trademarks as matter management information for each matter and is connectable to the client terminal of the management via a network,
Item management information storage means for registering item management information related to each item;
Requester authentication means for authenticating whether the client is a legitimate client,
A case management information publishing unit that acquires the case management information of the case of the requester from the case management information storage unit and discloses it to the requester terminal when authenticated by the requester authentication unit;
Each case registered in the case management information storage means is associated with one or more requesters,
Each client is allowed to view the case management information for the case handled by him / her.
Registration of new requester by setting the user ID and password required for authentication by requester authentication means, registration of case management information to the case management information storage means, are in correspondence with the requester from requester Proposal A procedure management system that can be executed from an administrator terminal that can be connected to the system managed by the agent who is requested to manage the procedure. Registration, change, and browsing of case management information by an agent are possible,
2. The procedure management system according to claim 1, wherein the case management information disclosing means discloses only a case designated by the requester in the case management information to the requester terminal.

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