JP2018156490A - Image processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device having an operation device unauthorized to constantly start an application in which the application to be executed by the operation device can execute predetermined processing in response to notification from the outside.SOLUTION: In an image processing device including an operation device which executes a first program and an execution device which executes image processing, the first program causes the operation device to function as: program control means for receiving processing information to be notified from an external device to the first program, and for causing the execution device to execute a second program for notifying the first program of the processing information; program information registration means for registering registration information related to the second program in a control system which controls the operation device such that the first program can receive the processing information to be notified from the second program; and processing execution means for executing predetermined processing in accordance with the processing information notified from the second program.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

  For example, an operation panel (operation device) that operates on a power-saving OS (Operating System) such as Android (registered trademark) is employed in an image processing device having functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copy, and a facsimile. There is something.

  In addition, in an information terminal that activates an application in response to an intent notification, there is a technology that suppresses intent notification according to the setting of whether to suppress notification to the application when the information terminal is in a power saving state. It is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  For example, in an image processing apparatus having an operation device that operates on an Android OS and an execution device that is connected to the operation device and executes image processing, various operation programs (hereinafter referred to as applications) are executed on the operation device side. It is possible. For example, an application that executes a workflow in which a plurality of processes are defined (hereinafter referred to as a workflow application) or the like can be executed on the operation device side of the image processing apparatus.

  However, in the Android OS, the application is not always allowed to start, and the OS may forcibly end the application depending on, for example, the state of the memory. In such a case, for example, the workflow application cannot receive workflow information notified from a server device or the like, and cannot synchronize (update) the workflow.

  As described above, according to the conventional technology, in an image processing apparatus having an operation device that is not permitted to always start an app, an application executed on the operation device cannot execute a predetermined process in response to a notification from the outside. There's a problem.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image processing apparatus having an operation device that is not permitted to always start an app, an app executed on the operation device is notified from the outside. Accordingly, a predetermined process can be executed.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an operating device that executes a first program that performs predetermined processing, and an execution device that is connected to the operating device and executes image processing. The first program receives processing information related to the predetermined processing notified from the external device to the first program, and notifies the first program of the processing information. Controlling the operating device so that the first program can receive program control means for causing the execution device to execute the second program to be executed and the processing information notified from the second program. Program information registration means for registering registration information related to the second program in the control system, and the processing information notified from the second program Accordingly, a process execution means for executing the predetermined processing, as to function the operating device.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, in an image processing apparatus having an operation device that is not permitted to always start an app, an app executed on the operation device can execute a predetermined process in response to a notification from the outside. It becomes like this.

It is a figure showing an example of composition of an information processing system concerning one embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a functional configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the image of an example of the manifest file which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the process at the time of the installation which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of a process of the information processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows another example of a process of the information processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process of the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes, for example, an image forming apparatus 110, a server apparatus 120, a fax transmission apparatus 140 (an example of an external apparatus), and the like.

  The image forming apparatus 110 is an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having an image processing function such as a printer, a scanner, a copy, and a facsimile. The image forming apparatus 110 includes a main body 112 that executes image processing, and an operation unit 111 that is connected to the main body 112. The image forming apparatus 110 is an example of an image processing apparatus.

  The main body (execution device) 112 executes image processing in response to a request from the user for an operation on the operation unit 111 or a workflow application (hereinafter referred to as a workflow application) executed by the operation unit 111, for example. . For example, a user's operation on the operation unit 111 is requested to execute a workflow in which image processing is performed on image data obtained by scanning a document with a scanner and the image is transmitted by e-mail or the like. Shall. In this case, the workflow application requests the main body 112 to execute a scan in response to the request, and the main body 112 operates the scanner in response to the request to read the document, acquires the image data, and operates. Send to part 111.

  An operation unit (operation device) 111 is an information processing device that is communicably connected to the main body 112 through a communication path and displays an operation screen of the image forming apparatus 110 on an operation panel such as a touch panel display.

  The operation unit 111 is controlled by an OS (Operating System) such as Android (registered trademark), for example, and executes a workflow application that executes a predetermined process based on a workflow in which a plurality of processes are defined. The workflow application is an example of an application program (hereinafter referred to as an application) executed by the operation unit 111.

  For example, a workflow defines a predetermined process by combining a plurality of processes (plug-ins) such as an input process, an image conversion process, a folder distribution process, and a mail distribution process for data to be processed such as image data. Is.

  The workflow application, for example, a series of processes such as conversion, printing, distribution, etc., on the image data received by the image forming apparatus 110 by fax according to the workflow information (hereinafter referred to as WF information) notified from the server device 120 or the like. Can be executed together.

  The server apparatus 120 is, for example, an information processing apparatus that can communicate with the image forming apparatus 110 via a network 130 such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network), or a system that includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

  The server device 120 manages the above-described WF information. For example, when the WF information is updated, added, or deleted, the server device 120 transmits a synchronization request for requesting the workflow application to update the WF information. Thereby, the workflow application of the image forming apparatus 110 can execute the workflow based on the latest WF information. Further, instead of causing the image forming apparatus 110 or the operation unit 111 to execute each process of the workflow, the server apparatus 120 receives image data from these and executes a series of processes such as conversion, printing, and distribution. it can. The server apparatus 120 has a function of executing each process for that purpose, and can also create WF information for performing a series of processes in cooperation with processes that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 110 or the operation unit 111.

  The fax transmission apparatus 140 is, for example, another image forming apparatus capable of fax transmission to the image forming apparatus 110 via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) line 150 or the like, or an electronic device such as a facsimile apparatus. The fax transmission apparatus 140 is an example of an external apparatus that can communicate with the image forming apparatus 110.

  In the above configuration, the workflow application executed by the operation unit 111 of the image forming apparatus 110 is based on the WF information notified from the server apparatus 120, for example, with a predetermined workflow (predetermined processing) triggered by fax reception. ).

  However, the Android OS that controls the operation unit 111 does not always allow the application executed on the operation unit 111 to be activated. For this reason, the Android OS may automatically terminate the workflow application or the like being executed on the operation unit 111 depending on, for example, the state of the memory. In such a case, the workflow application cannot receive notifications such as WF information notified from the server device 120.

  When the workflow is selected by the user via the operation unit 111 and executed according to the execution instruction, the user uses the workflow application using the operation unit 111, and thus the workflow application is activated. There is no state that is not. On the other hand, when the reception of a fax is triggered, the reception of the fax is performed by the main body of the image forming apparatus and does not need to be performed via the operation unit 111. Therefore, the workflow application may not be activated at that time.

  Therefore, when the workflow application according to the present embodiment is installed in the operation unit 111 or the like, the main body 112 receives WF information notified from the server device 120 to the workflow application and registers a servlet to be notified to the workflow application. And let it run.

  In addition, the workflow application registers registration information about the servlet in the Android OS so that the processing information notified from the servlet can be received when the workflow application is installed in the operation unit 111 or the like. For example, the workflow application registers a service for receiving WF information notified from the servlet to the workflow application and information defining the received information in a manifest file of the workflow application managed by the Android OS.

  Thereby, even when the workflow application is not activated, the servlet can receive the WF information notified from the server apparatus 120 to the workflow application, and can notify the workflow application. At this time, if the workflow application is not activated, the service registered in the Android OS activates the workflow application, so that the workflow application can receive the WF information notified from the servlet.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the workflow application executed by the operation unit 111 executes the workflow based on the latest WF information notified from the server device 120 even when the workflow application is terminated by the Android OS, for example. Will be able to.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus (image processing apparatus) 110 including the operation unit (operation device) 111 that is not permitted to always start the application, the application executed by the operation unit 111 is externally applied. A predetermined process can be executed in response to the notification.

  In addition, the system of the information processing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. For example, the server apparatus 120 may be an information terminal that notifies the operation unit 111 of predetermined information, another image forming apparatus 110, or the like.

  In addition, the fax transmission apparatus 140 is not essential, and an application executed by the workflow application may start the workflow in response to another process such as a scan operation in the image forming apparatus 110, for example.

  Furthermore, the Android OS is an example of an OS that is not permitted to always start an application. For example, the Android OS may be another OS such as iOS (registered trademark).

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. An image forming apparatus 110 that is an example of an image processing apparatus includes, for example, a main body 112 that realizes various image processing functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function, and an operation unit 111 that executes a workflow application. Prepare. The main body 112 and the operation unit 111 are connected to each other via a dedicated communication path 220 so that they can communicate with each other. The communication path 220 may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but may be of any standard regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.

  The main body 112 can execute various processes in accordance with control from the operation unit 111. Further, the main body 112 can communicate with, for example, an external device such as a fax transmission device 140 or an information terminal, and can perform an operation according to an instruction received from the external device.

(Hardware configuration of the main unit)
First, the hardware configuration of the main body 112 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 112 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213, a storage unit 214, a communication I / F (Interface) 215, It includes a connection I / F 216, an engine unit 217, a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as FCU) 218, a system bus 219, and the like.

  The CPU 211 comprehensively controls the operation of the main body 112. The CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the main body 112 by executing a program stored in the ROM 212 or the storage unit 214 using the RAM 213 as a work area (work area).

  The ROM 212 is, for example, a non-volatile memory that stores a basic input / output system (BIOS) executed when the main body 112 is started, various settings, and the like. The RAM 213 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 211. The storage unit 214 is a non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, an OS, application programs, various data, and the like, and includes, for example, an HDD, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

  The communication I / F 215 is a network interface for connecting the main body 112 to the network 130 and communicating with the server device 120 and the like connected to the network 130. The connection I / F 216 is an interface for communicating with the operation unit 111 via the communication path 220.

  The engine unit 217 is hardware that performs processing other than general-purpose information processing and communication for realizing functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, and a printer function. The engine unit 217 includes, for example, a scanner that scans and reads an image of a document, and a plotter that performs printing on a sheet material such as paper.

  The FCU 218 transmits and receives fax data. A system bus 219 is connected to each of the above components, and transmits an address signal, a data signal, various control signals, and the like.

(Hardware configuration of operation unit)
Next, the hardware configuration of the operation unit 111 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 111 has a general computer configuration, and includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, flash memory 204, operation panel 205, connection I / F 206, external connection I / F 207, And a system bus 208 and the like.

  The CPU 201 comprehensively controls the operation of the operation unit 111. The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the operation unit 111 by executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or the flash memory 204 using the RAM 203 as a work area.

  The ROM 202 is, for example, a non-volatile memory that stores a BIOS executed when the operation unit 111 is activated, various settings, and the like. The RAM 203 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 201. The flash memory 204 is a non-volatile storage device that stores, for example, an OS, application programs, various data, and the like.

  The operation panel 205 accepts various inputs according to user operations and displays various information. The operation panel 205 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a touch panel function, but is not limited thereto. The operation panel 205 may be composed of, for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device equipped with a touch panel function. Further, the operation panel 205 can be provided with an operation unit such as a hardware key or a display unit such as a lamp in addition to or instead of this.

  The connection I / F 206 is an interface for communicating with the main body 112 via the communication path 220. The external connection I / F 207 is an interface such as a USB for connecting the storage medium 209 such as a USB memory to the operation unit 111, for example. A system bus 208 is connected to each of the above components, and transmits an address signal, a data signal, various control signals, and the like.

[First Embodiment]
<Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

(Function configuration of the operation unit)
The operation unit 111 implements, for example, the application 310, the control system 320, the storage unit 330, and the like by executing a program with the CPU 201 in FIG.

  The control system 320 is realized by, for example, an operating system such as an Android OS executed by the CPU 201 in FIG. 2, and comprehensively controls the execution environment of the Android application. The Android OS is an example of an OS that is not permitted to always start an application. The Android application is an example of an application that is executed by an OS that does not allow the application to be constantly activated.

  The intent management unit 321 included in the control system 320 receives an intent (notification information) notified from the main body 112 based on the registration information of the workflow application 311 registered in the manifest file 331 stored in the storage unit 330. The application 310 is notified.

  The manifest file (Androidmanifest.xml) 331 is a file in which registration information related to the workflow application 311 that is an Android application is described in, for example, an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manifest file according to the first embodiment.
The manifest file 331 includes, for example, a “receiver element” 420 that defines a broadcast receiver used in the workflow application 311. The broadcast receiver is an interface for an Android application to receive an intent notified from the Android OS.

  The “receiver element” 420 includes, for example, information 421 that defines the intent receiving unit 312 that is a broadcast receiver of the application 310, information such as an intent filter (intent-filter) 422. The intent filter 422 includes information defining an action type that activates the broadcast receiver.

  Based on such information, when the intent management unit 321 is notified of an intent corresponding to the action type defined in the intent filter 422 from the main body 112, the intent reception unit 312 that is a corresponding broadcast receiver. Notify the intent.

  The manifest file 331 includes, for example, a “service element” 410 that defines a service used by the application 310.

  The “service element” 410 includes information 411 that defines a processing information receiving unit 313 that is a service that receives an event (processing information or the like) notified from the servlet 340 that is a program executed in the main body 112. Further, the “service element” 410 includes information such as an intent filter (intent-filter) 412 that defines an action type for starting a service.

  Based on this information, when an event (processing information or the like) corresponding to the action type defined in the intent filter 412 is notified from the servlet 340 to the operation unit 111, the event is notified to the processing information receiving unit 313. The

  Here, returning to FIG. 3, the description of the functional configuration of the operation unit 111 is continued.

  The application 310 includes a workflow application 311, an intent receiving unit 312, a processing information receiving unit 313, and the like.

  The workflow application (first program) 311 is, for example, an Android application executed on the Android OS, and includes an application information registration unit 314, a process execution unit 315, a servlet control unit 316, and the like.

  The servlet control unit (program control unit) 316 causes the main body 112 to execute the servlet (second program) 340, for example, when the workflow application 311 is installed in the operation unit 111. For example, the servlet control unit 316 has a compressed servlet 340 file in advance, registers the decompressed servlet 340 in the main body 112, and activates it.

  Note that the number of servlets 340 that the servlet control unit 316 executes on the main body 112 may be two or more. For example, the servlet control unit 316 may cause the main body 112 to execute a plurality of servlets 340 corresponding to different types of processing information notified from the server device 120 or different URLs for each server device 120.

  The application information registration unit (program information registration unit) 314 registers information related to the servlet 340 so that the workflow application 311 can receive an event (processing information or the like) notified from the servlet 340 executed in the main body 112. Is registered in the control system 320. For example, the application information registration unit 314 requests the control system 320 to register the “service element” 410 of the workflow application 311 in the manifest file 331 described above.

  As a result, the workflow application 311 can use the processing information receiving unit 313 which is a service for receiving an event notified from the servlet 340.

  The application information registration unit 314 also relates to a predetermined event so that the workflow application 311 can receive an intent (notification information) notified from the main body 112 when a predetermined event occurs in the main body 112. Registration information is registered in the control system 320. For example, the application information registration unit 314 requests the control system 320 to register the “receiver element” 420 of the workflow application 311 in the manifest file 331 described above.

  Accordingly, the workflow application 311 can use the intent receiving unit 312 that receives the intent notified from the main body 112.

  A process execution unit (process execution unit) 315 executes a workflow according to WF information (process information) received by the servlet 340 from the server apparatus 120 and notified from the servlet 340 to the workflow application 311.

  The intent receiving unit 312 is a broadcast receiver that receives an intent (notification information) notified from the intent management unit 321 in accordance with the manifest file 331. The intent receiving unit 312 can receive an intent for the workflow application 311 even when the workflow application 311 is not activated. In addition, when the intent receiving unit 312 receives an intent for the workflow application 311, if the workflow application 311 is not activated, the intent receiving unit 312 activates the workflow application 311.

  The processing information receiving unit 313 is a service that receives an event notified from the servlet 340 (for example, a synchronization request for requesting update of WF information). The processing information receiving unit 313 can receive an event for the workflow application 311 even when the workflow application 311 is not activated. Further, when the process information reception unit 313 receives an event for the workflow application 311, if the workflow application 311 is not activated, the processing information reception unit 313 activates the workflow application 311.

  The storage unit 330 is realized by, for example, the OS executed by the flash memory 204 in FIG. 2 and the CPU 201 in FIG. 2, and stores various data and information such as the manifest file 331.

(Functional structure of the main unit)
The main body 112 implements, for example, a servlet 340, a state control unit 350, a fax transmission / reception unit 360, an image processing unit 370, a storage unit 380, and the like by executing a program with the CPU 211 in FIG.

  A servlet (second program) 340 is a program executed by the main body 112 corresponding to the workflow application 311 executed by the operation unit 111, and causes the main body 112 to function as a reception unit 341 and a notification unit 342.

  The accepting unit 341 accepts processing information transmitted from the server device 120 to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) corresponding to the workflow application 311. Examples of processing information transmitted from the server device 120 include information such as a synchronization request for requesting update of WF information and a log acquisition request for requesting log acquisition.

  The notification unit 342 notifies the workflow application of the processing information that the reception unit 341 has received from the server device 120.

  When notifying the operation unit 111 of an intent or event, the state control unit (state control unit) 350 activates the operation unit 111 (for example, from the power saving mode to the normal mode). ).

  For example, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 controls the FCU 218 in FIG. 2 to perform fax transmission / reception. For example, when the fax transmission / reception unit 360 receives fax data transmitted from the fax transmission apparatus 140, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 stores the received fax data in the storage unit 380 and generates an intent (notification information) indicating that the fax has been received in the workflow. Notify the application 311.

  For example, the image processing unit 370 controls the engine unit 217 in FIG. 2 to perform image forming processing such as scanning, copying, and printing.

  The storage unit 330 is realized by, for example, the OS executed by the storage unit 214 in FIG. 2 and the CPU 211 in FIG. 2, and stores various data and information such as fax data, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the OS on the operation unit 111 side and the OS on the main body 112 side are different from each other. That is, the operation unit 111 and the main body 112 side operate independently with different OSs. For example, as described above, the OS on the operation unit 111 side operates on an OS that is not permitted to always start an application, such as an Android OS. On the other hand, the OS on the main body 112 side operates, for example, with an OS such as Linux (registered trademark) or NetBSD (registered trademark) that is allowed to always start an application.

  Therefore, even when the workflow application 311 on the operation unit 111 side is not activated, the servlet 340 on the main body side can accept an event notified from the server device 120.

<Process flow>
Subsequently, a flow of processing of the information processing method in the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

(Processing during installation)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing at the time of installation according to the first embodiment. This process is an example of a process executed when the workflow application 311 is installed in the operation unit 111.

  In step S <b> 501, for example, the administrator of the image forming apparatus 110 installs the workflow application 311 in the operation unit 111. For example, the administrator or the like connects the storage medium 209 storing the installation program of the workflow application 311 to the external connection I / F 207 of FIG. 2 and executes the installation process of the workflow application 311. As a result, the workflow application 311 is installed in the operation unit 111 and executes the processing from step 502 onward.

  In step S <b> 502, the application information registration unit 314 registers registration information related to the servlet 340 in the control system 320 so that the workflow application 311 can receive an event (processing information or the like) notified from the servlet 340. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the application information registration unit 314 registers registration information such as the information 411 that defines the processing information reception unit 313 and the intent filter 412 in the “service element” 410 of the manifest file 331. .

  As a result, the workflow application 311 can receive processing information and the like notified from the servlet 340 via the processing information receiving unit 313 that is a registered service.

  In step S503, the application information registration unit 314 registers registration information related to a predetermined event so that the workflow application 311 can receive an intent notified from the main body 112 when the predetermined event occurs in the main body 112. Is registered in the control system 320. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the application information registration unit 314 registers registration information such as the information 421 defining the intent reception unit 312 and the intent filter 422 in the “receiver element” 420 of the manifest file 331. .

  Accordingly, the workflow application 311 can receive an intent notified from the main body 112 via the intent receiving unit 312 that is a broadcast receiver when a predetermined event occurs in the main body 112. .

  Note that the process of step S503 may be performed before the process of step S502, or may be performed simultaneously with the process of step S502.

  In step S <b> 504, the servlet control unit 316 of the workflow application 311 registers the servlet 340 in the main body 112. For example, the servlet control unit 316 decompresses the compressed file of the servlet 340 stored in advance and stores it in the storage unit 380 of the main body 112 or the like. Further, installation processing of the servlet 340 on the main body 112 is performed as necessary.

  In step S505, the servlet control unit 316 of the workflow application 311 activates the servlet 340 registered in the main body 112.

  Through the above processing, the workflow application 311 can receive notification information notified from the main body 112, processing information notified from the servlet 340, and the like even when the workflow application 311 is not activated.

(Processing 1 of information processing system)
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. This process is an example of a process when the server apparatus 120 notifies the workflow application 311 of WF information in which a workflow to be executed when fax reception is defined, and the workflow application 311 executes the workflow when triggered by fax reception. Is shown.

  It is assumed that the intent filter 412 is registered in the manifest file 331 so that the processing information receiving unit 313 can receive the synchronization request notified from the servlet 340.

  Also, it is assumed that the intent filter 422 is registered in the manifest file 331 so that the intent receiving unit 312 can receive a fax reception notification notified from the main body 112.

  In step S <b> 601, the server apparatus 120 transmits a synchronization request including WF information in which a workflow to be executed upon reception of a fax is defined to a preset URL of the workflow application 311.

  In step S <b> 602, the reception unit 341 of the servlet 340 executed in the main body 112 receives a synchronization request transmitted to the URL of the workflow application 311. In addition, the notification unit 342 of the servlet 340 notifies the received synchronization request to the processing information reception unit 313.

  In step S603, when the workflow application 311 is not activated, the processing information receiving unit 313 of the operation unit 111 activates the workflow application 311 to notify the synchronization request notified from the servlet 340. Note that when the workflow application 311 is activated, the process of step S603 can be omitted.

  In step S <b> 604, the processing information reception unit 313 of the operation unit 111 notifies the workflow application 311 of the synchronization request notified from the servlet 340.

  In step S604, the workflow application 311 updates the workflow using the WF information included in the notified synchronization request. For example, if the WF information included in the notified synchronization request defines a new workflow, the workflow application 311 newly registers the workflow defined by the WF information. If the WF information included in the notified synchronization request is for updating a registered workflow, the workflow application 311 updates the registered workflow using the WF information.

  Here, it is assumed that the WF information included in the synchronization request defines a workflow for executing a predetermined process when a fax is received.

  In step S <b> 606, it is assumed that the fax transmission apparatus 140 transmits a fax to the image forming apparatus 110.

  In step S <b> 607, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 of the main body 112 receives the fax transmitted from the fax transmission apparatus 140.

  In step S <b> 608, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 adds a job ID, for example, to the received fax data and stores the job data in the storage unit 380.

  In step S <b> 609, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 notifies the control system 320 of the operation unit 111 of a fax reception notification indicating that the fax has been received. The fax reception notification includes the job ID assigned to the fax data stored in the storage unit 380.

  In step S610, the intent management unit 321 of the control system 320 confirms that the notified fax reception notification is registered in the intent filter 422 of the intent reception unit 312, and receives the fax reception notification as an intent. Notification to the unit 312.

  In step S611, when the workflow application 311 is not activated, the intent receiving unit 312 of the operation unit 111 activates the workflow application 311 to notify the fax reception notification notified from the control system 320. Note that when the workflow application 311 is activated, the process of step S611 can be omitted.

  In step S <b> 612, the intent receiving unit 312 of the operation unit 111 notifies the workflow application 311 of the fax reception notification notified from the control system 320. As a result, the workflow application 311 starts execution of the workflow that is updated in step S605 and that executes predetermined processing triggered by fax reception.

  For example, in step S 613, the workflow application 311 acquires fax data corresponding to the job ID included in the fax reception notification from the storage unit 380 of the main body 112.

  In step S614, the workflow application 311 sequentially executes the processes defined in the workflow using the acquired fax data. It is also possible to send an execution request by specifying a workflow to be executed while sending fax data to the server apparatus 120.

  With the above processing, the image forming apparatus 110 can update the WF information in response to the synchronization request from the server apparatus 120 and execute the workflow even when the workflow application 311 of the operation unit 111 is not activated. become.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 110 having the operation unit 111 that is not permitted to always start the application, the workflow application 311 executed by the operation unit 111 executes a predetermined process in response to a notification from the outside. Will be able to.

(Processing of information processing system 2)
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of processing of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. This process shows an example of the process of the information processing system when the operation unit 111 is in a power saving state, for example.

  Note that the basic process is the same as the process described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 701, the server apparatus 120 transmits a synchronization request including WF information in which a workflow to be executed upon reception of a fax is defined to a preset URL of the workflow application 311.

  In step S <b> 702, the reception unit 341 of the servlet 340 executed in the main body 112 receives the synchronization request transmitted to the URL of the workflow application 311. Further, the notification unit 342 of the servlet 340 inquires of the state control unit 350 about the state of the operation unit 111 (whether or not it is activated).

  In step S703, when the operation unit 111 is not activated (for example, when the operation unit 111 is in a power saving state), the state control unit 350 of the main body 112 makes an activation request for requesting the operation unit 111 to activate.

  In step S <b> 704, the control system 320 of the operation unit 111 activates the operation unit 111 in response to an activation request from the main body 112. For example, the control system 320 shifts the operation unit 111 from a power saving state to a normal state where processing can be executed.

  In step S <b> 704, the control system 320 notifies the main body 112 of an activation notification indicating that the operation unit 111 has been activated.

  In step S706, the state control unit 350 of the main body 112 notifies the servlet 340 of a state notification indicating that the control system 320 is being activated.

  If the operation unit 111 is activated, the processes in steps S703 to S705 can be omitted.

  In step S707, the notification unit 342 of the servlet 340 notifies the processing information reception unit 313 of the received synchronization request.

  In step S708, when the workflow application 311 is not activated, the processing information reception unit 313 of the operation unit 111 activates the workflow application 311 to notify the synchronization request notified from the servlet 340. Note that when the workflow application 311 is activated, the process of step S708 can be omitted.

  In step S <b> 709, the processing information receiving unit 313 of the operation unit 111 notifies the workflow application 311 of the synchronization request notified from the servlet 340.

  In step S710, the workflow application 311 updates the workflow using the WF information included in the notified synchronization request.

  In step S <b> 711, it is assumed that the fax transmission apparatus 140 transmits a fax to the image forming apparatus 110.

  In step S <b> 712, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 of the main body 112 receives the fax transmitted from the fax transmission apparatus 140.

  In step 713, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 of the main body 112 inquires of the state control unit 350 about the state of the operation unit 111.

  In step S714, when the operation unit 111 is not activated, the state control unit 350 of the main body 112 makes an activation request for requesting the operation unit 111 to activate.

  In step S <b> 715, the control system 320 of the operation unit 111 activates the operation unit 111 in response to an activation request from the main body 112.

  In step S716, the control system 320 notifies the main body 112 of an activation notification indicating that the operation unit 111 has been activated.

  In step S <b> 717, the state control unit 350 of the main body 112 notifies the fax transmission / reception unit 360 of a state notification indicating that the control system 320 is being activated.

  Note that when the operation unit 111 is activated, the processes in steps S714 to S716 can be omitted.

  In step S718, for example, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 notifies the control system 320 of the operation unit 111 of a fax reception notification including fax data. At this time, as shown in steps S608 and S609 of FIG. 6, the fax transmission / reception unit 360 stores the fax data in the storage unit 380 and notifies the control system 320 of the operation unit 111 of a fax reception notification including the job ID. It may be what you do.

  In step S719, the intent management unit 321 of the control system 320 confirms that the notified fax reception notification is registered in the intent filter 422 of the intent reception unit 312, and receives the fax reception notification as an intent. Notification to the unit 312.

  In step S720, when the workflow application 311 is not activated, the intent reception unit 312 of the operation unit 111 activates the workflow application 311 in order to notify the fax reception notification notified from the control system 320. Note that when the workflow application 311 is activated, the process of step S720 can be omitted.

  In step S <b> 721, the intent reception unit 312 of the operation unit 111 notifies the workflow application 311 of the fax reception notification notified from the control system 320.

  In step S722, the workflow application 311 starts execution of the workflow that is updated in step S710 and that executes predetermined processing in response to fax reception. For example, the workflow application 311 sequentially executes the processes defined in the workflow using the fax data included in the fax reception notification.

  Through the above processing, the image forming apparatus 110 updates the WF information in response to the synchronization request from the server apparatus 120 even when the workflow application 311 is not activated and the operation unit 111 is not activated, and the workflow Will be able to run.

[Second Embodiment]
As in the image forming apparatus 110 shown in the first embodiment, the operation unit 111 that operates on the Android OS or the like may shift to a power saving state in which the control system 320 and the application 310 cannot execute processing.

  In such a case, for example, it is difficult for the workflow application 311 executed by the operation unit 111 to start processing spontaneously even when there is processing to be executed defined in the workflow.

  Further, in the operation unit 111 that operates on an Android OS or the like, the control system 320 may kill (forcibly terminate) the workflow application 311 according to, for example, a memory state even when the workflow application 311 is executing processing. There is. In such a case, the process of the workflow application 311 cannot be continued, and for example, the process of distributing the distribution data to the distribution destination may be interrupted.

  In the second embodiment, the workflow application 311 can execute a workflow even when the operation unit 111 shifts to a power saving state or when the workflow application 311 is killed by the control system 320. An example of the case will be described.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

(Functional structure of the main unit)
As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 112 according to the second embodiment has a timer unit 820. The timer unit 820 is realized, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 211 in FIG. Alternatively, the timer unit 820 may be realized by hardware.

  The timer unit (timer unit) 820 notifies the workflow application 311 of the intent registered by the notification timer registration unit 811 or a predetermined intent at the time registered by the notification timer registration unit 811 of the workflow application 311.

  Also, the timer unit 820 activates the operation unit 111 and the workflow application 311 at the time registered by the workflow application activation timer registration unit 812.

  Note that the main body 112 according to the second embodiment may or may not have the servlet 340. In addition to the above, the functional configuration of the main body 112 is the same as the functional configuration of the main body 112 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG.

(Function configuration of the operation unit)
The workflow application 311 according to the second embodiment executed by the operation unit 111 includes at least one of a notification timer registration unit 811 and a start timer registration unit 812. Note that the workflow application 311 according to the second embodiment may or may not include the servlet control unit 316.

  The notification timer registration unit (notification timer registration unit) 811 registers information such as the time to notify the intent to the workflow application 311 and the intent to be notified to the timer unit 820. Accordingly, the workflow application 311 can notify the workflow application 311 of a predetermined intent even when the operation unit 111 or the workflow application 311 is not activated at the registered time.

  The activation timer registration unit (activation timer registration unit) 812 registers the time required to activate the operation unit 111 and the workflow application 311 in the timer unit 820. Thereby, the workflow application 311 can activate the operation unit 111 and the workflow application 311 at the registered time.

  In addition, the application information registration unit 314 according to the present embodiment stores registration information related to the intent notified from the timer unit 820 so that the workflow application 311 can receive the intent notified from the timer unit 820. Register with the control system 320.

  The functional configuration of the operation unit 111 other than the above is the same as the functional configuration of the operation unit 111 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

<Process flow>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the information processing system according to the second embodiment.

  In step S <b> 901, the notification timer registration unit 811 of the workflow application 311 registers timer information (intent notification time, notification intent, etc.) in the timer unit 820.

  Alternatively, the activation timer registration unit 812 of the workflow application 311 registers timer information (time for starting the operation unit 111 and the workflow application) in the timer unit 820.

  In step S902, when the timer unit 820 determines that the registered time has come, the process proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, the timer unit 820 determines whether the operation unit 111 is activated by, for example, inquiring the state control unit 350.

  If the operation unit 111 is activated, the timer unit 820 shifts the process to step S905. On the other hand, if the operation unit 111 has not been activated, the state control unit 350 activates the operation unit 111 in step S904.

  In step S905, the timer unit 820 requests the control system 320 of the operation unit 111 to notify the intent.

  At this time, when the timer information is set by the notification timer registration unit 811 in step S901, the intent that the timer unit 820 requests for notification is an intent (or a predetermined intent) specified by the timer information. . On the other hand, when timer information is set by the activation timer registration unit 812 in step S901, it is a predetermined intent (for example, an intent for activation request).

  In step S906, the intent management unit 321 of the control system 320 confirms that it is an intent from the timer unit 820 registered in advance, and notifies the intent reception unit 312 of the requested intent.

  In step S907, the intent receiving unit 312 determines whether the workflow application 311 is activated.

  If the workflow application 311 is activated, the intent receiving unit 312 shifts the processing to step S909. On the other hand, if the workflow application 311 is not activated, the intent reception unit 312 activates the workflow application 311 in step S908.

  In step S909, the process execution unit 315 of the workflow application 311 determines whether there is a process to be executed.

  As an example, when the notified intent is information instructing execution of a workflow for newly received fax reception data, the process execution unit 315 stores the newly stored fax in the storage unit 380 of the main body 112. Determine if there is received data. If there is no fax reception data, the process execution unit 315 determines that there is no process to be executed, and shifts the process to step S911. On the other hand, if there is fax reception data, the process execution unit 315 determines that there is a process to be executed, and executes a workflow on the fax reception data in step S910.

  As another example, when the notified intent is an intent that requests activation of a workflow application, the workflow application 311 determines whether there is a suspended workflow (an example of processing to be executed) that has been interrupted. To do. If there is no process to be executed, the process execution unit 315 of the workflow application 311 shifts the process to step S911. On the other hand, when there is a process to be executed, in step S910, the process execution unit 315 resumes the workflow that is being executed (an example of a predetermined process).

  In step S911, the notification timer registration unit 811 or the activation timer registration unit 812 determines whether to end the process.

  As an example, the notification timer registration unit 811 repeatedly sets timer information so that a predetermined intent is notified after 12 hours when performing periodic processing such as processing related to fax reception data every 12 hours.

  Thereby, even when the operation unit 111 and the workflow application 311 are not activated, the workflow application 311 can repeatedly execute processing (periodic processing) that is periodically executed at predetermined time intervals.

  As another example, the activation timer registration unit 812 repeatedly sets the timer information so that the operation unit 111 and the workflow application 311 are activated, for example, after 10 minutes until the process defined in the workflow is completed.

  Thereby, the workflow application 311 is processed after 10 minutes even when the operation unit 111 shifts to the power saving state or the workflow application 311 is killed by the control system 320 while executing the process defined in the workflow. Can be resumed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the time during which the work follow executed by the workflow application 311 is stopped by the control system 320.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the workflow application 311 executes the workflow even when the operation unit 111 shifts to the power saving state or when the workflow application 311 is killed by the control system 320. Will be able to.

  The functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 is an example. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the image forming apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment may include a servlet control unit 316, a servlet 340, a processing information reception unit 313, and the like. That is, the second embodiment can be applied in combination with the first embodiment.

  In the above description, the timer unit 820 is described as being included in the main body 112, but the timer unit 820 is provided independently of the main body 112 and the operation unit 111, for example. It may be provided or may be provided in the operation unit 111.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information processing system 110 Image forming apparatus (image processing apparatus)
120 Server device (external device)
111 Operation unit (operation device)
112 Main body (execution device)
311 Workflow app (first program)
314 Application information registration unit (program information registration means)
315 Process execution unit 316 Servlet control unit (program control means)
320 Control system 340 Servlet (second program)
350 State control unit (state control means)
811 Notification timer registration unit (notification timer registration means)
812 Start timer registration section (start timer registration means)
820 Timer part (timer means)

JP 2013-106159 A

Claims (13)

An image processing apparatus comprising: an operating device that executes a first program that performs predetermined processing; and an execution device that is connected to the operating device and executes image processing,
The first program is:
Program control means for receiving processing information related to the predetermined processing notified from the external device to the first program, and causing the execution device to execute a second program for notifying the processing information to the first program; ,
Program information for registering registration information related to the second program in a control system that controls the operating device so that the first program can receive the processing information notified from the second program Registration means;
Processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing in accordance with the processing information notified from the second program;
An image processing device that causes the operation device to function as:   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the program control unit registers and activates the second program in the execution device when the first program is installed in the operation device.   The program information registration means is configured so that the first program can receive notification information notified from the execution device to the first program when a predetermined event occurs in the execution device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein registration information related to the predetermined event is registered in the control system.   When the first program is installed in the operating device, the program information registration unit is configured to receive registration information related to the second program and registration information related to the predetermined event or the notification information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus is registered with the image processing apparatus.   The execution device includes a state control unit that activates the operation device when the operation device is not activated when the execution information is notified from the execution device to the first program. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. Timer means for notifying the first program of predetermined information at a registered time;
The first program causes the operation device to function as notification timer registration means for registering the time in the timer means,
The program information registration means registers registration information related to information notified from the timer means in the control system so that the first program can receive information notified from the timer means. Item 6. The image processing device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the notification timer registration unit causes the first program to repeatedly execute processing corresponding to the predetermined information by repeatedly registering the time in the timer unit. If the operation device is not activated at the registered time, the operation device and timer means for starting the first program,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first program causes the operation device to function as an activation timer registration unit that registers the time in the timer unit.   9. The activation timer registration means, by repeatedly registering the time in the timer means, reduces the time during which the predetermined process executed by the first program is stopped by the control system. Image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control system is an operating system that does not allow the first program, which is an application program executed by the operation apparatus, to be constantly activated. The first program of the image processing apparatus includes: an operating device that executes a first program that performs a predetermined process; and an execution device that is connected to the operating device and executes image processing.
Program control means for receiving processing information related to the predetermined processing notified from the external device to the first program, and causing the execution device to execute a second program for notifying the processing information to the first program; ,
Program information for registering registration information related to the second program in a control system that controls the operating device so that the first program can receive the processing information notified from the second program Registration means;
Processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing in accordance with the processing information notified from the second program;
A program for causing the operating device to function as An information processing system including an operating device that executes a first program that performs predetermined processing, and an execution device that is connected to the operating device and executes image processing,
The first program is:
Program control means for receiving processing information related to the predetermined processing notified from the external device to the first program, and causing the execution device to execute a second program for notifying the processing information to the first program; ,
Program information for registering registration information related to the second program in a control system that controls the operating device so that the first program can receive the processing information notified from the second program Registration means;
Processing execution means for executing the predetermined processing in accordance with the processing information notified from the second program;
An information processing system for causing the operating device to function as: An information processing method in an information processing system, comprising: an operating device that executes a first program that performs predetermined processing; and an execution device that is connected to the operating device and executes image processing,
The first program is
Receiving processing information related to the predetermined processing notified from the external device to the first program, and causing the execution device to execute a second program for notifying the processing information to the first program;
Registering registration information related to the second program in a control system that controls the operating device so that the first program can receive the processing information notified from the second program; ,
Executing the predetermined processing in accordance with the processing information notified from the second program;
The information processing method which makes the said operating device perform.

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