JP2011082690A - Electronic document management device, image forming apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic document management technology which can more surely perform a workflow (job flow) while reducing dependence to success or failure of network connection. <P>SOLUTION: An MFP 10 extracts workflow information described in a script language and stored in a bookmark information area GD of an inspection document file. The workflow information is information regarding the workflow including an image capturing job for taking the image data in the inspection document file. Then, the MFP 10 executes the image capturing job according to the extracted workflow information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic document management technique.

  There is a job flow system (also referred to as an electronic document management system) that executes a job flow relating to an electronic document based on job flow information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The job flow system according to the technique of Patent Document 1 includes a management server, a document management server, and the like. In this system, specific contents (also referred to as job flow information) of a predetermined job flow relating to an electronic document are managed separately from the electronic document. Specifically, the electronic document itself is stored in the document management DB under the management of the document management server, while the predetermined job flow information is stored under the management of a management server other than the document management server (document management It is stored and managed in a task management DB or the like (different from the DB). A job flow identifier is set as a document attribute for a specific electronic document, and job flow information is selected and acquired from a plurality of job flows in the task management DB via the job flow identifier. . Specifically, a predetermined job flow corresponding to a job identifier set as attribute information of a specific electronic document is selected from a plurality of job flows registered in the management server and executed.

JP 2007-1105040 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem of accessibility regarding a document management server (document management DB) that manages an electronic document and its job flow identifier and a management server (task management DB) that manages a job flow. Can occur. For example, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a situation where a network connection to the management server cannot be established occurs, a job flow for the electronic document in the document management server cannot be realized. This is because the job flow corresponding to the job flow identifier of the electronic document cannot be acquired from the management server.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic document management technique capable of reducing the dependence on success or failure of network connection and more reliably executing a workflow (job flow).

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention of claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, which is stored in an additional information area of an electronic document file and an image reading unit that scans a document and generates image data of the document. In accordance with the workflow information extracted by the extraction means, the extraction means for extracting from the additional information area workflow information relating to the workflow including the image capture job for capturing the image data into the electronic document file. And job execution means for executing the image capture job.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the workflow information includes execution information relating to a plurality of jobs including the image capture job, and the image forming apparatus includes the electronic document. A deletion unit that accesses the additional information area in the file and deletes execution information of a predetermined job executed by the job execution unit from the execution information related to the plurality of jobs included in the workflow information; It is characterized by.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus further comprises display means for displaying items corresponding to the plurality of jobs as selection items based on the workflow information, Then, after the deletion operation by the deletion unit, the information on the remaining jobs excluding the job deleted by the deletion unit is extracted again from the workflow information, and the display unit is based on the re-extracted workflow information. An item corresponding to the remaining job is displayed as a selection item.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the workflow information includes execution information regarding a plurality of jobs including the image capture job, and the predetermined job included in the workflow information. Includes a plurality of sub-jobs, and the image forming apparatus accesses the additional information area in the electronic document file, and is executed by the job execution unit out of execution information relating to the plurality of sub-jobs included in the predetermined job. And deleting means for deleting the execution information of the predetermined sub job.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the workflow information includes execution information regarding a plurality of jobs including the image capture job, and the image forming apparatus includes the workflow information. And a display unit for displaying items corresponding to the plurality of jobs as selection items, and a designation input related to the job to be executed in response to a selection operation using the plurality of selection items corresponding to the plurality of jobs. Receiving means, wherein the job execution means executes the job designated by the designation input in response to the designation input by the acceptance means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the electronic document file is a PDF format data file, and the extracting means is the PDF format data file. The workflow information described in a script language is extracted in the bookmark information area.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the extracting unit accesses the electronic document file stored in a portable recording medium, and the electronic document The workflow information is extracted from the additional information area of the file.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the workflow information is workflow information described in a script language.

  The invention of claim 9 is a program comprising: a) workflow information stored in an additional information area of an electronic document file, the workflow including an image capture job for capturing predetermined image data into the electronic document file Extracting the workflow information relating to the additional information area, b) obtaining a scanned image relating to the document as the predetermined image data, and c) capturing the image according to the workflow information extracted by the extracting means. And a step of executing the embedded job to the computer.

  The invention of claim 10 is an electronic document management apparatus, wherein the additional information is workflow information stored in an additional information area of an electronic document file, and includes job execution information related to a predetermined workflow. Extracting means for extracting from an area; and job execution means for executing the job according to the workflow information extracted by the extracting means.

  The invention of claim 11 is a program device, wherein a) is workflow information stored in an additional information area of an electronic document file, and includes workflow information including job execution information related to a predetermined workflow. And (b) causing the computer to execute a step of executing the job according to the workflow information extracted by the extracting means.

  According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the workflow information is stored in the additional information area in the electronic document file, the workflow information is extracted from the additional information area in the electronic document file, and the image capture is performed. Since the workflow including the embedded job is executed according to the workflow information, the dependency on the success or failure of the network connection can be reduced, and the workflow relating to the digitization of the document can be more reliably executed.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 3, information regarding the remaining jobs excluding the deleted job is extracted again from the workflow information, and the remaining jobs are selected as selection items based on the re-extracted workflow information. Since it is displayed, it is possible to prevent an already executed job from being executed again by mistake.

  In particular, according to the fifth aspect of the invention, items corresponding to a plurality of jobs are displayed as selection items based on the workflow information, and a designation input relating to a job to be executed is received from the plurality of jobs. Therefore, the user can select an item corresponding to the job to be executed after recognizing the job included in the workflow information.

  In particular, according to the invention described in claim 7, since the workflow information is extracted from the additional information area of the electronic document file stored in the portable recording medium, the portable recording can be performed even in an environment where connection to a predetermined network is not possible. A desired job can be executed according to the workflow information stored in the medium.

  According to the invention described in claims 10 and 11, the workflow information is extracted from the additional information area in the electronic document file, and the job related to the workflow is executed according to the workflow information. This workflow can be executed more reliably.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an order management system. It is a figure explaining the outline | summary of the operation | movement which digitizes a delivery note. It is a figure explaining the outline | summary of the operation | movement which digitizes a receipt. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an MFP. FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of an MFP. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the operation | movement which performs a job. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of a delivery note process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of an acceptance certificate process. It is a figure which shows the acceptance certificate file before job execution. It is a figure which shows the delivery note of company CA. It is a figure which shows the delivery note of company CC. It is a figure which shows the delivery note of company CB. It is a figure which shows the screen (confirmation message) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of invoice processing of company CA) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (interruption message) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (error message) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of invoice processing of company CA) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of invoice processing of company CA) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of invoice processing of company CA) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of the invoice processing of company CC) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of the invoice processing of company CC) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of the invoice processing of company CC) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of the invoice processing of company CC) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of the delivery note process of company CB). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of the delivery note process of company CB). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of the delivery note process of company CB). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of the delivery note process of company CB). It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of inspection certificate printing) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of inspection certificate printing) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen (at the time of inspection certificate printing) of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of taking in a check certificate image). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of taking in a check certificate image). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of taking in a check certificate image). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of taking in a check certificate image). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of registration of an acceptance certificate file server). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of registration of an acceptance certificate file server). It is a figure which shows the screen of an operation panel (at the time of registration of an acceptance certificate file server). It is a figure which shows the headquarter area | region of an acceptance certificate file. It is a figure which shows the headquarter area | region of an acceptance certificate file. It is a figure which shows the headquarter area | region of an acceptance certificate file. It is a figure which shows the headquarter area | region of an acceptance certificate file. It is a figure which shows the acceptance certificate file after job execution.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. System configuration overview and order management flow>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of the order management system 1. The order management system 1 is also a system that manages electronic documents related to order management and the like, and is also referred to as an electronic document management system. Further, since the MFP 10 (described below) is also an apparatus that manages electronic documents, it is also referred to as an electronic document management apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the order management system 1 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 10, an order management computer (also referred to as a server) 70, and a computer (also referred to as a client) 90. These device groups 10, 70, and 90 are connected to each other via a network (for example, a LAN (Local Area Network)) NW, and can transmit / receive data to / from each other. The MFP 10 is also expressed as an image forming apparatus as will be described later. Each of the computers 70 and 90 is configured by a general computer system having, for example, a CPU and a semiconductor memory.

  Hereinafter, an outline of the “order management flow” in the order management system 1 will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, a person who orders a product (also referred to as an orderer or purchase applicant) B1 makes an order application to the server 70 for a product desired to be purchased by operating a computer 90. Here, a situation is assumed in which the person B1 makes an order application for products to three different companies CA, CB, and CC.

  The server 70 accepts an order application (also referred to as a purchase application) from the person B1. Then, the server 70 places an order to a company that sells the ordered product based on the ordering application, that is, an ordering party (company CA, CB, CC). Although the electronic ordering by the server 70 is illustrated here, the present invention is not limited to this, and the orderer performs an ordering action to each company by sending an order form (paper document) or by telephone contact. May be.

  In addition, when accepting the purchase application, the server 70 transmits an acceptance certificate file KF to the person B1. An inspection receipt file (also referred to as an delivery inspection file) KF is a document relating to an invoice processing (delivery related processing) and an inspection processing (inspection related processing), and is a document created as electronic data. The verification document file KF is created as an electronic document file in PDF (Portable Document Format) format, for example. The acceptance certificate file KF has both a page for electronically pasting each delivery note of a plurality of products and a page relating to an acceptance certificate indicating that all of the plurality of products have been delivered. Here, a data file (for example, a PDF file with a bookmark) having a bookmark area (bookmark information area) GD and a text area (text information area) BD is adopted as the verification document file KF. The acceptance document file KF is displayed on the display screen in a state having a bookmark display area SV and a text display area PV (see FIG. 15).

  Specifically, a template of the verification document file KF is stored in the server 70 in advance, and the server 70 generates the verification certificate file KF based on the template. This template includes an invoice template and a receipt template.

  Specifically, when receiving a purchase application from a purchaser, the server 70 generates an inspection certificate page based on an inspection certificate template as an inspection certificate file KF, and also purchases (orders) for the purchase application (order application) The number of invoice pages corresponding to the number of companies in (1) is generated. Then, the server 70 transmits the generated inspection report file KF to the computer 90 of the person B1.

  Items related to workflow information (described below) are displayed in the bookmark display area SV (see FIG. 15) of the inspection document file KF. The workflow information is information including a plurality of jobs Ji (for example, J0, J1, J2, J3) (to be described later) executed in the MFP 10, and is a bookmark information area (also referred to as an additional information area) of the verification document file KF. Stored in the GD. However, for example, when browsing the contents of the bookmark information area GD on the operation panel 15 (FIG. 4) of the MFP 10, as shown in FIG. 15 and the like, it corresponds to a plurality of jobs Ji (J0, J1, J2, J3). An item GDi (for example, GD0, GD1, GD2, GD3) (to be described later) to be displayed is displayed on the operation panel 15 as a selection item. That is, the actual information (execution information) of each job of the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD of the acceptance certificate file KF is not displayed in the bookmark display area SV, and corresponds to each job of the workflow information. Only the item GDi is displayed in the bookmark display area SV. More specifically, each job entity information in the workflow information is described in a state where a non-display attribute is added to a portion corresponding to a predetermined tag in the bookmark information area GD. The workflow information (specifically, each job entity information of the workflow information) is described and stored in a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), for example.

  In the body text display area PV (see FIG. 15) of the verification document file KF, a sentence of a certain page among a plurality of pages BDi (for example, BD0, BD1, BD2, BD3) of the verification certificate file KF is displayed. The The page BD0 has information related to the inspection document (here, the document including the inspection seal column), and the pages BD1, BD2, and BD3 have information related to the delivery documents of the companies CA, CB, and CC, respectively. In this MFP 10, in principle, a top page (first page) BD0 is displayed in the text display area PV.

  Note that each item GDi described above is also associated with page information of a link destination (jump destination). For this reason, in a device (for example, a normal personal computer) that does not have a job execution function (described later), when the inspection document file KF is opened, the item GDi is selected according to the selection operation (click operation) of the item GDi. The page BDi (linked) associated with is displayed in the text display area PV. For example, when item GD2 is selected, page BD2 (delivery note MS2) is displayed in text display area PV.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the person B1 receives the acceptance certificate file KF transmitted from the server 70 by the computer 90. Then, the person B1 stores the receipt file KF in the USB memory 80A that is a portable storage medium. Thereafter, the person B1 connects the USB memory 80A in which the verification document file KF is stored to the USB connector of the MFP 10.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as an electronic filing device or an electronic document management device) that scans a document (paper document), generates a scanned image, and digitizes the document based on the scanned image. . The MFP 10 converts a plurality of scan images including a scan image related to a delivery note and a scan image related to an inspection certificate into one electronic document file (acceptance certificate file KF) based on the workflow information stored in the inspection certificate file KF. Realize functions such as saving together.

  Therefore, first, the MFP 10 accesses the acceptance certificate file KF stored in the USB memory 80A. Then, the MFP 10 extracts the workflow information from the bookmark information area GD in the verification document file KF by the workflow information extraction unit 31 (see FIG. 6). This workflow information includes execution information regarding a plurality of jobs. The plurality of jobs include an image capture job that captures image data obtained by scanning a document (for example, a delivery document sent from an ordering party) into a corresponding page BDi of the inspection document file KF.

  Thereafter, the MFP 10 determines whether the workflow information can be executed. For example, the MFP 10 determines the feasibility of the workflow information based on the version information described in the script header. If the workflow information can be executed, the MFP 10 executes the job included in the workflow information. On the other hand, when the workflow information cannot be executed, an item GDi (described later) corresponding to each job is displayed in the bookmark display area SV, but the job is not executed.

  Next, an outline of a plurality of jobs included in the workflow information will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 shows delivery note processing (also referred to as a delivery job). In this delivery note processing, a delivery note MSi (for example, MS1, MS2, MS3) (described later) sent at the time of delivery of a product is scanned by the MFP 10, whereby image data GAi (for example, GA1, GA2, GA3) is scanned. (Described later) is generated, and the image data GAi is taken into the delivery note page BDi of the inspection receipt file KF.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, a situation is assumed in which products are delivered in the order of company CA, company CC, and company CB.

  First, the company CA invoice processing executed by the MFP 10 will be described.

  The MFP 10 displays an item GDi (GD0, GD1, GD2, GD3) corresponding to a plurality of jobs Ji (J0, J1, J2, J3) as a selection item on the operation panel 15 (upper left column in FIG. 2 and FIG. 15).

  A person (also called an operator or user of the MFP 10) B1 performs a selection operation using a plurality of selection items GDi corresponding to the plurality of jobs Ji, and inputs a job to be executed. Specifically, the person B1 selects an item GD1 corresponding to the job J1 to be executed at the time of delivery of the company CA from the plurality of selection items displayed on the operation panel 15, and the job J1 corresponding to the item GD1. Is specified and entered as an execution target job. In response to the designation input, the MFP 10 executes the designated job J1 by the job execution unit 33 (FIG. 6).

  Specifically, the MFP 10 scans a delivery note MS1 from the company CA and generates image data GA1. Then, the MFP 10 captures the image data GA1 into the page BD1 of the acceptance certificate file KF. Note that the image data GA1 is captured in the broken line area of the page BD1 of the text information area BD shown in FIG.

  When the job J1 is completed, the MFP 10 deletes the execution information of the job J1 among the execution information related to a plurality of jobs included in the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD, which will be described later (FIG. 6). To delete.

  Further, after the execution information of the job J1 is deleted, the MFP 10 re-extracts information on the remaining jobs excluding the deleted job J1 by the workflow information extraction unit 31 (FIG. 6) described later. Then, the MFP 10 displays the items GD0, GD2, and GD3 corresponding to the re-extracted job on the operation panel 15 as selection items.

  The delivery form processing as described above is also performed when the company CC is delivered and the company CB is delivered as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an acceptance document process (also referred to as an acceptance job). In the acceptance processing, as shown in FIG. 3, mainly the processing for outputting (printing) the inspection receipt PR, and the post-sealing acceptance receipt PR is converted into the text information area BD (specifically, the inspection receipt file KF). BD0) is executed. 3 is executed after the delivery document processing (FIG. 2) of each company is completed.

  The person B1 selects the item GD0 corresponding to the job J0 to be executed when delivery from all the suppliers is completed from the selection items displayed on the operation panel 15, and designates the item GD0 as an execution target job. input. The job J0 includes sub-jobs SJ1, SJ2, and SJ3 related to the inspection certificate. At this time, the MFP 10 sequentially executes the designated job J0, that is, the sub jobs SJ1, SJ2, and SJ3. The sub-job SJ1 is a print job for an acceptance certificate, the sub-job SJ2 is a process for fetching a stamped validation document PR into the validation document file KF, and the sub-job SJ3 is a process for registering the validation document file KF in the server 70. It is.

  Specifically, the MFP 10 prints the page BD0 of the verification document file KF by executing the sub job SJ1. When the sub job SJ1 ends, the MFP 10 deletes the execution information of the sub job SJ1 among the sub jobs included in the job J0.

  The page BD0 that is printed out, that is, the acceptance report PR, is provided with a seal column by a confirmer (for example, a section manager, a section manager, or a section manager). Confirmation marks are sequentially pressed (marked) by the confirmers CP1, CP2 and CP3 in the stamping column of the receipt PR.

  Next, by executing the sub job SJ2, the MFP 10 scans the stamped verification document PR to generate image data GA0, and takes the image data GA0 into the page BD0 of the verification document file KF. Further, when the sub job SJ2 ends, the MFP 10 deletes the execution information of the sub job SJ2 among the sub jobs included in the job J0.

  Further, the MFP 10 executes the sub job SJ3 to register the acceptance certificate file KF in the server 70. Further, when the sub job SJ3 ends, the MFP 10 deletes the execution information of the sub job SJ3 among the sub jobs included in the job J0. Further, when all the execution information of the sub job is deleted, the MFP 10 also deletes the execution information of the job J0.

  Hereinafter, the MFP 10 that realizes such an order management system will be described in more detail.

<2. Configuration of MFP>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the MFP 10.

  The MFP 10 is a device (also referred to as a multifunction device) that includes a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like. Specifically, the MFP 10 includes a key operation unit 14, an operation panel 15, an image reading unit 16, a print output unit 17, and a communication unit 18. Each function is realized.

  The key operation unit 14 is an input unit that receives operation instructions for various processes and input of character and numeric data. The key operation unit 14 is provided with a plurality of keys for operation by the user, such as a power key.

  The operation panel 15 is a display unit that displays an operation menu and various types of information related to the acquired image. An operation panel 15 provided on the front side of the MFP 10 is a touch panel display (touch screen) that displays an operation menu and the like, and detects a touch operation on an image of a displayed (virtual) operation button. Accordingly, the reception unit is configured to receive an operation on the MFP 10.

  The image reading unit 16 photoelectrically reads image information such as photographs, characters, and pictures from a document to generate and acquire image data (scanned image). The acquired image data is appropriately processed and then stored in the storage unit 13 or sent to the print output unit 17 or the communication unit 18 to be used for image printing or data transmission.

  The print output unit 17 prints an image on recording paper based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 16 and the image data received from the external device by the communication unit 18.

  The communication unit 18 transmits and receives facsimile data via a public line or the like. The communication unit 18 transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the network via a network such as a LAN or the Internet (including the network NW). Thereby, the MFP 10 can transmit and receive various image data and the like with a desired destination. Note that the network communication by the MFP 10 may be wired connection or wireless connection.

  FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram of the MFP 10.

  The MFP 10 further includes a CPU 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage unit 13, a media access unit 19, and the like in addition to the components described so far.

  The media access unit 19 performs a process of reading information recorded on a recording medium 80 (for example, USB memory 80A) that is detachable from the MFP 10 and a process of writing information to the recording medium 80.

  The storage unit 13 includes a storage device such as a hard disk drive. The storage unit 13 stores document image data generated by the image reading unit 16 and the like.

  The CPU 11 is a central processing unit of the controller 30. The RAM 12 functions as a main memory and work area for the controller 30.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the MFP 10.

  The controller 30 is a control device that controls the MFP 10 in an integrated manner, and is configured as a computer system including a CPU 11 and a semiconductor memory RAM 12. Various functions of the MFP 10 are realized by various processing units operating under the control of the controller 30.

  For example, the controller 30 optically reads a desired image using the image reading unit 16 under the control of the MFP 10, thereby obtaining a scan image obtained by scanning a document (paper document), thereby realizing a scanner function. In addition, under the control of the controller 30, image data for print output is generated and a drive operation related to the print output unit 17 is controlled, whereby a desired image is printed out on paper and a printer function is realized. The

  In particular, the controller 30 includes various processing units such as a workflow information extraction unit 31, a job execution unit 33, and a job execution information deletion unit 35. These processing units are realized by executing a software program (also simply referred to as a program) stored in an EEPROM (or storage unit 13) or the like in the controller 30 using the CPU 11 or the like of the controller 30.

  The workflow information extraction unit 31 is a processing unit that extracts, from the bookmark information area GD, workflow information described and stored in a script information in a bookmark information area (also referred to as an additional information area) GD of the PDF file. For example, the workflow information extraction unit 31 extracts workflow information described in a script language from an acceptance certificate file KF recorded on a recording medium 80 (USB memory 80A or the like).

  The job execution unit 33 executes a job (for example, a process of importing document image data scanned by the image reading unit 16 into the PDF file PF) according to the workflow information extracted by the workflow information extraction unit 31. The job execution unit 33 executes various jobs based on a program (execution information described in a script language) included in the workflow information extracted by the workflow information extraction unit 31. Specifically, the job execution unit 33 interprets and executes the contents described in the script language.

  When the job executed by the job execution unit 33 is completed, the job execution information deletion unit 35 accesses the bookmark information area GD in the PDF file, and executes executions related to a plurality of jobs included in the workflow information in the bookmark information area GD. The execution information of the job (executed job) is deleted from the information.

<3. Outline of operation>
7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the MFP (image forming apparatus) 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an acceptance document file KF before job execution. FIGS. 11 to 13 are diagrams showing invoices of companies CA, CC, and CB, respectively. 14 to 38 are diagrams showing screens displayed on the operation panel 15. 39 to 42 are diagrams showing the page BDi after the delivery job is executed. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing the acceptance document file KF after the acceptance job is executed.

<3-1. Overview>
First, an outline of the operation of the MFP 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The MFP 10 uses the media access unit 19 to access the acceptance certificate file KF in the USB memory 80A. Then, the workflow information extraction unit 31 extracts the workflow information from the bookmark information area GD in the inspection document file KF. The workflow information includes an image capture job and the like. Here, the image capture job is a job for capturing the image data of the document generated by scanning by the image reading unit 16 into the inspection document file KF.

  At this time, when the MFP 10 recognizes that the PDF file is a data file including workflow information and also recognizes that the workflow information is executable, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. To display. FIG. 14 shows a confirmation screen for inquiring whether or not to display a plurality of items GDi corresponding to a plurality of jobs Ji included in the workflow information as selection items. As shown in FIG. 14, buttons BN1 and BN2 are displayed on the confirmation screen. When the button BN1 is selected, the MFP 10 selects an item GDi (GD0, GD1, GD2, GD3) corresponding to the job Ji (J0, J1, J2, J3) as a selection item, as shown in FIG. To display. On the other hand, when the button BN2 is selected, the MFP 10 displays on the operation panel 15 that the processing is interrupted, as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the person B1 selects the button BN1.

  Note that job J0 is a process related to a receipt, and includes three sub-jobs SJ1, SJ2, and SJ3. Jobs J1, J2, and J3 are processes related to delivery notes MSi (MS1, MS2, and MS3) of companies CA, CB, and CC, respectively.

  Items GD0, GD1, GD2, and GD3 are displayed as underlined characters that can be selected by touching the operation panel 15 by the person B1, as shown in FIG. Items GD0, GD1, GD2, and GD3 correspond to jobs J0, J1, J2, and J3, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the operation panel 15 displays a page BD0 that is the top page of the text information area BD.

  The person B1 selects an item to be executed by the MFP 10 from the items GDi (GD0, GD1, GD2, GD3) displayed on the operation panel 15 in step S11 of FIG. At this time, the operation panel 15 receives the selection operation input (touch operation) of the item GDi by the person B1 as a designation input related to the job to be executed. That is, the operation panel 15 receives a job corresponding to the selected item GDi as a job to be executed.

  Next, in step S12, the MFP 10 determines whether or not the job received in step S11 is a job related to the delivery note MSi (MS1, MS2, MS3). In other words, in step S11, the MFP 10 determines whether the item designated by the person B1 is any of the items GD1, GD2, and GD3.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the job is related to a delivery note, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the job is not related to a delivery note, the process proceeds to step S17.

  First, the operation when proceeding to step S13 will be described. In step S13, the MFP 10 executes a branching process according to the ordering party. Specifically, a branch process corresponding to the items GD1, GD2, and GD3 designated in step S11 is executed. For example, when the item GD1 is designated in step S11, it is determined that the ordering party is a company CA, and the process proceeds to step S14. If the item GD2 is specified in step S11, it is determined that the ordering party is the company CB, and the process proceeds to step S15. If the item GD3 is specified in step S11, it is determined that the supplier is the company CC, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  In steps S14, S15, and S16, the MFP 10 executes a delivery note process (see FIG. 8) described later.

  Then, when the delivery note process (steps S14, S15, S16) ends, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the MFP 10 determines whether all jobs included in the workflow information have been completed. If it is determined that all jobs have been completed, the process ends. On the other hand, if an unfinished job is detected, the process returns to step S11 again. When the process is completed, a screen (not shown) indicating the completion of the process is displayed on the operation panel 15.

  Next, the operation when proceeding to step S17 will be described. In step S17, the MFP 10 determines whether all jobs (jobs J1, J2, J3) related to the delivery note have been completed. If all jobs related to the delivery note have been completed, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if an unprocessed job is detected among the jobs (jobs J1, J2, J3) related to the delivery note, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S <b> 18, the MFP 10 executes an acceptance certificate process (see FIG. 9) described later. Then, the MFP 10 proceeds to step S20 when the inspection processing (step S18) is completed.

  On the other hand, in step S19, as shown in FIG. 17, the MFP 10 displays the item name corresponding to the unprocessed job among the jobs related to the delivery note on the operation panel 15 as the error content. In addition, a confirmation button BN4 is displayed on the operation panel 15. Here, when the button BN4 is selected, the process of step S19 ends, and the process proceeds to step S20.

<3-2. Detailed operation (invoice processing)>
Next, the delivery note process (steps S14, S15, S16) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process of delivery note processing executed by the job execution unit 33.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that products ordered in the order of company CA, company CC, and company CB are delivered. Note that the delivery note MSi (MS1, MS2, MS3) is sent simultaneously with the delivery of the product. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the person B1 performs delivery note processing for each delivery from each company.

<3-2-1. Invoice processing of company CA>
First, the delivery form processing accompanying the delivery of the company CA will be described.

  When the person B1 receives the product from the company CA, the person B1 connects the USB memory 80A in which the inspection certificate file KF is stored to the MFP 10.

  Then, in step S11 of FIG. 7, the workflow information extraction unit 31 extracts the workflow information from the bookmark information area GD of the inspection certificate file KF. Further, the MFP 10 displays items GDi (GD0, GD1, GD2, GD3) corresponding to a plurality of jobs included in the workflow information as selection items in the bookmark display area SV of the operation panel 15.

  Here, the person B1 designates the item GD1, that is, the item corresponding to the job J1, from the selection items displayed on the operation panel 15.

  Thereafter, it is determined in step S12 of FIG. 7 that the ordering party is company CA, and the process proceeds to step S14.

  The MFP 10 causes the job execution unit 33 to execute the job J1 corresponding to the item GD1 in step S14, that is, the delivery form processing of the company CA. Specifically, the job execution unit 33 executes the job (image capture job) J1 according to the execution information of the job J1 (program information written in a script language). Specifically, the job execution unit 33 executes the three processes of steps S31, S32, and S33 in FIG. 8 as a job J1, that is, a delivery statement process of the company CA.

  The job execution unit 33 scans the delivery note MS1 (FIG. 11) of the company CA by the image reading unit 16, and generates image data GA1 of the delivery note MS1 (step S31). In addition, the job execution unit 33 takes the generated image data GA1 into the page BD1 of the acceptance certificate file KF (step S32). Further, the job execution unit 33 cooperates with the job execution information deletion unit 35 to execute the job J1 execution information (program written in the script language) out of the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD of the verification document file KF. Information) is deleted (step S33).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the MFP 10 requests the person B1 to scan the delivery slip MS1 through the display screen of the operation panel 15. In response to the request, the person B1 sets (places) the delivery slip MS1 in the ADF (auto document feeder) unit, and presses the button BN6 in the operation panel 15. When the button BN6 is selected, the image reading unit 16 scans the delivery note MS1 set in the ADF (auto document feeder) unit (step S31). When the button BN7 in the operation panel 15 is selected, the operation panel 15 displays that the processing has been interrupted as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the person B1 selects the button BN6.

  When the button BN6 is selected, the MFP 10 starts scanning the delivery note MS1 by the image reading unit 16, and at the same time, informs the operation panel 15 that the image data GA1 of the delivery note MS1 is being taken into the acceptance receipt file KF. Displayed (FIG. 19).

  When the scan processing is completed and the image data GA1 is generated, the MFP 10 captures the image data GA1 into the page BD1 of the inspection certificate PDF file as shown in FIG. 39 (step S32).

  Thereafter, when the capture of the image data GA1 is completed, the job execution information deletion unit 35 deletes the execution information of the job J1 (step S33). Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the operation panel 15 displays that the image data GA1 has been taken into the acceptance certificate file KF and that the item GD1 of the bookmark selection item has been deleted. In this embodiment, when the executed job Ji is deleted from the bookmark information area GD, the bookmark selection item GDi corresponding to the job Ji is also deleted.

  As described above, the job execution unit 33 executes the job J1 along the steps S31 to S33.

  Then, when the execution of the job J1 is completed and the OK button BN4 is pressed, the process returns from step S20 to step S11, and the workflow information extraction unit 31 includes the workflow information in the bookmark information area GD of the verification document file KF. Information regarding the remaining jobs J0, J2, and J3 excluding the job J1 deleted by the job execution information deletion unit 35 is extracted again.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 21, items GD0, GD2, GD3 corresponding to the remaining jobs J0, J2, J3 are displayed on the operation panel 15 as selection items based on the re-extracted workflow information. In FIG. 21, a cancel button BN3 is also displayed. When the button BN3 is selected by the person B1, the MFP 10 ends the process once.

  Here, it is assumed that, when the execution of the job J1 is finished, a product from an ordering party other than the company CA (that is, the companies CB and CC) has not been delivered yet. Therefore, the person B1 presses the cancel button BN3, and temporarily ends the processing in the MFP 10. That is, the workflow is temporarily interrupted.

<3-2-2. Invoice processing for company CC>
Next, the delivery form process associated with the delivery of the company CC will be described focusing on the differences from the delivery form process associated with the delivery of the company CA described above.

  When the product is delivered from the company CC, the person B1 connects the USB memory 80A in which the inspection certificate file KF is stored to the MFP 10 again.

  Then, in the same manner as when the company CA delivers, a predetermined process is performed in step S11 of FIG. However, the execution information of job J1 has been deleted in step S14, that is, in the delivery form processing of company CA. Therefore, in the bookmark display area SV of the operation panel 15, items GD0, GD2, GD3 corresponding to jobs J0, J2, J3 excluding job J1 among the plurality of jobs included in the workflow information are displayed as selection items ( (See FIG. 21). Then, the person B1 selects the item GD3, that is, the item corresponding to the job J3.

  Thereafter, it is determined in step S12 in FIG. 7 that the ordering party is the company CC, and the process proceeds to step S16.

  The MFP 10 causes the job execution unit 33 to execute a job (image capture job) J3 corresponding to the item GD3 in step S16, that is, in the delivery form processing of the company CC.

  In step S31, the job execution unit 33 scans the delivery statement MS3 (FIG. 12) of the company CC by the image reading unit 16, and generates image data GA3 of the delivery statement MS3. In step S32, the job execution unit 33 captures the generated image data GA3 into the page BD3 of the acceptance certificate file KF. Further, in cooperation with the job execution information deletion unit 35, the job execution unit 33 deletes the execution information of the job J3 from the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD of the verification document file KF in step S33.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the MFP 10 requests the person B1 to scan the delivery slip MS3 through the screen of the operation panel 15, and reads the delivery slip MS3 according to the scan operation of the person B1. Scan by the unit 16 (step S31). Specifically, when the button BN6 is selected, the MFP 10 starts scanning the delivery note MS3 by the image reading unit 16, and at the same time, indicates that the image data GA3 of the delivery note MS3 is being taken into the inspection receipt file KF. It is displayed on the operation panel 15 (FIG. 23).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 40, the MFP 10 actually takes the image data GA3 into the page BD3 of the inspection certificate PDF file (step S32).

  Thereafter, when the capture of the image data GA3 is completed, the job execution information deletion unit 35 deletes the execution information of the job J3 (step S33). Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the operation panel 15 displays that the image data GA3 has been taken into the acceptance certificate file KF and that the selection item GD3 of the bookmark has been deleted. Note that an OK button BN4 is also displayed on the operation panel 15.

  As described above, the job execution unit 33 executes the job J3 along the steps S31 to S33.

  Then, when the execution of the job J3 is completed and the OK button BN4 is pressed, the process returns from step S20 to step S11, and the workflow information extraction unit 31 stores the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD of the verification document file KF. Among them, information regarding the remaining jobs J0 and J2 excluding the job J3 newly deleted by the job execution information deletion unit 35 is extracted again.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 25, items GD0 and GD2 corresponding to the remaining jobs J0 and J2 are displayed on the operation panel 15 as selection items based on the re-extracted workflow information.

  Here, it is assumed that the product is not delivered from an ordering party other than the companies CA and CC (that is, the company CC) at the time when the execution of the job J3 is finished. Therefore, the person B1 selects the cancel button BN3 and temporarily ends the processing in the MFP 10. That is, the workflow is temporarily interrupted.

<3-2-3. Invoice processing for company CB>
Next, the delivery form processing associated with the delivery of the company CB will be described focusing on the differences from the delivery form processing associated with the delivery of the companies CA and CC described above.

  When the product is delivered from the company CB, the person B1 connects the USB memory 80A in which the inspection document file KF is stored to the MFP 10 again.

  Then, in the same manner as when the companies CA and CC are delivered, a predetermined process is performed in step S11 of FIG. However, the execution information of the job J3 is also deleted in step S16, that is, the delivery process of the company CC. Therefore, items GD0 and GD2 corresponding to jobs J0 and J2 excluding jobs J1 and J3 among the plurality of jobs included in the workflow information are displayed as selection items in the bookmark display area SV of operation panel 15 (FIG. 25). reference). Then, the person B1 selects the item GD2, that is, the item corresponding to the job J2.

  Thereafter, it is determined in step S12 of FIG. 7 that the ordering party is the company CB, and the process proceeds to step S15.

  The MFP 10 causes the job execution unit 33 to execute the job (image capture job) J2 corresponding to the item GD2 in step S15, that is, in the delivery form processing of the company CB.

  In step S31, the job execution unit 33 scans the delivery note MS2 (FIG. 13) of the company CB by the image reading unit 16, and generates image data GA2 of the delivery note MS2. In step S32, the job execution unit 33 captures the generated image data GA2 into the page BD2 of the acceptance certificate file KF. Further, in step S33, the job execution unit 33 deletes the execution information of the job J2 from the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD of the inspection document file KF by the job execution information deletion unit 35.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, the MFP 10 requests the person B1 to scan the delivery slip MS2 through the screen of the operation panel 15, and scans the delivery slip MS2 according to the scan operation of the person B1. (Step S31). Specifically, when the button BN6 is selected, the MFP 10 starts scanning the delivery note MS2 by the image reading unit 16, and at the same time, indicates that the image data GA2 of the delivery note MS2 is being taken into the inspection receipt file KF. This is displayed on the operation panel 15 (FIG. 27).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 41, the MFP 10 actually captures the image data GA2 into the page BD2 of the inspection certificate PDF file (step S32).

  Thereafter, when the capture of the image data GA2 is completed, the job execution information deletion unit 35 deletes the execution information of the job J2 (step S33). Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the operation panel 15 displays that the image data GA2 has been taken into the acceptance certificate file KF and that the item GD2 of the bookmark selection item has been deleted. Note that an OK button BN4 is also displayed on the operation panel 15.

  As described above, the job execution unit 33 executes the job J2 along the steps S31 to S33.

  When the job execution unit 33 finishes executing the job J2 and the OK button BN4 is pressed, the process returns from step S20 to step S11, and the workflow information extraction unit 31 stores it in the bookmark information area GD of the inspection document file KF. Information regarding the remaining job J0 other than the job J2 newly deleted by the job execution information deletion unit 35 is extracted again from the workflow information to be extracted.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 29, the operation panel 15 displays an item GD0 corresponding to the remaining job J0 based on the re-extracted workflow information as a selection item.

  In the present embodiment, when the execution of the job J2 is completed, all the invoice processing of the companies CA, CB, and CC is completed. Accordingly, it is assumed that the person B1 continuously performs processing other than the delivery form processing in the MFP 10, that is, the inspection processing. As described above, the workflow can be temporarily interrupted by pressing the cancel button BN3 at this time.

<3-3. Detailed operation (verification process)>
Next, the inspection document process (step S17) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the acceptance certificate processing.

  As described above, when all the delivery forms processing of the companies CA, CB, CC is completed, as shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  Here, the person B1 designates (selects) the item GD0 displayed on the operation panel 15. As described above, the job J0 includes sub-jobs SJ1, SJ2, and SJ3.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds from step S11 in FIG. 7 to steps S12 and S17 to step S18.

  In step S51 in FIG. 9, the MFP 10 determines a sub job to be executed. Here, it is assumed that the sub-jobs SJ1, SJ2, and SJ3 have priorities, and the sub-jobs SJ1, the sub-jobs SJ2, and the sub-jobs SJ3 have higher priorities. In step S51, the sub job having the highest priority among the sub jobs included in the job J0 is determined as the sub job to be executed.

  For example, when the job J0 includes all the sub jobs SJ1, SJ2, and SJ3, the sub job to be executed is determined to be the sub job SJ1 in step S51. However, as described later, the sub-jobs SJ1, SJ2, and SJ3 executed by the job execution unit 33 are deleted by the job execution information deletion unit 35. Therefore, the job J0 does not always include all the sub jobs of the sub jobs SJ1, SJ2, and SJ3. For example, the job J0 may include only the sub job SJ3. In such a case, in step S51, the sub job is determined as sub job SJ3.

  Here, in step S51, it is assumed that the sub job to be executed is first determined to be the sub job SJ1, and the process proceeds to step S52.

  Next, in step S52, the MFP 10 executes the sub job SJ1 by the job execution unit 33. The job execution unit 33 prints the page BD0 of the inspection document file KF by the print output unit 17, and outputs the inspection document PR. Specifically, the job execution unit 33 executes the job SJ1 in accordance with the execution information of the job SJ1 (program information written in a script language), more specifically, according to the print execution information indicating that the receipt PR should be printed. Carry out.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, first, the MFP 10 requests the person B1 to print an inspection certificate PR through the operation panel 15. Then, when the button BN6 is selected by the person B1 in accordance with the print instruction, the print output unit 17 prints the page BD0 of the inspection document file KF and outputs the inspection document PR. On the other hand, when the button BN7 is selected, the operation panel 15 displays that the processing has been interrupted, as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the button BN6 is selected.

  When the button BN6 is selected, the MFP 10 causes the print output unit 17 to start printing the page BD0 of the verification document file KF, and simultaneously displays on the operation panel 15 that the output verification PR is being printed ( FIG. 31).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 32, when the printing of the inspection report PR is completed, the MFP 10 displays on the operation panel 15 that the printing of the inspection sheet PR has been completed. Further, a button BN4 is displayed on the operation panel 15.

  When the button BN4 is selected, the job execution information deletion unit 35 deletes the execution information of the sub job SJ1 from the execution information related to the sub job included in the job J0 (step S56).

  Thereafter, in step S57, the MFP 10 determines whether all the sub jobs (sub jobs SJ1, SJ2, SJ3) have already been executed. Here, since the sub jobs SJ2 and SJ3 except for the sub job SJ1 have not yet been executed, the process returns to step S51 again.

  In step S51, the sub job to be executed is determined to be the sub job SJ2, and the process proceeds to step S53.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 33, the operation panel 15 displays a request to scan the acceptance certificate PR. Here, when the button BN6 is selected, the image reading unit 16 scans the acceptance certificate PR set in the feeder. On the other hand, when the button BN7 is selected, the operation panel 15 displays that the processing has been interrupted, as shown in FIG.

  By the way, the sub job SJ2 is a process of acquiring the image data GA0 by scanning the inspection document PR by the image reading unit 16, and further capturing the generated image data GA0 into the page BD0 of the inspection document file KF. The sub job SJ2 is also referred to as an image capture job. Further, in this sub job SJ2, the image data GA0 that is desired to be captured in the page BD0 is the image data GA0 of the inspection receipt PR in which all the marking fields are marked.

  Here, it is assumed that the stamping in the stamping column of the acceptance certificate PR has not yet been completed, and the button BN7 is selected in FIG. 33 and the processing is temporarily interrupted.

  Thereafter, when the checkers CP1, CP2, and CP3 complete the seal in the seal column of the receipt PR, the person B1 resumes the process in the MFP 10.

  Specifically, after the completion of the seal, the person B1 connects the USB memory 80A storing the acceptance certificate file KF to the MFP 10 again.

  Then, the person B1 selects the item GD0 corresponding to the job J0 again by using the operation panel 15. In accordance with this selection operation, the process proceeds from step S11 in FIG. 7 to steps S12 and S17 to step S18.

  Thereafter, in step S51 in step S18, the sub job to be executed is determined to be sub job SJ2. Then, on the operation panel 15, it is displayed again that the scan of the receipt PR is requested. In addition, buttons BN6 and BN7 are displayed on the operation panel 15. Here, it is assumed that the person B1 selects the button BN6.

  When the button BN6 is selected, the MFP 10 executes the sub job SJ2 in step S53. In step S <b> 53, the job execution unit 33 scans the receipt PR with the image reading unit 16, and generates image data GA <b> 0 of the receipt PR. In step S54, the job execution unit 33 captures the generated image data GA0 into the page BD0 of the acceptance certificate file KF.

  Specifically, when the button BN6 is selected, the MFP 10 starts scanning the receipt PR by the image reading unit 16, and at the same time indicates that the image data GA0 is being taken into the receipt file KF. (FIG. 34). Then, as shown in FIG. 42, the MFP 10 actually captures the image data GA0 into the page BD0 of the inspection certificate PDF file. Note that these processes include job SJ2 execution information (program information written in a script language), more specifically, read process execution information indicating that the image data GA0 should be imported into the page BD0 of the verification file KF. Are executed by the job execution unit 33 or the like.

  When the sub job SJ2 is completed, the operation panel 15 displays that the image data GA3 has been taken into the acceptance certificate file KF, as shown in FIG. Further, the job execution information deletion unit 35 deletes the execution information of the sub job SJ2 from the execution information related to the sub job included in the job J0 (step S56).

  Thereafter, in step S57, the MFP 10 determines whether all the sub jobs (sub jobs SJ1, SJ2, SJ3) have been executed. Here, since the sub job SJ3 is not executed except for the sub jobs SJ1 and SJ2, the process returns to step S51 again.

  In step S51, the sub job to be executed is determined to be sub job SJ3, and the process proceeds to step S55.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 36, the operation panel 15 displays that the acceptance certificate file KF is registered in the server 70. In addition, buttons BN6 and BN7 are displayed on the operation panel 15. Here, if the button BN6 is selected, the MFP 10 registers the verification document file KF in the server 70. On the other hand, when the button BN7 is selected, the operation panel 15 displays that the processing is interrupted as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the person B1 selects the button BN6.

  When the button BN6 is selected, the MFP 10 starts registration of the verification certificate PDF file in the server 70 and simultaneously displays on the operation panel 15 that the verification certificate file KF is being registered in the server 70 (FIG. 37). . Then, the MFP 10 actually registers the acceptance certificate file KF in the server 70 (step S55). Specifically, the job execution unit 33 follows the execution information of the job SJ3 (program information written in the script language), more specifically, according to the registration execution information indicating that the receipt file KF should be registered in the server. Perform job SJ3.

  Then, when the sub job SJ3 is completed, the job execution information deletion unit 35 deletes the execution information of the sub job SJ3 from the execution information related to the sub job included in the job J0 (step S56).

  Thereafter, in step S57, the MFP 10 determines whether all the sub jobs (sub jobs SJ1, SJ2, SJ3) have been executed. Here, since all sub-jobs have been completed, the process proceeds to step S57.

  Then, in step S57, the job execution information deletion unit 35 accesses the bookmark information area GD of the acceptance certificate file KF, and among the execution information related to a plurality of jobs included in the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD, the job J0. Delete execution information for. In addition, as shown in FIG. 38, the operation panel 15 displays that the acceptance certificate file KF has been registered in the server 70 and that the bookmark selection item GD0 has been deleted. Further, on the operation panel 15, a button BN4 is displayed as shown in FIG.

  When the button BN4 is selected by the person B1, the MFP 10 ends the process.

  FIG. 43 is a diagram schematically showing an acceptance certificate file KF registered in the server 70. Compared with the acceptance document file KF before job execution in the MFP 10 shown in FIG. 10, all items GDi (GD0, GD1, GD2, GD3) (FIG. 10) displayed in the bookmark display area SV are first deleted. ing. Further, the image data GA0, GA1, GA2, and GA3 are captured in the broken line area (FIG. 10) of each page BDi.

  As described above, according to the MFP 10 according to this embodiment, the workflow information extraction unit 31 extracts the workflow information described in the script information in the bookmark information area GD of the acceptance document file KF from the bookmark information area GD. . The job execution unit 33 executes a plurality of jobs Ji (J0, J1, J2, J3) included in the workflow information according to the workflow information. In the present embodiment, the processing information (workflow information) is always stored in the verification document file KF, and a specific storage location (for example, storage in the MFP 10) different from the storage location of the verification certificate file KF. It is not necessary to obtain processing information (workflow information) by accessing the unit 13 or a specific server. According to this, as long as the electronic document file can be accessed, it is possible to execute a workflow relating to digitization of a document. That is, since the problem of accessibility that can occur when the electronic document file and the processing information are stored as separate data can be solved, the dependency on the success or failure of the network connection is reduced, and the workflow for digitizing the manuscript is reduced. It is possible to execute more reliably.

  In particular, on the operation panel 15, items GDi (GD0, GD1, GD2, GD3) corresponding to the job Ji (J0, J1, J2, J3) are displayed as selection items based on the workflow information. Then, the person B1 can designate a job to be executed by the MFP 10 from the selection items displayed on the operation panel 15. Accordingly, the person B1 can select an item corresponding to the job to be executed by the job execution unit 33 after recognizing the job Ji (J0, J1, J2, J3) included in the workflow information. In addition, since a job to be executed among a plurality of jobs can be designated, a specific job (for example, a delivery job for a specific company) can be selectively executed.

  In particular, the job execution information deletion unit 35 accesses the bookmark information area GD of the inspection document file PF, and displays the execution information of the job executed by the job execution unit 33 among the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD. delete. Then, after the deletion operation, the workflow information extraction unit 31 again extracts information regarding the remaining jobs excluding the job deleted by the job execution information deletion unit 35. At this time, since the executed job has already been deleted, it can be avoided that the executed job is re-executed by mistake. Further, on the operation panel 15, items corresponding to the remaining jobs based on the re-extracted workflow information are displayed as selection items. As a result, the MFP 10 does not display the already executed job on the operation panel 15 again. Therefore, the person B1 does not erroneously select an item corresponding to the executed job.

  Similarly, the deletion operation is performed for the sub job. Specifically, the job execution information deletion unit 35 accesses the bookmark information area GD of the acceptance document file PF, and the execution information of the sub job executed by the job execution unit 33 among the workflow information stored in the bookmark information area GD. Is deleted. After the deletion operation, the workflow information extraction unit 31 again extracts information on the remaining jobs (including sub jobs) excluding the sub job deleted by the job execution information deletion unit 35. At the time of re-execution of the workflow, since the executed sub-job is deleted, it is possible to prevent the executed sub-job from being re-executed by mistake.

  In particular, in this embodiment, an acceptance certificate file KF stored in the USB memory 80A, which is a portable recording medium, is used. As a result, the MFP 10 can execute a desired job even in an environment where the MFP 10 cannot be connected to the network NW.

<6. Modified example>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 80A is illustrated as the portable recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an SD card (memory card) or the like may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the acceptance document file KF of the PDF format was illustrated as an electronic document file, it is not limited to this. For example, a data file in an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) format or a data file described in a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) may be used. For example, the workflow information may be described in a script language as content corresponding to a specific tag of HTML or XML. In this case, the workflow information extraction unit 31 may extract workflow information associated with a specific tag.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the MFP 10 accesses the acceptance certificate file KF in the USB memory 80A has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the MFP 10 may access the acceptance certificate file KF stored in an arbitrary computer through the network NW.

  In the above embodiment, a plurality of selection items corresponding to a plurality of jobs included in the extracted workflow information are displayed, and the corresponding job is executed according to a selection operation using the plurality of selection items. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of jobs included in the workflow information extracted from the inspection document file KF may be automatically and sequentially executed according to a predetermined order.

  In the above embodiment, when the executed job Ji is deleted from the bookmark information area GD in step S33 of FIG. 8, the bookmark selection item GDi corresponding to the job Ji is also deleted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even when the executed job Ji is deleted from the bookmark information area GD, the bookmark selection item GDi corresponding to the job Ji may be left (displayed) without being deleted. In detail, the selection item GDi may be used as a table of contents item of the acceptance certificate file KF. When the remaining selection item GDi is selected by the operator, the job Ji is not executed, but a page corresponding to the selection item GDi may be displayed in the body area BD. . That is, a function (jump display function) for jumping to the corresponding page in accordance with the selection operation of the selection item GDi may be realized.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the workflow information executed by the MFP 10 is workflow information described in a general-purpose script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be workflow information described in a script language based on a unique format that can be executed in the MFP 10.

  Further, the workflow information may be described in a script language of a unique format that cannot be executed by a general computer or the like and that can be executed by the MFP 10. According to this, since the workflow information cannot be executed on a general computer or the like, it is possible to prevent the workflow information from malfunctioning on the computer or the like.

  The workflow information may be execution format data that can be executed in the MFP 10. For example, each job entity information of the workflow information may be stored in the additional information area as execution format data (compiled binary data (binary code) or the like).

  In the above-described embodiment, an order management system that manages an electronic document related to order management is illustrated as an example of the electronic document management system 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an electronic document management system that manages other types of electronic documents. Also, an electronic document management device or the like may be constructed.

10 MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Operation panel 16 Image reading part 17 Print output part 31 Workflow information extraction part 33 Job execution part 35 Job execution information deletion part B1 Person (orderer)
GD Bookmark information area BD Text information area CA, CB, CC Company
J0, J1, J2, J3 Job SJ1, SJ2, SJ3 Sub-job MS1, MS2, MS3 Delivery form KF Receipt file PR Receipt

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus,
Image reading means for scanning a document and generating image data of the document;
Extraction means for extracting from the additional information area workflow information related to a workflow including an image capture job which is workflow information stored in the additional information area of the electronic document file and takes the image data into the electronic document file;
Job execution means for executing the image capture job according to the workflow information extracted by the extraction means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The workflow information includes execution information related to a plurality of jobs including the image capture job,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Deleting means for accessing the additional information area in the electronic document file and deleting execution information of a predetermined job executed by the job execution means, out of execution information relating to the plurality of jobs included in the workflow information;
An image forming apparatus further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
Display means for displaying items corresponding to the plurality of jobs as selection items based on the workflow information;
Further comprising
The extraction unit again extracts information on the remaining jobs excluding the job deleted by the deletion unit from the workflow information after the deletion operation by the deletion unit,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the display unit displays an item corresponding to the remaining job as a selection item based on the re-extracted workflow information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The workflow information includes execution information related to a plurality of jobs including the image capture job,
The predetermined job included in the workflow information includes a plurality of sub-jobs,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Deleting means for accessing the additional information area in the electronic document file and deleting execution information of a predetermined sub-job executed by the job execution means out of execution information relating to the plurality of sub-jobs included in the predetermined job;
An image forming apparatus further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The workflow information includes execution information related to a plurality of jobs including the image capture job,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Display means for displaying items corresponding to the plurality of jobs as selection items based on the workflow information;
Receiving means for receiving a designation input related to a job to be executed in response to a selection operation using a plurality of selection items corresponding to the plurality of jobs;
Further comprising
The image forming apparatus, wherein the job execution unit executes a job designated by the designation input in response to a designation input by the reception unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The electronic document file is a data file in PDF format,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the extraction unit extracts the workflow information stored in a bookmark information area of the data file in the PDF format. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The image forming apparatus, wherein the extraction unit accesses the electronic document file stored in a portable recording medium and extracts the workflow information from the additional information area of the electronic document file. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the workflow information is described in a script language and stored in the additional information area. a) The workflow information stored in the additional information area of the electronic document file, which is related to the workflow including the image capture job for importing predetermined image data into the electronic document file, is extracted from the additional information area. Steps,
b) obtaining a scanned image relating to the document as the predetermined image data;
c) executing the image capture job according to the workflow information extracted by the extraction means;
A program that causes a computer to execute. An electronic document management device,
Workflow information stored in the additional information area of the electronic document file, the workflow information including job execution information related to a predetermined workflow, extracting means for extracting from the additional information area;
Job execution means for executing the job according to the workflow information extracted by the extraction means;
An electronic document management apparatus comprising: a) extracting workflow information stored in the additional information area of the electronic document file, including job execution information relating to a predetermined workflow, from the additional information area; and b) extracting by the extracting means. Executing the job according to the workflow information to be performed;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

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