JP2007179533A - Paper/electronic flow integrating system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper/electronic flow integrating system capable of integrating a paper flow and an electronic flow. <P>SOLUTION: This system comprises a means for taking in an image of a paper document for executing the paper flow on which a first identification code is printed for indicating correspondence to the electronic flow and to which a second identification code is added for indicating the process result following execution of the paper flow, a means for decoding the first and second identification codes from the taken image of the paper document, and a means for identifying the electronic flow based on the first identification code and advancing the electronic flow according to the second identification code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper / electronic flow integration system capable of integrating paper flow and electronic flow.

  As a system for examination / approval of transportation expense application, vacation application, etc., there are a paper flow (paper flow) based on an old application form and an electronic flow (electronic flow) based on a workflow system.

On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, in the workflow support system, when a paper document that needs to be browsed for examination / approval is mailed separately from the e-mail for examination / approval, the paper is opened even if the e-mail is opened. A technique is disclosed that can eliminate a useless operation of interrupting processing without being able to perform examination / approval because the document has not arrived.
JP 11-143980 A

  As described above, paper flow and electronic flow have conventionally existed, but only one of them could be selected when introducing such a review / approval mechanism.

  From the viewpoint of automation of business management, we would like to unify the electronic flow, but it is currently difficult to completely eliminate the paper flow.

  As a compromise, it is also possible to input information into the electronic flow at a predetermined timing in the paper flow, but it is necessary to input the information manually, which is cumbersome and causes input errors. There were also many.

  The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a paper / electronic flow integrated system capable of integrating paper flow and electronic flow.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, a paper document for executing a paper flow, wherein the first identification indicating a correspondence relationship with the electronic flow is provided. Means for capturing an image of a paper document on which a code is printed and a second identification code indicating a processing result in accordance with execution of the paper flow, and the first and second from the captured image of the paper document A paper / electronic flow integrated system comprising: means for decoding the identification code of the electronic device; and means for specifying the electronic flow based on the first identification code and advancing the electronic flow according to the second identification code. .

  Further, as described in claim 2, in the paper / electronic flow integrated system according to claim 1, the process template for holding the positional information to which the second identification code is attached in association with the electronic flow Can be provided.

  Further, as described in claim 3, in the paper / electronic flow integrated system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, it is determined that the approval or the like has been made by the presence of the second identification code. Can be.

  Further, as described in claim 4, in the paper / electronic flow integrated system according to claim 1 or 2, when the second identification code is in the first area, the approval or the like is performed. It is possible to determine that the denial has been made when it is in the second area.

  Further, as described in claim 5, in the paper / electronic flow integrated system according to claim 1 or 2, the second identification code is a first identification code indicating approval or the like. In some cases, it can be determined that approval or the like has been made, and in the case of the second identification code indicating rejection, it can be determined that the rejection has been made.

  Further, as described in claim 6, in the paper / electronic flow integrated system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, approval is made when the second identification code is one. If it is two, it can be determined that the denial has been made.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the paper / electronic flow integrated system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a paper flow template database that holds the template of the paper document is provided. be able to.

  Further, as described in claim 8, the paper / electronic flow integrated system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising means for storing the captured image of the paper document. be able to.

  Further, as described in claim 9, it can be configured as a paper / electronic flow integration method.

  Further, as described in claim 10, it can be configured as a paper / electronic flow integration device.

  In the paper / electronic flow integration system of the present invention, a part of the electronic flow can be changed to the paper flow, and the paper flow and the electronic flow can be integrated.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a paper / electronic flow integrated system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a paper / electronic flow integrated system manages an electronic flow, outputs flow information, and activates a flow based on the paper information, and a paper / electronic flow that mediates between the paper flow and the electronic flow. The integration unit 2 is instructed to print a paper document 5 such as an application form for executing the paper flow, and a barcode (identification code) indicating the correspondence between the client 3 that performs the workflow processing and the electronic flow is attached. The printer 4 that prints the paper document 5, the barcode seal 6 that stamps the imprint of the barcode (identification code) indicating the processing result when the paper flow is executed on the paper document 5, and the paper document 5 are scanned. And a scanner 7 for capturing an image. The bar code seal 6 is held by each person (applicant, examiner, approver, etc.) who performs processing in the paper flow, and the IDs of these persons are included in the imprint of the bar code.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the module configuration of the paper / electronic flow integration system, and shows a simple configuration without leaving a document image. In FIG. 2, the paper / electronic flow integration unit 2 communicates with the workflow system 1, and controls a controller 21 that controls each unit, a paper flow template database 22 that holds a template of a paper document 5, and a client 3. A management logic processing unit 23 that executes predetermined processing for access, a paper document output unit (driver) 24 that outputs the paper document 5 to the printer 4, and an image input unit that inputs an image of the paper document 5 from the scanner 7 25 and a barcode decoding unit 26 for decoding the barcode included in the image of the paper document 5. In addition, the workflow system 1 includes a process template 11 that holds position information to be attached with a barcode imprint indicating the processing result of the paper document 5 in association with an electronic flow process (activity).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the module configuration of the paper / electronic flow integration system, and includes a document image database 8 for storing images of the paper document 5 captured from the scanner 7. Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. Thus, the image of the paper document 5 that has been approved can be stored electronically as a record.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing outline of the paper / electronic flow integrated system. In FIG. 4, when the client 3 instructs the paper / electronic flow integration unit 2 to print the application form (step S1), the paper / electronic flow integration unit 2 displays a bar indicating the correspondence relationship with the electronic flow in the workflow system 1. Application form data in which the code is embedded is generated (step S2) and printed from the printer 4 (step S3).

  The paper document 5 of the printed application form is stamped (barcode imprint) by the printed person (step S4), stamped by the supervisor A (barcode imprint) (step S5), and approved by the supervisor B A stamp (bar code imprint) (step S6) is performed and approved.

  Thereafter, the paper document 5 of the application form with the barcode imprint indicating the processing result is scanned by the scanner 7 (step S7), and the image data is given to the paper / electronic flow integration unit 2 from the scanner 7. The paper / electronic flow integration unit 2 decodes the barcode from the image, specifies the electronic flow of the workflow system 1 based on the barcode indicating the correspondence relationship with the electronic flow, and indicates the barcode (barcode indicating the processing result). The electronic flow is reflected (advanced electronic flow) according to the imprint (step S8).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of processing for printing an application form. In FIG. 5, when the client 3 accesses the management logic processing unit 23 of the paper / electronic flow integration unit 2, the management logic processing unit 23 displays a screen for a printing operation (step S101). At this time, a list of document names to be printed is acquired from the paper flow template database 22 and presented to the client 3. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of the paper flow template database 22, which corresponds to a flow ID that identifies an electronic flow of the workflow system 1, a document name, and a file name (including a file path) of the template document. It is attached and held. (B) shows an example of a template document, and the template document 22a includes a barcode 22b in which a flow ID is encoded. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an application form print screen. The operation client screen 3a includes a document name list 3b, a check column 3c, and a print button 3d. The check column 3c is checked and the print button 3d is selected. Click to instruct printing.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when a print request is made from the client 3 (step S <b> 102), the management logic processing unit 23 acquires the selected application form from the paper flow template database 22 (step S <b> 103) and sends it to the paper document output unit 24. A print instruction is issued (step S104), and printing is performed by the printer 4 (step S105). Then, the management logic processing unit 23 displays the result (such as that printing has been normally performed) on the client 3 (step S106).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an application form that requires examination / approval. The vacation application form 5a is printed with a barcode 5b in which a flow ID (type: kyuka) is encoded. An examination seal field 5d and a manager approval seal field 5e are provided. Then, by executing the paper flow, the principal stamp field 5c is stamped with the principal seal (id: yamada) 6a, the section manager examination seal field 5d is stamped with the section manager seal (id: inoue) 6b, and the manager approval seal field 5e. Is imprinted with a director seal (id: hamada) 6c.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an application form that only requires approval. A barcode 5g encoded with a flow ID (type: kotsu) is printed on the transportation expense application form 5f, and the person's seal column 5h, section manager. An approval seal column 5i is provided. As a result of the paper flow, the principal seal (id: yamada) 6a is stamped in the principal seal field 5h, and the section manager seal (id: inoue) 6b is stamped in the section manager approval seal field 5i.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of processing from scanning of an application form to reflection in the workflow system 1, and FIG. 11 shows the processing of the paper / electronic flow integration unit 2 at that time.

  10 and 11, when the scanner 7 transmits a scan image to the image input unit 25 of the paper / electronic flow integration unit 2 (step S201), the image input unit 25 notifies (inputs) the scan image to the controller 21 ( Step S202).

  The controller 21 decodes the barcode indicating the type of the application form by the barcode decoding unit 26, and acquires the flow ID (step S203).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 acquires the process template 11 from the workflow system 1 based on the flow ID (step S204). FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the process template 11, where (a) is the type definition of the process template “ProcessTemplate”, and (b) is the type of the activity “Activity” that holds the position information of the barcode included in the process template. Definition (c) shows an example of a process template. Here, an example is shown in which the coordinates of the personal seal column 5h of the transportation expense application form 5f as shown in FIG. 13 are designated.

  Returning to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the controller 21 acquires the coordinates of the stamp position from the process template 11 (step S205), and decodes the barcode indicating the processing result of the paper flow by the barcode decoder 26 for each stamp position. The decoded value is associated with the user ID (step S206). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a barcode decoding result, where (a) is a type definition of a barcode (QR code) decoding result “QRData”, and (b) is a case of a vacation application form (FIG. 8). An example of the decoding result, (c) shows an example of the decoding result in the case of the transportation expense settlement document (FIG. 9).

  10 and 11, the controller 21 activates a process instance for the workflow system 1 (step S207), generates a process instance with the flow ID (step S208), and starts the process instance with the right of the principal.

  Subsequently, the controller 21 reflects the completion of the examination if the examination is stamped according to the barcode indicating the processing result of the paper flow (step S209), and reflects the completion of the authorization if the authorization is stamped (step S209). S210). That is, while the process instance is not in an end state, the user ID of the next activity is acquired from the process instance, whether the decoded value includes the user ID, and the activity is processed with the user authority.

  Then, the scanned image is stored in the document image database 8 (step S211), and the process ends.

<Modification 1>
Next, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example in which approval / disapproval can be discriminated by stamping an application form. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, it is determined that the approval or the like has been made because there is an imprint of the barcode indicating the processing result in each stamp field, but the processing result is shown in the example of FIG. When the barcode imprint is in the first area, it is determined that the approval has been made, and when it is in the second area, it is determined that the denial has been made. Thereby, it can be judged systematically also about denial, and it can leave in history.

  In FIG. 15, a bar code 5b in which a flow ID (type: kyuka) is encoded is printed on the leave application form 5a, and a principal seal column 5c, a section manager denial column 5j, and a section manager approval column 5k are provided. As a result of the paper flow, the principal seal (id: yamada) 6a is stamped in the principal seal field 5c, and the section manager's seal (id: inoue) 6b is stamped in the section manager denial column 5j if the section manager rejects it. The In the case of approval, the section manager approval field 5k is stamped.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing changes in the process template 11 in this case. In FIG. 16, (a) is the type definition of the process template “ProcessTemplate”, (b) is the type definition of the activity “Activity” included in the process template, and (c) is an example of the process template. In addition to "" id ":" honnin "", coordinates of "" id ":" kacho: ok "" corresponding to the section approval column and "" id ":" kacho: ng "" corresponding to the section rejection field Information is set.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a flow of processing from scanning of an application form to reflection in the workflow system 1. In FIG. 17, the image input unit 25 inputs a scan image to the controller 21 (step S301), and the controller 21 decodes a barcode indicating the type of application form by the barcode decoding unit 26 to obtain a flow ID (step S301). S302).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 acquires the process template 11 from the workflow system 1 based on the flow ID (step S303), and acquires the coordinates of the stamp position from the process template 11 (step S304).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 decodes the barcode indicating the processing result of the paper flow by the barcode decoding unit 26 for each seal position. If the barcode data exists and “id” is “ok”, the decoded value Is associated with the user ID with a default value, and if the barcode data exists and “id” is “ng”, the decode value is associated with the user ID by denial, otherwise the decode value is associated with the user ID with the default value. Associate (step S305).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 generates a process instance with a flow ID for the workflow system 1 (step S306), and starts the process instance with the authority of the principal (step S307).

  Subsequently, while the process instance is not in an end state, the controller 21 acquires the user ID of the next activity from the process instance, checks whether the decoded value includes the user ID, and processes the activity with the user authority (step S308). ).

  Then, the scanned image is stored in the document image database 8 (step S309), and the process ends.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example in which approval / disapproval can be determined. That is, the type of the bar code seal 6 is divided, and it is determined that the approval or the like has been made when the imprint of the bar code indicating the processing result is the first bar code indicating the approval or the like, and the second bar code indicating the denial or not. In some cases, it is determined that a denial has been made. In this case, the number of barcode stamps 6 is doubled, but it is possible to reduce the stamping space in the application form, which is effective when the stamping position is limited.

  In FIG. 18, (a) shows an imprint for approval including “id = hamada & judgment = ok”, and (b) shows an imprint for denial including “id = hamada & judgment = ng”.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow of processing from scanning of an application form to reflection in the workflow system. In FIG. 19, the image input unit 25 inputs a scanned image to the controller 21 (step S401), and the controller 21 decodes a barcode indicating the type of application form by the barcode decoding unit 26 to obtain a flow ID (step S401). S402).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 acquires the process template 11 from the workflow system 1 based on the flow ID (step S403), and acquires the coordinates of the stamp position from the process template 11 (step S404).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 decodes the barcode indicating the processing result of the paper flow by the barcode decoding unit 26 for each seal position. If the “judgment” of the barcode data is “ok”, the decoded value is checked. If the “judgment” of the barcode data is “ng”, the decoded value is rejected and the user ID is associated with the user ID. Otherwise, the decoded value is associated with the user ID by examination (step S405).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 generates a process instance with the flow ID for the workflow system 1 (step S406), and starts the process instance with the authority of the principal (step S407).

  Subsequently, while the process instance is not in the end state, the controller 21 acquires the user ID of the next activity from the process instance, checks whether the decoded value includes the user ID, and processes the activity with the user authority (step S408). ).

  Then, the scanned image is stored in the document image database 8 (step S409), and the process ends.

<Modification 3>
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example in which approval / disapproval can be determined. That is, the number of times the barcode seal 6 is stamped is divided into one case and two cases, and it is judged that the approval or the like has been made when there is only one barcode imprint indicating the processing result. It is judged that the denial was made. In this case, there is an advantage that the bar code seal 6 can be reduced.

  In FIG. 20, the leave application form 5a is printed with a barcode 5b in which a flow ID (type: kyuka) is encoded, and is provided with a principal seal column 5c and a section approval / denial column 5m. As a result of the paper flow, the principal seal imprint (id: yamada) 6a is imprinted in the principal seal column 5c. Imprinted twice. In the case of approval, it will be stamped once in the section manager approval / denial column 5m.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flow of processing from scanning of an application form to reflection in the workflow system. In FIG. 21, the image input unit 25 inputs a scanned image to the controller 21 (step S501), and the controller 21 decodes a barcode indicating the type of application form by the barcode decoding unit 26 to obtain a flow ID (step S501). S502).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 acquires the process template 11 from the workflow system 1 based on the flow ID (step S503), and acquires the coordinates of the stamp position from the process template 11 (step S504).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 decodes the barcode indicating the processing result of the paper flow by the barcode decoding unit 26 for each seal position. If there is only one barcode, the decoded value is associated with the user ID by examination, If there are two codes, the decode value is rejected and associated with the user ID, otherwise an error is determined (step S505).

  Subsequently, the controller 21 generates a process instance with the flow ID for the workflow system 1 (step S506), and starts the process instance with the authority of the principal (step S507).

  Subsequently, while the process instance is not in the end state, the controller 21 acquires the user ID of the next activity from the process instance, checks whether the decoded value includes the user ID, and processes the activity with the user authority (step S508). ).

  Then, the scanned image is stored in the document image database 8 (step S509), and the process ends.

  The present invention has been described above by the preferred embodiments of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Obviously you can. In other words, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the details of the specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the paper and electronic flow integrated system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a first diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration of a paper / electronic flow integrated system; It is FIG. (2) which shows the example of a module structure of a paper and electronic flow integrated system. It is a figure which shows the process outline | summary of a paper and electronic flow integrated system. It is a figure which shows the flow of a printing process of an application. It is a figure which shows the example of a paper flow template database. It is a figure which shows the example of the printing screen of an application. It is a figure which shows the example of the application which needs examination and approval. It is a figure which shows the example of the application which requires only approval. FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 1) illustrating a flow of processing from scanning of an application form to reflection in a workflow system. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a flow of processing from scanning of an application form to reflection in a workflow system. It is a figure which shows the example of a process template. It is a figure which shows the example of the coordinate designation | designated of a stamp position. It is a figure which shows the example of the decoding result of barcode. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example in which approval / disapproval can be determined; It is a figure which shows the change point in a process template. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process from the scanning of an application form to reflection in a workflow system. FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example in which approval / disapproval can be determined. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process from the scanning of an application form to reflection in a workflow system. FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 3) illustrating an example in which approval / disapproval can be determined; It is a figure which shows the flow of a process from the scanning of an application form to reflection in a workflow system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Workflow system 11 Process template 2 Paper / electronic flow integration part 21 Controller 22 Paper flow template database 23 Management logic processing part 24 Paper document output part 25 Image input part 26 Barcode decoding part 3 Client 4 Printer 5 Paper document 6 Barcode seal 7 Scanner 8 Document image database

Claims (10)

A paper document for executing a paper flow, in which a first identification code indicating a correspondence relationship with an electronic flow is printed, and a second identification code indicating a processing result is attached along with the execution of the paper flow. Means for capturing an image of a paper document,
Means for decoding the first and second identification codes from the captured image of the paper document;
A paper / electronic flow integration system comprising: means for specifying an electronic flow based on the first identification code and advancing the electronic flow according to the second identification code. The paper / electronic flow integrated system according to claim 1,
An integrated paper / electronic flow system comprising a process template for holding position information to which the second identification code should be attached in association with an electronic flow. The paper / electronic flow integrated system according to claim 1,
A paper / electronic flow integration system, characterized in that an approval or the like has been made due to the presence of the second identification code. The paper / electronic flow integrated system according to claim 1,
An integrated paper / electronic flow system, wherein when the second identification code is in the first area, it is determined that the approval or the like has been made, and when it is in the second area, it is determined that the rejection has been made. The paper / electronic flow integrated system according to claim 1,
When the second identification code is a first identification code indicating approval or the like, it is determined that the approval is made, and when the second identification code is a second identification code indicating disapproval, it is determined that the rejection is made. Integrated paper / electronic flow system. The paper / electronic flow integrated system according to claim 1,
An integrated paper / electronic flow system, wherein when the number of the second identification code is one, it is determined that the approval has been made, and when the number is two, the rejection is determined. The paper / electronic flow integrated system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A paper / electronic flow integrated system comprising a paper flow template database for holding the paper document template. The paper / electronic flow integrated system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An integrated paper / electronic flow system comprising means for storing the captured image of the paper document. A paper document for executing a paper flow, in which a first identification code indicating a correspondence relationship with an electronic flow is printed, and a second identification code indicating a processing result is attached along with the execution of the paper flow. Capturing the image of a paper document,
Decoding the first and second identification codes from the captured image of the paper document;
A paper / electronic flow integration method comprising: specifying an electronic flow based on the first identification code, and advancing the electronic flow according to the second identification code. A controller that communicates with the workflow system and controls each part;
A management logic processing unit that executes predetermined processing for access from a client;
A paper document output unit for outputting a paper document to a printer;
An image input unit for inputting the image of the paper document from the scanner;
A decoding unit for decoding the identification code included in the image of the paper document,
The above controller
In response to a request from the client, the paper document is printed with a first identification code indicating a correspondence relationship with the electronic flow,
An image of the paper document with a second identification code indicating a processing result accompanying the execution of the paper flow is captured from the scanner,
Decoding the first and second identification codes from the captured image of the paper document;
An apparatus for integrating paper and electronic flow, wherein the electronic flow of the workflow system is specified based on the first identification code, and the electronic flow is advanced according to the second identification code.

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