JP2010200007A - Distribution processing system, image processor, distribution processing method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the useless consumption of apparatus resources by holding processing with an error, which occurs in response to an error content, when distribution processing is performed so as to cause the occurrence of the error. <P>SOLUTION: A distribution processing system acquires image data and distributes the image data in response to a processing flow where respective kinds of processing related to an input, image conversion, and an output, are combined. The system includes: a holding means 312 for holding the distribution of the image data when it is determined that the processing flow is held based on the content of the error in a case where the error occurs during the distribution of the image data; and a notifying means 304 for notifying a user of a message indicating appropriate processing to eliminate the error when the distribution of the image data is held. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  In recent years, in many companies, the arrangement and connection of image input / output devices such as multi-function multifunction devices on a network has been progressing. Image input / output devices play a major role as means for improving business efficiency. In particular, a distribution processing system that efficiently digitizes and distributes paper documents is important. Major elements constituting this system are an image input / output device (for example, a scanner) and a distribution management server. In the distribution management server, a plurality of distribution setting (processing flow) menus are registered in advance for various tasks and uses. The user selects and scans a processing flow suitable for the job from the operation panel (operation unit) of the image input / output device.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-280665 (Patent Document 1), in a service that performs a predetermined process on document data in a complex manner as one job, an error is detected in each job unit and each process unit in the job. A technique for realizing processing suitable for processing content and processing purpose by setting processing content of processing is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-21557 (Patent Document 2) discloses that a multifunction peripheral notifies a function server of a restart method designated by a user when an error occurs and service provision is interrupted. A technique is disclosed in which the interrupted processing is resumed normally by receiving a reply of converted image data in accordance with the resumption method.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-270890 (Patent Document 3) discloses that in an information processing apparatus having a distribution unit that executes a distribution job for distributing electronic data to a designated destination, A technique for recording a destination related to a distribution job in a storage device and stopping the use of a second distribution job having the same destination as the destination recorded in the storage device is disclosed.

However, a system that distributes document data using a distribution server has the following problems.
(1) In the case of an error that the distribution destination server is stopped and cannot be connected, there is no possibility of success even if a retry is made unless the distribution destination server is activated.
(2) If there is an error in the transmission destination (for example, a wrong FAX number is entered), it is necessary to correct the destination (reinsert the correct FAX number).
(3) When OCR recognition fails because the image reading direction is different, it is necessary to rotate the image internally. The above-described examples (1) to (3) are cases in which when an error occurs after a job is submitted, the data of the external system or job needs to be changed in order for the retry to succeed. In this case, job resubmission is not required.
(4) Even if the barcode identification process fails due to the low resolution of the image, the possibility of success even after repeated retries is low. In this case, it is necessary to resubmit the job. . In the example of (4), when the retry is performed up to the “maximum number of retries”, system resources are wasted. Further, since the error is notified to the user after the retry by the error is completed and the error is confirmed, there is an inconvenience that the countermeasure after the error is delayed.

  With respect to the errors of (1) to (4), the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3 cannot be solved even if an attempt is made to solve the error in the system, and it is necessary to repeat useless retries or to resubmit the job. The error could not be dealt with efficiently.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when an error occurs due to execution of a distribution process, by determining an error handling process including a hold according to the error content, the resource of the device An object of the present invention is to provide a distribution processing system, an image processing apparatus, a distribution processing method, a program, and a recording medium that prevent wasteful consumption.

  A distribution processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is a distribution processing system that acquires image data and distributes the image data according to a processing flow that combines input, image conversion, and output processes. When an error occurs during, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a holding unit that suspends the delivery of the image data, and a case where the delivery of the image data is suspended, Notification means for notifying a user of a message indicating an appropriate process for resolving the error.

  An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires image data, a distribution processing unit that distributes the image data in accordance with a processing flow that combines processing related to input, image conversion, and output, When an error occurs during the distribution of the image data, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a holding unit for holding the distribution of the image data and the distribution of the image data are held. A notification means for notifying a user of a message indicating an appropriate process for eliminating the error.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a distribution process that distributes the image data according to a processing flow that combines an image reading unit that reads a document and obtains image data, and processes related to input, image conversion, and output. Means, and when an error occurs during the distribution of the image data, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a holding means for suspending the distribution of the image data, A notification means for notifying a user of a message indicating an appropriate process for eliminating the error when the distribution is suspended;

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a distribution processing method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring image data; a distribution processing step of distributing the image data according to a processing flow that combines processing relating to input, image conversion, and output; When an error occurs during the distribution of the image data, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a hold step for suspending the distribution of the image data, and the distribution of the image data are suspended. A notification step of notifying the user of a message indicating an appropriate process for resolving the error.

  Further, the distribution processing system, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and distribution processing method of the present invention can be realized by a program executable by a computer, and the recording medium storing the program is read by the computer. It can also be realized.

  According to the present invention, when an error occurs by executing a distribution process, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of equipment resources by determining an error handling process including a hold according to the error content. .

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution processing system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image processing server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of main functional configurations of an MFP, an image processing server, and a PC according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the relationship between an error, a message, and corresponding | compatible process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display screen transition on the operation screen of the MFP. The figure which shows an example of the detail screen of a holding | maintenance. The figure which shows an example of an edit screen. The figure which shows an example of the display screen which displays the list in process on a management tool. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen which sets an error handling process. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a hold process according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an error setting process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of main functional configurations of an MFP, an image processing server, and a PC according to a second embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the transition of a display screen in the case of changing an error handling process. The figure which shows an example of the change screen of an error handling process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an error setting change process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of main functional configurations of an MFP, an image processing server, and a PC according to a third embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of a distribution processing system, an image processing apparatus (image processing server), an image forming apparatus, a distribution processing method, a program, and a recording medium according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the following embodiment, an image forming apparatus for inputting image data is described as an example of a multifunction machine having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function mounted in one housing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to any of a scanner device, a facsimile device, a copy device, and the like as long as image data can be input.

[Example 1]
<System configuration and hardware configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution processing system includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 10, an MFP 20, an image processing server 30, an information processing terminal (for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Data Assistance), etc.) via a network. 40 is connected. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus will be described using an MFP as an example.

  The MFPs 10 and 20 are equipped with a scan function, a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like in one housing. The MFPs 10 and 20 scan the paper medium or the like with the scanner function to generate image data, and transmit the generated image data to the image processing server 30. Details of the MFP will be described later. The image data includes document image data.

  The image processing server 30 is a computer such as a workstation that receives image data scanned by each MFP and executes various processes and distribution processes according to a designated processing flow (also referred to as a project). Distribution settings include mail transmission, FAX transmission, folder distribution, and the like. Further, the image processing server 30 performs error processing when an error occurs by performing distribution processing.

  The image processing server 30 is a server that executes a processing flow based on input image data, and executes document accumulation or distribution processing according to the processing flow constructed by the user. That is, from the viewpoint of processing an image, the image processing server 30 also functions as an image processing apparatus. Details of the image processing server 30 will be described later. Note that the image processing server 30 may be incorporated in the MFPs 10 and 20.

  The information processing terminal 40 creates a processing flow by starting a management tool related to data distribution by an administrator and sequentially selecting input, image conversion, and output plug-ins.

  A hardware configuration of the MFP 10 and the image processing server 30 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the MFP 10 includes a control unit 11, a main storage unit 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, an external storage device I / F unit 14, a network I / F unit 16, an operation unit 17, and a display unit 18.

  The control unit 11 is a CPU that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in a computer. The control unit 11 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the main storage unit 12, receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The main storage unit 12 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS and application software that are basic software executed by the control unit 11. It is.

  The auxiliary storage unit 13 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and is a storage device that stores data related to application software or the like.

  The external storage device I / F unit 14 is an interface between a storage medium 15 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and the image processing server.

  Further, a predetermined program is stored in the storage medium 15, the program stored in the storage medium medium 15 is installed in the MFP 10 via the external storage device I / F unit 14, and the installed predetermined program is stored in the MFP 10. It becomes executable.

  The network I / F unit 16 has a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between the device and the MFP 10.

  The operation unit 17 and the display unit 18 are composed of a key switch (hard key) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) having a touch panel function (including GUI software key: Graphical User Interface), and use the functions of the MFP 10 It is a display and / or input device that functions as a UI (User Interface).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing server 30 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the image processing server 30 includes a control unit 31, a main storage unit 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, an external storage device I / F unit 34, and a network I / F unit 36.

  The control unit 31 is a CPU that controls each device, calculates data, and processes in a computer. The control unit 31 is an arithmetic device that executes a program stored in the main storage unit 32, receives data from the input device or the storage device, calculates and processes the data, and outputs the data to the output device or the storage device.

  The main storage unit 32 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like, and a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as an OS and application software that are basic software executed by the control unit 31. It is.

  The auxiliary storage unit 33 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and is a storage device that stores data related to application software and the like.

  The external storage device I / F unit 34 is an interface between a storage medium 35 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and the image processing server.

  In addition, a predetermined program is stored in the storage medium 15, and the program stored in the storage medium medium 15 is installed in the image processing server 30 via the external storage device I / F unit 34, and the installed predetermined program is It can be executed by the image processing server 30.

  The network I / F unit 36 has a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between a device and the image processing server.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of main functional configurations of the MFP 10, the image processing server 30, and the PC 40 according to the first embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the MFP 10 and the image processing server 30 are configured separately, but the image processing server 30 may be incorporated in the MFP 10.

  First, the main functional configuration of the MFP 10 will be described. The MFP 10 includes an operation panel (operation panel) display unit 101 and an image reading unit 102. Other printer functions, copy functions, FAX functions, etc., which are included in general MFPs are not shown.

  The operation panel display unit 101 displays display data from the image processing server 30 and outputs an event generated when the user operates the operation panel to the image processing server 30.

  The image reading unit 102 reads an original with a scan function and acquires image data. The image data may be acquired by FAX or acquired from the client PC 40 via a network.

  Next, the image processing server 30 includes an operation panel display data creation unit 301, an operation panel operation reception unit 302, an error processing unit 303, a job management unit 305, a filter / service management unit 310, an OCR filter 313, a PDF conversion filter 314, E A mail transmission service 315, a FAX transmission service 316, and a management tool display data creation unit 317 are included.

  Operation panel display data creation unit 301 creates display data to be displayed on the operation panel of the MFP, and outputs the created display data to operation panel display unit 101. When the operation panel display data creation unit 301 receives error data from the error processing unit 303, the operation panel display data creation unit 301 creates error display data and outputs the created error display data to the operation panel display unit 101. Furthermore, when the operation panel display data creation unit 301 receives job log data from the job management unit 305, the operation panel display data creation unit 301 creates job log display data and outputs the created job log display data to the operation panel display unit 101.

  The operation panel operation reception unit 302 acquires an event operated by the user via the operation panel display unit 101, and gives an instruction corresponding to the acquired event to the job management unit 305. Further, image data scanned by the MFP is transmitted to the operation panel operation receiving unit 302. For example, when the operation panel operation reception unit 302 instructs the job management unit 305 to execute the processing flow, the operation panel operation reception unit 302 also outputs the acquired image data and bibliographic information of each process in the processing flow to the job management unit 305.

  The error processing unit 303 performs error processing for errors that occur during execution of the processing flow. The error processing is, for example, outputting an error content or an action message described later to the operation panel display data creation unit 301. Further, the error processing unit 303 outputs the error content to the job management unit 305 in order to record the error processed content in a log.

  The job management unit 305 manages each process included in the process flow. Specifically, the job management unit 305 includes a job log data DB 306, a project setting data DB 307, an editing unit 308, and a setting unit 309. A job refers to a distribution process when a processing flow is executed.

  The job log data DB 306 stores a log in the processing flow. The project setting data DB 307 stores input, image conversion, and output plug-ins, and stores one or a plurality of processing flows (projects) in which the plug-ins are combined.

  When the processing unit is executed and an error occurs, the editing unit 308 edits data set in the processing flow in which the error has occurred.

  The setting unit 309 sets an error handling process by causing a user to select a process for an error (referred to as an error handling process) for each error that may occur in each process included in the processing flow. The error handling process is to retry, cancel, or hold. Further, the error handling process may be initialized.

  When the filter / service management unit 310 is instructed to execute the processing flow from the job management unit 305, each processing unit (the OCR filter 313 or the PDF conversion) executes the processing in order from the processing set at the beginning of the processing flow. To filter 314). For example, when the first process is PDF conversion, the filter service management unit 310 instructs the PDF conversion filter 314 to perform PDF conversion on the image data.

  Also, when receiving an error notification from each processing unit, the filter / service management unit 310 determines an error handling process according to the content of the error, and outputs the error content together with the action message to the error processing unit 303.

  Here, the filter service management unit 310 includes a determination unit 311 and a holding unit 312. The determination unit 311 determines an error handling process corresponding to the error content in response to an error notification from each processing unit. The relationship between the error content, the error handling process, and the action message will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship among error contents, action messages, and error handling processing. As illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, in the percode recognition process, if the error content is “Bar code extraction failed”, the error handling process is “cancel”. At this time, the action message is “Please increase the resolution and scan again”. An action message is a message indicating a user action for eliminating an error.

  In the E-mail transmission process, if the error content is “cannot connect to the Email server”, the error handling process is “pending”. At this time, the action message is “Check the connection with the Email server” or “Check the startup of the Email server”.

  Here, the action message shown in FIG. 5 shows an example and is not limited thereto. Further, since the error handling process can be appropriately set by the setting unit 309, the error handling process shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example.

  Returning to FIG. 4, when the determination unit 311 determines that the error handling process is on hold, the holding unit 312 holds the processing flow. The hold process is to save up to the place where the process is performed in the process flow, and to execute the process flow again from the saved process. At this time, since the process can be restarted from the process in which the error has occurred, there is no need to execute the process flow from the beginning (re-submitting the job).

  The OCR filter 313 is a plug-in that performs OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing. The PDF conversion filter 314 is a plug-in that performs PDF conversion processing. The E-mail transmission service 315 is a plug-in that performs processing for transmitting E-mail. The FAX transmission service 316 is a plug-in that performs FAX transmission processing. Further, the E-mail transmission service 315 and the FAX transmission service 316 are connected to the external cooperation server and instruct each processing to the external cooperation server.

  The management tool display data creation unit 317 creates management tool display data processed by the client PC 40 and outputs the created display data to the Web browser 401.

  Next, the client PC 40 will be described. The client PC 40 includes a Web browser 401, and other standard PC functions are not shown.

  When the Web browser 401 receives the display data from the management tool display data creation unit 317, the Web browser 401 displays the management tool on the display screen. Thus, the administrator can access the image processing server 30 from the client PC 40, display the management tool on the Web browser 401, and perform setting of processing flow, setting of error handling processing, and the like.

<Display screen>
Next, an example of a job log displayed on the operation panel of the MFP or a job log displayed on the display screen of the PC will be described. First, a job log displayed on the operation panel of the MFP will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display screen transition on the operation screen of the MFP. FIG. 6A illustrates an example of a project / group selection screen. As shown in FIG. 6A, there is a “Job Log” button at the upper right of the screen. When the “Job Log” button is pressed, a list of jobs being processed is displayed. At this time, a user authentication function may be provided so that only a list of jobs performed by the authenticated user is displayed.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a job log list screen being processed. As shown in FIG. 6B, the state of the project name “toFolder” is “pending”. By selecting the “pending” project “toFolder” (such as pressing on the project), a holding detail screen is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hold detail screen. As shown in FIG. 7, an action message is displayed. The user sees the action message and knows what action to take next. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user can confirm whether or not the destination folder is correct and correct the destination folder name by an action message “Please confirm the destination folder”.

  The hold details screen shown in FIG. 7 includes a “hold release” button, a “cancel” button, and an “edit” button. When the “hold release” button is pressed, the processing flow (project) is resumed. At this time, the process is performed from the previous error.

  When the “Cancel” button is pressed, the processing flow is canceled. Also, the canceled processing flow is stored as an error in the job log.

  When the “edit” button is pressed, the setting value of the process in which the error has occurred is displayed and can be edited (editing unit 308). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the editing screen. As shown in FIG. 8, when the folder name is confirmed and the folder name is set by mistake, the correct folder name can be corrected from this screen. When editing of the folder name is completed and the user presses the “hold release” button, the processing flow is resumed, and the image data is transmitted to the corrected correct transmission folder name.

  Next, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen that displays a list being processed on the management tool. As shown in FIG. 9, a list of jobs being processed by the image processing server 30 is displayed by pressing (clicking) “job management” of the management tool displayed on the display screen of the PC. Also in the example illustrated in FIG. 9, when there is a processing flow held by the holding unit 312, “hold” is displayed in the state. When any of the check boxes A is checked, the “Cancel”, “Highest priority”, “Release hold”, and “Edit” buttons included in the area B can be pressed.

  It should be noted that “hold release” and “edit” can be pressed only when a check is made in the hold processing flow. The processing when the “hold release” and “edit” buttons are pressed may be the same as the processing described with reference to FIGS.

<Error handling settings>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting error handling processing. The example shown in FIG. 10 is an example of a setting screen for the FAX transmission service. First, the administrator accesses the image processing server 30 from the client PC 40 and displays a management tool on the browser. When creating a new processing flow, the FAX transmission service 316 is added to the processing flow. When the setting screen of the FAX transmission service 316 is opened, a setting screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed.

The administrator can set an error handling process for each error that can occur in the FAX transmission service 316. In the example shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the administrator sets the error handling process as follows.
Error handling settings:
-In case of an error that cannot connect to the FAX server: "Hold without retrying"
・ If the fax number is busy, “Retry”
-If the error is not using the FAX number: "Cancel"
At this time, when the “OK” button is pressed, the setting contents are stored in the project setting data DB 307. When the “Cancel” button is pressed, the error handling process returns to the initial setting.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the distribution processing system in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a hold process according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in step S <b> 11, the user selects a project (processing flow) displayed on the operation panel display unit 101.

  In step S12, the user presses an execution button after selecting a project. At this time, the selected project information, bibliographic information of each process, and the acquired image data are transmitted to the job management unit 305 via the operation panel operation reception unit 302. The job management unit 305 outputs the acquired data to the filter / service management unit 310. Next, the filter service management unit 310 executes each processing unit in the processing order included in the project.

  In step S13, when an error occurs during execution of the process (YES in S13), each processing unit notifies the filter / service management unit 310 of the content of the error. If no error has occurred (NO in S13), each process is performed in order by the filter / service management unit 310, and a job completion notification is sent to the job management unit 305.

  In step S <b> 14, the filter / service management unit 310 (determination unit 311) determines whether or not retry is possible based on the content of the error notified from the processing unit. If the determination result in step S14 is YES (retry is possible), the process proceeds to step S15. If the determination result is NO (retry is not possible), the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S15, the filter service management unit 310 performs a retry based on the retry setting set in the system (for example, retrying 3 times every 3 minutes).

  In step S <b> 16, the filter / service management unit 310 (determination unit 311) determines whether or not to hold based on the content of the error. If the determination result in step S16 is YES (hold), the process proceeds to step S18. If the determination result is NO (not hold), the process proceeds to step S17. Note that the determinations in steps S14 and S16 may be performed collectively by the determination unit 311.

  In step S <b> 17, the filter / service management unit 310 cancels the project including the process in which the error has occurred, and sends an error notification to the error processing unit 303 and the job management unit 305.

  In step S 18, the filter / service management unit 310 (holding unit 312) notifies the job management unit 305 to set the job processing state to “hold”. At this time, the job management unit 305 saves the data up to the processed point in the “suspended” project.

  In step S19, the filter / service management unit 310 (holding unit 312) notifies the error processing unit 305 of the content of the error and the action message. Thus, the error processing unit 303 can output the error content and the action message to the operation panel display data creation unit, or can transmit the error message and the action message to the user who submitted the job by E-mail. Users who have seen an action message on the operation panel or who have received an e-mail can understand what action should be taken to eliminate the error. can do.

  Next, setting of error handling processing in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an error setting process according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, in step S <b> 21, the setting unit 309 of the job management unit 305 receives a new project creation using the management tool on the client PC 40.

  In step S22, after the administrator sets a project, the setting unit 309 determines whether there is an instruction to open a setting screen for each process by, for example, double-clicking on each process. If the determination result in step S22 is YES (with an instruction), the process proceeds to step S23, and if the determination result is NO (without an instruction), the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S23, the setting unit 309 notifies the management tool display data creation unit 317 to display the setting screen on the management tool, and the setting screen is displayed on the Web browser 401.

  In step S24, the administrator sets an error handling process for each error that may occur (selected from a pull-down menu or the like). At this time, the setting unit 309 receives an error handling process setting for each error.

  In step S <b> 25, when receiving a project setting instruction, the setting unit 309 saves the set content project in the project setting data DB 307. Note that when the error handling process is not selected in steps S23 and S24, the initial setting value is used.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when an error occurs by executing a distribution process, it is possible to prevent wasteful consumption of equipment resources by determining an error handling process including a hold according to the error content. can do.

  In addition, by providing the editing unit 308 that can edit the setting value of each process while the process flow is on hold, the process flow on hold can be resumed based on the edited data.

  In addition, by providing a setting unit 309 that can set an error handling process for each error that may occur in each process at the time of setting each process, the user (including the administrator) is set in advance to handle the error. Can be made.

[Example 2]
Next, a distribution processing system according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when a processing flow (project) is set, a preset error handling process (including initial setting) can be changed to an appropriate error handling process based on the flow in the processing flow. Here, the flow in the processing flow indicates the relationship with the preceding and subsequent processing and the relationship with the added processing.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a main functional configuration of the MFP, the image processing server, and the PC according to the second embodiment. In the functions shown in FIG. 13, the same functions as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the MFP 10 and the image processing server 30 are configured separately, but the image processing server 30 may be incorporated in the MFP 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, a change unit 501 is added to the job management unit 305. The change unit 501 determines whether or not the error handling process set for each error is appropriately set in the flow, and changes the error handling process to an appropriate error handling process. In addition, when changing to an appropriate error handling process, the changing unit 501 may make a change after confirming once with the administrator.

<Example of change>
Next, the change of the error handling process will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
It is a figure which shows an example of the transition of a display screen in the case of changing an error handling process. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 14, “Processing flow 1” is a processing flow for performing “Bar code reading” and “E-mail transmission”. Next, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 13, it is assumed that “image processing” is added to the head of “processing flow 1”. At this time, if a change occurs in the error handling process of “bar code reading”, a caution mark A is displayed.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the error handling process change screen in the case of FIG. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, it is assumed that “hold without retry” is set as a process corresponding to the “barcode misalignment” error in bar code reading in the upper stage of FIG. 14.

  Next, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 14, when “image processing” is added, a confirmation screen A for changing to “cancel” is displayed as processing corresponding to this “bar code misalignment” error ( FIG. 15). This is because even if image processing is performed before barcode reading, the barcode will be misaligned. Even if the job is suspended, there is a high possibility that an error will occur again because the image data itself is defective. This is because it is better to cancel and submit the job again.

  For example, if an error has occurred due to a different barcode orientation, the error can be resolved by rotating the image data (by performing image processing). In such a case, it is better to set a hold as an error handling process. However, if the error cannot be resolved even if the image data is rotated, there is a low possibility that the error can be resolved even if the job is suspended, so it is better to cancel the job.

  In other words, the change unit 501 holds the correspondence between the error handling processing of each processing unit and the processes before and after or each of the processes scheduled to be added and the appropriate error handling processing. Based on this, it is possible to change to an optimum error handling process. In the example shown in FIG. 15, an example is shown in which the administrator is confirmed before changing the error handling process, but an administrator report may be sent after the error handling process is changed.

<Operation>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an error setting change process according to the second embodiment. In step S31, the setting unit 309 of the job management unit 305 receives a new project creation using the management tool on the client PC 40.

  In step S32, the administrator adds a new process to the project. At this time, the setting content is notified to the changing unit 501.

  In step S <b> 33, the changing unit 501 determines whether there is an error handling process that is more optimal than the current setting, based on the correspondence relationship described above. If the determination result in step S33 is YES (optimal error handling processing is present), the process proceeds to step S34. If the determination result is NO (no optimal error handling processing is present), it waits for an instruction to save a new project. The new project is saved in the project setting data DB 307.

  In step S34, the changing unit 501 changes the set error handling process to the optimum error handling process. In step S35, the changing unit 501 instructs the management tool display data creating unit 317 to display the changed process separately from the other processes. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the attention mark A is displayed.

  In step S <b> 36, the changing unit 501 determines whether or not the change has been approved by pressing the “YES” button by the administrator. If the determination result in step S36 is YES (consent), the process proceeds to step S38, and if the determination result is NO (denial), the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, the changing unit 501 returns the error handling process to the original state, and ends the process. In step S38, the changing unit 501 stores the changed error handling process in the project setting data DB 307.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, an error handling process that is set in advance (including initial settings) at the time of setting a processing flow is appropriately handled based on a flow in the processing flow (for example, preceding and following processes). It can be changed to processing.

[Example 3]
Next, a distribution processing system according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, in the job log, a processing flow (project) in which a job being processed indicates cancellation or suspension is temporarily disabled until the error is resolved.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of main functional configurations of the MFP, the image processing server, and the PC according to the third embodiment. In the functions shown in FIG. 17, the same functions as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the MFP 10 and the image processing server 30 are configured separately, but the image processing server 30 may be incorporated in the MFP 10.

  As shown in FIG. 17, a temporary stop unit 601 is added to the job management unit 305. When the job status stored in the job log indicates cancellation or hold, that is, when an error has occurred, the temporary stop unit 601 temporarily disables the processing flow. This is because there is a high possibility of an error even if the processing flow is executed again. The temporary stop unit 601 can grasp the processing flow that is temporarily unavailable by monitoring the status of the job log.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the temporary stop unit 601 is added to the first embodiment. However, the temporary stop unit 601 may be added to the second embodiment.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, in the job log, a processing flow in which a job being processed indicates cancellation or suspension can be temporarily disabled until the error is resolved.

[Modification]
Next, modified examples of the above-described embodiments will be described. In the modification, an MFP in which the server 30 described above is incorporated will be described. In the modification, the MFP is also called an image processing apparatus. Each function of the image processing apparatus is basically the same as the function shown in FIG. As a result, according to the image processing apparatus according to the modification, the processing shown in each embodiment can be performed by the MFP alone.

  The image processing server of each embodiment includes a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM, an external storage device such as an HDD and a CD drive device, and a display device such as a display device. And an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and has a hardware configuration using a workstation or a normal computer.

  The program executed by the image processing server of each embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It is recorded on a readable recording medium and provided.

  The program executed by the image processing server of each embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the image processing server of each embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the program executed by the image processing server of each embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the image processing server of each embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads and executes the program from the storage medium. Each of the above means is loaded on the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

  A program executed by the MFP of the modified example is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the MFP of the modification example is an installable or executable file and can be read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). You may comprise so that it may record and provide on a recording medium.

  Further, the program executed by the MFP of the modification may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Further, the program executed by the MFP of the modification may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the MFP of the modified example has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from the ROM and executes the program, so that each unit is It is loaded on the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example as it is, A component can be deform | transformed and embodied in the implementation stage in the range which does not deviate from the summary. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

10, 20 MFP
30 image processing server 40 information processing terminal 101 operation panel display unit 102 image reading unit 301 operation panel display data creation unit 302 operation panel operation reception unit 303 error processing unit 304 notification unit 305 job management unit 306 job log data DB
307 Project setting data DB
308 Editing unit 309 Setting unit 310 Filter / service management unit 311 Determination unit 312 Reserving unit 401 Web browser 501 Changing unit 601 Temporary stopping unit

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-280665 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-212557 JP 2008-270890 A

Claims (10)

A distribution processing system that acquires image data and distributes the image data according to a processing flow that combines processing relating to input, image conversion, and output,
When an error occurs during the distribution of the image data, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a suspending unit that suspends the distribution of the image data;
A distribution processing system comprising: notification means for notifying a user of a message indicating an appropriate process for resolving the error when distribution of the image data is suspended.   The distribution processing system according to claim 1, further comprising an editing unit that enables editing of setting values of each process included in the processing flow during the holding by the holding unit.   3. A setting unit that enables setting of retry, hold, or cancellation as a process corresponding to the error for each error that can occur in each process when setting the setting value of each process. The delivery processing system described.   4. When adding a new process to the process flow at the time of setting the process flow, the apparatus further comprises a changing unit that changes a retry, hold, or cancellation set by the setting unit according to the flow in the process flow. The delivery processing system described.   5. If the result of executing distribution based on the processing flow is a hold or cancellation, the processing flow cannot be used until the cancellation or the hold is resolved. The delivery processing system described. Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
Distribution processing means for distributing the image data in accordance with a processing flow combining processing relating to input, image conversion, and output;
When an error occurs during the distribution of the image data, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a suspending unit that suspends the distribution of the image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: notification means for notifying a user of a message indicating an appropriate process for resolving the error when delivery of the image data is suspended. Image reading means for reading an original and obtaining image data;
Distribution processing means for distributing the image data in accordance with a processing flow that combines processing relating to input, image conversion, and output;
When an error occurs during the distribution of the image data, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a suspending unit that suspends the distribution of the image data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: notification means for notifying a user of a message indicating an appropriate process for resolving the error when delivery of the image data is suspended. An acquisition step of acquiring image data;
A distribution processing step of distributing the image data in accordance with a processing flow that combines processing relating to input, image conversion, and output;
When an error occurs during the distribution of the image data, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a suspending step for suspending the distribution of the image data;
And a notification step of notifying a user of a message indicating an appropriate process for eliminating the error when the distribution of the image data is suspended. Computer
Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
Distribution processing means for distributing the image data in accordance with a processing flow combining processing relating to input, image conversion, and output;
When an error occurs during the distribution of the image data, when it is determined to suspend the processing flow based on the content of the error, a suspending unit that suspends the distribution of the image data;
A program for functioning as notification means for notifying a user of a message indicating an appropriate process for resolving the error when delivery of the image data is suspended.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

Images