JP2010191609A - Work flow execution device, work flow execution method, and work flow execution program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute print processing in the order of submitting a work flow. <P>SOLUTION: A server receives user identification information and a work flow, and stores them in association with their reception time, and executes the stored work flow. When the plurality of work flows associated with the user identification information are executed in parallel, an unexecuted work flow whose print processing has not been executed other than the print execution work flow is detected in a stage prior to the execution of the print processing defined by one of a plurality of work flows (S16: YES), and when there is a limitation on the number of printing paper (S18; YES), the execution of the print processing defined by the print execution work flow is permitted (S24) under such conditions that the time associated with the print execution work flow precedes the time associated with the unexecuted work flow (S22: YES). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a workflow execution device, a workflow execution method, and a workflow execution program, and more particularly, a workflow execution device capable of executing a plurality of workflows in parallel, a workflow execution method executed by the workflow execution device, and the workflow execution method. The present invention relates to a workflow execution program for causing a computer to execute.

  In recent years, an upper limit value of the permitted number of prints is set for each user, and print number limit management is performed to limit the number of prints. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-77493 discloses a printing system that includes a user terminal connected to a network, a printing apparatus, and a print management server, in which an upper limit value of the number of prints allowed is set for each user. The management server includes a print number calculating unit that calculates a printable number based on a remaining number of print permission sheets of the user and a required number of prints in a plurality of print job requests from the user. A printing system is provided that includes a print job determination unit that automatically determines a priority print job.

  On the other hand, a technique for defining a workflow combining a plurality of processes and executing a plurality of processes defined in the workflow has been developed. When the number of printed sheets is limited by the above-mentioned number-of-prints-limit management, even when a plurality of processes defined in the workflow includes a printing process, it is a management target. Therefore, if the number of printed sheets exceeds the upper limit value by executing the printing process defined in the workflow, the workflow cannot be executed.

Since the workflow defines a combination of a plurality of processes, if a print process is defined after the second of the plurality of processes, the print process is executed because the process is not executed until the process before that is executed. It takes time. Therefore, when a plurality of workflows are executed in parallel, the print processing defined by the workflow input later may be executed before the print processing defined by the workflow input earlier. is there. In this case, if the number of printed sheets exceeds the upper limit due to execution of the printing process defined by the workflow input later, the printing process defined by the workflow input earlier may not be executed. For this reason, there is a problem that a user who has input two workflows is confused because print processing is executed in a different order from the input order.
JP 2008-77493 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is a workflow execution apparatus, a workflow execution method, and a workflow execution capable of executing print processing in the order in which workflows are input. Is to provide a program.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the workflow execution device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a workflow reception unit that receives user identification information for identifying a user and a workflow that defines a plurality of series of processes, The storage means for storing the user identification information and the workflow in association with the time when they are received, the workflow execution means for executing the stored workflow, and the storage means stored in the storage means and associated with the same user identification information. When the plurality of workflows are executed in parallel by the workflow execution means, the plurality of workflows are in a stage before the print processing defined by one print execution workflow is executed. Other workflows other than the print execution workflow Whether there is a limit on the number of printable sheets for a user specified by user identification information associated with the plurality of workflows and detection means for detecting an unexecuted workflow that has not been printed from the flow. A second determination means for determining, and when the unexecuted workflow is detected and the printable number of sheets is limited, a time associated with the print execution workflow is earlier than a time associated with the unexecuted workflow. Execution control means for permitting execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow by the workflow execution means on the condition that there is.

  According to this aspect, when a plurality of workflows associated with the same user identification information are executed in parallel, the print processing defined by one print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows is performed before the execution. If a non-executed workflow that has not been printed is detected from workflows other than the print execution workflow among the multiple workflows, an unexecuted workflow is detected, and there is a limit on the number of printable pages, print execution Execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow is permitted on condition that the time associated with the workflow is before the time associated with the unexecuted workflow. For this reason, the printing process defined by the unexecuted workflow that has been started first is executed before the print execution workflow that has been started later. For this reason, since a plurality of print processes defined by a plurality of workflows are executed in the order in which the workflows are input, the print processes defined by the print execution workflow that has been started later are executed. Further, it is possible to prevent the printing process defined by the unexecuted workflow from being executed. As a result, it is possible to provide a workflow execution apparatus capable of executing print processing in the order in which workflows are input.

  Preferably, when the number of printable sheets is larger than a predetermined value, the execution control unit executes the workflow even if the time associated with the print execution workflow is later than the time associated with the unexecuted workflow. The execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow by the means is permitted.

  Preferably, the execution control unit is configured such that the time associated with the print execution workflow is the unexecuted workflow when the total number of print processes defined by each of the plurality of workflows is equal to or less than the printable number. The execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow by the workflow execution means is permitted even after the time associated with.

  Preferably, when the execution control unit does not permit the execution of the print process defined by the print execution workflow by the workflow execution unit, the print process defined by the unexecuted workflow ends. The workflow execution means is allowed to execute the printing process defined by the print execution workflow.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a workflow execution method includes a step of receiving user identification information for identifying a user and a workflow defining a plurality of series of processes, and the received user identification information and workflow. Are stored in association with the time when they are received, the step of executing the stored workflow, and a plurality of workflows stored in association with the same user identification information are executed in parallel. In a stage before the print process defined by one print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows is executed, the print process is not executed from other workflows other than the print execution workflow. Detecting an unexecuted workflow; and In the step of executing, on the condition that the time associated with the print execution workflow is earlier than the time associated with the unexecuted workflow Allowing the execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a workflow execution method capable of executing print processing in the order in which workflows are input.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, a workflow execution program receives user identification information for identifying a user and a workflow that defines a plurality of series of processes, the received user identification information, and A case in which a workflow is stored in association with the time when they are received, a step in which the stored workflow is executed, and a plurality of workflows that are stored in association with the same user identification information are executed in parallel. In the stage before the print processing defined by one print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows is executed, the print processing is not executed from other workflows other than the print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows Detecting an unexecuted workflow, and said unexecuted workflow If a line workflow is detected and the number of printable sheets is limited, the executing step is performed on the condition that the time associated with the print execution workflow is earlier than the time associated with the unexecuted workflow. And allowing the execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow in the computer.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a workflow execution program capable of executing print processing in the order in which workflows are input.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a workflow execution system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a workflow execution system 1 includes multifunction devices (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) 3, 4, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 200, and a server 300 connected to a network 2. ,including. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the workflow input by the PC 200 is executed by the server 300. In this case, the server 300 controls the MFPs 3 and 4 to cause the MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals) 3 and 4 to execute a plurality of processes defined by the workflow. Here, the server 300 that executes the workflow is called a workflow execution device, and the MFPs 3 and 4 that execute a plurality of processes defined by the workflow are called process execution devices.

  The PC 200 and the server 300 can function as a process execution device. Although the case where the server 300 functions as a workflow execution apparatus will be described as an example, the functions of the server 300 may be installed in the MFPs 3 and 4 or the PC 200. In this case, since the MFPs 3 and 4 or the PC 200 function as a workflow execution device, the server 300 is not necessary.

  Further, a case where two MFPs 3 and 4 function as processing execution devices and one server 300 functions as a workflow execution device will be described as an example. However, the number of MFPs 3 and 4 is not limited. Good. Although the case where the user inputs the workflow to the PC 200 will be described as an example, the user may input the workflow to the server 300 or the MFPs 3 and 4. That is, any one of the MFPs 3 and 4 may stand alone and function as a workflow execution apparatus and a process execution apparatus.

  The PC 200 and the server 300 are general computers. The MFPs 3 and 4 have a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a data transmission function, and image processing.

  The network 2 is a local area network (LAN), and the connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 2 is not limited to a LAN, but may be a wide area network (WAN) or the Internet, and is not limited to a dedicated line but may be a network connected by a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or the like. .

  In the workflow execution system 1 according to the present embodiment, a server 300 that functions as a workflow execution device stores in advance the functions of the MFPs 3 and 4 that function as processing execution devices. The functions of each of the MFPs 3 and 4 are referred to by the PC 200 when the PC 200 receives an input of a workflow. A user operating the PC 200 selects a plurality of functions from the functions of the MFPs 3 and 4 stored in the server 300, and defines a workflow including a series of processes for executing the selected functions. Is possible. In this case, the user does not necessarily have to determine whether or not to cause one of the MFPs 3 and 4 to execute the process, but a workflow for specifying a device that executes at least one of the plurality of processes among the MFPs 3 and 4 is performed. Can be entered. For example, if the server 300 functions as a Web server and a browser program is installed in the PC 300, the user defines a plurality of processes in which two or more of a plurality of functions executable by the MFPs 3 and 4 are combined in the PC 200. The server 300 can receive the workflow input to the PC 200.

  In addition, when a workflow defining a plurality of series of processes is input, the server 300 executes the workflow. The execution of the workflow refers to causing the MFPs 3 and 4 that are the process execution devices to sequentially execute a plurality of series of processes defined by the workflow on the data to be processed defined by the workflow. Specifically, a series of processes defined in the workflow can be selected one by one from the beginning, and the selected process can be executed for the data to be processed and the command for executing the selected process. To any one of MFPs 3 and 4. For example, in the case of a printing process, the command may include a condition for executing the process, such as a paper size, an enlargement / reduction ratio, a printing condition such as the number of printed sheets. As a result, the device that receives the command and the data among the MFPs 3 and 4 processes the data according to the command, and if the processed data and the processing result or the processing without the processed data exists, the processing result is stored in the server. Reply to 300.

  In addition, the process defined by the workflow may include a combination of a plurality of processes that do not change the data contents, such as a combination of a data transmission process and a printing process. In this case, the data contents are not changed. It is possible to execute a plurality of processes in parallel. When the server 300 defines a plurality of processes that can be executed in parallel, the server 300 transmits the same data as the command for executing the plurality of processes that can be executed in parallel to the MFPs 3 and 4, respectively. The MFPs 3 and 4 execute different processes in parallel.

  In the server 300, the device to execute the process selected from the MFPs 3 and 4 is determined as the designated device when the device is designated in the workflow, and either one can be executed. Is determined as an executable device, and when any of the MFPs 3 and 4 can execute the selected process, it is determined as an arbitrary one. Note that if both of the MFPs 3 and 4 can execute the selected process, an apparatus to be executed may be determined according to a predetermined criterion. The predetermined standard is to monitor the load of the MFPs 3 and 4 and to determine a device having a low load, to store the processing capability of the MFPs 3 and 4 in advance and to determine a device having a high processing capability, Costs necessary for executing processing in the MFPs 3 and 4 are stored in advance, and a criterion for determining a low-cost device is used.

  Further, the server 300 executes a print number limit management process. The server 300 stores an upper limit management table in advance when executing the print number limit management process. The upper limit management table includes an upper limit management record for associating an upper limit value with the number of printed sheets for each user. The upper limit management record includes an item in which user identification information for identifying a user is set, an item in which an upper limit assigned to the user is set, and the number of sheets printed by the MFP 3 and MFP 4 according to the user's instruction. Including items to be set, the user identification information, the upper limit value, and the number of printed sheets are associated with each other.

  When the user inputs the user identification information and the upper limit value, the server 300 inputs the upper limit management record including the input user identification information among the upper limit management records included in the upper limit management table. Set the upper limit value. Further, when print or copy processing is executed by each of the MFPs 3 and 4, performance information including user identification information of the user who has instructed execution of the print or copy processing and the number of printed sheets is received. When the server 300 receives the record information from any of the MFPs 3 and 4, the item of the number of prints of the upper limit management record including the user identification information included in the received record information among the upper limit management records included in the upper limit management table. Is changed to a value obtained by adding the number of printed sheets included in the record information.

  On the other hand, before executing the print or copy process, the MFPs 3 and 4 transmit the inquiry information for the upper limit number including the user identification information of the user who has instructed the execution of the print or copy process. An upper limit management record including identification information is received. The MFPs 3 and 4 compare the printable number obtained by subtracting the number of prints from the upper limit value set in the received upper limit management record and the expected print number by executing the print or copy process, and the expected print number is Print or copy processing is executed on condition that the number of printable sheets is equal to or less.

  The inquiry information transmitted by the MFPs 3 and 4 may include the scheduled number of prints, and the server 300 may determine whether the planned number of prints is equal to or less than the printable number. In this case, server 300 transmits a permission signal to MFPs 3 and 4 on condition that the scheduled number of prints is less than or equal to the number of printable sheets, and MFPs 3 and 4 receive conditions of the permission signal from server 300. Execute the print or copy process.

  Next, the MFPs 3 and 4 as processing execution apparatuses will be described. Here, the hardware configurations and functions of the MFPs 3 and 4 are assumed to be the same, and in the following description, the MFP 3 will be described as an example unless otherwise specified. Note that the hardware configurations and functions of the MFPs 3 and 4 may be different.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 3 includes a main circuit 101, and main circuit 101 is connected to ADF 10, image reading unit 20, image forming unit 30, paper feeding unit 40, and facsimile unit 50. . The main circuit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112 used as a work area of the CPU 111, and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for storing programs executed by the CPU 111. ) 113, a display unit 114, an operation unit 115, a hard disk drive (HDD) 116 as a mass storage device, and a data communication control unit 117.

  The CPU 111 is connected to the display unit 114, the operation unit 115, the HDD 116, and the data communication control unit 117, and controls the entire main circuit 101. The CPU 111 is connected to the ADF 10, the image reading unit 20, the image forming unit 30, the paper feeding unit 40, and the facsimile unit 50, and controls the entire MFP 3.

  The display unit 114 is a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), and displays an instruction menu for the user, information about acquired image data, and the like. The operation unit 115 includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of various instructions, data such as characters and numbers by user operations corresponding to the keys. The operation unit 115 includes a touch panel provided on the display unit 114. Display unit 114 and operation unit 115 constitute operation panel 9 provided on the upper surface of the main body of MFP 3.

  The data communication control unit 117 includes a LAN terminal 118 that is an interface for communicating with a communication protocol such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and a serial interface terminal 119 for serial communication. The data communication control unit 117 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the LAN terminal 118 or the serial interface terminal 119 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 111.

  When a LAN cable for connecting to the network 2 is connected to the LAN terminal 118, the data communication control unit 117 can communicate with the MFP 4, the PC 200, or the server 300 via the LAN terminal 118. Further, when the LAN cable is connected to the Internet, it is possible to send and receive electronic mail by communicating with an electronic mail server connected to the Internet.

  Further, the CPU 111 controls the data communication control unit 117 to read a program to be executed by the CPU 111 from the memory card 119A, and stores the read program in the RAM 112 and executes it. A recording medium for storing a program to be executed by the CPU 111 is not limited to the memory card 119A, but a flexible disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) / MO (Magnetic Optical Disc)). It may be a medium such as a semiconductor memory such as / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital VerSatile Disc)), IC card, optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (EraSable Programmable ROM), or EEPROM (Electronically EPROM). Further, the CPU 111 downloads a program from a computer connected to the Internet and stores it in the HDD 116, or loads the program stored in the HDD 116 into the RAM 112 so that the computer connected to the Internet writes the program in the HDD 116. Then, it may be executed by the CPU 111. The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU 111 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The facsimile unit 50 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 7 and transmits facsimile data to the PSTN 7 or receives facsimile data from the PSTN 7. The facsimile unit 50 stores the received facsimile data in the HDD 116, or the image forming unit 30 prints the facsimile data on paper. Further, the facsimile unit 50 converts the data stored in the HDD 116 into facsimile data, and outputs the facsimile data to a facsimile machine connected to the PSTN 7 or another MFP. As a result, the data stored in the HDD 116 can be output to the facsimile machine or another MFP 4.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the server 300. Referring to FIG. 3, server 300 includes CPU 301 each connected to bus 320, ROM 303 for storing a program executed by CPU 301, RAM 305 used as a work area for CPU 301, and a mass storage device As an HDD 307, a communication I / F 311 for connecting the PC 300 to the network 2, an operation unit 313 serving as an interface with the user, and a card I / F 309 to which the flash memory 308 is mounted.

  The operation unit 313 includes an input unit 315 including a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse, and a display unit 317 including a liquid crystal display device that displays data.

  Although an example in which the CPU 301 executes a program stored in the ROM 303 will be described here, the program stored in the flash memory 308 may be loaded into the RAM 305 and executed. Further, the recording medium for storing the program is not limited to the flash memory 308, and may be another medium described above.

  Further, the CPU 301 downloads a program from a computer connected to the network 2 and stores the program in the HDD 306, or the computer connected to the network 2 writes the program in the HDD 306 so that the program stored in the HDD 306 is stored in the RAM 312. The CPU 301 may execute the program.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the CPU included in the server 300 together with information stored in the HDD. Referring to FIG. 4, CPU 301 includes a workflow reception unit 51 that receives user identification information and a workflow, a workflow storage unit 53 that stores user identification information and a workflow in association with the time at which the user identification information and the workflow are received, and a workflow. It includes a workflow execution unit 55 that executes, a workflow control unit 57 that controls the workflow execution unit 55, and a print number limit management unit 59 that executes print number limit management that limits the number of prints for each of a plurality of users.

  When the communication I / F 311 receives a set of user identification information, a workflow, and processing target data from the PC 300, the workflow reception unit 51 receives the received set and outputs it to the workflow storage unit 53. The user identification information is identification information for identifying the user who has instructed execution of the workflow. The processing target data is data that is a processing target when the workflow is executed. The processing target data received from the PC 300 may be the processing target data itself, or data stored in any of the server 300, the PC 200, and the MFPs 3 and 4. When the processing target data is not the data itself, data identification information for identifying the processing target data is received from the PC 200. The data identification information is an address in the network 2 including device identification information for identifying a device in which the data identification information is stored and a file name, and is, for example, a URL. The workflow defines a plurality of processes selected from a plurality of processes that can be executed by the MFPs 3 and 4, setting values for executing them, and execution order. Here, a case where the user logs in to the PC 200 and inputs a workflow to the PC 200, whereby the PC 200 transmits a set of the user identification information of the user logged in to the server 300, the workflow, and the processing target data to the server 300. Explained as an example.

  For example, the workflow reception unit 51 functions as a Web server and can be specified by the user in order from the process identification information for identifying the processes executable by the MFPs 3 and 4 stored in the HDD 307 in advance. Is transmitted to the PC 300. This Web page can accept setting values for executing each of a plurality of processes specified by a plurality of process identification information specified by the user. Further, this Web page can specify data to be processed in the workflow. In accordance with the Web page displayed on the display of the PC 200 that executes the browser program, the user executes the process identification information, the setting value for executing the process specified by the process identification information, the execution order, the process target data, , A workflow that defines a plurality of specified processing identification information, setting values for executing them, and execution order, user identification information of a user who has logged in to the PC 200, and processing target data Is transmitted to the server 300.

  When the combination of the user identification information, the workflow, and the processing target data is input from the workflow reception unit 51, the workflow storage unit 53 displays the user identification information, the workflow, the processing target data, and the date / time when the workflow was received. The associated workflow definition data is generated and stored in the HDD 307. As a result, the workflow definition data 81 is stored in the HDD 307.

  Here, the workflow definition data will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of workflow definition data. Referring to FIG. 5, the workflow definition data includes an item of user identification information, an item of registration time, an item of workflow, and an item to be processed. In the user identification information item, user identification information for identifying the user who has instructed execution of the workflow is set. In the item of registration time, the date and time when the workflow is accepted is set. A workflow is set in the item of workflow.

  In the item to be processed, data identification information for identifying data to be processed in the first process defined by the workflow is set. When the processing target data received from the PC 200 is the data itself, the workflow storage unit 53 stores the processing target data in the HDD 307 and uses data identification information (for example, a file name) for identifying the stored data. Set the item. In addition, when the processing target data received from the PC 200 is data identification information, data for acquiring data specified by the data identification information, storing the acquired data in the HDD 307, and identifying the stored data Set the identification information in the item of the processing pair. Note that if the process defined in the workflow, particularly the first process is a scan process for reading a document, for example, data is generated by executing that process. Is not set.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow. Referring to FIG. 6, the workflow definition data includes a procedure item, a process ID item, a set value item, and a process result item. The order of each of the plurality of processes in the workflow is set as the procedure item. In the process ID item, process identification information for specifying a process is set. The process ID is process identification information for identifying a process that can be executed by the MFPs 3 and 4. In the setting value item, a setting value used for executing the process specified by the process identification information is set. In the workflow definition data, the procedure item, the process ID item, and the set value item are set when the workflow is input in the PC 200 and accepted by the workflow accepting unit 51. In the process result item, at the stage where the workflow definition data is generated, a value “not yet” indicating that the process identified by the process identification information set in the process ID item has not yet been executed is set. The process identified by the process identification information set in the process ID item is executed, and when the process is completed, a value of “Done” indicating that the process has been executed is set.

  As the first procedure, a process of process identification information “scan” is defined. As the setting values, “resolution”, “color”, and “data format” are set. When the process defined in the first procedure is executed, the document is read with “resolution” and “color” set as the set values, and data of “data format” set as the set values is generated. . For example, here, a case where a bitmap format is set as a setting value of “data format” will be described as an example.

  As the second procedure, a process of process identification information “data conversion” is defined. As the setting value, “data format” and “Searchable” are set. As the setting value of “data format”, the data format after the data format is converted is set. The setting value of “Searchable” indicates conversion of image data into searchable data. The searchable data is, for example, searchable data to which text data obtained by character recognition of characters included in image data is added. Here, a case where PDF (Portable Document Format) is set as the setting value of “data format” and the setting value of “Searchable” is set to ON will be described as an example. When the process defined in the second procedure is executed, the bitmap format data generated by executing the process defined in procedure 1 is converted into PDF data, character-recognized, and text A process of converting the data into Searchable PDF data to which data is added is executed.

  As the third procedure, a process of process identification information “print” is defined. As setting values, “number of prints” and “print mode” are set. Here, an example will be described in which “30” is set as the setting value of “number of prints” and “monochrome” is set as the setting value of “print mode”. When the third procedure is executed, 30 images of monochrome searchable PDF data generated by executing the process defined in the second procedure are printed in monochrome by either MFP 3 or MFP 4. The

  In this example, a workflow that defines the three processes of procedure 1 to procedure 3 is shown as an example. However, the workflow is not limited as long as it defines two or more processes, and defines four or more processes. May be.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the workflow execution unit 55 executes the workflow included in the workflow definition data 81 stored in the HDD 307. When a plurality of workflow definition data 81 is stored in the HDD 307, the workflow execution unit 55 selects one workflow definition data 81 in order from the registered one, and executes the workflow included in the selected workflow definition data. . The workflow execution unit 55 selects one of the plurality of workflow definition data 81 stored in the HDD 307 in order from the previous time set in the item of registration time, and executes the workflow. Specifically, the process identification information set in the corresponding process ID item and the set value item are set in order from the smallest number set in the procedure item of the selected workflow definition data 81. The set value and the data identification information set in the item to be processed are acquired, and a set of the process identification information, the set value, and the data identification information acquired by either the MFP 3 or the MFP 4 is obtained. Send. As a result, the MFP 3 or the MFP 4 that has received the combination of the process identification information, the set value, and the data identification information acquires the data specified by the data identification information, and performs the process identification for the acquired data. The process identified by the information is executed according to the set value, and the data after executing the process is returned to the server 300. When the workflow execution unit 55 receives the processing result from the MFP 3 or MFP 4, the workflow execution unit 55 updates the workflow definition data 81. Specifically, the process result corresponding to the process identification information of the process executed in the workflow included in the workflow definition data 81 is changed to “Done”.

  When the process defined in the workflow is a process for generating data by executing the process, for example, a scan process, the workflow execution unit 55 sets the data identification information of the data to be processed as MFP 3. Do not send to 4.

  The workflow execution unit 55 can execute a plurality of workflows in parallel. Here, a case where the workflow execution unit 55 executes two workflows in parallel will be described as an example. Note that the number of workflows that the workflow execution unit 55 can execute in parallel is not limited to two as long as it is two or more.

  The workflow execution unit 55 includes a first execution unit 61 and a second execution unit 63 that each execute one workflow. The first execution unit 61 and the second execution unit 63 select workflow definition data including a workflow that has not been executed from at least one workflow definition data 81 stored in the HDD 307, and the selected workflow definition Execute the workflow included in the data. The workflow definition data selected by the first execution unit 61 and the second execution unit 63 from the at least one workflow definition data 81 stored in the HDD 307 is the first process (the process item of the procedure is “1”). It is possible to select any workflow definition data that includes a workflow that has not yet been executed. For example, workflow definition data having the same user identification information may be selected. Here, a case where the time set in the item of registration time is selected from the previous ones will be described as an example.

  While the first execution unit 61 is executing the workflow included in the workflow definition data, the workflow included in the workflow definition data at the registration time next to the registration time of the workflow definition data selected by the first execution unit 61 is A case where the second execution unit 63 executes is described as an example. In other words, the second execution unit 63 selects workflow definition data whose registration time is later than the workflow definition data selected by the first execution unit 61.

  When each of the first execution unit 61 and the second execution unit 63 selects workflow definition data, the selected workflow definition data is output to the workflow control unit 57 and is controlled by the workflow control unit 57 to execute the workflow. To do. More specifically, each of the first execution unit 61 and the second execution unit 63 sends the process identification information to the workflow control unit before executing each of the plurality of processes defined by the workflow included in the workflow definition data. The process identified by the process identification information is executed on condition that the permission signal is input from the workflow control unit 57.

  Here, the first execution unit 61 executes the first workflow included in the first workflow definition data among the plurality of workflow definition data 81 stored in the HDD 307, and the second execution unit 63 stores the plurality of workflow definitions data stored in the HDD 307. A case where the second workflow included in the second workflow definition data in the workflow definition data 81 is executed will be described. Further, it is assumed that the first workflow definition data and the second workflow definition data are input by the same user after inputting the first workflow including the printing process into the PC 200 and then inputting the second workflow including the printing process. For this reason, the first workflow definition data and the second workflow definition data include the same user identification information. The time set in the registration time item of the second workflow definition data is later than the time set in the registration time item of the first workflow definition data.

  The print number limit management unit 59 executes the above-described print number limit management process. Specifically, when the administrator inputs user identification information and an upper limit value to the input unit 315, the upper limit management record included in the upper limit management table 83 stored in the HDD 307 is input to the print number limit management unit 59. Among these, the upper limit value input is set in the upper limit value field of the upper limit management record including the input user identification information. Further, when the printing or copying process is executed by each of the MFPs 3 and 4, performance information including the user identification information of the user who has instructed the execution of the printing or copying process and the number of copies is transmitted from the MFPs 3 and 4. When the communication I / F 311 receives the record information from the MFP 3 or the MFP 4, the print number limit management unit 59 acquires the record information. Then, the print number limit management unit 59 sets the number of prints set in the item of the number of prints in the upper limit management record including the user identification information included in the acquired record information among the upper limit management records included in the upper limit management table. Is changed to a value obtained by adding the number of printed sheets included in the record information. Further, when the upper limit number of inquiry information is received from either MFP 3 or 4, the print number limit management unit 59 is included in the inquiry signal from the upper limit management table 83 stored in the HDD 307 included in the upper limit number of inquiry information. An upper limit management record including user identification information is extracted, and the extracted upper limit management record is transmitted to the MFP 3 or 4 that has transmitted the upper limit number of inquiry information.

  Further, when an inquiry signal including user identification information is input from the workflow control unit 57, the print number limit management unit 59 receives an upper limit including user identification information included in the inquiry signal from the upper limit management table 83 stored in the HDD 307. The management record is extracted, and the upper limit value and the number of printed sheets included in the extracted upper limit management record are output to the workflow control unit 57. In some cases, the user specified by the user identification information is not subject to print number limit management. In this case, the print number limit management unit 59 indicates a signal indicating no limit instead of the print number from the upper limit value. Is output to the workflow control unit 57.

  The workflow control unit 57 obtains the printable printable sheet number assigned to the detection unit 71, the determination unit 73, the execution control unit 75 that controls the workflow execution unit 55, and the user who has instructed execution of the workflow. A number acquisition unit 77.

  The detection unit 71 receives the workflow definition data from the workflow execution unit 55 that executes the workflow, and the process identification information of the process before the workflow execution unit 55 executes each of the plurality of processes defined by the workflow. Entered. When a plurality of workflows associated with the same user identification information are executed in parallel by the workflow execution unit 55, the detection unit 71 executes print processing defined by one print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows. In the previous stage, an unexecuted workflow that has not been subjected to print processing is detected from among a plurality of workflows other than the print execution workflow.

  Specifically, the detection unit 71 receives first workflow definition data from the first execution unit 61 and receives second workflow definition data from the second execution unit 63. The detection unit 71 outputs nothing to the execution control unit 75 when process identification information of a process other than the printing process is input from either the first execution unit 61 or the second execution unit 63.

  When the processing identification information of the printing process is input from the first execution unit 61, the detection unit 71 determines whether or not the user identification information included in each of the first workflow definition data and the second workflow definition data is the same. The detection unit 71 outputs nothing to the execution control unit 75 if it is not determined to be the same, but if it is determined to be the same, the detection unit 71 is further included with reference to the second workflow definition data stored in the HDD 81. It is determined whether the printing process defined by the workflow has not been executed. When the detection unit 71 determines that the printing process defined by the second workflow included in the second workflow definition data is not executed, the detecting unit 71 detects the second workflow as an unexecuted workflow. When detecting the second workflow as an unexecuted workflow, the detection unit 71 outputs a signal indicating that the second workflow is an unexecuted workflow to the execution control unit 75, but otherwise outputs nothing.

  When the processing identification information of the printing process is input from the second execution unit 63, the detection unit 71 determines whether the user identification information included in each of the second workflow definition data and the first workflow definition data is the same. The detection unit 71 outputs nothing to the execution control unit 75 if it is not determined to be the same, but if it is determined to be the same, the detection unit 71 is further included with reference to the first workflow definition data stored in the HDD 81. It is determined whether the printing process defined by the workflow has not been executed. When the detection unit 71 determines that the printing process defined by the workflow included in the first workflow definition data is not executed, the detecting unit 71 detects the first workflow as an unexecuted workflow. When detecting the first workflow as an unexecuted workflow, the detection unit 71 outputs a signal indicating that the first workflow is an unexecuted workflow to the execution control unit 75, but otherwise outputs nothing.

  Here, since the time set in the registration time item of the first workflow definition data is earlier than the time set in the registration time item of the second workflow definition data, it is included in the first workflow definition data. Execution of the first workflow is started before the second workflow included in the second workflow definition data. On the other hand, the printing process defined by the first workflow may be executed before or after the printing process defined by the second workflow. Therefore, the detection unit 71 determines whether or not the other is not executed at the stage before one of the printing process defined by the second workflow and the printing process defined by the second workflow is executed. In the case of execution, a signal indicating that the other is an unexecuted workflow is output.

  When the workflow definition data is input from the workflow execution unit 55 and the workflow definition data is input, the determination unit 73 requests a printable printable number of pages of the user identification information included in the user definition data. The request request signal is output to the limited number acquisition unit 77. The request request signal includes user identification information included in the workflow definition data input from the workflow execution unit 55. Here, the determination unit 73 receives the first workflow definition data and the second workflow definition data, but the user identification information included in each of the first workflow definition data and the second workflow definition data is the same. A request request signal including user identification information is output to the limited number acquisition unit 77.

  When the request request signal is input from the determination unit 73, the limit number acquisition unit 77 outputs an inquiry signal including user identification information included in the request request signal to the print number limit management unit 59. When the inquiry signal is input, the print number limit management unit 59 outputs the upper limit value and the print number to the limit number acquisition unit 77, so the limit number acquisition unit 77 subtracts the print number from the input upper limit value. The number of printable sheets is calculated, and the number of printable sheets is output to the determination unit 73. In some cases, the user specified by the user identification information is not subject to the print number limit management. In this case, the limit number acquisition unit 77 determines a signal indicating no limit instead of the printable number. To 73.

  When the printable number of sheets output in response to the input of the request request signal is input, the determination unit 73 outputs a set of the user identification information and the printable number of sheets to the execution control unit 75 to limit the limit. When a signal indicating no limit is input from the number acquisition unit 77, a set of user identification information and a signal indicating no limit is output to the execution control unit 75.

  When the number of printable sheets is input from the determination unit 73 and the workflow identification information for identifying the second workflow as an unexecuted workflow is input from the detection unit 71, the execution control unit 75 stores the first workflow definition data. On the condition that the registration time included is before the registration time included in the second workflow definition data, a permission signal is sent to the first execution unit 61 in response to the process identification information being input from the first execution unit 61. Is output. Here, since the registration time included in the first workflow definition data is earlier than the registration time included in the second workflow definition data, a permission signal is output to the first execution unit 61. On the other hand, when a signal indicating no restriction is input from the determination unit 73 or when the workflow identification information for identifying the second workflow as an unexecuted workflow is not input from the detection unit 71, the execution control unit 75 In response to the process identification information being input from the first execution unit 61, a permission signal is output to the first execution unit 61. For this reason, when the printing process defined in the first workflow is executed before the printing process defined in the second workflow is executed, the printing process can be executed as it is. As a result, the printing process defined by the first workflow input first can be executed before the printing process defined by the second workflow input later.

  When the printable number of sheets is input from the determination unit 73 and the workflow identification information for identifying the first workflow as an unexecuted workflow is input from the detection unit 71, the execution control unit 75 stores the second workflow definition data. On the condition that the registration time included is before the registration time included in the first workflow definition data, a permission signal is sent to the second execution unit 63 in response to the process identification information being input from the second execution unit 63. Is output. Here, since the registration time included in the second workflow definition data is after the registration time included in the first workflow definition data, no permission signal is output to the second execution unit 63. In this case, the execution control unit 75 executes the second execution when the print processing defined by the first workflow included in the first workflow definition data is executed by the first execution unit 61 and the execution of the print processing is completed. A permission signal is output to the unit 63. For this reason, when the printing process defined by the second workflow by the second execution unit 63 is executed before the printing process defined by the first workflow is executed by the first execution unit 61, the second The printing process by the execution unit 63 can be prevented from being executed until the execution of the printing process by the first execution unit 61 is completed. As a result, the printing process defined by the first workflow input first can be executed before the printing process defined by the second workflow input later.

  On the other hand, the execution control unit 75 receives a signal indicating no restriction from the determination unit 73, receives workflow identification information for identifying the first workflow as an unexecuted workflow from the detection unit 71, or Even when workflow identification information for identifying the second workflow is input from the detection unit 71 as an unexecuted workflow, a permission signal is output to the first execution unit 61 or the second execution unit 63.

  The execution control unit 75 is limited in the number of sheets that can be printed by the user who has input the second workflow, and the printing process defined by the second workflow input later by the user is executed. If the print process defined by the first workflow that has been input before has not been executed yet, the print process defined by the second workflow is executed by the print process defined by the first workflow. However, the following condition may be used as a condition for restricting the execution of the printing process.

  (1) The execution control unit 75 determines that the printable sheet number assigned to the user input from the determination unit 73 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold T, and the first workflow from the detection unit 71 is an unexecuted workflow. When the signal indicating that the second workflow definition data is included, the permission signal is output to the second execution unit 63 even if the registration time included in the second workflow definition data is later than the registration time included in the first workflow definition data. To do. In addition, the execution control unit 75 has the number of printable sheets assigned to the user input from the determination unit 73 equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value T, and the second workflow from the detection unit 71 is an unexecuted workflow. When a signal indicating that there is a signal is input, a permission signal is output to the first execution unit 61 even if the registration time included in the first workflow definition data is after the registration time included in the second workflow definition data.

  When the number of printable sheets assigned to the user who has input the first and second workflows is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value T, the printing process defined by the first workflow and the second workflow are defined. This is because even if the printing process is executed, there is a low probability that printing cannot be performed beyond the number of printable sheets.

  (2) The execution control unit 75 has a total of the number of printed sheets defined by the first workflow and the number of printed sheets defined by the second workflow equal to or less than the printable number, and a detecting unit 71, when a signal indicating that the first workflow is an unexecuted workflow is input, even if the registration time included in the second workflow definition data is later than the registration time included in the first workflow definition data. 2 Output a permission signal to the execution unit 63. In addition, the execution control unit 75 determines that the sum of the number of prints of the print process defined by the first workflow and the number of prints of the print process defined by the second workflow is equal to or less than the printable number, and the detection unit 71 When a signal indicating that the second workflow is an unexecuted workflow is input from the first workflow definition data even if the registration time included in the first workflow definition data is later than the registration time included in the second workflow definition data. A permission signal is output to the execution unit 61.

  The sum of the number of printed sheets defined by the first workflow and the number of printed sheets defined by the second workflow is less than or equal to the number of printable sheets assigned to the user who entered the first and second workflows. In this case, the print process defined by the first workflow and the print process defined by the second workflow are executed without being limited by the upper limit management process regardless of the order of execution. It is.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the workflow control process. The server 300 includes processing for workflow control. This is a process executed by the CPU 301 when the CPU 301 executes the workflow execution program.

  Referring to FIG. 7, CPU 301 determines whether or not a set of user identification information and a workflow has been received from PC 200. If a set of user identification information and a workflow is received, the process proceeds to step S02; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S06. In step S02, the current time is acquired. In the next step S03, it is determined whether or not processing target data has been received. If the data to be processed is received, the process proceeds to step S04. If not, step S04 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S05. In step S04, the received process target data is stored in HDD 307, and the process proceeds to step S05. In step S05, the user identification information and workflow received in step S01 and the step S02 were acquired. Workflow definition data associated with the current time is generated and stored in the HDD 307. As a result, the workflow definition data 81 is stored in the HDD 307. In step S06, it is determined whether new workflow definition data has been stored. If new workflow definition data is stored, the process proceeds to step S07; otherwise, the process returns to step S01. In step S07, a workflow execution process for executing a workflow included in the newly stored workflow definition data is executed.

  Here, a case where data to be processed is received will be described as an example, but data identification information for identifying data to be processed may be received. If the first process defined in the workflow is a process that does not require processing target data, the processing target data is not received.

  Next, the workflow execution process will be described. Here, a case where the user logs in to the PC 200, inputs the first workflow including the printing process, and then inputs the second workflow including the printing process will be described as an example. In this case, the above-described workflow control process is executed by the server 300, and the first workflow definition data including the first workflow and the second workflow definition data including the second workflow are stored in the HDD 307. Since the first workflow is input to the PC 200 before the second workflow, the registration time included in the first workflow definition data is earlier than the registration time included in the second workflow. Since the data is stored in the HDD 307 before the second workflow definition data, the first workflow is executed before the second workflow. Here, a workflow execution process in the case where the second workflow included in the second workflow definition data is executed in a state where the first workflow included in the first workflow definition data is executed first will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the workflow execution process. The workflow execution process is a process executed in step S07 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, CPU 301 reads the second workflow included in the second workflow definition data stored in HDD 307 (step S11). Then, the time associated with the second workflow by the second workflow definition data is acquired as the second time (step S12). In step S13, the first process included in the second workflow called in step S11 is selected. Then, it is determined whether or not the selected process is a printing process (step S14). If the selected process is a printing process, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S29.

  In step S15, it is determined whether there is a first workflow associated with the same user identification information as the user identification information associated with the second workflow read in step S11. If such a first workflow exists, the process proceeds to step S16; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S24. Here, since the first workflow has already been executed, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, it is determined whether the first workflow includes an unexecuted print process. If the first workflow includes an unexecuted print process, the process proceeds to step S17; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S24. The CPU 301 determines whether or not the first workflow includes an unexecuted print process by referring to the first workflow definition data 81 stored in the HDD 307.

  In step S17, the number of printable pages assigned to the user of the user identification information associated with the first and second workflows and the first workflow definition data or the second workflow definition data is acquired. Specifically, referring to the upper limit management table 83 stored in the HDD 307, the upper limit management record including the user identification information included in the first workflow definition data or the second workflow definition data is extracted, and the extracted upper limit management record is extracted. The number of printable sheets is calculated by subtracting the number of printed sheets from the upper limit value included in.

  In the next step S18, it is determined whether or not the number of printed sheets is limited. If the printable number of sheets can be calculated, it is determined that the number of printed sheets is limited, and an upper limit management record including user identification information included in the first workflow definition data or the second workflow definition data is stored in the upper limit management table 83. Otherwise, it is determined that the number of printed sheets is not limited. If the number of prints is limited, the process proceeds to step S19. If not, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S19, it is determined whether or not the number of printable sheets acquired in step S17 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value T. If the number of printable sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold value T, the process proceeds to step S24. If not, the process proceeds to step S20. The threshold value T is a number that is predetermined and registered by the administrator.

  In step S20, the time associated with the first workflow by the first workflow definition data is acquired as the first time. In the next step S21, the time associated with the second workflow by the second workflow definition data is acquired as the second time. In the next step S22, it is determined whether or not the first time is before the second time. If the first time is before the second time, the process proceeds to step S24; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the process waits until the first workflow printing process ends (NO in step S23). When the printing process defined by the first workflow ends, the process proceeds to step S24. That is, the process proceeds to step S24 on condition that the printing process defined by the first workflow is completed. In step S24, the printing process defined by the second workflow is executed, and the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the process waits until the printing process is completed (NO in step S25). If the process is completed (YES in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the processing result of the workflow definition data 81 stored in the HDD 307 is updated.

  In the next step S27, it is determined whether or not the second workflow read in step S11 defines a process in the next order. If the next sequential process is defined, the process proceeds to step S28; otherwise, the process ends. In step S28, the next sequential process is selected, and the process returns to step S14.

  On the other hand, in step S29, it is selected as a processing target. The process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the process waits until the process started in step S29 ends (NO in step S30). When the process ends (YES in step S30), the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the processing result of the workflow definition data 81 stored in the HDD 307 is updated, and the process proceeds to step S27.

<Modification>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the workflow execution process in the modification. The difference from the workflow execution process shown in FIG. 8 is that step S19A and step S19B are executed instead of step S19. Since the other processes are the same as the workflow execution process shown in FIG. 8, the differences will be mainly described here. If it is determined in step S18 that the number of printed sheets is limited, in step S19A, the number of printed sheets printed by the printing process defined by the first workflow and the printing printed by the printing process defined by the second workflow are printed. Calculate the total with the number of sheets. In the next step S19B, it is determined whether or not the total calculated in step S19A is equal to or less than the printable number of sheets. If the calculated total is equal to or smaller than the printable number, the process proceeds to step S24. If not, the process proceeds to step S20. If the sum of the number of printed sheets printed by the printing process defined by the first workflow and the number of printed sheets printed by the printing process defined by the second workflow is equal to or smaller than the printable number, the number is defined by the first workflow. This is because it is possible to execute the number of printed sheets to be printed by the printing process and the printing process defined by the second workflow.

  As described above, the server 300 according to the present embodiment executes a plurality of workflows in parallel when the same user inputs the first and second workflows including the printing process, but the first and second workflows are executed in parallel. In the stage before the print processing defined by the second workflow (print execution workflow) input later among the workflows is executed, the first workflow (not yet executed) from among the workflows other than the first workflow is not executed. When the first workflow is detected and the number of printable sheets is limited, the second time associated with the second workflow is earlier than the first time associated with the first workflow. On the condition, execution of the printing process defined by the second workflow is permitted. For this reason, the printing process defined by the first workflow that has been started first is executed before the second workflow that has been started later. For this reason, a plurality of printing processes respectively defined by a plurality of workflows can be executed in the order in which the workflows are input. Therefore, although the printing process defined by the second workflow that has been started later is executed, the printing process defined by the first workflow that has been input first is not executed when the number of printable sheets is exceeded. Can be prevented. For this reason, the user can obtain the printed matter that is the output result of the workflow that was input later, but the user cannot obtain the printed matter that is the output result of the workflow that was previously input, thereby preventing the user from being confused. Can do.

  If the printable number of sheets is larger than the predetermined value, the printing process defined by the second workflow is executed even if the time associated with the second workflow is later than the time associated with the first workflow. to approve. When the number of printable sheets is larger than a predetermined value, the probability that the number of sheets printed by the two print processes respectively defined by the first input workflow and the second input workflow exceeds the printable number is low. For this reason, even if the printing process defined by the previously submitted workflow is executed after the printing process defined by the later submitted workflow, the printing process defined by the later submitted workflow is performed. As a result, the processing speed of the entire workflow can be increased.

  Further, when the total number of printed sheets defined by each of the first and second workflows is equal to or smaller than the printable number, the time associated with the second workflow is later than the time associated with the first workflow. Even if it exists, execution of the printing process defined by the second workflow is permitted. When the total number of prints is equal to or less than the printable number, the number of sheets printed by the two print processes respectively defined by the first workflow input first and the second workflow input later does not exceed the printable number. For this reason, even if the printing process defined by the first workflow input first is executed after the printing process defined by the second workflow input later, the second workflow input later. The processing speed of the entire workflow can be increased by executing the printing process defined in (1) first.

  If the execution of the printing process defined by the second workflow is not permitted, the execution of the printing process defined by the second workflow is permitted on the condition that the printing process defined by the first workflow ends. Since the print process defined by the first workflow input first is executed before the print process defined by the second workflow input later, the print process defined by the second workflow input later is executed. Thus, it is possible to prevent the printing process defined by the first workflow input first from being executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the server 300 has been described as an example of the workflow execution device. However, the workflow execution method and the workflow execution method for executing the processing illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, or FIG. Needless to say, the invention can be understood as a workflow execution program for causing a computer to execute the above.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) The step of permitting the execution of the printing process includes a step of comparing the limited number of printable sheets with a predetermined value;
The comparison result in the comparing step is defined by the print execution workflow in the executing step even when the unexecuted workflow is detected when the limited number of printable sheets is larger than a predetermined value. 6. A workflow execution method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of permitting execution of the printing process.
(2) The step of permitting execution of the printing process is a case where the unexecuted workflow is detected when the total number of printed sheets defined by each of the plurality of workflows is equal to or less than the printable number. 6. The workflow execution method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of permitting execution of a print process defined by the print execution workflow in the executing step.
(3) The step of permitting the execution of the printing process does not allow the execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow in the step of executing, and the printing process defined by the unexecuted workflow ends. 6. The workflow execution method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of permitting execution of a print process defined by the print execution workflow in the step of executing on the condition.

It is a figure showing the whole workflow execution system outline in one of the embodiments of the invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a server. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function which CPU with which a server is provided with the information memorize | stored in HDD. It is a figure which shows an example of the format of workflow definition data. It is a figure which shows an example of a workflow. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a workflow control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a workflow execution process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the workflow execution process in a modification.

1 workflow execution system, 2 network, 10 ADF, 20 image reading unit, 30 image forming unit, 40 paper feeding unit, 50 facsimile unit, 51 workflow reception unit, 53 workflow storage unit, 55 workflow execution unit, 57 workflow control unit, 59 print number limit management unit, 61 execution unit, 63 execution unit, 71 detection unit, 73 determination unit, 75 execution control unit, 77 limit number acquisition unit, 81 workflow definition data, 83 upper limit management table, 101 main circuit, 111 CPU , 114 display unit, 115 operation unit, 116 HDD, 117 data communication control unit, 119 serial interface terminal, 119A memory card, 300 server, 301 CPU, 303 ROM, 305 RAM, 307 HDD, 308 flash memory, 309 card I / F 311 communication I / F, 313 operation unit, 315 input unit, 317 display unit, 320 bus.

Claims (6)

Workflow accepting means for accepting user identification information for identifying a user and a workflow defining a plurality of series of processes;
Storage means for storing the received user identification information and workflow in association with the time at which they were received;
Workflow execution means for executing the stored workflow;
When a plurality of workflows stored in the storage unit and associated with the same user identification information are executed in parallel by the workflow execution unit, a print process defined by one print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows is performed. Detecting means for detecting an unexecuted workflow in which print processing has not been performed from workflows other than the print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows before being executed;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the number of printable sheets is limited for a user specified by user identification information associated with the plurality of workflows;
When the unexecuted workflow is detected and the number of printable sheets is limited, the workflow is provided on the condition that the time associated with the print execution workflow is earlier than the time associated with the unexecuted workflow. An execution control unit that permits execution of a printing process defined by the print execution workflow by the execution unit.   When the printable number of sheets is larger than a predetermined value, the execution control unit is configured to execute the workflow execution unit by the workflow execution unit even if the time associated with the print execution workflow is later than the time associated with the unexecuted workflow. The workflow execution device according to claim 1, wherein the execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow is permitted.   The execution control unit associates the time associated with the print execution workflow with the unexecuted workflow when the total number of print processes defined by each of the plurality of workflows is equal to or less than the printable number. The workflow execution device according to claim 1, wherein execution of a print process defined by the print execution workflow by the workflow execution unit is permitted even after a later time.   If the execution control means does not permit execution of the print processing defined by the print execution workflow by the workflow execution means, the workflow execution means is provided on condition that the print processing defined by the unexecuted workflow ends. The workflow execution device according to claim 1, wherein the execution of the print processing defined by the print execution workflow is permitted. Receiving user identification information for identifying a user and a workflow defining a plurality of series of processes;
Storing the received user identification information and workflow in association with the time at which they were received;
Executing the stored workflow;
When a plurality of workflows stored in association with the same user identification information are executed in parallel, the print processing defined by one print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows is executed at a stage before execution. A step of detecting an unexecuted workflow in which print processing is not executed from among workflows other than the print execution workflow among a plurality of workflows;
If the unexecuted workflow is detected and the number of printable sheets is limited, the execution is performed on the condition that the time associated with the print execution workflow is earlier than the time associated with the unexecuted workflow. Allowing the execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow in the step of performing.
(1) The step of permitting the execution of the printing process includes a step of comparing the limited number of printable sheets with a predetermined value;
The comparison result in the comparing step is defined by the print execution workflow in the executing step even when the unexecuted workflow is detected when the limited number of printable sheets is larger than a predetermined value. 6. A workflow execution method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of permitting execution of the printing process.
(2) The step of permitting execution of the printing process is a case where the unexecuted workflow is detected when the total number of printed sheets defined by each of the plurality of workflows is equal to or less than the printable number. 6. The workflow execution method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of permitting execution of a print process defined by the print execution workflow in the executing step.
(3) The step of permitting the execution of the printing process does not allow the execution of the printing process defined by the print execution workflow in the step of executing, and the printing process defined by the unexecuted workflow ends. 6. The workflow execution device according to claim 5, further comprising a step of permitting execution of a print process defined by the print execution workflow in the step of executing on the condition of. Receiving user identification information for identifying a user and a workflow defining a plurality of series of processes;
Storing the received user identification information and workflow in association with the time at which they were received;
Executing the stored workflow;
When a plurality of workflows stored in association with the same user identification information are executed in parallel, the print processing defined by one print execution workflow among the plurality of workflows is executed at a stage before execution. A step of detecting an unexecuted workflow in which print processing is not executed from among workflows other than the print execution workflow among a plurality of workflows;
If the unexecuted workflow is detected and the number of printable sheets is limited, the execution is performed on the condition that the time associated with the print execution workflow is earlier than the time associated with the unexecuted workflow. A workflow execution program for causing a computer to execute a step of permitting execution of a print process defined by the print execution workflow in the step of performing.

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