JP2004295695A - Workflow system, control program for system, and computer-readable recording medium recording program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow even a user unaccoustomed with an operation of the computer while using the computer to carry out a process without knowledge regarding operation of a computer, experience with respect to handling of a keyboard, or the like. <P>SOLUTION: Workflow management is carried out by a predefined process; input contents from an MFP or the like are stored in a storage means 12; a list of operation menus that is operated by a name (a user name) of an owner confirmed by an IC card is displayed in a touch panel 41 in operation of an operation terminal such as the MFP; and an operation menu is specified by selection input from the touch panel. Even in operation such as scan input of a document from a scanner part, operation guidance is carried out by speech from a speaker 5 and image plane display by the touch panel 41. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is used in, for example, government offices and companies, a workflow system that processes a plurality of works by using a computer according to a defined process, a control program of the system, and a computer-readable recording recording the program Media related.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, when processing business in an organization, the person in charge of processing proceeds with paper documents, such as receiving a self-signed signature from a supervisor with approval authority and then turning the documents to the next process. There are processing methods that go on.
[0003]
There is also a system that performs workflow management using a computer and introduces automation into business processing.
In recent years, organizations such as government offices and corporations use computers to process business as an organization for processes such as applications, drafts, slips, and declarations using processes such as drafting, approval, and settlement. Systems are often used.
In this specification, a system that processes a plurality of works by a workflow management of a computer according to a defined process is referred to as a workflow system.
[0004]
As such a system, there is a workflow system disclosed in JP-A-2002-245215 (Patent Document 1). In this system, a workflow engine for defining, controlling, and managing a work is separated from a work screen, and an instruction for the processing can be input by a terminal or a mobile phone connected to the Internet.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-245215 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional processing method in which processing is performed while exchanging paper documents, it takes time because of manual work, and there is a problem in terms of efficiency. Further, if the user leaves the place of the processing, the processing status cannot be known unless an inquiry is made, and it is difficult to immediately proceed to the next processing, so that there is a problem that it takes more time.
On the other hand, even a person who is unfamiliar with computer operation can process without any problems, and can also be used in applications where approval by handwritten signature is preferred. In addition, there is no restriction on the management such as the binding of paper, because the binding is performed as much as possible, and flexible management can be performed.
[0007]
Further, a conventional workflow system such as that of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 that performs workflow management using a computer is a suitable system that can realize more efficient processing and can reduce processing time. However, it was necessary for the person in charge of the work to acquire some knowledge of computer operation and keyboard handling to some extent.
Here, for example, in a huge workflow system such as e-government in which many people are involved in processing, there are cases where elderly people or the like feel resistance to handling the computer itself.
In addition, there may be a reluctance to introduce some changes to the paper process in order to introduce a computer-based system. Sometimes it is preferred.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is possible to efficiently perform processing by using a computer, to shorten processing time, and to be a user who is not accustomed to operating a computer. Provided are a workflow system capable of performing processing without requiring knowledge of computer operation and familiarity with handling a keyboard, a control program for the system, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program. The purpose is to:
[0009]
Another purpose is to change the basic process such as receiving approval with paper documents in the work even in an environment where processing using paper documents is preferred such as approval by autographed signature. An object of the present invention is to provide a workflow system that can flexibly introduce automation of processing by a computer without any need, a control program for the system, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following features.
An invention according to claim 1 is a workflow system for processing a plurality of continuous steps by workflow management on a computer, wherein the management server includes a control unit for performing workflow management, and an operation terminal connected to the management server. The operation terminal includes a display unit for displaying operable options, a selection input unit for inputting a selection from the options, and a scanner unit for scanning and inputting image information on a page. The control means is characterized in that the processing of the workflow is started by a selection input from the selection input means and a scan input for scanning paper on which required contents are described by the scanner means.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the management server issues to one or both of the portable terminal device of the applicant who applied for the processing of the workflow and the person in charge of each process after the application in the workflow management. It is provided with calling means for making a call, and when the processing in one predetermined process is completed, the calling device makes a call to the portable terminal device of the person in charge of the next process.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the management server includes storage means for storing data, and the control means stores data input by the scanner means in the storage means, and is added for the same workflow. Data is managed by associating it with the first input data.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a speaker is provided for each of the operation terminals, and the control means provides the speaker with operation guidance for each operation at the operation terminal provided with the speaker by voice. It is characterized by
[0014]
The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the control means causes the display means to display an operation guide for each operation on an operation terminal including the display means.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the display means and the selection input means are touch panels.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 7 includes a management server for performing workflow management, and an operation terminal connected to the management server, wherein the operation terminal includes a display unit for displaying a screen, and a selection for inputting a selection from the options. A control program for a workflow system that includes an input unit and a scanner unit that scans and inputs image information on a page, and processes a plurality of continuous processes by workflow management in a computer, and displays the management server described above. Means for displaying operable options on the means, control for starting workflow processing and managing workflow by means of a selection input from the selection input means and a scan input for scanning paper on which required contents are described by the scanner means. It is characterized by functioning as a means.
[0017]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the management server issues the request to one or both of the portable terminal device of the applicant who applied for the processing of the workflow and the person in charge of each process after the application in the workflow management. The control means controls the calling means to make a call to the portable terminal device of the person in charge of the next step when the processing in one predetermined step is completed. It is characterized by the following.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the management server functions as a storage unit for storing data input by the scanner unit, and the control unit stores the data added for the same workflow in the first input data. It is characterized by being managed by associating with.
[0019]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the workflow system, a speaker is provided for each of the operation terminals, and the control means outputs a voice to each operation on the operation terminal in which the speaker is provided. The operation guidance is performed.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that the control means causes the display means to display an operation guide for each operation on an operation terminal provided with the display means.
[0021]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the display means and the selection input means are touch panels.
[0022]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a control program for the workflow system according to any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects is recorded.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of a workflow system, a control program of the system, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The workflow system according to the present embodiment exemplifies a preferred system in which a computer performs workflow management and processes a work to be processed in accordance with a predefined process.
Note that the workflow is a form in which a plurality of works are continuously processed. In other words, the processing in each step necessary for performing a task is defined as a work, and the work is sequentially processed by a person in charge.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, the workflow system according to the present embodiment includes a management server 1 and a plurality of work units 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,...) Connected by a LAN 3 or wirelessly. Each work unit 2 supports the work of a person who performs processing according to the workflow management by the management server.
The work unit 2 is a part for processing one process of a work to be processed as a workflow system. For example, if the workflow system supports the work in a government office, the work unit 2 applies an application to a processing target such as an application form. Processing is performed in accordance with predetermined steps such as acceptance of a certificate, approval of an application, and settlement, and is a part for taking charge of one of the steps.
In other words, the work unit 2 is a part (one unit in the workflow system) provided with a device in which a person in charge of one of the assigned processes performs an operation such as input to the workflow system.
[0025]
In the present embodiment, a case in which three work units are provided will be described as an example.
The first work unit 2a is in charge of a process of receiving an application document from an outpatient applicant, and the MFP (multifunction printer) 4a to which the applicant inputs the application document, a speaker 5a, an IC card reader 6a, and a monitoring camera. 7a. The applicant has a mobile phone 8a.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 4a includes a touch panel 41a, a scanner unit, and a printer unit. A speaker 5a and an IC card reader 6a are integrally formed, and are connected to the LAN 3.
Thus, the applicant can integrally perform the personal authentication by the IC card reader 6a, the operation on the touch panel 41a after the personal authentication is performed, and the voice guidance by the speaker 5a.
[0027]
The above-mentioned touch panel 41a displays an operation menu and operation guidance that can be selected by the applicant, and receives an operation input by touching the display with a hand or the like.
The scanner unit has a function of scanning and reading a document, and the printer unit has a function of printing and outputting on a recording sheet.
When the applicant inserts the IC card into the IC card reader 6a, the speaker 5a calls for the name of the owner of the IC card or provides operation guidance by voice guidance.
[0028]
The IC card reader 6a receives an IC card provided with information for identifying an individual. The information for identifying the individual may be various types such as a user ID and encrypted personal information.
The surveillance camera 7a is provided on the back side of the touch panel 41a or the like so that the face of the applicant who can perform an operation by the MFP 4a can be photographed so that a person can be identified. Take a picture of the operation.
[0029]
The second work unit 2b is a unit that performs a process as a first process in the organization on the received document, and for example, a person in charge of the application document received by the first work unit 2a Is to print out the approval form, have the boss write a self-signed signature on the approval form with a writing implement, and then scan and read the approval form with the auto-signed signature.
Therefore, the second work unit 2b includes an MFP 4b having a touch panel 41b, a speaker 5b, an IC card reader 6b, and a monitoring camera 7b. The person in charge has a mobile phone 8b.
[0030]
The third work part 2c is a part for performing processing as a step following the second work part 2b in the organization, and is, for example, a trader in charge of settlement and processing of an approved application. This is a part for performing processing such as placing an order for
Therefore, the third work unit 2c includes an MFP 4c having a touch panel 41c, a speaker 5c, an IC card reader 6c, a PC (Personal Computer) 9c, and a monitoring camera 7c. The person in charge has a mobile phone 8c.
[0031]
The processing by each work unit 2 is managed by the management server 1.
The management server 1 includes a control unit 11 for controlling the entire operation as a workflow system, a storage unit 12 for storing data and the like, and a calling unit 13 for calling and notifying each mobile phone 8. And is connected to each work unit 2 via the LAN 3.
The calling unit 13 may be a wireless communication unit for each mobile phone 8. Alternatively, it may be a dial means for calling each mobile phone 8 via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
[0032]
As an operation in the workflow system, the control unit 11 controls the processing by each work unit 2 as a workflow management by a predefined process, and also controls the individual operation for the processing by the applicant or the person in charge. A user or the like can perform selection input from operable options, and follow operation guidance by screen display and voice.
That is, the workflow management is performed by a predefined process, the input content from the MFP or the like is stored in the storage unit 12, and the name of the owner (the name of the owner confirmed by the IC card when the operation is performed on the operation terminal such as the MFP) is performed. A list of operation menus that can be operated by the user (user name) is displayed on the touch panel 41 so that the operation menu can be designated by selecting and inputting from the touch panel. The control is performed so that the operation guidance can be provided by voice through the speaker 5 and screen display by the touch panel 41.
In addition, a video image of a moving image captured by the monitoring camera 7 is stored in the storage unit 12, and the relationship between the input content and the captured image is recorded as an operation history table 121. Further, when a search request is made for the input content from the MFP or the like stored in the storage unit 12 or the captured image of the monitoring camera 7, a search is performed based on the operation history table 121, and the searched input content and the captured image Is referred to.
Physically, it is realized by a main control unit such as a CPU performing processing by a program (not shown) stored in a storage unit (not shown) such as an HDD.
[0033]
The storage unit 12 includes an operation history table 121 for associating a document input from the MFP 4 with an image of the monitoring camera 7 at the time of the input, and a document data such as a document input by a scanner and data associated with the document. 122 and surveillance camera image data 123 which is an image of a moving image taken by the surveillance camera 7.
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation history table 121 is configured such that a case number is assigned to each applied document, so that the name of the input document, the name of the video captured by the monitoring camera at the time of the input, The name of the work in the input workflow is associated with the case number of the work in which the input is made.
[0034]
In this way, by associating a document with a matter number, the document can be stored in association with each matter, so that a document to be processed can be flexibly added to one matter to be processed (work for the applied content). Can be stored and stored.
In addition, by associating the captured image with the input document, the operation history table 121 associates the captured image with the input document, and the workflow system according to the present embodiment is connected to the management server 1. The stored data can be searched and confirmed from a PC (not shown) using the input document or photographed image as a key, and the surveillance image of the moving image by the surveillance camera 7 can be effectively reused. Become like
In addition, by associating the input document with the work in the input workflow, it is possible to further facilitate the search from the PC connected to the management server 1.
The above-described search and confirmation of the stored data is not limited to the above-described PC (not shown) as long as the terminal is an information terminal connected to the management server 1, and a terminal having a reference authority can refer to the terminal from any terminal. be able to. The information terminal may be, for example, the MFP 4, the mobile phone 8, the PC 9, or the like.
[0035]
Next, an operation of the workflow system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 shows a flow of processing in the first work unit.
First, when a foreign applicant visits an application with an application document, an IC card issued to the applicant, and a mobile phone 8a, the touch panel 4a of the MFP 4a installed for the applicant is displayed on the touch panel 4a. For example, an initial screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.
[0036]
When the applicant inserts the IC card into the IC card reader 6a in accordance with the instructions on the initial screen, the IC card reader 6a reads information for identifying an individual from the IC card, and reads the information to the management server 1. The user is notified of the information for identifying the individual and the fact that the IC card has been inserted.
Note that the information for identifying an individual may be various types such as a user ID and encrypted personal information.
[0037]
When the IC card is inserted into the IC card reader 6a, the management server 1 extracts the face photograph data of the owner of the inserted IC card and the voice data of the name from the stored personal data (not shown). Send to MFP 4a.
In response to this transmission, the touch panel 41a of the MFP 4a displays a face photographed screen including a large portion of the face as shown in FIG. 6, for example, and the speaker 5a has a volume that can be heard near the MFP 4a. The announcement "Welcome, XX" is pronounced by voice.
In this manner, the owner of the inserted IC card can be recognized by persons around the MFP 4a, so that, for example, the original owner of the IC card loses the IC card, and thus the owner of the inserted IC card loses the IC card. It can be used as a psychological deterrent for a person who tries to gain access by improperly using the IC card and impersonating the owner of the IC card.
[0038]
When the identity is confirmed by the screen and the voice in FIG. 6 in this manner, the management server 1 transmits a list of operation menus permitted to the applicant to the MFP 4a. In response to this transmission, the touch panel 41a of the MFP 4a displays a list of operable menus (options), for example, as shown in FIG. 7, and the speaker 5a provides operation guidance by voice so as to select from the menu.
Assuming that the applicant selects the document submission menu from this menu list, the applicant designates confirmation of the document type by selecting from the options displayed on the touch panel. When the procedure for inputting the application document from the scanner unit of the MFP 4a is performed, the touch panel 41a displays an image 411 captured by the monitoring camera 7a and an operation guide 412, for example, as shown in FIG. Provide operation guidance by voice prompting the user to input.
As a result, the applicant who operates the MFP 4 selects the desired application content from the options displayed on the touch panel 41a, and performs an operation such as scanner reading in accordance with the displayed operation guide 412 and the operation guidance from the speaker 5a. Operation can be performed just by performing.
[0039]
When the image data of the application form scanned by the scanner is transmitted, the management server 1 transmits the data of the receipt to the MFP 4a. The MFP 4a receives this data, displays a completion screen as shown in FIG. 9 on the touch panel 41a, and prints out a receipt on the spot.
This allows the applicant to receive the receipt on the spot and return home without having to wait for the approval of the application to be completed. That is, according to the workflow system of the present embodiment, the time required for accepting an application can be reduced.
[0040]
The monitoring camera 7a starts recording when an IC card is inserted into the IC card reader 6a, and photographs the state of the applicant who operates the MFP 4a until the receipt is printed out.
The captured video thus captured is transmitted to the management server 1 and stored as surveillance camera video data 123.
[0041]
When the reception of the application document is completed by the first work unit 2a in this way, the management server 1 stores the name of the input document in association with the name of the video captured by the monitoring camera 7 in the operation history table 121, and A call is made to the mobile phone 8b of the person in charge of the processing in the work section to notify that there is an application document to be processed. This notification may be performed by a screen display on the mobile phone 8b, such as sending an e-mail to the mobile phone 8b, or may be performed by an automatic voice.
By notifying the next person in charge with the mobile phone in this manner, the person in charge can be urged to process the input work, regardless of where the person in charge is located.
[0042]
FIG. 10 shows the processing in the second work unit 2b. In the processing in the second work unit 2b, the same processing as the processing in the first work unit 2a described above is performed by the person in charge of processing the work inside the organization. The contents of the displayed selectable operation menu differ depending on the person in charge, and the contents selected from the touch panel 41b also differ depending on the contents of the processing.
[0043]
In the operation example shown in FIG. 10, the person in charge inserts the IC card into the IC card reader 6b, displays the face photograph on the touch panel 41b, and uses the speaker by the same operation as the operation by the first work unit 2a described above. After confirming the identity by pronunciation of the name, the person in charge selects a menu for printing out the approval document.
The person in charge takes the printed approval form to a supervisor who has the authority to approve, receives a self-signed signature on the approval form from the supervisor, and sends the approval form with the self-signed signature from the scanner unit of the MFP 4b. input. When the management server 1 receives the scanned approval form image data, the management server 1 stores the image data in the document data 122 in association with the first application form based on the case number.
Thus, the documents stored in the management server 1 can be flexibly added and managed according to the selected menu.
In addition, the workflow system according to the present embodiment introduces a paper document without changing the process of proceeding without installing a computer, such as receiving a self-signed signature on a paper document and receiving approval. And the advantages of automation and efficiency of processing by workflow management can be obtained.
[0044]
When the management server 1 receives the image read by the scanner unit and the processing in the second work unit is completed, the management server 1 sends a call to the mobile phone 8c of the person in charge of the processing in the next work unit. In addition to notifying that there is an application document to be processed, a call is made to the mobile phone 8a of the applicant to notify that the approval has been completed. These notifications may be made by a screen display on the mobile phone 8 such as sending an e-mail to the mobile phones 8a and 8c, or may be made by automatic voice.
[0045]
According to the notification to the mobile phones 8a and 8c, the person in charge of the mobile phone 8c is provided with the work that has been input no matter where the person in charge is, similarly to the effect described above in the first work unit 2a. Can be urged to perform the above processing.
Further, even if the applicant who has the mobile phone 8a is already away from the MFP 4a by receiving the receipt, it is immediately notified that one process such as the completion of the approval is completed. Suppose that another person impersonates the applicant and illegally submits an application, etc., and passes the above-mentioned identity verification by a face photograph or voice in the first work unit 2a described above. This notification can also inform that an unauthorized application has been made.
That is, even if there is a person who illegally obtains the IC card by dropping the original owner or the like, at the stage of application, the first work unit 2a displays a face image such as a face photograph by the first work unit 2a, By calling the name by voice, unauthorized use can be suppressed, and each time a predetermined process such as approval or settlement is completed, the original possession of the calling means 13 of the management server 1 is registered. By calling the other party's mobile phone, the original owner can know that his or her card has been illegally used, as long as both the IC card and the mobile phone are not lost. For this reason, even if an IC card is illegally acquired due to loss or the like, a stronger deterrent can be exerted against unauthorized use of the IC card.
[0046]
Further, the second work unit 2b may have a function of approving only with a mobile phone of a user (such as a boss) having the approval authority. That is, a function may be provided in which the user having the approval authority confirms the content on the display unit of the mobile phone and completes the approval by pressing a predetermined key from the input button.
As a result, even a user who is not accustomed to the operation by the computer can proceed with the processing speedily by a simple operation without limiting the place.
[0047]
The processing in the third work section 2c is the same as the above-described processing in the second work section 2b because a PC is provided in addition to the configuration of the second work section 2b. Can also be operated using a PC.
As described above, the work unit provided in the department having the person in charge of the operation of the PC may be configured to perform the operation by the PC according to the purpose. As a result, it is possible to construct a system capable of flexibly responding to various operations according to the purpose, while basically performing an operation based on selection from options on the touch panel.
[0048]
As described above, according to the workflow system of the present embodiment, the workflow is managed by the computer, and the automation of the process is introduced to realize the efficiency of the process and the shortening of the process time, and the workflow is displayed on the touch panel The list of operable options can be selected and input by touching the touch panel, or processing can be performed by operating the scanner unit according to the screen guidance or voice operation guidance. Since the processing operation can be performed as if it were a home appliance, even a user who is unfamiliar with computer operation can perform processing without needing knowledge of computer operation or familiarity with keyboard handling.
[0049]
In addition, processing using paper documents, such as approval by autographed signatures, is managed by a computer using a printer unit and a scanner unit. The paper processing and the computer processing can be integrated with the feeling of a home appliance without any change. For this reason, it is possible to flexibly cope with various kinds of processing on paper documents and introduce computerized processing automation.
[0050]
In addition, if the definition of the process in the workflow can be changed on the touch panel 41, even a user unfamiliar with the operation of the computer can change the definition of the process in the workflow.
For example, in a huge workflow system such as e-government where many people participate, it is often necessary to make modifications due to personnel changes etc., but even in such a case, change the process definition easily and speedily be able to.
[0051]
Also, every time a predetermined process is completed, a call is made to the next person's mobile phone to notify that there is a processing task, so that the person in charge can move from a predetermined work place such as a stationary operation terminal. Even in a remote place, the processing task can be urged, and the progress of the processing can be further accelerated and the efficiency can be improved.
Although usually not in front of the office equipment except when it is necessary, by using a mobile phone to perform this reminder, it is possible to immediately notify when processing is necessary.
[0052]
In addition, every time a predetermined process is completed, a call is made to the applicant's mobile phone, so that the applicant can go to another place after this application is approved, for example, by applying to the government office. If an application is required, the application is approved and the timing of going to the next application can be immediately known, and the time until the completion of the process can be further reduced.
[0053]
Each of the above-described embodiments is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, the screen display of the touch panel, the content of the work in each work unit, and the operation for processing the work may be various types according to the purpose of the workflow system to be applied, the work content, and the like.
[0054]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration including the three work units has been described. However, if the target work is performed, the work unit may be changed depending on the content and purpose of the business to be realized, the management philosophy, and the like. The number may be two or more, and the configuration or the work may be a configuration in which an arbitrary number of any of the three work units described above is combined.
[0055]
In addition, the configuration of each work unit 2 and the content of the work to be performed by the configuration are not limited to the above-described configuration example. Each operation terminal provided in the work unit includes a touch panel, and a menu ( As long as the operation input to the processing by the workflow system can be performed by selecting from (option), any operation may be performed according to various factors such as the assigned work content, purpose, number of persons in charge, and preference.
For example, a configuration that does not require an IC card only for the applicant may be adopted.
Further, a plurality of touch panels and speakers may be provided for each operation terminal.
In addition, a configuration may also be adopted in which a surveillance camera is provided in a stationary terminal such as a PC that performs an operation other than input of a paper document. At this time, the operation history table 121 associates the image captured by the monitoring camera with the content input from the PC, and the document data 122 stores the content input from the PC. Further, the personal identification may be performed on the PC using an IC card reader.
Further, the number of mobile phones is not limited to one for each work unit, and may be plural, for example, for the number of business staff.
[0056]
Further, the surveillance camera 7 may not be provided in all the work units 2 but may be provided only in the first work unit 2a that receives the application. That is, as long as the monitoring camera 7 is provided at least in the work unit at the start of the workflow, other work units may be provided as necessary, and there may be work units that are not provided.
[0057]
In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 4, the speaker 5, and the IC card reader 6 are connected to the LAN 3 as one unit. However, each of the MFP 4, the speaker 5, and the IC card reader 6 may be connected to the LAN 3 by a separate interface.
[0058]
Also, the MFP has been described as a stationary type input device in the work unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as input can be made on paper. For example, a work unit that does not perform printout, a scanner device, A copy machine, a facsimile machine, a digital multifunction peripheral, or the like may be used.
Further, in the case of a work unit that performs processing involving printout, for example, a copy machine, a facsimile machine, a digital multifunction peripheral, or the like may be used.
[0059]
In addition, the specification of the original owner is not limited to the specification by the IC card as long as the original owner can be specified. For example, the identification by the card using another method such as an ID card using a magnetic recording medium is possible. Or identification by so-called biometric authentication using characteristics of the human body such as fingerprints and retinal patterns, or a combination thereof.
[0060]
Further, the configuration of the operation history table is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and the name of the input document described above may be any information as long as the information specifies the document, such as an ID number. It may be. Further, the name of the captured image of the surveillance camera may be any information as long as the information specifies the captured image, and may be, for example, an ID number.
In addition, as long as the image data scanned and input for each case can be stored in association with each other, the association is not limited to the case number in the operation history table. For example, a folder may be created and managed as a tree structure. .
Further, other information, for example, the name of a person in charge, may be stored in association with the input content according to the purpose of reusing the stored data.
[0061]
Further, the image stored in association with the surveillance camera has been described as a moving image, but may be a still image.
[0062]
Also, the target to be notified by calling from the calling means 13 of the management server 1 has been described as a mobile phone. However, the terminal device is not limited to a mobile phone as long as it is a terminal device that can notify the owner. It may be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a pager.
[0063]
Also, the management server 1 has been described as including the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the calling unit 13, but if the control unit, the storage unit, and the calling unit can function as described above, the system The configuration is not limited to this. For example, the control unit, the storage unit, and the calling unit described above may be realized by a plurality of devices, and the functions are realized by separate devices. It may be a configuration.
[0064]
Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the program is described as being stored in the storage unit such as the HDD of the management server. However, the program may be stored in any recording medium that can be read by a computer. For example, it may be stored in a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, EEPROM, or the like.
That is, the above-described functions according to the embodiments of the present invention may be realized by a main control unit such as a CPU of a management server performing processing by a program supplied from the above-described recording medium.
In this case, the present invention is applicable even when the information group including the program is supplied to the management server from the storage medium described above or from an external storage medium via a network.
That is, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code and the signal read from the storage medium constitute the present invention. Will be.
[0065]
According to the program of the present invention, it is possible to cause the workflow system controlled by the program to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, processing can be efficiently performed by using a computer, processing time can be reduced, and even a user who is unfamiliar with computer operation can use a computer. Processing can be performed without requiring knowledge of operation or familiarity with keyboard handling.
[0067]
In addition, even in an environment where processing using paper documents is preferred, such as approval by autographed signatures, it is possible to respond flexibly without changing basic processes such as receiving approval with paper documents in the work. Can be introduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a workflow system as an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example around an MFP 4a.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an operation history table 121.
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing an outline of a processing flow in a first work unit 2a.
FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplifying an initial screen displayed on a touch panel.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a personal identification screen using a face photograph.
FIG. 7 is a diagram exemplifying a screen displaying a list of operable menus;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displaying operation guidance.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a completion display screen.
FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an outline of a processing flow in a second work unit 2b.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Management Server 11 Control Unit 12 Storage Unit 121 Operation History Table 122 Document Data 123 Surveillance Camera Video Data 13 Calling Unit 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,...) Work Unit 3 LAN
4 (4a, 4b, 4c, ...) MFP (operation terminal)
41 (41a, 41b, 41c, ...) Touch panel 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, ...) Speaker 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, ...) IC card reader (confirmation means)
7 (7a, 7b, 7c, ...) Surveillance camera (imaging means)
8 (8a, 8b, 8c, ...) Mobile phone 9c PC

Claims (13)

A workflow system that processes a plurality of continuous processes by workflow management on a computer,
A management server having control means for performing workflow management, and an operation terminal connected to the management server;
The operation terminal includes a display unit that displays operable options, a selection input unit that inputs a selection from the options, and a scanner unit that scans and inputs image information on paper,
The control unit is configured to start a workflow process in response to a selection input from the selection input unit and a scan input for scanning paper on which required content is described by the scanner unit. Workflow system. The management server includes a calling unit that makes a call to one or both portable terminal devices of an applicant who has applied for workflow processing, and a person in charge of each step after the application in workflow management,
2. The workflow system according to claim 1, wherein, when the processing in one predetermined process is completed, the calling unit calls the portable terminal device of a person in charge of the next process. The management server includes storage means for storing data,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores data input by the scanner unit in the storage unit, and manages data added with respect to the same workflow by associating the data with the first input data. 2. The workflow system according to 2. A speaker is provided for each of the operation terminals,
The workflow according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit causes the speaker to perform operation guidance by voice for each operation on an operation terminal provided with the speaker. system. The workflow system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an operation guide for each operation on an operation terminal including the display unit. The workflow system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit and the selection input unit are a touch panel. A management server for performing workflow management, and an operation terminal connected to the management server,
The operation terminal includes display means for displaying a screen, selection input means for inputting a selection from the options, and scanner means for scanning and inputting image information on paper,
A control program for a workflow system that processes a plurality of continuous processes by workflow management on a computer,
The management server,
In addition to displaying the operable options on the display unit, the process of the workflow is started by the selection input from the selection input unit and the scan input for scanning the paper on which the required content is described by the scanner unit. A control program for a workflow system, wherein the control program functions as control means for performing management. The management server includes a calling unit that makes a call to one or both portable terminal devices of an applicant who has applied for workflow processing, and a person in charge of each step after the application in workflow management,
The control means controls the calling means to make a call to the portable terminal device of a person in charge of the next step when the processing in one predetermined step is completed. 7. The control program of the workflow system according to 7. Causing the management server to function as storage means for storing data input by the scanner means,
9. The control program according to claim 7, wherein the control unit manages data added with respect to the same workflow by associating the data with initial input data. The workflow system includes a speaker for each of the operation terminals,
The workflow according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control unit causes the speaker to perform operation guidance by voice for each operation on an operation terminal provided with the speaker. System control program. The control of the workflow system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an operation guide for each operation on an operation terminal including the display unit. program. 12. The control program according to claim 7, wherein the display unit and the selection input unit are touch panels. A computer-readable recording medium recording a workflow system control program, wherein the workflow system control program according to any one of claims 7 to 12 is recorded.

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