JP2011198053A - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing system which can execute the processing of an entire workflow without stagnation even if the state of an image processing apparatus or a user is changed after the start of the processing of the workflow.SOLUTION: The image processing system includes a plurality of image processing apparatus and executes a workflow comprising three or more steps. With respect to one step out of the plurality of steps, first processing contents of one step and a first image processing apparatus which should execute the one step out of the plurality of image processing apparatus are preset. The image processing system includes a determination means which determines whether or not the set first processing contents can be executed by the set first image processing apparatus before the execution of the one step. If it is determined by the determination means that the one step cannot be executed, different alternate processing is executed instead of the one step with respect to at least one of the first processing contents and the first image processing apparatus.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system that executes a workflow including a plurality of steps.

  An image processing system for executing a series of processes on predetermined image data by linking processes performed by a plurality of image processing apparatuses such as a copying machine, a printer, and a server connected to a network has been conventionally known. A specific processing procedure in the image processing system is called a workflow.

  In addition, in order to realize a series of processes based on the workflow, the contents of individual processes constituting the workflow and the image processing apparatus that executes each process are set in advance, and the settings are set when the workflow is executed. It is also known to execute a series of processing on predetermined image data in accordance with the contents that have been made.

  However, since the state of the image processing apparatus constituting the image processing system may change, it may be preferable to change the setting contents of the workflow once determined.

  In Patent Document 1, it is detected that the function of an image processing apparatus (device) configuring a network has changed, the setting content of a workflow that is affected by the detected change in function is changed, and the content is proposed to the user Techniques to do this are disclosed.

JP 2007-259593 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 changes the setting content of a workflow in accordance with a change in function accompanying an upgrade of the image processing apparatus, and the image is processed after the processing of the workflow is started. The state of the processing device was not reflected in real time on the settings of the workflow being executed.

  Therefore, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, when individual processing is executed in the image processing apparatus, if any trouble related to the processing occurs in the image processing apparatus, the processing can be executed. There was a problem that the processing of the entire workflow was lost. Also, if the user who gives instructions for the individual processes constituting the workflow cannot use a preset image processing apparatus due to some circumstances (for example, a business trip, etc.), There is also a problem that the processing of the entire workflow is stagnated because it becomes impossible to execute.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system capable of executing the entire workflow without stagnation even when the state of the image processing apparatus or the user changes after the workflow processing is started. There is to do.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) An image processing system including a plurality of image processing apparatuses and executing a workflow including three or more steps, wherein one step of the plurality of steps is a first process of the one step. The content and the first image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices that execute the first step are preset, and the first processing content is the first processing before the execution of the first step. A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the image processing apparatus can execute the image processing apparatus; and when the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be performed, the first process is performed instead of the first step. An image processing system in which at least one of the content and the first image processing apparatus executes different substitution processing.
(2) An execution time limit is set in advance in the step 1, and the determination unit determines that the step 1 cannot be executed when the step 1 is not executed by the execution time limit. The image processing system described.
(3) Trouble detection means for detecting a trouble occurring in the first image processing apparatus is further provided, and the determination means is configured such that the trouble related to the first processing content is caused by the first image processing apparatus. The image processing system according to (1), wherein it is determined that the first step cannot be executed when it occurs.
(4) When the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be executed, the first image processing apparatus executes an alternative process having a content different from the first process content (3) The image processing system described in 1.
(5) The image processing system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein at least one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses is an image forming apparatus having a printer unit.
(6) In the step 1, an address of a mobile terminal corresponding to a user who gives an instruction to execute the step 1 is set, and when the determination unit determines that the step 1 cannot be executed, First data for executing the first step is transmitted to the portable terminal, and the first data is transmitted from the portable terminal to a second image processing apparatus different from the first image processing apparatus. The image processing system according to (1) or (2), wherein the second image processing apparatus transmits and executes the substitution process based on the first data.
(7) After the substitution process is executed based on the first data in the second image processing apparatus, second data for executing a step subsequent to the first step is used as the second image. The processing apparatus transmits the second data to the mobile terminal, and transmits the second data from the mobile terminal to the third image processing apparatus set corresponding to the subsequent step of the first step (6). The image processing system described.
(8) The first data includes workflow data in which the first processing content and settings of the first image processing apparatus are described, and image data to be processed by the first processing content. The image processing system according to (6) or (7).
(9) A fourth image processing apparatus that has executed the previous step of the first step includes a WEB server unit, and the first step includes a mobile terminal corresponding to a user who issues an instruction to execute the first step. An address is set, and the fourth image processing apparatus transmits a WEB address for accessing the WEB server unit to the portable terminal when the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be executed. The image according to (1) or (2), wherein an alternative process using a WEB server unit different from the first processing content is executed in response to access from the mobile phone to the WEB server unit. Processing system.

  According to the present invention, before execution of one step constituting the workflow, it is determined whether or not the first processing content preset for the one step can be executed by the first image processing apparatus; If it cannot be executed, instead of the first step, at least one of the first processing content and the first image processing device executes a different substitution process. Therefore, after the workflow processing is started, the image processing device or user Even if the state changes, the processing of the entire workflow can be executed without stagnation.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image processing system 6 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an operation panel unit 20. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of MFP 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the list | wrist of the workflow displayed on LCD27. It is a figure which shows the structure of the workflow data of "purchase application workflow". 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of a main routine executed in MFP1. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine process executed in MFP1. It is a block diagram of an alternative process judgment table. It is a block diagram of the image processing system 6 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a mobile phone 38. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a mobile phone 38. FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on LCD27 in a workflow operation mode. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of a main routine executed in MFP1. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine process executed in MFP1. It is a block diagram of the image processing system 6 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of a main routine executed in MFP1. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine process executed in MFP1. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed in the mobile phone 38. It is a block diagram of the image processing system 6 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing of a main routine executed in MFP1. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine process executed in MFP1.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image processing system 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an image processing system 6 includes MFP 1a and MFP 1b (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “MFP 1”) as multi-function peripherals as image processing apparatuses and PC 2a and PC 2b (hereinafter collectively referred to as “MFP 1”). The authentication server 3 and the document management server 4 are connected to each other via the network 5. In FIG. 1, the MFP 1 is illustrated as an example of the image processing apparatus, but the image processing apparatus includes a personal computer, a server, and the like that can perform predetermined image processing, and is not limited to the MFP 1.

  The MFP 1 has a scan function, a copy function, a network print function, and a fax function. The PC 2 has a function of receiving the mail transmitted from the MFP 1 and displaying the content of the mail.

  The authentication server 3 receives the user name and password, which are authentication information, from the MFP 1 and the PC 2 and compares the received authentication information with user information registered in advance in the own device to authenticate the user. Then, the authentication result is returned to the MFP 1 or PC 2 that has transmitted the authentication information. Further, the authentication server 3 manages users who are logged in to the devices constituting the image processing system 6. That is, the devices constituting the image processing system 6 can acquire information on users who are logged in to the respective devices in the image processing system 6 by making an inquiry to the authentication server 3.

  The document management server 4 stores document data used by the devices that constitute the image processing system 6.

  The network 5 is, for example, a local area network (hereinafter referred to as a LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 5 may be a wide area network (WAN) or the Internet, and is not limited to a LAN.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 1. The electrical configurations of the MFP 1a and MFP 1b are the same.

  The MFP 1 includes a CPU 7, ROM 8, RAM 9, data storage unit 10, operation unit 11, display unit 12, image reading unit 13, image processing unit 14, image forming unit (printer unit) 15, fax transmission / reception unit 16, network I / F. And a Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 18, which are connected by a bus 19.

  The CPU 7 controls the overall operation of the MFP 1, and the ROM 8 stores an operation program for the CPU 7 and the like. The RAM 9 becomes a work area when the CPU 7 operates. The data storage unit 10 is a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HDD) or the like, and stores workflow data and image data. The workflow data is data in which settings such as the processing contents of the workflow are described, and details will be described later.

  The operation unit 11 includes a hard key 50 for receiving an operation from the user, a touch panel 28, and the like. The display unit 12 is, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (hereinafter referred to as an LCD) 27, and displays the operation state of the MFP 1 and various messages to the user.

  A network I / F unit 17 is a communication interface for connecting the MFP 1 to the network 5. The MFP 1 communicates with other devices connected to the network 5 via the network I / F unit 17.

  The Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 18 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices using the Bluetooth communication method. The MFP 1 communicates with a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone 38 via the Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 18.

  An image forming unit (printer unit) 15 is an electrophotographic or inkjet print engine, and performs printing on a recording medium such as paper based on image data. The image reading unit 13 is a scanner, which optically reads a document and converts it into image data. The image processing unit 14 performs predetermined image processing on the image data stored in the data storage unit 10 and the image data read by the image reading unit 13. The fax transmission / reception unit 16 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices via a public switched telephone network (PSTN, not shown). The MFP 1 communicates with other fax apparatuses via the fax transmission / reception unit 16.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view of the operation panel unit 20 in which the operation unit 11 and the display unit 12 are integrated. The operation unit 11 includes a hard key 50 and a touch panel 28. The hard key 50 includes a start key 21 for instructing start of processing, a stop key 22 for instructing stop of processing, a reset key 23 for initializing settings, and a function selection for selecting a function mode. A key 24, a numeric keypad 25 for inputting numerical values, and a clear key 26 for clearing the input numerical values are included. The function selection key 24 includes a workflow key 24a. When the workflow key 24a is pressed, the MFP 1 is switched to the workflow operation mode. The workflow operation mode refers to an operation mode that can accept an operation related to a workflow by a user.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP 1 related to workflow processing. The functional configurations of the MFP 1a and the MFP 1b are the same.

  The MFP 1 includes a workflow data transmission / reception unit 29 that transmits / receives workflow data to / from other devices, an image data transmission / reception unit 30 that transmits / receives image data, and an execution history data transmission / reception unit 31 that transmits / receives workflow execution history. The workflow data transmission / reception unit 29, the image data transmission / reception unit 30, and the execution history data transmission / reception unit 31 transmit / receive the respective data using network communication or Bluetooth communication.

  The MFP 1 further includes a step extracting unit 32 that extracts a step to be processed by the own machine from steps included in the workflow. A step is a unit of individual processing constituting a workflow, and details will be described later.

  The MFP 1 further determines whether or not the trouble detection unit 33 for detecting a trouble occurring in the own machine and the step extracted by the step extraction part 32 (hereinafter simply referred to as “extraction step”) can be executed by the own machine. An execution determining unit 34 for determining, an alternative process determining unit 35 for determining a process that can replace the extraction step (alternative process), and an execution control unit 49 for executing the alternative process determined by the extraction step or the alternative process determining unit 35 An image data storage unit 36 that stores image data, a workflow data storage unit 37 that stores workflow data, and a WEB server unit 50 that enables WEB access to the device itself.

  Hereinafter, as a specific example of the workflow, the contents of the present embodiment will be described by taking a workflow used in an article purchase application operation performed in a certain department (hereinafter referred to as “purchase application workflow”) as an example. Here, the “purchase application workflow” is a case where an unspecified member who belongs to a certain department creates a purchase application form (here, a case where a member named user A creates a purchase application form) User B, who is the general manager, confirms the contents of the purchase application form created by user A, then stamps (approves) the purchase application form, and user C who is in charge of managing the purchase application form after the approval purchases It is assumed that the image data of the application form is used in a business environment where the document management server 4 manages the image data.

  First, the processing content of the “purchase application workflow” will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 1, when user A (member) performs an authentication operation and logs in in MFP 1 a and then presses workflow key 24 a on operation panel unit 20, MFP 1 a switches to the workflow operation mode, and user A executes on LCD 27. A list of possible workflows is displayed (FIG. 5). When the user A selects “Purchase Application Workflow” from the list and presses the start key 21, the “Purchase Application Workflow” process is started.

  A message instructing the image reading unit 13 to read the purchase application form is displayed on the LCD 27. When the user A places the purchase application form on the image reading unit 13 and presses the start key 21, the purchase request form is displayed. After the image is read, the process related to user A ends.

  In response to the process performed by the user A, a mail requesting execution of the workflow is transmitted from the MFP 1a to the mail address of the user B (manager) who is in charge of the process of the next step of the “purchase application workflow”. . Further, the read image data of the purchase application form and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” are transmitted from the MFP 1a to the MFP 1b.

  Next, when the user B confirming the mail transmitted from the MFP 1a on the PC 2a logs in to the MFP 1b and presses the workflow key 24a of the operation panel unit 20, the MFP 1b switches to the workflow operation mode, and the user B can execute on the LCD 27. A list of available workflows is displayed. When the user B selects “purchase application workflow” from the list and presses the start key 21, the “purchase application workflow” process is resumed, and the read image data of the purchase application sent from the MFP 1 a becomes the image formation of the MFP 1 b. Printed in part 15. Then, the LCD 27 displays a message for instructing the image reading unit 13 to read the purchase application form after confirming the contents of the printed purchase application form and stamping it at a predetermined position.

  After the user B confirms the contents of the printed purchase application form and seals it at a predetermined position, the user B places the purchase application form on the image reading unit 13 and presses the start key 21. The image of the book is read, and the process relating to the user B ends.

  In response to the processing performed by the user B, an email notifying that the approval processing by the user B (director) has been performed in the “purchase application workflow” is transmitted from the MFP 1b to the email address of the user C. At the same time, the read image data of the purchase application form after the seal is transmitted from the MFP 1 b to the document management server 4, and the data is stored in a predetermined folder of the document management server 4.

  Subsequently, the user C confirming the mail notifying that the approval processing has been performed on the PC 2b refers to a predetermined folder of the document management server 4 and confirms the image data of the purchase application form after the seal. A series of processes related to the “purchase application workflow” ends.

  The MFP 1 according to the present embodiment detects whether or not a trouble has occurred in its own machine when the execution of the workflow is instructed. When the process preset in the workflow data cannot be executed due to the detected trouble, a function for executing another process that can be substituted for the process (hereinafter simply referred to as “alternative process”) is provided. Yes.

  In the following, when executing the “purchase application workflow”, an alternative process is executed, taking as an example a case where the purchase application form cannot be printed due to a paper jam problem occurring in the image forming unit 15 of the MFP 1b. The contents of the process will be described.

  The user A instructs the MFP 1a to start executing the “purchase application workflow”, and the read image data of the purchase application form and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” are transmitted from the MFP 1a to the MFP 1b. The contents of the operation by the user A and the processing of the MFP 1a in response to the operation are the same as those described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  Subsequently, the user B logs in to the MFP 1b and instructs execution of the “purchase application workflow”. However, because a paper jam has occurred in the image forming unit 15 of the MFP 1b, the processing (printing of the purchase application form) preset in the “purchase application workflow” cannot be executed. Therefore, in the MFP 1b, an alternative process is performed instead of the process preset in the workflow data.

Specifically, in this example, the MFP 1b
(A) The image forming unit 15 prints a purchase application form,
(B) User B confirms the printed purchase application form and stamps it at a predetermined position.
(C) The image reading unit 13 reads the purchase application form after the seal,
(D) The image data transmitting / receiving unit 30 stores the image data of the purchase application form after the seal in a predetermined folder of the document management server 4;
Instead of the process preset in the workflow data
(A ′) The LCD 27 displays an image of the purchase application form,
(B ′) User B confirms the image of the purchase application displayed on the LCD 27 and performs an approval operation on the touch panel 28.
(C ′) The image processing unit 14 synthesizes the seal image data of the user B at a predetermined position of the image data of the purchase application form,
(D ′) The image data transmitting / receiving unit 30 stores the combined image data in a predetermined folder of the document management server 4.
An alternative process is performed.

  When the user B instructs the MFP 1b to execute the “purchase application workflow”, the LCD 27 of the MFP 1b displays a message notifying that replacement processing is to be executed because a paper jam has occurred. After the message is displayed for a predetermined time, the image of the purchase application form transmitted from the MFP 1 a and a key for performing an approval operation (hereinafter referred to as “approval key”) are displayed on the LCD 27.

  After confirming the image of the purchase application displayed on the LCD 27, the user B performs an approval operation by pressing an approval key. Upon receiving the approval operation of the user B, the seal image of the user B is synthesized at a predetermined position of the image of the purchase application form, and the image data of the purchase application form after the synthesis process is stored in a predetermined folder of the document management server 4 The The seal image of user B may be registered in advance in MFP 1b, or may be registered in advance in authentication server 3, and may be transmitted from authentication server 3 to MFP 1b together with the authentication result at the time of user authentication.

  Subsequently, a mail notifying that the approval process has been performed in the “purchase application workflow” and that the substitution process has been performed in the MFP 1b due to the occurrence of a paper jam is transmitted to the mail address of the user C.

  The user C confirming the mail transmitted from the MFP 1b with the PC 2b knows that the approval process has been performed in the “purchase application workflow”. At the same time, the user C also knows that the substitution process has been performed in the MFP 1b due to the occurrence of a paper jam. Then, the user C confirms the image data of the purchase application form in which the seal images stored in the predetermined folder of the document management server 4 are combined. As described above, a series of processes related to the “purchase application form workflow” is completed.

  FIG. 6 shows a configuration of workflow data of “purchase application workflow”. The workflow data is composed of overall information related to the entire workflow and step information related to individual steps constituting the workflow.

  The entire information includes the “workflow name” indicating the name of the workflow, the “manager” indicating the administrator of the workflow data, the “permitted user” indicating the user permitted to start the execution of the workflow, and the processing of the entire workflow should be completed. Includes the “workflow deadline date and time” indicating the deadline date and time.

  The step information is mainly composed of common information and application specific information.

  The common information includes a “processing number” indicating the execution order of the steps, an “execution machine” indicating the device executing the steps, an “execution application” indicating the application executing the steps, and a “processing user” indicating the execution instruction user of the steps ”,“ Emergency contact ”indicating an emergency contact (for example, a mobile phone email address) to the“ processing user ”,“ Mail transmission destination ”indicating the destination of an email sent when the step is executed,“ “Mail body” indicating the content of the message sent to “Mail destination”, “Step deadline date” indicating the deadline date (execution deadline) to complete the step, “Step execution date” indicating the date when the step was executed Including.

  The application-specific information has different items depending on the “execution application” that executes the step.

  For example, when the “execution application” is a scan application that reads an image of a document by the image reading unit 13, the application specific information includes “color information” indicating the color setting of the read image, “resolution” indicating the reading resolution, and output image. “File format” indicating the file format of the output file, and “output file” indicating the storage location and file name of the output image file.

  If the execution application is an OCR application that performs OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing on image data in a predetermined file format, the application-specific information is output as image data in which text information that is an OCR result is embedded. “Image embedding” indicating whether or not to perform processing, “input file” indicating the storage location and file name of the image file to be processed, and “output file” indicating the storage location and file name of the processing result file.

  Further, when the execution application is a WEB server registration application for registering a predetermined image file in the WEB server unit 50, the application specific information is an “input file” indicating the storage location and file name of the image file to be processed. , An “output file” indicating the registration location and file name of the image file on the WEB server unit 50 is included.

  When the execution application is a print application that performs printing based on predetermined image data by the image forming unit 15, the application-specific information includes an “input file” indicating the storage location and file name of the image file to be processed, a color setting “Color information” indicating “double-sided output” indicating double-sided output setting.

  Hereinafter, specific setting contents of the workflow data shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

  In the entire information, the name is “purchase application workflow”, the administrator is user D, the user who is permitted to start execution is all users (allusers), and the deadline for processing the entire workflow is within 5 days from the start of workflow execution. Is set.

The content of the process executed at each step is set in the step information. The contents of each step are explained below (Step 1).
The following contents are set as a step having a process number of 1 (hereinafter simply described as “step 1”).

  An image reading operation is performed by an arbitrary user in the MFP 1a, and the read image is in a monochrome mode / resolution 600 dpi / PDF file format in a box B which is a predetermined area in the data storage unit 10 of the MFP 1b. “Purchase application workflow A.pdf” is stored in the file name of user B's email address (user_b@XXXXXXX.jp) “Purchase application workflow application process has been performed. User B performs an approval process on MFP 1b. Please send me a message. The value of the step deadline date / time indicates null that the deadline date / time is not set. The step execution date / time is automatically recorded after the execution of this step, and is null before the execution of the step.

(Step 2)
When the execution instruction from the user B is received in the MFP 1b, the file “purchase application form A.pdf” stored in the box B of the MFP 1b is printed in the monochrome mode / one-sided setting. The value of the mail transmission destination is null, indicating that no mail is transmitted anywhere when Step 2 is executed. The deadline date and time is set within two days from the start of workflow execution.

(Step 3)
The process of step 3 is a stamping process by user B. The value of the execution machine being null indicates that step 3 is a process that does not involve any of the devices constituting the image processing system 6, that is, a process by only the user (user B).

(Step 4)
When the MFP 1b receives an execution instruction from the user B, an image reading process is performed, and the read image is displayed in the purchase application form folder of the document management server 4 in the format of full color mode / resolution 600 dpi / PDF file. .Pdf "is stored as a file name. In addition, “Approval processing of the purchase application workflow has been performed. User C confirms“ Purchase Application Form A.pdf ”stored in the Purchase Application Folder on the document management server. Is sent to the mail address of user C (user_c@XXXXXXX.jp). The deadline date and time of step 4 is set within two days from the start of the workflow execution.

  7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the contents of processing executed in the MFP 1. The CPU 7 of the MFP 1 reads a program stored in the ROM 8 and performs the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 based on the program.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the main routine. Hereinafter, the processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In procedure 101 (hereinafter, “procedure 101” is omitted and described as “S101”), it is determined whether or not the user authentication is successful. If the authentication is successful (YES in S101), S102 If the authentication fails (NO in S101), the process returns to S101. In S102, it is determined whether or not a workflow execution instruction has been received from the user. If an execution instruction has been received (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S103. If an execution instruction has not been received (NO in S102), the process returns to S102. . Accepting a workflow execution instruction means that a workflow is selected from the workflow list (FIG. 5) and the start key 21 is pressed.

  In step S103, among the steps included in the workflow for which the execution instruction has been accepted, the MFP 1 (hereinafter referred to as the operation machine) that has received the execution instruction by the user who has issued the execution instruction (hereinafter referred to as the operation user) should perform processing. Steps are extracted. The contents of the process in S103 will be described later.

  Subsequently, after a trouble occurring in the own device is detected (S104), it is determined whether or not the extraction step can be executed in the own device (S105). If the extraction step can be executed (YES in S105), the extraction step is executed (S107), and the process proceeds to S112. If the extraction step cannot be executed (NO in S105), it is determined whether there is an alternative process for the extraction step (S106). The determination method of the alternative process will be described later.

  If an alternative process exists (YES in S106), a message to the effect that the alternative process is executed is displayed on the LCD 27 (S108). After the alternative process is executed (S109), the “mail destination” in the extraction step is displayed. A mail notifying that the substitution process has been executed is transmitted to the set mail address (S110).

  After the mail is transmitted in S110 or the extraction step is executed in S107, the date and time when the step is executed is recorded as the “step execution date and time” of the extraction step in S112. Even when the substitution process is executed in S109, the date and time of execution is recorded as the “step execution date and time” of the regular process (extraction step) before substitution.

  In S113, it is determined whether or not a step having a process number smaller than the first (first) process number of the extraction step exists in the workflow data, that is, whether or not there is a step executed before the extraction step. If it exists (YES in S113), information on the date and time when the extraction step was executed (hereinafter referred to as execution history data) is transmitted to the “execution machine” of the previously executed step (S114). . If no previously executed step exists (NO in S113), the execution history data is not transmitted. Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the MFP 1 that has received the execution history data transmitted from another MFP 1 receives the execution history received as the “step execution date” of the step corresponding to the received execution history data. Record the execution date and time included in the data.

  Subsequently, in S115, it is determined whether a step to be executed next to the extraction step exists in the workflow data. If there is a step to be executed next (YES in S115), then The workflow data and image data necessary for processing the workflow are transmitted to the “execution machine” of the step to be executed (S116). If there is no step to be executed next (NO in S115), the workflow data and the image data are not transmitted.

  Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the MFP 1 that has received the workflow data and the image data transmitted from another MFP 1 stores the data in the workflow data storage unit 37 and the image data storage unit 36. Record.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S106 that there is no alternative process (NO in S106), a message indicating that the workflow cannot be executed is displayed on the LCD 27 (S111), and the process proceeds to S117.

  In S117, it is determined whether or not a logoff operation has been accepted from the user. If a logoff operation has been accepted (YES in S117), the processing of this flowchart ends, and if a logoff operation has not been accepted (S117). NO), the process returns to S102.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the subroutine process of the step extraction process executed in S103 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In this flowchart, steps to be processed on the operating machine are extracted by the operating user based on step information included in the workflow data. The contents of the process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S201, a step to be processed is determined from steps included in the workflow data. Specifically, the step with the smallest processing number is determined as the processing target from among the steps that have not yet been executed, that is, the steps in which null is recorded as the “step execution date and time”. In the following description, the process number of the step to be processed is represented as n.

  In S202, it is determined whether or not the value of the “execution machine” in step n matches the operating machine (S202). If they do not match (NO in S202), whether or not the value of “execution machine” is null. Is determined (S203). If the value of “execution machine” is not null (NO in S203), the process of this subroutine ends without returning to the main routine of FIG. 7 without extracting a step.

  If the value of the “execution machine” matches the operation machine (YES in S202), or if the value of the “execution machine” is null (YES in S203), the operation user sets the “processing user” in step n. Is included in ("S204"). That the operation user is included in the “processing user” means that the operation user and the value of the “processing user” match or the value of the “processing user” is, for example, an alluser (all users). It means that the user satisfies the condition of “processing user”.

  If the operation user is not included in the “processing user” (NO in S204), the subroutine is terminated without returning to the main routine of FIG.

  When the operation user is included in the “processing user” (YES in S204), step n is added to the extraction step (S205), and it is determined whether n is the final processing number of the step included in the wharf claw. (S207) If n is the final process number (YES in S207), this subroutine process ends and returns to the main routine of FIG.

  If n is not the final process number (NO in S207), 1 is added to n (S206), and the process returns to S202.

  The processing of S202 to S207 is repeated until one of the predetermined conditions for completing the subroutine processing (NO in S203, NO in S204, YES in S204) is satisfied. The subroutine processing ends and returns to the main routine of FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration of an alternative process determination table used for determining an alternative process executed in S106 of the flowchart shown in FIG. In the alternative process determination table, the regular process 48 and the alternative process 49 are recorded in association with each other. The alternative process determination table of FIG. 9 is different from the series of regular processes of “(a) print → (b) stamp → (c) scan → (d) transmission” as “(a ′) image display on LCD 27 → This indicates that there is a series of alternative processes “(b ′) approval operation → (c ′) image composition → (d) transmission”. In S106, the alternative process determination unit 35 refers to the alternative process determination table to determine whether there is an alternative process corresponding to the extraction step (normal process). Note that the alternative processing determination table shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the data storage unit 10.

  With reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8, the details of specific processing performed when the “purchase application workflow” shown in FIG. 6 is executed will be described below.

  First, processing related to the user A will be described below. Referring to FIG. 7, when user A logs in to MFP 1a (YES in S101), selects “purchase application workflow” and presses start key 21 (YES in S102), user A executes in MFP 1a. The power step is extracted from the “purchase application workflow” (S103).

  Moving to the subroutine processing shown in FIG. 8, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, step 1 is first targeted (S201), and the value of the operation machine (MFP 1a) and the “execution machine” (MFP 1a) are equal. If so (YES in S202), the operating user (user A) is included in the “processing user” (alluser) (YES in S204), so step 1 is added to the extraction step (S205).

  Since process number 1 is not the final process number (4) (NO in S207), 1 is added to n and step 2 is targeted (S206), and the value of the operating machine (MFP 1a) and execution machine (MFP 1b) (NO in S202) and the value of the “execution machine” (MFP1b) is not null (NO in S203), the processing of this subroutine ends. By this subroutine processing, step 1 is extracted as an extraction step.

  Returning to the main routine process shown in FIG. 7, after a trouble occurring in the MFP 1a is detected in S104, it is determined whether or not step 1 can be executed in the MFP 1a (S105). Here, since no trouble has occurred in the MFP 1a, it is determined that Step 1 can be executed (YES in S105), and Step 1 is executed (S107).

  In S107, when the user A places a purchase application document on the image reading unit 13 and presses the start key 21, the image reading unit 13 reads the image of the purchase application form. Then, the read image data of the purchase application form is stored in the box B of the MFP 1b, and at the same time, an email requesting processing of the “purchase application workflow” is transmitted to the email address of the user B.

  Next, in S112, the date and time when step 1 was executed is recorded as the “step execution date and time” of step 1, and the “purchase application workflow” workflow data and the purchase application for the MFP 1b which is the “execution machine” of step 2 are recorded. When the user A performs a log-off operation after the read image data of the document is transmitted (S116), the processing related to the user A is terminated.

  Subsequently, processing related to the user B will be described below. Referring to FIG. 7, when user B logs in to MFP 1b (YES in S101), selects “purchase application workflow” and presses start key 21 (YES in S102), it is included in “purchase application workflow”. Among the steps, a process for extracting a step to be executed in the MFP 1b by the user B is performed (S103).

  Moving to the subroutine processing shown in FIG. 8, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, step 2 is first targeted (S201), and the value of the operation machine (MFP 1b) and the “execution machine” (MFP 1b) match. Since the operation user (user B) is included in the value of “processing user” (user B) (YES in S204), step 2 is added to the extraction step (S205).

  Since process number 2 is not the final process number (4) (NO in S207), 1 is added to n and step 3 is targeted (S206), and the values of the operation machine (MFP 1b) and the “execution machine” ( null) (NO in S202), the value of “execution machine” is null (YES in S203), and the operating user (user B) is included in the value of “processing user” (user B). (YES in S204), step 3 is added to the extraction step (S205).

  Since process number 3 is not the final process number (4) (NO in S207), 1 is added to n and step 4 is targeted (S206), and the values of the operation machine (MFP 1b) and the “execution machine” ( MFP 1b) matches (YES in S202), and the operation user (user B) is included in the value of “processing user” (user B) (YES in S204), so step 4 is added to the extraction step (S205). .

  Since the process number 4 is the final process number (4) (YES in S207), the process of this subroutine ends. By this subroutine processing, steps 2 to 4 are extracted as extraction steps.

  Returning to the main routine shown in FIG. 7, the occurrence of a paper jam trouble is detected in the MFP 1b in S104, and it is determined that Steps 2 to 4 cannot be executed due to the trouble (NO in S105).

  Subsequently, in S106, the alternative process determination unit 35 refers to the alternative process determination table (FIG. 9), and it is determined that the alternative process in Steps 2 to 4 exists, and a message notifying the LCD 27 that the alternative process is to be executed is displayed. After the display (S108), a substitute process is executed (S109).

  In S109, the image data of the purchase application form transmitted from the MFP 1a is displayed on the LCD 27, and the user B confirms the image displayed on the LCD 27 and presses an “approval key” displayed on the LCD 27 to perform an approval operation. Then, the image processing unit 14 combines the seal image of the user B at a predetermined position of the image of the purchase application form, and stores the combined image data in the purchase application form folder of the document management server 4. Then, the message set as the “mail body” in step 4 is transmitted to the mail address of user C.

  Subsequently, an email notifying that the substitution process has been executed is sent to the email address of the user C (S110), and the date and time when each step was executed is recorded as the “step execution date and time” in steps 2 to 4. (S112) When the execution history data is transmitted to the MFP 1a which is the “execution machine” in Step 1 (S114) and the user B performs a logoff operation (YES in S117), the processing related to the user B ends.

  Note that description of processing related to the user C is omitted.

  As described above, according to the image processing system 6 of the present embodiment, whether or not a trouble has occurred in the MFP 1 that has received a workflow execution instruction from the user can be detected and whether or not the workflow instructed to execute can be executed. Determine whether. If the workflow cannot be executed, it is determined whether or not there is a substitute process, and if there is, the substitute process is executed.

For this reason, for example, even when regular processing preset in the workflow data cannot be executed due to a trouble occurring in the MFP 1 immediately before the execution instruction of the workflow is performed, the workflow processing can be performed by alternative processing. The workflow can be processed without delay.
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image processing system 6 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10, the image processing system 6 includes a mobile phone 38 as a mobile terminal, MFPs 1a, 1b, and 1c as image processing apparatuses, PCs 2a and 2b as personal computers, an authentication server 3, and a document management server 4. In addition, each device except the mobile phone 38 is connected to each other via a network 5 such as a LAN. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mobile phone 38. The cellular phone 38 includes a CPU 39, a ROM 40, a RAM 41, a data storage unit 42, an operation unit 43, a display unit 44, a wireless telephone transmission / reception unit 45, and a Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 46, which are connected by a bus 47.

  The CPU 39 controls the overall operation of the mobile phone 38, the ROM 40 stores an operation program for the CPU 39, and the RAM 41 serves as a work area when the CPU 39 operates. The data storage unit 42 is an HDD, a flash memory, or the like, and stores workflow data and document data.

  The wireless telephone transmission / reception unit 45 is a communication interface for connecting the mobile phone 38 to a wireless telephone base station (not shown). The mobile phone 38 can send / receive mail, access a WEB server, and send / receive voice via the radio telephone base station via the radio telephone transceiver 45. The Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 46 is a communication interface for communicating with the MFP 1 using the Bluetooth communication method, and the mobile phone 38 can communicate with the MFP 1.

  The display unit 44 is an LCD or the like, and displays a received mail, a web browser screen, and the like. The operation unit 43 includes a hard key and accepts an operation from the user.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration related to workflow processing of the mobile phone 38. The cellular phone 38 includes a workflow data transmission / reception unit 51 that transmits / receives workflow data to / from other devices, an image data transmission / reception unit 56 that transmits / receives image data, and an execution history data transmission / reception unit 53 that transmits / receives workflow execution history. . The workflow data transmission / reception unit 51, the image data transmission / reception unit 56, and the execution history data transmission / reception unit 53 transmit / receive the respective data using Bluetooth communication or wireless telephone communication.

  The cellular phone 38 further includes a control unit 54 that controls the entire cellular phone 38, an image data storage unit 57 that stores image data, a workflow data storage unit 52 that stores workflow data, and a web server. And a WEB browser unit 55.

  Hereinafter, the content of specific processing executed by the image processing system 6 of the present embodiment will be described using the “purchase application workflow” illustrated in FIG. 6 as an example. Since the content of the “purchase application workflow” is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  When the user A logs in to the MFP 1a and presses the workflow key 24a of the operation panel unit 20, the MFP 1a switches to the workflow operation mode, and the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, an executable tab, an executed tab, a detail display key, and a mobile phone reception key are displayed. When the user A selects the executable tab, a list of workflows that can be executed by the user A is displayed. The executed tab, detail display key, and mobile phone reception key will be described later. FIG. 13A shows a state in which the executable tab is selected.

  When the user A selects “purchase application workflow” from the list displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 13A and presses the start key 21, the process of “purchase application workflow” is started. The operation performed by the user A and the processing executed by the MFP 1a in response to the operation are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  After the processing by the user A is completed, the MFP 1a monitors the progress status of the “purchase application workflow”. Whether the MFP 1a has received execution history data for a step after step 1 executed by itself, that is, whether the “step execution date and time” corresponding to step 2 of the workflow data of “purchase application workflow” is null. Whether or not a subsequent step is being executed can be determined based on whether or not.

  Then, when step 2 is not executed (the “step execution date / time” remains null) and the “step deadline date / time” of step 2 has passed, the MFPa1 executes the workflow with the contents set in the workflow data. It cannot be determined, that is, it is determined that an alternative process is necessary.

  If the MFPa1 determines that the substitute process is necessary, the MFP 1a sends "Purchase Application" to the email address (user_b@CP.XXXX.jp) of the mobile phone 38 of the user B set as the "emergency contact" in step 2. A mail for urging the processing of “workflow” (hereinafter, dunning mail) is transmitted. The reminder mail is attached with the read image data of the purchase application form read by the MFP 1a and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow”.

  User B confirming the reminder mail transmitted from MFP 1a with mobile phone 38 executes the “purchase application workflow” process using MFP 1b if MFP 1b can be used. Since the content of the processing when using the MFP 1b is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  On the other hand, if the MFP 1b cannot be used as in the case where the user B is on a business trip, the user B can execute the “purchase application workflow” process using the MFP 1 other than the MFP 1b. Hereinafter, a case where the user B performs processing using the MFP 1c will be described.

  When the user B logs in to the MFP 1c installed at the business trip destination and presses the workflow key 24a to select the executable tab, a list of workflows executable by the user B is displayed on the LCD 27. However, since the workflow data storage unit 37 of the MFP 1c does not store the “purchase application workflow” workflow data at this time, “purchase application workflow” is not displayed in the list.

  Therefore, when the user B presses the mobile phone reception key displayed on the LCD 27, the read image data of the purchase application form transmitted from the MFP 1 a to the mobile phone 38 and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” are received from the mobile phone 38. The data is transferred to the MFP 1c, and each data is stored in the image data storage unit 36 and the workflow data storage unit 37 of the MFP 1c. Then, the “purchase application workflow” key is additionally displayed in the workflow list displayed on the LCD 27.

  Thereafter, when the user B selects “purchase application workflow” and presses the start key 21, the “purchase application workflow” process is resumed in the MFP 1 c. The content of the subsequent processing is the same as the processing executed by the MFP 1b in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  14 and 15 are flowcharts showing the contents of processing executed in the MFP 1. The CPU 7 of the MFP 1 reads a program stored in the ROM 8 and executes the processes of the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15 based on the program.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine processing. Hereinafter, the processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In S301, it is determined whether or not the user authentication is successful. If the authentication is successful (YES in S301), the process proceeds to S302. If the authentication fails (NO in S301), the process returns to S301.

  In S302, it is determined whether or not an alternative process is necessary (S302). If it is determined that an alternative process is necessary (YES in S302), “Emergency Contact” of the next step after the step executed in the past by the own device is performed. After the dunning mail is transmitted to the mail address set as “” (S303), the process returns to S302. The dunning mail is attached with workflow data of a workflow determined to require alternative processing and image data necessary for processing the workflow. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the alternative process is necessary (NO in S302), the process proceeds to S304 without performing the process of S303.

  In S304, it is determined whether or not an instruction to receive a mobile phone is received from the user. If an instruction to receive a mobile phone is received (YES in S304), workflow data and image data are received from the mobile phone 38. (S305), the process returns to S302. If the mobile phone reception instruction has not been received (NO in S304), the process proceeds to S306 without performing the process of S305.

  In S306, it is determined whether or not a workflow execution instruction has been received from the user. If no execution instruction has been received (NO in S306), the process returns to S302. If an execution instruction has been received (YES in S306), the process proceeds to S307. .

In step S <b> 307, it is determined whether the workflow data of the workflow for which the execution instruction has been received is the workflow data received from the mobile phone 38. In the present embodiment, the content of the process for extracting the steps is switched depending on whether the workflow data is received from the mobile phone 38 or not.
If the workflow data is not received from the mobile phone 38 (NO in S307), the same processing as the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is performed (hereinafter, this processing is referred to as step extraction processing A) (S308). On the other hand, if the workflow data is received from the mobile phone 38 (YES in S307), steps are extracted by a process different from the step extraction process A (hereinafter, this process is referred to as a step extraction process B). (S309). The processing contents of the step extraction process B will be described later.

  In S310, the extraction step extracted in S308 or S309 is executed. The contents of the processing executed thereafter in S311 to S316 are the same as the processing executed in S112 to S117 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the subroutine processing of step extraction processing B executed in S309 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The difference from the subroutine processing shown in FIG. 8 is that the “execution machine” value (hereinafter referred to as the “first execution machine”) of the first step of the step to be processed in S402 is stored, and in S403, the first execution machine and In this step, it is determined whether or not the value of the “execution machine” in the step matches. Since the workflow data received from the mobile phone 38 is executed by a device different from the device previously set as the “execution machine” in the workflow data, whether or not the operation machine and the “execution machine” match is determined. Instead, steps are extracted based on whether or not the first execution machine and the “execution machine” match.

  The contents of processing executed in this subroutine will be described below with reference to FIG. In step S401, a target step for extraction processing is determined. The determination method is the same as S201 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In S402, the value of the first execution machine is stored, and in S403, it is determined whether or not the first execution machine and the value of the “execution machine” in step n match each other (NO in S403). It is determined whether or not the value of "is null (S403). If the value of “execution machine” is not null (NO in S403), the subroutine processing is terminated without extracting a step, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

  If the value of the first execution machine and the “execution machine” match (YES in S403), or if the value of the “execution machine” is null (YES in S404), the operating user performs “processing” in step n. It is determined whether or not it is included in “user” (S405).

  If the operating user is not included in the “processing user” (NO in S405), the step is not extracted and the subroutine processing ends and returns to the main routine in FIG.

  When the operation user is included in the “processing user” (YES in S405), step n is added to the extraction step (S406), and it is determined whether or not n is the final processing number (S408). If it is the last processing number (YES in S408), this subroutine processing ends and returns to the main routine of FIG. If n is not the final process number (NO in S408), 1 is added to n (S407), and the process returns to S403.

  The processing of S403 to S408 is repeated until one of the predetermined conditions for completing the subroutine processing is satisfied. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the subroutine processing is ended, and the main routine of FIG. Return.

  With reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15, the contents of specific processing performed when the “purchase application workflow” shown in FIG. 6 is executed will be described below.

  First, processing related to the user A will be described below. Referring to FIG. 14, when user A logs in to MFP 1a (YES in S301), selects “purchase application workflow” and presses start key 21 (YES in S306), the process of step 1 is executed ( When the user A performs a logoff operation (YES in S316), the processes related to the user A are temporarily ended. The contents of the processing executed in S308, S310 to S315 are the same as S103, S107, S112 to S116 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the MFP 1a monitors whether or not step 2 of the “purchase application workflow” is executed by “step deadline date and time” (2 days (see FIG. 6) from the start of workflow execution). Specifically, the MFP 1a monitors whether date / time data is recorded (not null) in the “step execution date / time” by the “step deadline date / time” in step 2. If step 2 has not been executed before the “step deadline date / time”, that is, if the “step execution date / time” remains null at the time of the “step deadline date / time”, the MFP 1a requires an alternative process. Judgment is made (YES in S302).

  Then, the reminder mail is transmitted from the MFP 1a to the “emergency contact” of the user B who is the “processing user” in step 2 (the mail address of the mobile phone 38 of the user B) (S303). The reminder mail is attached with the read image data of the purchase application form read by the MFP 1a and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow”. Thus, the process related to user A ends.

  Processing related to the user B will be described below. Referring to FIG. 14, when user B logs in to MFP 1c (YES in S301) and presses the mobile phone reception key (YES in S304), read image data of the purchase application form transmitted from MFP 1a to mobile phone 38 and The “purchase application workflow” workflow data is transferred from the mobile phone 38 to the MFP 1c (S305).

  Subsequently, when the user B selects “purchase application workflow” and presses the start key 21 (YES in S306), it is determined that “purchase application workflow” is the workflow data received from the mobile phone 38 (in S307). YES), step extraction processing B is performed (S309).

  Moving to the subroutine processing shown in FIG. 15, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 15, step 2 is targeted (S401), and MFP 1b which is the “execution machine” of step 2 is stored as the top execution machine (S402). Since the first execution machine (MFP 1b) and the “execution machine” value (MFP 1b) match (YES in S403), the operating user (user B) is included in the “processing user” value (user B) (in S405). YES), step 2 is added to the extraction step (S406).

  Since process number 2 is not the final process number (4) (NO in S408), 1 is added to n and step 3 is targeted (S407). The first execution machine (MFP 1b) and the execution machine values (null) ) (NO in S403), the value of “execution machine” is null (YES in S404), and the operating user (user B) is included in the value of “processing user” (user B) ( Step 3 is added to the extraction step (S406).

  Since process number 3 is not the final process number (4) (NO in S408), 1 is added to n to target step 4 (S407), and the values of the first execution machine (MFP 1b) and “execution machine” Since (MFP1b) matches (YES in S403) and the operation user (user B) is included in the value of “processing user” (user B) (YES in S404), step 4 is added to the extraction step (S406). ).

  Since the process number 4 is the final process number (4) (YES in S408), the process of this subroutine ends. By this subroutine processing, steps 2 to 4 are extracted as extraction steps.

  Returning to FIG. 14, steps 2 to 4 are executed (S310 to S315), and when user B performs a logoff operation (YES in S316), the processing related to user B ends. The contents of the processes executed in S310 to 315 are the same as the processes executed in S107 and S112 to 116 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Note that description of processing related to the user C is omitted.

As described above, according to the image processing system 6 of the present embodiment, the MFP 1 that has executed the workflow monitors the progress of the subsequent processing of the workflow executed by itself, and if the processing is not executed by a predetermined date and time, Workflow processing can be performed by a device other than a regular device set in advance in the workflow. Therefore, for example, even if the user is on a business trip and cannot use a regular device set in advance in the workflow, the workflow can be processed using the business trip destination device, and the workflow can be processed without delay.
(First modification)
In the second embodiment described above, the MFP 1 automatically determines whether or not alternative processing is necessary by monitoring the progress of the subsequent processing of the workflow executed by itself. On the other hand, in this modified example, the user determines whether or not an alternative process is necessary. If the user determines that an alternative process is necessary, the user himself / herself instructs the alternative process.

  The contents will be described with reference to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 13, when the user logs in to MFP 1 and presses workflow key 24 a of operation panel unit 20, a screen shown in FIG. 13A is displayed on LCD 27. On this screen, an executable tab, an executed tab, a detail display key, and a mobile phone reception key are displayed. In a state where the executable tab is selected (FIG. 13A), a list of workflows that can be executed by the login user is displayed.

  FIG. 13B shows a screen in a state where an executed tab is selected. On this screen, a list of workflows executed in the past by the login user in the MFP 1 is displayed.

  When the logged-in user selects “Purchase Application Workflow” on the screen of FIG. 13B and presses the detail display key, the LCD 27 displays detailed information of “Purchase Application Workflow” as shown in FIG. An alternative processing key is displayed. The detailed information of “purchase application workflow” includes “workflow deadline date / time”, “processing user name”, “step deadline date / time”, and “step execution date / time” of the next step after the step previously executed by the login user. Information.

  The logged-in user can check the subsequent execution status of the “purchase application workflow” that he / she executed in the past by looking at the detailed information displayed on the LCD 27. Then, the login user determines whether or not an alternative process is necessary for the “purchase application workflow” based on the information of “step deadline date” and “step execution date”. When the login user determines that the alternative process is necessary, the login user can instruct the alternative process by pressing the alternative process key.

  In this modification, the determination in S302 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 of the second embodiment is replaced with a determination of “whether or not an instruction for an alternative process has been received from the login user” and an instruction for an alternative process has been received from the user. (YES in S302 of FIG. 14), a reminder mail is sent to the emergency destination (S303).

  According to this modification, the logged-in user can check the subsequent progress information of the workflow that he has executed in the past, and can determine the necessity of the substitute process and instruct the substitute process accordingly. For this reason, for example, when it is desired to advance the workflow processing ahead of the predetermined “step deadline date and time”, it is possible to flexibly respond.

  Note that the determination of S302 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 of the second embodiment is not replaced with the determination of “whether or not an instruction for alternative processing has been received from the login user”, but both determinations may be combined. That is, when the MFP 1 determines that an alternative process is necessary, or when an instruction for an alternative process is received from a login user, a reminder mail may be sent to the emergency destination (S303).

(Second modification)
In the second embodiment, when the user B logs in to the MFP 1c and presses the mobile phone reception key displayed on the LCD 27, the image data of the purchase application form and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” are Transferred from the telephone 38 to the MFP 1c. However, an authentication operation for logging in to the MFP 1c and a data reception instruction operation can be performed from the mobile phone 38. Specifically, the user B performs an input operation of authentication information such as a user name and a password and an instruction to transfer workflow data and image data using the operation unit 43 of the mobile phone 38, and the mobile phone 38 receives the authentication information. It is also possible to transmit the workflow data and the like to the MFP 1c via the Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 46.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system 6 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 16, the image processing system 6 includes a mobile phone 38 as a mobile terminal, MFPs 1a, 1b, and 1c as image processing apparatuses, PCs 2a and 2b as personal computers, an authentication server 3, and a document management server 4. The devices except for the MFP 1c and the mobile phone 38 are connected to each other via a network 5 such as a LAN. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to 1st, 2 embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Hereinafter, the content of specific processing executed by the image processing system 6 of the present embodiment will be described using the “purchase application workflow” illustrated in FIG. 6 as an example. Since the content of the “purchase application workflow” is the same as in the first and second embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

  When the user A determines that the MFP 1a needs a substitute process after executing the “purchase application workflow” in the MFP 1a, a reminder mail is transmitted from the MFP 1a to the mail address of the mobile phone 38 of the user B. Since the contents of these processes are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  User B confirming the reminder mail transmitted from MFP 1a with mobile phone 38 logs in to MFP 1c installed at the business trip destination. The MFP 1c is in a so-called stand-alone state that is not connected to the network 5. Since the MFP 1c cannot perform the authentication process by the authentication server 3, the user B logs in to the MFP 1c using the main body authentication function provided in the MFP 1c. The main body authentication function refers to a function for performing user authentication by comparing authentication information input by the user with user information registered in advance in the MFP 1c.

  User B logs in as user B when his / her user information is registered in MFP 1c. On the other hand, if the user information is not registered in the MFP 1c, the user logs in as a public user. A public user is a user who is given a predetermined authority to temporarily permit the use of the MFP 1 to a user whose user information is not registered.

  In the MFP 1c, when the user B presses the mobile phone reception key, the read image data of the purchase application form transmitted from the MFP 1a to the mobile phone 38 and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” are transferred from the mobile phone 38 to the MFP 1c. The respective data are stored in the image data storage unit 36 and the workflow data storage unit 37 of the MFP 1c. After the data transfer is completed, when the user B instructs to execute the “purchase application workflow”, the purchase application received from the mobile phone 38 is printed by the image forming unit 15 and the user B stamps the purchase application. After that, the image of the purchase application form after the stamping is read by the image reading unit 13. The contents up to the reception of data from the mobile phone 38 and the image reading process executed in the MFP 1c are the same as those in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  When the reading process of the purchase application form after the seal is completed, a mobile phone transmission key is displayed on the LCD 27 of the MFP 1c. When user B presses the mobile phone transmission key, the read image data of the purchase application form after the seal and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” are transferred from the MFP 1 c to the mobile phone 38.

  When the data transfer is completed, a mail notifying that the approval process has been executed in the “purchase application workflow” is transmitted from the mobile phone 38 to the mail address of the user C, and from the mobile phone 38 to the predetermined document management server 4. The read image data of the purchase application form after the seal is stored in the folder.

  17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the contents of processing executed in the MFP 1. The CPU 7 of the MFP 1 reads a program stored in the ROM 8 and executes the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. 17 and 18 based on the program. The following description will focus on parts different from the flowchart described in the second embodiment shown in FIGS.

  In S506, it is determined whether or not a data transmission instruction to the mobile phone 38 is received from the user. When the data transmission instruction is received (YES in S506), image data and workflow data are transmitted from the MFP 1 to the mobile phone 38. (S507), and the process returns to S502. If a data transmission instruction has not been accepted (NO in S506), the process proceeds to S508 without performing the process in S507.

  When a workflow execution instruction is accepted in S508, it is determined whether the workflow data of the workflow for which the execution instruction has been received is received from the mobile phone 38 (S509). (NO in S509) The processing of S510 to S516 is performed, and the process proceeds to S517. The contents of the processes executed in S510 to S516 are the same as the processes in S308 and S310 to S315 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S509 that the workflow data of the workflow for which execution has been instructed is received from the mobile phone 38 (YES in step S509), the steps to be processed in step S518 are extracted (hereinafter, this processing is performed). This is referred to as step extraction process C), the extraction step is executed (S519), the "step execution date" is recorded (S520), the mobile phone transmission key is displayed on the LCD 27 (S521), and the process proceeds to S517.

  If the user's logoff operation is accepted in S517, the flowchart ends, and if not accepted, the process returns to S502.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of the step extraction process C executed in S518 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The difference from the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is that the value of “processing user” (hereinafter referred to as “first processing user”) of the first step of the extraction step is stored (S603), and the operation user is a public user. (YES in S606), it is determined whether or not the value of the “processing user” in the first processing user and the “processing user” at each step matches. If the operating user is not a public user (NO in S606), the flowchart shown in FIG. It is to determine whether or not the operating user is included in the “processing user” of each step in the same manner. If the operation user is a public user, the MFP 1 cannot identify who the operation user is, and cannot compare the operation user with the “processing user”. Steps are extracted based on whether or not “user” matches.

  Since the parts other than the above-described differences are the same as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, the description of the entire processing contents is omitted.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing executed in the mobile phone 38. The CPU 39 of the mobile phone 38 reads a program stored in the ROM 40 and performs the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 19 based on the program. The contents of the process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S701, it is determined whether a data transmission instruction has been received from the MFP1. The data transmission instruction is issued from the MFP 1 to the mobile phone 38 via Bluetooth communication when the mobile phone reception key is pressed in the MFP 1.

  When the data transmission instruction is accepted (YES in S701), the workflow data and the image data required for executing the workflow are transmitted to the MFP 1. If a data transmission instruction has not been received (NO in S701), the process proceeds to S703 without performing the process in S702.

  In step S <b> 703, it is determined whether a data reception instruction has been received from the MFP 1. The data reception instruction is issued from the MFP 1 to the mobile phone 38 via Bluetooth communication when the mobile phone transmission key is pressed in the MFP 1.

  When a data reception instruction is accepted (YES in S703), workflow data and image data are received from the MFP 1 (S704), and the process proceeds to S705. If a data reception instruction has not been received (NO in S703), the process returns to S701.

  In S705, if “output file” is included in the application-specific information of the step that has been executed and has the largest processing number (hereinafter referred to as the final processed step) included in the received workflow data, the received image data Are stored based on the "output file" setting. In step S <b> 706, the message set in the “mail body” of the final processed step is transmitted to the “mail transmission destination” of the final processed step.

  Subsequently, in S707, it is determined whether or not there is an unprocessed step in the workflow data. If there is an unprocessed step (YES in S707), the workflow data and image data received from the MFP 1 are processed. Is transmitted to the “execution machine” of the next step after the final step, and the process proceeds to S709. On the other hand, if there is no unprocessed step (NO in S707), the process proceeds to S709 without performing the process in S708.

  In S709, it is determined whether or not there is a processed step. If there is a processed step (YES in S709), execution history data is transmitted to the “execution machine” of the processed step ( S710), the process returns to S701. If there is no processed step (NO in S709), the process returns to S701 without performing the process of S710.

  With reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 17 to 19, specific processing contents performed when the “purchase application workflow” illustrated in FIG. 6 is executed will be described below.

  When the user A determines that the substitution processing is necessary after the MFP 1a executes the “purchase application workflow” in the MFP 1a, a reminder mail attached with the read image data of the purchase application form and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” is attached. , Sent from MFP 1a to the mail address of mobile phone 38 of user B. Since the content of the process related to the user A is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description is omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 17, when user B logs in to MFP 1c as a public user (YES in S501) and presses the mobile phone reception key (YES in S504), the image of the purchase application form transmitted from MFP 1a to mobile phone 38 is shown. The data and the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” are transferred from the mobile phone 38 to the MFP 1c (S505).

  Subsequently, when the user B selects “purchase application workflow” and presses the start key 21 (YES in S508), it is determined that “purchase application workflow” is the workflow data received from the mobile phone 38 (S509). YES, step extraction processing C is performed (S109).

  Moving to the subroutine processing shown in FIG. 18, step 2 is targeted (S601), MFP 1b which is the “execution machine” in step 2 is stored as the top execution machine (S602), and the user who is the “processing user” in step 2 B is stored as the head process user (S603).

  Then, the top execution machine (MFP 1b) and the execution machine (MFP 1b) match (YES in S604), the operating user is a public user (YES in S606), and the top processing user (user B) and “processing user” Since the value (user B) matches (YES in S607), step 2 is added to the extraction step (S609).

  Since process number 2 is not the final process number (4) (NO in S610), 1 is added to n to target step 3 (S611), and steps 3 and 4 are processed in the same manner as step 2. As a result, after the steps 2 to 4 are extracted as the extraction steps, the processing of this subroutine ends.

  Returning to FIG. 17, steps 2 to 4 are executed (S519). Specifically, after the read image of the purchase application received from the mobile phone 38 is printed and the user B stamps a predetermined position on the printed purchase application, the purchase application after the stamp is read, The read image data is recorded in the image data storage unit 36 of the MFP 1c.

  In S520, the date and time when each of steps 2 to 4 is executed is recorded as the “step execution date and time” of steps 2 to 4, and the mobile phone transmission key is displayed on the LCD 27 (S521).

  When user B presses the mobile phone transmission key (YES in S506), the workflow data of the “purchase application workflow” and the read image data of the purchase application form are transmitted from the MFP 1c to the mobile phone 38.

  Thereafter, when user B performs a logoff operation (YES in S517), the process in MFP 1c ends.

  Hereinafter, processing executed in the mobile phone 38 will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 19, when a data reception instruction is received from MFP 1c via Bluetooth communication (YES in S703), workflow data of “purchase application workflow” and read image data of the purchase application form are received from MFP 1c (s704). The read image data of the received purchase application form is stored in a predetermined folder of the document management server 4 (S705). Then, the message set in the “mail body” in step 4 is transmitted to the mail address of user C (S706).

  Subsequently, execution history data for steps 2 to 4 is transmitted to the MFP 1a which is the “execution machine” of step 1 (S710), and the processing in the mobile phone 38 is terminated.

  As described above, according to the image processing system 6 of the present embodiment, when an alternative process is necessary, a workflow process is performed by an apparatus not connected to the network 5 other than a regular apparatus set in advance in the workflow. Can do. Therefore, for example, even if the user is on a business trip and cannot use a regular device set in the workflow in advance, and there is no device connected to the network 5, the business trip destination device that is not connected to the network 5 Can be used to process the workflow, and the workflow can be processed without delay.

  Also in this embodiment, the first and second modifications in the second embodiment described above can be applied.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system 6 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 20, the image processing system 6 includes a mobile phone 38 as a mobile terminal, MFPs 1a and MFPb1b as image processing apparatuses, PCs 2a and 2b as personal computers, an authentication server 3 and a document management server 4. Each device except the telephone 38 is connected to each other via a network 5 such as a LAN. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to 1st-3rd embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The contents of processing executed by the image processing system 6 of this embodiment will be described below by taking the above-described “purchase application workflow” as an example.

  When the user A determines that an alternative process is necessary after executing the “purchase application workflow” in the MFP 1a, the MFP 1a accesses the WEB server unit 50 provided in the MFP 1a to the mail address of the mobile phone 38 of the user B. A mail for notifying a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) (hereinafter referred to as URL notification mail) is transmitted.

  When the user B who has confirmed the URL notification mail transmitted from the MFP 1 a with the mobile phone 38 accesses the URL notified using the WEB browser function of the mobile phone 38, the purchase application form is displayed on the display unit 44 of the mobile phone 38. An image and a key for performing an approval operation are displayed. After confirming the image of the purchase application displayed on the display unit 44, the user B performs an approval operation using the hard key of the operation unit 43.

  In response to the approval operation of the user B, the MFP 1a combines the seal image of the user B previously registered in the MFP 1a at a predetermined position of the image data of the purchase application form, and then combines it with a predetermined folder of the document management server 4. Later image data is stored. Further, an email notifying that the approval process has been executed in the “purchase application workflow” and that the approval process has been executed using the WEB server unit 50 of the MFP 1a is transmitted to the mail address of the user C.

  21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the contents of processing executed by the MFP 1 of the present embodiment. The CPU 7 of the MFP 1 reads a program stored in the ROM 8 and executes the processes of the flowcharts of FIGS. 21 and 22 based on the program. The contents of the processing will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The following description will focus on processing different from the flowchart described in the second embodiment shown in FIGS.

  In S801, it is determined whether or not access to the WEB server unit 50 by the mobile phone 38 is accepted. If access to the WEB server unit 50 is not accepted (NO in S801), the process proceeds to S802. In S802, it is determined whether or not the user authentication is successful. If the authentication is successful (YES in S802), the process proceeds to S803. If the authentication fails (NO in S802), the process returns to S801.

  In step S803, it is determined whether a substitute process is necessary. Since the contents of the determination are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted. If it is determined that the substitution process is not necessary (NO in S803), it is determined whether an instruction to execute the workflow has been accepted (S804).

  If an execution instruction has not been received (NO in S804), the process returns to S803. If an execution instruction has been received (YES in S804), the processes of S805 to S812 are executed. The contents of the processes executed in S805 to S812 are the same as the processes in S510 to S517 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in S803 that an alternative process is necessary (YES in S803), a process of extracting a step to be processed is performed (S813. Hereinafter, this process is referred to as “step extraction process D”). The process executed in S813 will be described later.

  Subsequently, in S814, it is determined whether there is an alternative process using the WEB server unit 50 for the step extracted in S813. If an alternative process exists (YES in S814), it is extracted in S813. A URL notification mail for notifying the URL for accessing the WEB server unit 50 of the MFP 1 is transmitted to the mail address set in the “emergency contact” of the step having the smallest processing number in the extraction step (S815). ). If there is no alternative process (NO in S814), the process returns to S803 without performing the process of S815.

  If it is determined in S801 that access to the WEB server unit 50 is received from the mobile phone 38 (YES in S801), step extraction processing D is performed (S816), and the WEB server unit 50 for the extracted step is used. It is determined whether or not an alternative process exists (S817). If an alternative process exists (YES in S817), the alternative process using the WEB server unit 50 is executed (S818), and the process proceeds to S819. If there is no alternative process (NO in S817), the process returns to S801 without performing the process of S818.

  In S819, after a mail notifying that the substitute processing by the WEB server unit 50 has been executed is transmitted to the mail address set in the “mail communication destination” of the executed step, “step execution date / time” is recorded. (S820). In S821, it is determined whether or not there is a step executed before the extraction step. If there is a previous step (YES in S821), execution history data is transmitted to the “execution machine” of that step. Later (S822), the process returns to S801. On the other hand, if there is no previous step (NO in S812), the execution history data is not transmitted and the process returns to S801.

  In the determination of the substitute process performed in S814 and 817, a table similar to the substitute process determination table shown in FIG. 9 is referred to, and the substitute process using the WEB server unit 50 corresponding to the extraction step (regular process). It is determined whether or not there exists.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the step extraction process D executed in S813 and S816 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 is different from the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 according to whether or not the operation user has logged in as a public user (S606). Although switching has been performed (S607, 608), in this flowchart, it is always determined whether or not the value of “processing user” matches the top processing user (S906). Therefore, the description of the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 is omitted.

  With reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 21 and 22, the details of specific processing performed when the “purchase application workflow” illustrated in FIG. 6 is executed will be described below.

  After the user A executes the “purchase application workflow” in the MFP 1a, if the MFP 1a determines that the substitution process is necessary (S803), after the steps 2 to 4 are extracted by the step extraction process D, the steps 2 to 4 are performed. It is determined that there is an alternative process using the WEB server unit 50 (YES in S814), and a URL notification mail is transmitted to the mail address of the mobile phone 38 of the user B that is the “emergency contact” in Step 2 (S815). .

  When the user B who has confirmed the URL notification mail transmitted from the MFP 1a with the mobile phone 38 accesses the URL indicated in the URL notification mail using the WEB browser function of the mobile phone 38 (YES in S801), the MFP 1a performs the step An extraction process D is performed to extract steps 2 to 4 (S810).

  Subsequently, it is determined that there is an alternative process using the WEB server unit 50 for steps 2 to 4 (YES in S817), and the alternative process using the WEB server unit 50 is executed (S818). Specifically, an image of the purchase application form and an approval key for performing an approval operation are displayed on the display unit 44 of the mobile phone 38 of the user B, and an image of the purchase application form displayed on the display unit 44 by the user B After confirming the above, when the approval process is performed by operating the hard key of the operation unit 43, the MFP 1a synthesizes the seal image data of the user B previously stored in the MFP 1a at a predetermined position of the image data of the purchase application form. Thereafter, the combined image data is stored in a predetermined folder of the document management server 4. In addition, the message set in the “mail body” is transmitted to the mail address of the user C who is the “mail notification destination” in step 4.

  Subsequently, a mail notifying that the alternative processing by the WEB server unit 50 has been executed is transmitted to the mail address of the user C who is the “mail notification destination” in step 4 (S819), and “step execution” in steps 2 to 4 is performed. The date and time when each step was executed is recorded as “date and time” (S820).

  As described above, according to the image processing system 6 of the present embodiment, when an alternative process is necessary, it is determined whether there is an alternative process using the WEB server function. An alternative process can be executed by accessing the WEB server of the MFP 1.

  Therefore, for example, even when the user is on a business trip and there is no MFP 1 that can be used nearby, workflow processing can be performed using the mobile phone 38, and walk flow processing can proceed without delay.

(First modification)
In the above-described fourth embodiment, the MFP 1a includes the WEB server unit 50, and when it is determined that an alternative process is necessary, an e-mail notifying the URL for accessing the WEB server unit 50 is transmitted to the mobile phone 38. An operation for the workflow was accepted by accessing the URL notified using the WEB browser function of the mobile phone 38. However, the MFP 1a is provided with a public switched telephone network I / F for connecting to the public switched telephone network, and when it is determined that an alternative process is required, an email notifying the own telephone number is transmitted to the mobile phone 38, A call may be made to the notified telephone number from the mobile phone 38, and an operation for the workflow may be received by voice operation using voice or a hard key push sound.

  Note that the first modification of the second embodiment described above can also be applied to this embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 1 is exemplified as the image processing apparatus. However, the image processing apparatus is not limited to the MFP 1, and any apparatus that handles image processing such as a scanner, a printer, and a facsimile apparatus can be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mobile phone 38 is exemplified as the mobile terminal. However, the mobile terminal is not limited to the mobile phone 38, but includes all portable information devices such as mobile PCs and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). Can be used.

  Moreover, the content of disclosed embodiment is an illustration in all the points, Comprising: It should be thought that it is not restrictive.

1 Multi Function Peripheral (MFP)
2 Personal computer (PC)
3 Authentication server 4 Document management server 5 Network 6 Image processing system 11 Operation unit 12 Display unit 13 Image reading unit 14 Image processing unit 15 Image forming unit 18 Bluetooth transmission / reception unit 20 Operation panel unit 29 Workflow data transmission / reception unit 30 Image data transmission / reception unit 31 Execution history data transmission / reception unit 32 Step extraction unit 33 Trouble detection unit 34 Execution determination unit 35 Alternative processing determination unit 36 Image data storage unit 37 Workflow data storage unit 49 Execution control unit 50 WEB server unit

Claims (9)

An image processing system including a plurality of image processing apparatuses and executing a workflow including three or more steps,
One of the plurality of steps includes a first processing content of the one step and a first image processing device of the plurality of image processing devices that executes the first step in advance. Set,
A determination means for determining whether or not the first processing content can be executed by the first image processing apparatus before the execution of the first step;
When the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be executed, instead of the first step, at least one of the first processing content and the first image processing apparatus executes an alternative process. An image processing system. An execution time limit is set in advance in step 1 above.
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be executed when the first step is not executed before the execution deadline. A trouble detecting means for detecting trouble occurring in the first image processing apparatus;
The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be performed when a trouble related to the first processing content occurs in the first image processing apparatus. .   4. The substitute processing according to claim 3, wherein when the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be executed, the first image processing apparatus executes an alternative process having a content different from the first process content. 5. Image processing system.   The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of image processing apparatuses is an image forming apparatus having a printer unit. In the one step, an address of a portable terminal corresponding to a user who gives an instruction to execute the one step is set.
When the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be performed, the first data for executing the first step is transmitted to the portable terminal, and the first data is transmitted to the portable terminal. To the second image processing apparatus different from the first image processing apparatus, and the second image processing apparatus executes the substitution process based on the first data. The image processing system described in 1.   After the substitution process is executed based on the first data in the second image processing apparatus, second data for executing a subsequent step of the first step is obtained from the second image processing apparatus. The image according to claim 6, wherein the image is transmitted to the portable terminal, and the second data is transmitted from the portable terminal to a third image processing apparatus set corresponding to a step subsequent to the first step. Processing system.   The first data includes workflow data in which the first processing content and settings of the first image processing apparatus are described, and image data to be processed by the first processing content. 8. The image processing system according to 6 or 7. The fourth image processing apparatus that has executed the preceding step of the first step includes a WEB server unit,
In the one step, an address of a portable terminal corresponding to a user who gives an instruction to execute the one step is set.
When the determination unit determines that the first step cannot be performed, the fourth image processing apparatus transmits a WEB address for accessing the WEB server unit to the mobile terminal. 3. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein an alternative process using a WEB server unit different from the first processing content is executed in response to an access to the WEB server unit from.

Images