JP2010198430A - Workflow processing system, program and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a workflow processing system, program and method for easily selecting significant workflow as an organization even though workflow is not directly related to an individual user belonging to the organization. <P>SOLUTION: A workflow processing apparatus for processing workflow selected from among a plurality of workflows registered in advance includes a control part causing a display part to display at least a log-in screen, a list screen of workflow and a retrieval screen of workflow transiting from the list screen, wherein the control part causes one workflow or more retrieved on the basis of first information including information for specifying a log-in user among the plurality of workflow to be displayed as a default in the list screen, and causes one workflow or more retrieved on the basis of second information that does not include the information for specifying the log-in user among the plurality of workflow to be displayed as a default in the retrieval screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a workflow processing system, a workflow processing program, and a workflow processing method, and more particularly, to a workflow processing system, a workflow processing program, and a workflow processing method for processing a workflow related to an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) having various functions has become widespread. In a system including this image forming apparatus, a large number of workflows (jobs processed in accordance with predetermined procedures) of a large number of users are stored, and the workflows can be selected and executed on a screen. At this time, when the number of workflows increases, it is not easy to select a desired workflow from among them. Therefore, a method for facilitating selection of a workflow has been proposed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, in a workflow processing system in which the image forming apparatus 10, the external storage server 30 and the workflow processing apparatus 120 are connected via a network 40, scanning is performed by the image forming apparatus 10, and the external storage server 30. A case where a workflow (for example, a scan workflow) in which processing for storing, approving, and distributing a document is registered in the workflow processing apparatus 120 will be described with reference to a screen configuration example of FIG.

  In this case, first, a login screen as shown in FIG. 19A is displayed on the touch panel of the workflow processing apparatus 120, and when the user logs in, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 19B is displayed. Next, when one of the workflows is selected on the menu screen, a workflow list screen as shown in FIG. 19C-1 (in the case of the image forming apparatus 10, the workflow list screen as shown in FIG. 19C-2) is displayed. Is displayed.

  If a workflow to be used is displayed in the workflow list screen, the displayed workflow is selected and processing (here, scanning) is executed. On the other hand, when the workflow to be used is not displayed, when a search is selected on the workflow list screen, a workflow search screen as shown in FIG. 19D is displayed. When a search is executed by entering information such as the workflow name, execution date, format, approver, etc. on this workflow search screen, the searched workflow is displayed on the workflow list screen, and the displayed workflow is selected and processed. Execute.

  As a technique related to the above search, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, a specific condition (day, time, etc.) designated by the user is set as a total category in the default total category condition section of the RAM, and the CPU Shows a method of narrowing down all data of all applications in a total category when a user uses an application or activates an electronic device.

JP 2001-256197 A

  Here, when a large number of workflows are registered for each user, the workflow list screen and the workflow search screen are operated (page feed, page navigation, and the touch panel of the image forming apparatus 10 with a small screen). There is a problem that it is necessary to display and select a workflow to be used by scroll bar operation), and it takes time to execute the workflow.

  To deal with this problem, a method of preferentially displaying the workflow associated with the logged-in user as a default on the workflow list screen or the workflow search screen can be considered (for example, at the top). This method is effective when the logged-in user selects a workflow related to the user, but there are important workflows that are not directly related to the logged-in user.

  For example, in an organization such as a company, each user belongs to a predetermined group, and some workflows that are not directly related to individual users but are related to the group to which the user belongs or the entire organization (for example, There are also workflows that are frequently used during a specific period, workflows that are used by other users or approvers in the group to which the user belongs, and the above method makes it easy to select such an important workflow. I can't.

  Moreover, the technique of the above-mentioned patent document 1 searches a registered workflow with an initial letter or searches by inputting detailed search setting conditions. In this method, the search operation is simplified. In the first place, you cannot search without knowing the name of the important workflow.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its main purpose is to make it possible to easily select an important workflow as an organization even if it is not directly related to individual users belonging to the organization. A processing system, a workflow processing program, and a workflow processing method are provided.

  To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a workflow processing apparatus that processes a workflow selected from a plurality of workflows registered in advance, the display unit includes at least a login screen, a workflow list screen, and the list screen. A control unit for displaying a search screen for a transitioning workflow, and the control unit searches the list screen based on first information including information for identifying a logged-in user from the plurality of workflows. One or more workflows are displayed as defaults, and the search screen defaults one or more workflows searched based on second information that does not include the information for identifying the login user from among the plurality of workflows. Is displayed.

  Further, the present invention is a workflow processing program that operates on an apparatus constituting a system that processes a workflow selected from a plurality of workflows registered in advance, and the apparatus includes at least a login screen on a display unit. The control unit displays a workflow list screen and a workflow search screen that transitions from the list screen, and the control unit specifies a login user from the plurality of workflows on the list screen. One or more workflows searched based on the first information including information are displayed as default, and the search screen includes second information that does not include information for identifying the login user from among the plurality of workflows. One or more workflows searched based on the above are displayed as defaults.

  The present invention also provides a workflow processing method in a system for processing a workflow selected from a plurality of workflows registered in advance, the first step of displaying a login screen on a display unit, and the display unit A second step of displaying a workflow list screen; and a third step of displaying a workflow search screen for transitioning from the list screen on the display unit. In the second step, the plurality of workflows One or more workflows searched based on the first information including information for identifying the logged-in user is displayed as a default. In the third step, the logged-in user is selected from the plurality of workflows. One or more workflows searched based on the second information that does not contain the specified information are displayed as defaults. It is intended to.

  According to the workflow processing system, the workflow processing program, and the workflow processing method of the present invention, it is possible to easily select an important workflow as an organization even if it is not directly related to individual users belonging to the organization.

  The reason for this is that, in an apparatus for processing workflows, one or more workflows searched based on first information including information for identifying a logged-in user among a plurality of workflows is displayed as a default on the workflow list screen. At the same time, on the workflow search screen that transitions from the workflow list screen, control is performed to display, as a default, one or more workflows searched based on the second information that does not include the information specifying the login user from among a plurality of workflows. Because it does.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the workflow processing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the workflow processing system which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the whole workflow process based on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the display process of the workflow search screen based on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the search process (search process by date) in the workflow search screen based on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the search process (search process by a keyword) in the workflow search screen based on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the search process (search process by an approver) in the workflow search screen based on one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the search process (search process by related user ID) in the workflow search screen concerning one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the search process (search process by a job history) in the workflow search screen based on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen (login screen) displayed on the workflow processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen (menu screen) displayed on the workflow processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen (scan workflow list screen) displayed on the workflow processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a screen (scan workflow list screen) displayed on the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen (scan workflow search screen) displayed on the workflow processing apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table (workflow execution history record) utilized for the process of the workflow which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table (keyword correlation table) utilized for the process of the workflow which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the table (search priority table) utilized for the workflow process which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the conventional workflow processing system. It is a figure which shows the transition of the screen displayed on the conventional workflow processing apparatus (image forming apparatus).

  As shown in the background art, it is not easy to select a desired workflow from among a large number of stored workflows using the workflow list screen or the workflow search screen. Therefore, a method is used in which a workflow related to the logged-in user is selected on the apparatus side and displayed as a default on the screen.

  However, in an organization, there is a workflow that is not directly related to the logged-in user, but is important for the group to which the user belongs or the entire organization. In the method of displaying the workflow in association with the logged-in user, such an important workflow is not displayed. It was not possible to select easily, and there were cases where the business progress of the organization was hindered.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the workflow related to the login user and the workflow that is not directly related to the login user but important as a group or organization are effectively displayed. Specifically, the workflow list screen is searched based on first information (for example, login user information and date / time information and / or history information) including information specifying a login user from a plurality of workflows. One or more workflows are displayed as defaults, and the workflow search screen that transitions from the workflow list screen includes second information (for example, date and time information and / or information) that does not include information for identifying the logged-in user from a plurality of workflows. Alternatively, one or more workflows searched based on history information and information previously associated with the logged-in user if necessary) are displayed as defaults.

  The above processing can be applied to a workflow in an arbitrary field, but is particularly effective for a workflow related to an image forming apparatus shared and used by a plurality of users. Therefore, in the following embodiment, a case will be described in which the workflow processing of the present invention is applied to a system including an image forming apparatus.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, a workflow processing system, a workflow processing program, and a workflow processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a workflow processing system according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration thereof. 3 to 9 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the workflow processing of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 10 to 14 are configuration examples of screens displayed during the workflow processing. 15 to 17 are configuration examples of tables used for workflow processing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the workflow processing system of the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10 such as a digital multi-function peripheral that executes processes defined in a workflow such as scanning and printing, and a workflow processing apparatus 20 that processes a workflow. The external storage server 30 stores scan data, print data, and the like, which are connected via a network 40 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Hereinafter, a specific configuration of each apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

[Image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display / operation unit 14, an image reading unit 15, a drawing processing unit 16, a printing unit 17, and the like.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The storage unit 12 includes a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like, and a program storage that stores a program for realizing a scan function, a print function, and the like. And a data storage unit (for example, MIB: Management Information Base) that stores scan data and print data of each document, jobs related to the data, and the like. Then, the program stored in the ROM or HDD is expanded in the RAM and executed by the CPU. The storage destination of the scan data and print data is not limited to the storage unit 12, but may be a storage unit provided outside the image forming apparatus 10 or an external storage server 30 connected to the network 20.

  The communication unit 13 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, and enables communication with the workflow processing apparatus 20 and the external storage server 30.

  The display / operation unit 14 is configured by a touch panel or the like provided with a pressure-sensitive operation unit in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern on the display unit, and the XY coordinates of the power point pressed by a finger or a touch pen are expressed as voltage values. And the detected position signal is output to the control unit 11 as an operation signal.

  The image reading unit 15 includes a light source that scans a document on a document table, a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) image sensor that converts light reflected from the document into an electrical signal, and an A / D that performs A / D conversion of the electrical signal. The image data is optically read from a document sheet on a document table.

  The drawing processing unit 16 analyzes the scan data and print data received from the storage unit 12, the workflow processing device 20, and the external storage server 30, and rasterizes the scan data and print data to create printable bitmap data. If necessary, image processing such as color conversion and density adjustment is performed on the created bitmap data.

  The printing unit 17 includes elements necessary for image formation using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method, that is, a charging device, a photosensitive drum, an exposure device, a transfer roller, a transfer belt, and a fixing device. Etc. Specifically, the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device is irradiated with light according to the bitmap data from the exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image, and charged with the developing device is attached and developed, The toner image is transferred to a paper medium via a primary transfer roller and a secondary transfer belt and fixed by a fixing device.

[Workflow processing device]
The workflow processing apparatus 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, a display / operation unit 24, a scan control unit 25, a print instruction unit 26, and the like.

  The control unit 21 is configured by a CPU or the like. The storage unit 22 includes a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, an HDD, and the like, and includes a program storage unit 22a and a data storage unit 22b. The program storage unit 22a stores various application programs, request control programs (print management program, scan management program, workflow processing program, user authentication management program, application control program, MFP job history analysis program) and the like. The data storage unit 22b is a workflow execution history that stores scan data and print data of each document, a file storage unit that stores jobs related to the data, and a workflow execution history record (see FIG. 15) that describes detailed workflow information. A storage unit, a workflow storage unit for storing a workflow, a user data storage unit for storing user data, a keyword association table (see FIG. 16) describing keywords associated with a user ID, items used for search, and each item And a search priority table (see FIG. 17) describing the priorities. Then, the program stored in the ROM or HDD is expanded in the RAM and executed by the CPU.

  The workflow processing program performs control to display various screens on the display / operation unit 24, and when displaying the workflow list screen, the first workflow processing program includes information for specifying a login user from a plurality of workflows. When displaying one or more workflows searched based on information as a default and displaying the workflow search screen, a search is performed based on second information that does not include information for identifying a logged-in user from a plurality of workflows. Control is performed to display one or more workflows as defaults. The above control may be executed as a program or hardware.

  The communication unit 23 includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, and enables communication with the image forming apparatus 10 and the external storage server 30.

  The display / operation unit 24 is configured by a touch panel or the like, and displays a login screen, a menu screen, a workflow list screen, a workflow search screen, and the like which will be described later.

  The scan control unit 25 issues a scan instruction to the image reading unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The print instruction unit 26 issues a print instruction to the printing unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[External storage server]
The external storage server 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and the like.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU. The storage unit 32 includes a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, an HDD, and the like, and includes a program storage unit 32a and a data storage unit 32b. The program storage unit 32a stores a user authentication management program and the like. The data storage unit 32b stores scan data, print data, and the like. Then, the program stored in the ROM or HDD is expanded in the RAM and executed by the CPU.

  The communication unit 33 includes a NIC, a modem, and the like, and enables communication with the image forming apparatus 10 and the workflow processing apparatus 20.

  FIG. 2 is an example of the workflow processing system according to the present embodiment, and the configuration can be appropriately changed as long as the control of the present embodiment is possible. For example, when storing scan data, print data, or user data in the image forming apparatus 10 or the workflow processing apparatus 20, the external storage server 30 can be omitted, and a user terminal that performs workflow registration or instruction is added. You can also. In addition, the workflow processing function of the workflow processing apparatus 20 can be provided to the image forming apparatus 10 or the user terminal. In this case, the workflow processing apparatus 20 is omitted, and only the image forming apparatus 10 or the image forming apparatus 10 and the user terminal are used. It can also be configured.

  Hereinafter, a workflow processing method using the workflow processing system having the above configuration will be described in detail.

  First, the overall flow will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. A plurality of workflows are registered in advance in the workflow storage unit of the data storage unit 22b of the workflow processing device 20, and the workflow execution as shown in FIG. 15 in which detailed information of each workflow is described in the workflow execution history storage unit. It is assumed that history records are registered in advance.

  First, the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) of the workflow processing apparatus 20 causes the display / operation unit 24 to display a login screen 50 as shown in FIG. The login screen 50 is provided with fields for inputting user data such as a user ID and a password. When the user inputs user data and presses the login button, the control unit 21 (user authentication management program) inputs the user data. The user authentication is performed by comparing the user data thus obtained with the user data stored in the user data storage unit of the data storage unit 22b. If the result of the user authentication is OK, the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) displays the menu screen 51 as shown in FIG. 11 on the display / operation unit 24 (S101).

  The menu screen 51 is provided with buttons for classifying workflows (here, a print button and a scan button). When the user presses a button for a desired type of workflow (here, the scan button is pressed), the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) causes the display / operation unit 24 to display a scan workflow list screen 52 as shown in FIG. 12 (S102).

  The scan workflow list screen 52 includes a workflow list display area (see (1) in FIG. 12), a workflow execution button (see (7) in FIG. 12), a workflow search button (see (8) in FIG. 12), and the like. In the workflow list display area, workflows stored in the workflow storage unit of the data storage unit 22b are displayed in a predetermined priority order.

  For example, the workflow stored in the workflow storage unit of the data storage unit 22b is associated with a name, an execution date, a format, an approver, a user ID, and the like as shown in the workflow execution history record of FIG. The workflow processing program can search for a workflow whose user ID matches the logged-in user and display it as a default. By such processing, the logged-in user efficiently selects a workflow related to himself / herself. can do. In addition, when there are many logged-in user workflows, it is possible to search for and display workflows whose execution dates are close to the current date. With such processing, the logged-in user efficiently selects the recently executed workflow. be able to. In addition, it is also possible to search and display workflows with a relatively high number of workflow executions (frequently used), and such a process enables a logged-in user to efficiently select a workflow that is often executed. it can.

  When the image forming apparatus 10 has the same function as the workflow processing apparatus 20 and logs in with the image forming apparatus 10, a scan workflow list screen 53 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display / operation unit 14. .

  Then, the user determines whether a workflow to be used is displayed in the workflow list display area of the scan workflow list screen 52 (or the scan workflow list screen 53) (S103), and if the workflow to be used is displayed, the user When the user selects a workflow and presses the workflow execution button, the control unit 21 (scan management program) causes the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a scan (S107).

  On the other hand, when the workflow to be used is not displayed in the workflow list display area, when the user presses the workflow search button, the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) displays the scan workflow as shown in FIG. The search screen 54 is displayed (S104).

  The scan workflow search screen 54 includes a column for selecting / inputting a workflow name (see (1) and (2) in FIG. 14) and a column for selecting / inputting a workflow execution date ((3) and (4 in FIG. 14). )), A column for selecting a workflow format (see (5) in the figure), a column for selecting / inputting an approver (see (6) and (7) in FIG. 14), and a search button ((9) in FIG. 14). For example).

  Here, conventionally, a workflow is not displayed as a default on the scan workflow search screen 54, or a workflow selected based on the same rule as the scan workflow list screen 52 (that is, a workflow searched based on login user information) is the default. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is not directly related to the logged-in user, but an organizationally important workflow cannot be selected efficiently. However, in the present embodiment, the workflow processing program does not select the workflow selected based on the rules different from the scan workflow list screen 52 (that is, the workflow searched based on the login user information, and the date information or The history information and the workflow searched based on the information previously associated with the logged-in user if necessary) are displayed as defaults, so that an organization-important workflow can be efficiently searched. This workflow search method will be described later.

  If a search button on the scan workflow search screen 54 is pressed, a workflow that is important for the organization can be searched, but the workflow can be further narrowed down or another workflow can be searched. In this case, when the conditions such as the workflow name, execution date, format, and approver are set and the search button is pressed (S105), the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) selects a workflow that matches the set conditions. Search is performed (S106), and the searched workflow is displayed in the workflow list display area of the scan workflow list screen 52 (S106).

  When a workflow displayed in the workflow list display area of the scan workflow list screen 52 is selected and the workflow execution button is pressed, the control unit 21 (scan management program) causes the image forming apparatus 10 to execute a scan (S107). .

  Next, the display process of the scan workflow search screen 54 in step S104 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that a keyword association table as shown in FIG. 16 and a search priority table as shown in FIG. 17 are registered in advance in the data storage unit 22b of the workflow processing apparatus 20.

  As described above, when the search button is pressed on the scan workflow list screen 52, the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) starts the activation process of the scan workflow search screen 54 (S201).

  First, the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) substitutes 0 for I (S202), and determines whether I exceeds the number N (here, 5) of items in the search priority table shown in FIG. 17 (S203). ). When it exceeds, the process proceeds to step S208, and when it does not exceed, the I-th item with the search order is read from the search priority table (S204).

  Next, the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) executes a search process (details will be described later) corresponding to the read search item (S205). Note that FIG. 17 illustrates date and time information (date), history information (job history), and information (keyword, approver, related user ID, etc.) associated with the logged-in user as items used as criteria for prioritization. However, other information may be used as long as the information is not directly related to the login user. In FIG. 17, the search is performed in the order of date, job history, keyword, approver, and related user ID. However, the search order, the number of items to be searched, and the configuration of items are also arbitrary.

  Next, the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) determines whether or not the corresponding workflow has been searched in the search process (S206). If there is a corresponding workflow, the process proceeds to step S208, and there is no corresponding workflow. Adds 1 to N (S207), and returns to step S203 to repeat the same processing.

  Then, the control unit 21 (workflow processing program) sets one or more searched workflows as default values of the scan workflow search screen 54 (S208). That is, the name, execution date, format, and approver of one or more searched workflows are displayed in each column of the scan workflow search screen 54. Then, the activation process of the scan workflow search screen 54 is terminated (S209).

  Next, the search processing in step 205 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. The following processing is executed by the control unit 21 (workflow processing program).

[Search process by date]
First, the current date is specified (S301), and the workflow executed on the date related to the current date is specified with reference to the workflow execution history record stored in the workflow execution history storage unit of the data storage unit 22b. Then, the workflow name is acquired (S302).

  Next, the workflow having the acquired workflow name is searched from the workflows stored in the workflow storage unit of the data storage unit 22b (S303).

  For example, if the current date is the end of the month or the beginning of the month, the workflow related to the monthly calendar or monthly expense report, etc., if the current date is near the end of the year or the beginning of the year, the year or quarter break, A workflow related to development results is searched. Although the workflow is searched based on the current date here, the workflow may be searched based on the current time. In that case, for example, when the current time is near the end of working hours, a workflow relating to a diary or the like is searched, and when the current time is near the start of working hours, a workflow relating to a work schedule or the like is searched.

  Then, it is determined whether there is a corresponding workflow (S304). If there is, the corresponding workflow is acquired (S305).

  Thus, by searching for a workflow based on date information, it is possible to efficiently search for an important workflow that is not directly related to the logged-in user, but is executed near that date.

[Search by keyword]
First, a keyword association table corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user is acquired (S401).

  Next, keywords (for example, job names and document names) in the acquired keyword association table are acquired (S402), and the acquired keywords are selected from the jobs stored in the file storage unit, the MIB of the image forming apparatus 10, or the like. A related job is searched (S403).

  Next, it is determined whether there is a corresponding job (S404). If there is a corresponding job, the workflow name corresponding to the keyword is obtained by referring to the keyword association table and stored in the workflow storage unit of the data storage unit 22b. A workflow is searched from the stored workflows by the acquired workflow name (S405). For example, when the keyword is a purchase request, a purchase order workflow corresponding to the purchase request is searched.

  Next, it is determined whether there is a corresponding workflow (S406). If there is, the corresponding workflow is acquired (S407).

  Thus, by searching for workflows based on keywords, it is possible to efficiently search for important workflows corresponding to keywords that are not directly related to the logged-in user but are associated in advance with the user ID.

[Search process by approver]
First, a keyword association table corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user is acquired (S501), and an approver corresponding to the login user is acquired with reference to the acquired keyword association table (S502). This approver is usually the person in charge of the group to which the logged-in user belongs.

  Next, referring to the workflow execution history table, the acquired approver's workflow is identified and the workflow name is acquired (S503), and the acquired workflow name is acquired from the workflows stored in the workflow storage unit of the data storage unit 22b. The workflow is searched by the workflow name (S504).

  Then, it is determined whether there is a corresponding workflow (S505), and if there is, the corresponding workflow is acquired (S506).

  Thus, by searching for a workflow based on the approver, it is possible to efficiently search for an important workflow related to the approver who approves the login user's workflow, although it is not directly related to the login user.

[Search processing by related user ID]
First, the keyword association table corresponding to the user ID of the logged-in user is acquired (S601), and the related user ID of the acquired keyword association table is acquired (S602). This related user ID is, for example, information for specifying another user that constitutes a group to which the logged-in user belongs. Here, the related user ID is obtained from the keyword association table. However, the login user ID is NDS (Novell Directory Service) or Active Directory (hardware resources existing on the network and the user who uses them). If it is managed by an integrated authentication infrastructure such as a directory service for centrally managing information such as attributes and access rights), the group of the integrated management infrastructure and the IDs of other members of the department to which it belongs It can also be extracted as a user ID.

  Next, with reference to the workflow execution history table, the workflow of the acquired related user ID is identified and the workflow name is acquired (S603), and is acquired from the workflows stored in the workflow storage unit of the data storage unit 22b. The workflow is searched with the workflow name thus created (S604).

  Then, it is determined whether there is a corresponding workflow (S605), and if there is, the corresponding workflow is acquired (S606).

  Thus, by searching for a workflow based on the related user ID, it is possible to efficiently search for an important workflow related to another user of the group to which the user belongs, although it is not directly related to the login user.

[Search processing by job history]
First, a job history is acquired from the MIB of the image forming apparatus 10, and a high-frequency job is specified from the job history (S701).

  Next, referring to the keyword association table, a workflow name corresponding to the keyword of the specified job name is acquired (S702), and the acquired workflow name is selected from the workflows stored in the workflow storage unit of the data storage unit 22b. The workflow is searched for (S703).

  Then, it is determined whether there is a corresponding workflow (S704), and if there is, the corresponding workflow is acquired (S705).

  Thus, by searching for a workflow based on the job history, it is possible to efficiently search for an important workflow that is not directly related to the login user but is frequently used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the workflow using the image forming apparatus 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any workflow in which processing proceeds according to a predetermined procedure is described. The same can be applied.

  The present invention can be used in a system or apparatus for selecting and processing a workflow using a list screen and a search screen, and a program and method executed in the system or apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control part 12 Storage part 13 Communication part 14 Display / operation part 15 Image reading part 16 Drawing process part 17 Printing part 20 Workflow processing apparatus 21 Control part 22 Storage part 22a Program storage part 22b Data storage part 23 Communication part 24 display / operation unit 25 print instruction unit 26 scan control unit 30 external storage server 31 control unit 32 storage unit 32a program storage unit 32b data storage unit 40 network 50 login screen 51 menu screen 52 scan workflow list screen (workflow processing device)
53 Scan workflow list screen (image forming device)
54 Scan Workflow Search Screen 120 Workflow Processing Device

Claims (15)

In a workflow processing apparatus that processes a workflow selected from a plurality of workflows registered in advance,
The display unit includes a control unit that displays at least a login screen, a workflow list screen, and a workflow search screen that transitions from the list screen.
The controller is
The list screen displays, as a default, one or more workflows searched based on first information including information specifying a login user from among the plurality of workflows,
One or more workflows searched based on second information not including information specifying the login user from among the plurality of workflows is displayed as a default on the search screen. apparatus. The first information includes workflow date / time information and / or history information,
The control unit refers to a pre-stored table that associates the name of each workflow with the date and time of execution, the executed user, and the approved approver, and is executed by the logged-in user and the date and time of execution is currently 2. The workflow processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more workflows that are close to each other and / or relatively executed are displayed on the list screen as a default. The second information includes the date information and / or the history information,
The control unit refers to the table, and displays one or more workflows having a date of execution close to the present and / or a relatively high number of executions as a default on the search screen. The workflow processing apparatus according to claim 2. The second information further includes information pre-associated with the login user,
The control unit refers to the table, and among the one or more workflows, a workflow executed by another user previously associated with the login user, a workflow approved by an approver previously associated with the login user The one or more workflows selected from workflows with names specified in advance in association with the login user are displayed as defaults on the search screen. Workflow processing device. Including information identifying other users as the second information,
The workflow processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a workflow executed by the other user as the one or more workflows displayed as a default on the search screen. A workflow processing program that operates on an apparatus constituting a system for processing a workflow selected from a plurality of workflows registered in advance,
Said device,
Let the display function as a control unit that displays at least a login screen, a workflow list screen, and a workflow search screen that transitions from the list screen,
The controller is
The list screen displays, as a default, one or more workflows searched based on first information including information specifying a login user from among the plurality of workflows,
One or more workflows searched based on second information not including information specifying the login user from among the plurality of workflows is displayed as a default on the search screen. program. The first information includes workflow date / time information and / or history information,
The control unit refers to a pre-stored table that associates the name of each workflow with the date and time of execution, the executed user, and the approved approver, and is executed by the logged-in user and the date and time of execution is currently The workflow processing program according to claim 6, wherein one or more workflows that are close to each other and / or relatively executed are displayed on the list screen as defaults. The second information includes the date information and / or the history information,
The control unit refers to the table, and displays one or more workflows having a date of execution close to the present and / or a relatively high number of executions as a default on the search screen. The workflow processing program according to claim 7. The second information further includes information pre-associated with the login user,
The control unit refers to the table, and among the one or more workflows, a workflow executed by another user previously associated with the login user, a workflow approved by an approver previously associated with the login user The one or more workflows selected from workflows with names specified in advance in association with the logged-in user are displayed on the search screen as defaults. Workflow processing program. Including information identifying other users as the second information,
The workflow processing program according to claim 6, wherein the control unit displays a workflow executed by the other user as the one or more workflows displayed as a default on the search screen. A workflow processing method in a system for processing a workflow selected from a plurality of workflows registered in advance,
A first step of displaying a login screen on the display unit; a second step of displaying a workflow list screen on the display unit; and a third step of displaying a workflow search screen for transitioning from the list screen on the display unit. And having steps of
In the second step, one or more workflows searched based on first information including information for identifying a login user from among the plurality of workflows is displayed as a default,
In the third step, one or more workflows searched based on second information not including information specifying the logged-in user from the plurality of workflows is displayed as a default. Processing method. The first information includes workflow date / time information and / or history information,
In the second step, referring to a table stored in advance that associates the name of each workflow with the date and time of execution, the executed user and the approved approver, the date and time of execution by the login user The workflow processing method according to claim 11, wherein one or more workflows that are close to the current time and / or relatively executed are displayed as defaults. The second information includes the date information and / or the history information,
In the third step, by referring to the table, one or more workflows having a date and time of execution close to the current time and / or a relatively high number of times of execution are displayed as defaults. Item 13. The workflow processing method according to Item 12. The second information further includes information pre-associated with the login user,
In the third step, referring to the table, among the one or more workflows, a workflow executed by another user previously associated with the login user and an approver previously associated with the login user approve The workflow processing according to claim 13, wherein at least one workflow selected from among the workflows selected and a workflow with a name specified by a keyword associated in advance with the login user is displayed as a default. Method. Including information identifying other users as the second information,
The workflow processing method according to claim 11, wherein in the third step, a workflow executed by the other user is displayed as the one or more workflows displayed as a default on the search screen.

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