JP2010219625A - Data distribution system, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, data distribution method, distribution management program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more dynamically control workflow on the basis of attribute information relating to image data. <P>SOLUTION: A data distribution system, which acquires the image data and distributes the image data, includes: an image acquisition means 101, which reads images and acquires the image data; a setting means 103, which sets the workflow defining distribution setting for the image data; an attribute information acquisition means 303, which acquires the attribute information relating to the image data; a control means 304, which controls the workflow set by the setting means on the basis of the attribute information; and a processing means, which performs at least one process to the image data according to the controlled workflow. When the workflow branches into a plurality of process flows, the control means selects one process flow from the plurality of process flows of the workflow on the basis of the attribute information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data distribution system, an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a data distribution 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, data distribution systems that efficiently digitize and distribute paper documents are important. Major elements constituting this system are an image input / output device (for example, a scanner) and an image processing server (distribution server). In the image processing server, a plurality of workflow menus are registered in advance for various businesses and applications. The user selects and scans a workflow suitable for the job from the operation panel (operation unit) of the image input / output device.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-97586 (Patent Document 1) first transmits screen definition data to a multi-function peripheral when processing scan image data based on flow definition data in a distribution server. The distribution server receives the bibliographic information input from the bibliographic information input screen displayed on the multifunction peripheral based on the screen definition data, associates the received bibliographic information with the flow definition data, and associates the bibliographic information with the flow. It is disclosed to control execution of processing on scanned image data based on definition data.

  However, in the above-described prior art, processing can only be performed according to a designated workflow.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a data distribution system, an image processing apparatus, and an image forming system capable of more dynamically controlling a workflow based on attribute information related to image data. An object is to provide an apparatus, a data distribution method, a program, and a recording medium.

  A data distribution system according to one aspect of the present invention is a data distribution system that acquires image data and distributes the image data, the image acquisition unit that reads the image and acquires the image data, and the distribution for the image data Setting means for setting a workflow for defining settings; attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the image data; control means for controlling the workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information; Processing means for performing one or more processes on the image data in accordance with the workflow controlled by the control means, and the control means is further based on a combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow, When the workflow is controlled and the workflow branches into a plurality of processing flows The control means selects one processing flow from a plurality of processing flows of the workflow based on the attribute information, and the one or more processes performed by the processing means are distributed according to the selected processing flow. Processing, image processing, and distribution processing, or at least distribution processing among these processing.

  An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that distributes image data, and sets an image acquisition unit that acquires image data and a workflow that defines distribution settings for the image data. Means, attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information related to the image data, control means for controlling a workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information, and a workflow controlled by the control means, Processing means for performing one or more processes on the image data, and the control means further controls the workflow based on a combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow. In the case of branching to a plurality of processing flows, the control means, based on the attribute information, One processing flow is selected from a plurality of processing flows of the workflow, and the one or more processings performed by the processing means are distribution processing, image processing, and distribution processing according to the selected processing flow. At least delivery processing is included.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus capable of distributing image data, and includes an image acquisition unit that reads an image and acquires image data, and a distribution setting for the image data. Setting means for setting a workflow for defining the image, attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the image data, control means for controlling the workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information, and the control Processing means for performing one or more processes on the image data in accordance with the workflow controlled by the means, and the control means is further based on a combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow. When controlling a workflow and the workflow branches into a plurality of processing flows, the control means Based on the attribute information, one processing flow is selected from a plurality of processing flows of the workflow, and the one or more processes performed by the processing means are a sorting process, an image process, and a process according to the selected processing flow. A delivery process, or at least a delivery process among these processes is included.

  A data distribution method according to another aspect of the present invention is a data distribution method in a data distribution system that acquires image data and distributes the image data. The image acquisition stage reads an image and acquires image data. A setting stage for setting a workflow for defining delivery settings for the image data, an attribute information acquisition stage for acquiring attribute information related to the image data, and a workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information. A control stage for controlling, and a processing stage for performing one or more processes on the image data in accordance with the workflow controlled by the control means. The control stage further includes flow information and attribute information in the workflow. The workflow is controlled based on the combination of The control stage selects one process flow from a plurality of process flows of the workflow based on the attribute information, and the one or more processes performed by the process stage include the selection According to the processed processing flow, distribution processing, image processing, and distribution processing, or at least distribution processing among these processing are included.

  The data distribution system, image forming apparatus, image processing apparatus, and data distribution method of the present invention can be realized by a program that can be executed by a computer, and by causing a computer to read a recording medium that records the program. It can also be realized.

  According to the present invention, a data distribution system, an image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a data distribution method, a program, and a recording medium that can more dynamically control a workflow based on attribute information related to image data Can be provided.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data distribution 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. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of main functional configurations of an MFP and an image processing server in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a workflow control unit according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of workflow control information. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining workflow control in the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a workflow. The figure which shows an example of the workflow control information in the combination of attribute information and flow information. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image data distribution processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a workflow control unit according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow with a branch. The figure which shows an example of the selection condition information of a processing flow. The figure which shows an example of the workflow to skip. The figure which shows an example of skip determination information. The flowchart which shows an example of the selection process of a processing flow. The flowchart which shows an example of the process skip process in a workflow.

  Exemplary embodiments of a data distribution system, an image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus (or image processing server), a data distribution 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 data distribution system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the data distribution system includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 10, an MFP 20, an image processing server 30, an image management server 40, an information processing terminal (for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal). Data Assistance) etc.) 50 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 specified workflow. The workflow includes mail transmission, FAX transmission, folder distribution, and the like.

  The image processing server 30 is a server that executes a workflow based on input image data, and executes document accumulation or distribution processing according to the workflow 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 image management server 40 is a server that accumulates and manages image data distributed from the image processing server 30. The image management server 40 can also register an image type for the stored image data and perform a search.

  The information processing terminal 50 creates a workflow by starting a management tool related to data distribution by an administrator and sequentially selecting input, image conversion, and output plug-ins. Note that the number of MFPs, servers, and information processing terminals connected via a network may be any number.

  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 the 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, and the program stored in the storage medium 15 is installed in the image processing server 30 via the external storage device I / F unit 34, and the installed predetermined program 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 and the image processing server 30 according to the first embodiment. First, the main functional configuration of the MFP 10 will be described. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the MFP 10 and the image processing server 30 are separately configured, but the image processing server 30 may be incorporated in the MFP 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 101, a communication unit 102, a setting unit 103, and a storage unit 104. Other printer functions, copy functions, FAX functions, etc., which are included in general MFPs are not shown.

  The image reading unit 101 reads an original with a scan function and acquires image data. The image data may be acquired by FAX or acquired from the information processing terminal 40.

  The communication unit 102 transmits and receives device information and image data. In particular, the communication unit 102 transmits the image data and the request to the image processing server 30 when a user requests an image data workflow processing request or the like.

  The setting unit 103 is set with a workflow by the user. The setting of the workflow is performed using the operation unit 17 and the display unit 18. At this time, the bibliographic information of the process included in the workflow is input from the user. The bibliographic information is, for example, an image format or image size in the case of image conversion processing, and a mail address of a distribution destination in the case of mail distribution. The user ID as bibliographic information is acquired from the user information of the user who has logged into the system.

  The storage unit 104 stores input, image conversion, and output plug-ins, and stores one or a plurality of workflows in which the plug-ins are combined. Note that the storage unit 103 is not necessarily provided, and information regarding the workflow may be acquired from the storage unit 305 of the image processing server 30.

  Next, the main functional configuration of the image processing server 30 will be described. The image processing server 30 includes a communication unit 301, a job execution unit 302, an attribute information acquisition unit 303, a workflow control unit 304, a workflow processing unit 305, a storage unit 306, and a storage unit 307.

  The communication unit 301 transmits and receives device information and image data. In particular, image data is received from the MFP 10 or image data that has undergone image processing is transmitted to a workflow distribution destination.

  Further, the communication unit 301 receives workflow identification information, bibliographic information of each process of the workflow, and the like from the MFP 10. When the communication unit 301 receives a workflow processing request (job request) from the MFP 10, the communication unit 301 outputs workflow identification information, bibliographic information of each processing of the workflow, and the like to the job execution unit 302.

  The job execution unit 302 executes a job requested from the MFP 10. The job execution unit 302 makes a workflow processing request to the workflow processing unit 305 and outputs workflow identification information and bibliographic information of each process of the workflow.

  The attribute information acquisition unit 303 acquires attribute information related to image data. As for the acquisition method, the image data is subjected to OCR processing to acquire attribute information, or when a barcode including the attribute information is attached to the image data, the barcode is read to acquire the attribute information. . Further, the attribute information acquisition unit 303 outputs the acquired attribute information to the workflow control unit 304. The attribute information acquisition unit 303 may be performed by the MFP 10. In this case, the attribute information acquired by the MFP 10 is transmitted to the image processing server 30.

  The attribute information includes, for example, an image type, an image name, a distribution reception time, a login user name (or user ID), and the like. The image name is the title recognized by performing OCR processing on the image data. The image type may be an image type determined from a title recognized by the OCR process.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, distribution processing to the image processing server 30 can be executed after the user logs in from the MFP 10. The user ID included in the attribute information may be obtained from the user information of the logged-in user. Further, it is assumed that the attribute information that the user wants to acquire is set in advance by the user using a management tool or the like.

  The workflow control unit 304 automatically controls the distribution process in the workflow based on the attribute information acquired from the attribute information acquisition unit 303. The workflow control unit 304 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the workflow control unit 304 according to the first embodiment. The workflow control unit 304 includes a determination unit 341, a control information adding unit 342, a mail delivery control unit 343, a user specifying unit 344, and a combination determination unit 345.

  The determination unit 341 determines whether to perform workflow control based on the acquired attribute information. The workflow control determination is performed with reference to the workflow control information stored in the storage unit 307. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of workflow control information. The workflow control information is associated with attribute information, conditions, and control contents. For example, when the image type included in the attribute information is “contract”, the control content is “backup”. This is because the image data of the “contract” is important data, so it is better to make a backup separately from the distribution destination folder.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the image type is a title such as “contract”, but “contract”, “customer information”, etc. are grouped into “important”, and “important” of the group unit is You may make it be an image type. Other examples of group units include “emergency” and “normal”.

  In addition, when the reception time when the distribution process included in the attribute information is received is “PM 10:00 or later”, the control content is “mobile distribution”. This is because, after 10 o'clock in the evening, the one sent to the mobile can be viewed more reliably.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the information included in the acquired attribute information matches the “condition” of the workflow control information, the determination unit 341 controls the distribution process according to the “control content” and matches the “condition”. If there is no workflow control, the distribution process is performed according to the normal workflow.

  When the “control content” determined by the determination unit 341 is “backup”, the control information providing unit 342 converts a control signal including information for storing the image data in the backup folder in the distribution destination server into the image data. Give. By this control signal, the copied image data is stored in the backup folder at the distribution destination.

  When the “control content” determined by the determination unit 341 is “mobile distribution” or “mail distribution”, the mail distribution control unit 343 controls to perform mail distribution to the set user. When the “control content” is “mobile distribution”, the image data may be compressed and transmitted to the user, or only the bibliographic data of the image data may be transmitted to the user. The mobile address may be set in advance for each image data, or an address corresponding to the user to whom the image data is distributed may be acquired from the address information. At this time, it is assumed that address information in which a user is associated with a user address (mobile or PC) is stored in the storage unit.

  When the “control content” shown in FIG. 6 is “mail delivery”, this mail is mail for prompt processing because the image data is a decision document. Therefore, as the contents of the mail, contents for promoting the processing are described. Note that the user destination in this case is the mail address of the user to whom the image data is distributed.

  The mail address of the distribution destination user may be obtained from the address information stored in the storage means. In this address information, a mobile mail address or a PC mail address is associated with the user ID.

  When the “control content” determined by the determination unit 341 is “multiple delivery”, the user specifying unit 344 specifies a user having the same access right as the logged-in user, and image data is stored in all the specified users. Control delivery.

  The combination determination unit 345 determines the workflow control content based on the combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow designated by the user. The combination determination unit 345 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  Returning to FIG. 4, when the workflow processing unit 305 receives a workflow processing request from the job execution unit 302, the workflow processing unit 305 executes each process included in the workflow. When the workflow processing unit 305 receives a workflow control instruction from the workflow control unit 304, the workflow processing unit 305 executes the workflow according to the instruction and performs distribution processing. The workflow processing unit 305 executes each process included in the workflow in the order of flow and distributes the image data to the distribution destination.

  Each process performed by the workflow processing unit 305 is divided into a distribution process, an image process, and a distribution process. The distribution process refers to a process of distributing where image data is distributed. For example, whether to deliver to a folder or to send to a mail server is determined based on final processing included in the workflow.

  Image processing refers to processing for performing image conversion such as PDF conversion and TIFF conversion. Distribution processing refers to processing for distributing image data to the distribution destinations distributed in the distribution processing. In the workflow processing unit 305, at least distribution processing is performed.

  The storage unit 306 stores input, image conversion, and output plug-ins, and stores one or a plurality of workflows in which the plug-ins are combined.

  The storage unit 307 stores workflow control information. The workflow control information is as described above with reference to FIG. Note that the storage units 306 and 307 are not necessarily different, and may be stored in one storage unit as long as they can be stored separately.

  As a result, attribute information related to image data can be acquired, and workflow distribution processing can be more dynamically controlled based on the acquired attribute information.

<Specific example>
Next, a specific example of workflow control of the data distribution system in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the workflow control in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the image management server of a company having four branches such as the Hokkaido branch and the Tohoku branch performs image management of each branch. Hereinafter, image registration of image data scanned at the Hokkaido branch will be described.

  When a paper (original) with a barcode is scanned by an MFP placed in a Hokkaido branch office, the MFP acquires the attribute information (branch name, image type, registrant, etc.). The scanned image data and the acquired attribute information are distributed to an image processing server (distribution server).

  The image processing server automatically registers the image data in the “Hokkaido” folder of the image management server based on the attribute information acquired from the MFP. At this time, the image processing server adds a control signal including information for registration in the Hokkaido folder to the image data and distributes it to the image management server. The image management server can recognize the information for identifying “Hokkaido” included in the control signal and specify the data storage folder (A processing).

  In addition, when the image type included in the attribute information is “contract”, the image processing server automatically registers image data as a backup in a designated folder, so that the image processing server performs control including information for identifying the backup. A signal is added to the image data. The image management server recognizes information for identifying “backup” included in the control signal, copies the image data, and stores the copied image data in the backup folder (Process A). Backup is not performed for a document with a low importance of image type (for example, a normal document image).

  In addition, when the image type included in the attribute information is an image to be urgently processed such as “decision document”, the image processing server automatically sends an e-mail notifying the person in charge or the manager of the content that promotes the processing. (B process).

  Next, an example in which workflow control is performed based on a combination of attribute information and flow information in the workflow will be described. The flow information is information obtained by ordering the processes in the workflow. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow. The flow information shown in FIG. 8 is “PDF conversion” → “E-mail transmission”.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of workflow control information in a combination of attribute information and flow information. As shown in FIG. 9, when the image type included in the attribute information is “important” and the flow information is “PDF → mail” (workflow shown in FIG. 8), “backup” is associated as the control content. It has been. At this time, the image processing server can back up the image data converted to PDF to the image management server as well as convert the important image data into PDF and deliver it by mail.

  In addition, when the reception time included in the attribute information is “PM 10:00 or later” and the flow information is “folder distribution”, “mobile distribution” is associated as the control content. At this time, when the time when the MFP accepts the workflow is after 10 o'clock, the image processing server not only performs folder distribution but also sets only image data or bibliographic data compressed for mobile transmission. Mobile delivery to users.

  As a result, workflow control is not performed based solely on attribute information, but workflow control can be performed based on a combination with flow information in the workflow, and distribution processing can be performed according to the user's request. The workflow control information shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the storage unit 307. Further, both of the workflow control information shown in FIG. 6 and the workflow control information shown in FIG. 9 may be used in appropriate cases, or only one of them may be used.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the data distribution system in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image data distribution processing according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, in step S <b> 11, the setting unit 103 receives a workflow setting by the user. This can be realized by displaying a workflow list on the operation panel and allowing the user to select one workflow from the workflow list. In addition, when setting a workflow, bibliographic information of each process in the workflow is also set.

  In step S12, the image reading unit 101 scans an image and acquires image data. Next, the scanned image is transmitted to the image processing server 30 via the communication unit 102.

  In step S13, the attribute information acquisition unit 303 acquires attribute information related to image data. The attribute information is, for example, an image type, a user ID, and a workflow reception time. The attribute information acquisition unit 303 outputs the acquired attribute information to the workflow control unit 304.

  In step S <b> 14, the workflow control unit 304 determines whether or not to control the distribution process in the workflow based on the attribute information acquired from the attribute information acquisition unit 303. Whether the distribution process is controlled is determined based on whether or not there is “control content” corresponding to the attribute information in the workflow control information shown in FIG. If the determination result in step S14 is NO (no control), the process proceeds to step S15, and if the determination result is YES (control is present), the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S15, the workflow processing unit 305 performs image data distribution processing according to the workflow selected by the user.

  In step S <b> 16, the workflow processing unit 305 performs image data distribution processing according to the workflow controlled by the workflow control unit 304. The controlled workflow refers to, for example, a workflow in which a control signal for taking a backup is added to image data or mobile distribution is added separately.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the workflow can be more dynamically controlled based on the attribute information related to the image data. Also, workflow control of a workflow can be performed based on a combination of attribute information and flow information in the workflow.

[Example 2]
Next, a data distribution system according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when a process flow (partial flow) in a workflow branches into a plurality, a single process flow is selected based on attribute information. In the second embodiment, it is determined whether to skip the process in the workflow based on the attribute information.

<Functional configuration>
A functional configuration of the data distribution system according to the second embodiment will be described. Since the functional configurations of the MFP 10 and the image processing server 30 in the second embodiment are the same as those in FIG. 4, the description thereof will be omitted, and the workflow control unit 401 having a different function will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the workflow control unit 401 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the workflow control unit 401 includes a branch selection unit 411, a skip determination unit 412, and a notification unit 413.

  The branch selection unit 411 selects one process flow based on the attribute information when each process in the workflow branches into a plurality of process flows (partial flows). The processing flow is a flow after branching in the workflow. Processing flow selection will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow having a branch. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the workflow is “PDF conversion” → “folder delivery” processing flow A, “OCR” → “image management server delivery” processing flow B, “image information replacement” → “mail delivery”. Branch to processing flow C. Note that although the workflow shown in FIG. 12 branches from the beginning, it may branch in the middle of the flow.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing flow selection condition information. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, when the “time” included in the attribute information is “AM 9 o'clock to PM 10 o'clock”, the process flow B is selected, and when “PM 10 o'clock to AM 9 o'clock” is selected, the process flow C is selected. Represents what to do.

  In another example, when the “user ID” included in the attribute information is “X, Y”, when the processing flow A is “Z”, the processing flow C is selected, and when “other”, It represents that the flow B is selected. Thus, since it is possible to select a processing flow for each user in the same type of workflow, it is not necessary to generate one workflow for each user.

  Note that the selection condition information as shown in FIG. 13 is created for each workflow and stored in the storage means. The workflow control unit 401 selects a processing flow with reference to the selection condition information as appropriate. In addition, as a selection condition, it is possible to select the information included in the attribute information in combination, and the priority is given to the information of the attribute information, and the processing flow is selected from the information with high priority. do it. At this time, if the process flow cannot be selected with the highest priority information, the next information is selected, and the selection process may be terminated when the process flow is selected. Further, the processing flow selected by the branch selection unit 411 is output to the notification unit 413.

  Returning to FIG. 11, the skip determination means 412 will be described. The skip determination unit 412 determines whether to skip the process based on the attribute information in each process in the workflow. That is, depending on the content of the attribute information, useless processing in the workflow can be omitted. The skip determination will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow to be skipped. The workflow shown in FIG. 14 indicates “PDF conversion” → “folder distribution”. At this time, depending on the content of the attribute information, “PDF conversion” can be skipped (omitted).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of skip determination information. In the example shown in FIG. 15, when the image type included in the attribute information is “contract” or “customer information”, the control content is “none”, and when the image type is “other”, the control content is Is “PDF conversion skip”. In other words, when the image type is “contract” or “customer information”, PDF conversion is performed (or PDF conversion with security may be used), and when “other” image data is selected, “PDF conversion” is selected. Perform "folder distribution" without performing.

  Note that skip determination information as shown in FIG. 15 is created for each workflow and stored in the storage means. The skip determination unit 412 refers to the skip determination information as appropriate, and determines whether or not to skip the process according to “control content” when the content of the attribute information matches the condition. When the skip determination unit 412 determines that there is a process to be skipped, information indicating the skipped process is output to the notification unit 413.

  Returning to FIG. 11, the notification unit 413 outputs information for identifying the selected processing flow or information for identifying the skipped processing to the workflow processing unit 305. Accordingly, the workflow processing unit 305 can execute a workflow by selecting a processing flow based on the information acquired from the workflow control unit 401, or can skip the processing in the workflow.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the data distribution system in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing flow selection processing. In the processing of FIG. 16, the same reference numerals are given to those performing the same processing as in FIG. 10, and description thereof is omitted.

  In step S21, the branch selection unit 411 determines whether the workflow selected by the user has branched into a plurality of processing flows. If the determination result in step S21 is NO (no branch), the process proceeds to step S15. If the determination result is YES (branch is present), the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the branch selection unit 411 refers to the selection condition information as shown in FIG. 13 and selects a processing flow based on the attribute information. Information for identifying the selected processing flow is output to the workflow processing unit 305 via the notification unit 413. At this time, if the attribute information does not match the attribute information included in the selection condition information and the processing flow cannot be selected, all the branched processing flows may be executed.

  In step S23, the workflow processing unit 305 executes image data distribution processing according to the workflow including the notified processing flow.

  Next, processing skipping in the workflow will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing skip processing in a workflow. In the processing shown in FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are given to the same processing as that in FIG. 10, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S31, the skip determination unit 412 refers to the skip determination information as shown in FIG. 15 and determines whether or not to skip the process based on the attribute information. If the determination result in step S31 is NO (no skip), the process proceeds to step S15, and if the determination result is YES (skip is present), the process proceeds to step S32. At this time, information for identifying the skipped processing is output to the workflow processing unit 305 by the notification unit 413.

  In step S32, the workflow processing unit 305 skips the notified process, executes the workflow, and performs image data distribution processing.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a processing flow (partial flow) in a workflow branches into a plurality, a single processing flow is selected based on attribute information, or processing in the workflow is skipped based on attribute information. Can be.

[Modification]
In the modification, an MFP in which each of the image processing servers described above is incorporated will be described. In the modification, the functions of the image forming apparatus in which the image processing server is incorporated are basically the same as the functions of the image forming apparatus and the image processing server shown in FIG. Thus, according to the image forming 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, and an external storage device such as an HDD and a CD drive device. It has a hardware configuration that uses workstations and ordinary computers.

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

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

  Further, the program executed by the image processing server of each embodiment or the MFP of the modification 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 and the MFP of the modified example has a module configuration including the above-described units, and as actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads the program from the storage medium. By executing the above, each means is loaded onto the main storage device, and each means is 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, 40 Image processing server 50 Information processing terminal 101 Image reading means 102 Communication means 103 Setting means 104 Storage means 301 Communication means 302 Job execution means 303 Attribute information acquisition means 304 Workflow control means 305 Workflow processing means 306, 307 Storage means 305, 306, 504, 701 Storage unit 341 Determination unit 342 Control information addition unit 343 Mail distribution unit 344 User identification unit 345 Combination determination unit 411 Branch selection unit 412 Skip determination unit 413 Notification unit

JP 2008-97586 A

Claims (10)

A data distribution system for acquiring image data and distributing the image data,
Image acquisition means for reading an image and acquiring image data;
Setting means for setting a workflow for defining distribution settings for the image data;
Attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the image data;
Control means for controlling the workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information;
Processing means for performing one or more processes on the image data in accordance with the workflow controlled by the control means;
With
The control means further includes
Based on the combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow, the workflow is controlled,
If the workflow branches into multiple processing flows,
The control means includes
Based on the attribute information, one processing flow is selected from a plurality of processing flows of the workflow,
The one or more processes performed by the processing means include a distribution process, an image process, a distribution process, or at least a distribution process among these processes according to the selected processing flow. The control means includes
Based on the attribute information, determine whether to skip the process included in the workflow,
If it is determined by the control means to skip the workflow,
The processing means includes
The data distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the processing of the workflow is performed while skipping the processing determined by the control unit. The control means includes
Based on the image type included in the attribute information, determine whether to backup the image data at the delivery destination in the workflow,
If it is determined by the control means to take a backup,
The processing means includes
The data distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information indicating that backup is taken is distributed together with the image data. The control means includes
Based on the reception time of the workflow included in the attribute information, determine whether to deliver the image data by mail,
If it is determined by the control means that mail is delivered,
The processing means includes
The data distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image data is distributed by mail to a distribution destination designated in advance. The control means includes
Based on the user information included in the attribute information, a user having the same access right as the user indicated by the user information is specified,
The processing means includes
The data distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image data is distributed to all users specified by the control means. An image processing apparatus for distributing image data,
Image acquisition means for acquiring image data;
Setting means for setting a workflow for defining distribution settings for the image data;
Attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the image data;
Control means for controlling the workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information;
Processing means for performing one or more processes on the image data in accordance with the workflow controlled by the control means;
With
The control means further includes
Based on the combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow, the workflow is controlled,
If the workflow branches into multiple processing flows,
The control means includes
Based on the attribute information, one processing flow is selected from a plurality of processing flows of the workflow,
The one or more processes performed by the processing means include a sorting process, an image process, a distribution process, or at least a distribution process among these processes according to the selected processing flow. An image forming apparatus capable of delivering image data,
Image acquisition means for reading an image and acquiring image data;
Setting means for setting a workflow for defining distribution settings for the image data;
Attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information relating to the image data;
Control means for controlling the workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information;
Processing means for performing one or more processes on the image data in accordance with the workflow controlled by the control means;
With
The control means further includes
Based on the combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow, the workflow is controlled,
If the workflow branches into multiple processing flows,
The control means includes
Based on the attribute information, one processing flow is selected from a plurality of processing flows of the workflow,
The one or more processes performed by the processing unit include a sorting process, an image process, a distribution process, or at least a distribution process among these processes according to the selected processing flow. A data distribution method in a data distribution system for acquiring image data and distributing the image data,
An image acquisition stage for reading an image and acquiring image data;
A setting stage for setting a workflow for defining distribution settings for the image data;
An attribute information acquisition step of acquiring attribute information related to the image data;
A control step for controlling the workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information;
A processing stage for performing one or more processes on the image data in accordance with the workflow controlled by the control means;
With
The control step further includes
Based on the combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow, the workflow is controlled,
If the workflow branches into multiple processing flows,
The control step includes
Based on the attribute information, one processing flow is selected from a plurality of processing flows of the workflow,
The data distribution method characterized in that the one or more processes performed by the processing stage include a distribution process, an image process, a distribution process, or at least a distribution process among these processes according to the selected processing flow. A program realized on a computer connected to a network,
An image acquisition step for acquiring image data;
A setting step for setting a workflow for defining distribution settings for the image data;
An attribute information acquisition step of acquiring attribute information related to the image data;
A control step for controlling the workflow set by the setting means based on the attribute information;
A processing step of performing one or more processes on the image data in accordance with the workflow controlled by the control means;
To the computer,
The control step further includes
Based on the combination of the flow information and the attribute information in the workflow, the workflow is controlled,
If the workflow branches into multiple processing flows,
The control step includes
Based on the attribute information, one processing flow is selected from a plurality of processing flows of the workflow,
The one or more processes performed by the processing step include a distribution process, an image process, a distribution process, or at least a distribution process among these processes according to the selected process flow.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

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