JP2012099966A - Image distribution system, image processing device, and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a burden on a manager and to improve flexibility of distribution processing even when performing distribution processing using an operation panel to which parameters cannot be configured.SOLUTION: An image processing device connected with an image formation device and an information processor via a network is provided with: first storage means for storing configuration screen data to configure parameters of processing within a workflow regulating one or more pieces of processing; acquisition means for acquiring the parameters configured on the basis of the configuration screen data, from the information processor; second storage means for temporally storing the acquired parameters; and distribution means for distributing the image data input from the image formation device, in accordance with a workflow in which the parameters stored in the second storage means are set and which is selected from the image formation device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image distribution system, an image processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus.

  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. Particularly, an image distribution system that efficiently digitizes and distributes paper documents is important. Major elements constituting the image distribution system are an image input device (for example, an image forming apparatus) and an image processing server. In the image processing server, a plurality of distribution processing menus are registered in advance for various businesses and applications. The user scans by selecting a processing menu suitable for the job from the operation panel (display unit and operation unit) of the image forming apparatus.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-018640), distribution processing and image conversion processing are plugged in, and a user or user arbitrarily combines these plug-ins to create an input, image conversion, and output workflow However, a technique for performing image data distribution processing using the created workflow is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-097586 discloses a technique for setting bibliographic information for image data and facilitating processing for the image data.

  In the prior art, it is assumed that the user sets parameters necessary for the workflow from the operation panel of the multifunction machine when scanning a document. This is because there is a technical background that the operation panel has become larger, making it easier to enter characters and select buttons.

  However, in the case of a multi-function peripheral with a narrow display area on the operation panel, it is difficult to input characters for parameters, and parameters necessary for the workflow cannot be set. When a scan is executed from a multifunction peripheral having such a poor operation panel, a workflow in which parameters are set in advance by an administrator is prepared, and the user can only select a default workflow.

  That is, when distribution processing is performed using a poor operation panel, the burden on the administrator who prepares the workflow in which the parameters are set one by one increases, and the user cannot set the parameters as appropriate. There was a problem of low flexibility.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and even when performing distribution processing using an operation panel in which parameters cannot be set, the burden on the administrator is reduced and distribution processing flexibility is increased. An object of the present invention is to provide an image distribution system, an image processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus.

  An image distribution system according to an aspect of the present invention is an image distribution system in which an image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus are connected via a network, and the image processing apparatus is input from the image forming apparatus. Distribution means for distributing the image data in accordance with a workflow defining one or more processes selected from the image forming apparatus, and first storage means for storing setting screen data for setting parameters of the processes in the workflow Second storage means for temporarily storing parameters set from the setting screen data, wherein the information processing apparatus accesses the image processing apparatus and stores the settings stored in the first storage means Management means for receiving a parameter setting by controlling the display of the setting screen based on the screen data, and the set parameter Transmitting means for transmitting to the image processing apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus acquires from the image processing apparatus a workflow having parameters set in the information processing apparatus, and the acquired workflow Is displayed on an operation panel in which parameters cannot be set, and distribution control means for enabling selection of the workflow is provided.

  An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that is connected to an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus via a network, and is a processing parameter in a workflow that defines one or more processes. First storage means for storing setting screen data for setting, acquisition means for acquiring parameters set based on the setting screen data from the information processing apparatus, and first storage for temporarily storing the acquired parameters A second storage unit, and a distribution unit that distributes the image data input from the image forming apparatus according to a workflow selected from the image forming apparatus and having parameters stored in the second storage unit.

  An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that is connected via a network to an image processing apparatus that distributes image data based on a workflow that defines one or more processes. An acquisition means for acquiring a workflow having parameters set from an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a network from the image processing apparatus, and an operation in which parameters cannot be set for the acquired workflow Workflow control means for displaying on the panel and enabling selection of the workflow.

  According to the present invention, even when distribution processing is performed using an operation panel on which parameters cannot be set, the burden on the administrator can be reduced and the flexibility of the distribution processing can be increased.

The figure which shows an example of the image processing system which concerns on an Example. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP according to the embodiment. The block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the image processing server which concerns on an Example. The block diagram which shows an example of the function of the information processing terminal in an Example. The figure which shows the example of a workflow. The figure which shows an example of the password setting screen of PDF with a password. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen which sets a folder from a folder list. The block diagram which shows an example of the function of the image processing server in an Example. The figure which shows an example of the parameter table which the memory | storage means 307 memorize | stores. The figure which shows an example of a log list. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the MFP 10 according to the embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel of an MFP. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow selection screen by the MFP. FIG. The figure which shows the example of a screen of a delivery management tool. The figure which shows an example of the delivery management tool with a navigation. The flowchart which shows an example of the delivery process in an Example.

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

  In the embodiments described below, an image input apparatus for inputting image data is described by taking a multifunction machine having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function mounted in one housing as an example. 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]
<System>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing system according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an image processing system includes an image forming apparatus (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) 10, an image processing server (image processing apparatus) 30, an information processing terminal (for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA) via a network. (Personal Data Assistance) 20, 40, file server 50, EDMS (Enterprise Document Management System) 60, and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server 70 are connected.

  The MFP 10 has a scan function, a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like mounted in a single housing. The MFP 10 scans a paper medium or the like with the scanner function to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data to the image processing server 30.

  It is assumed that the display area and the operation area of the display unit and the operation unit (operation panel) of the MFP 10 are narrow and the parameter cannot be set. Let ’s say. The MFP 10 is, for example, an MFP having an operation panel that can display only four lines of character strings, or having poor resource resources regarding the operation panel. Details of the MFP will be described later. The image data includes document image data.

  The information processing terminal 20 accesses the image processing server 30, displays a part of the management tool, and sets parameters necessary for the workflow. Details of the information processing terminal 20 will be described later.

  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 workflow designated by the MFP 10. 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 a workflow constructed by a user (for example, an administrator). That is, from the viewpoint of processing an image, the image processing server 30 functions as an image processing apparatus. Details of the image processing server 30 will be described later.

  In the information processing terminal 40, a management tool related to distribution processing is activated by an administrator, and input, image conversion, and output plug-ins are sequentially selected, and a workflow is created on the management tool. In addition, the information processing terminal 40 enables setting of setting values (parameters) in the workflow from the management tool.

  The file server 50 is a computer that stores and manages files shared on the Internet. The EDMS 60 is a so-called document management system, and stores and manages documents.

  The SMTP server 70 is a server for transmitting an electronic mail that conforms to SMTP, which is a mail transmission protocol. All of the file server 50, EDMS 60, and SMTP server 70 are accessed by the distribution processing of the image processing server 30. Note that the number of MFPs, image processing servers, information processing terminals, and the like connected via the network may be any number.

  In the embodiment shown below, for example, when the MFP 10 having a poor operation panel and the information processing terminal 20 are in the same base, setting parameters relating to a workflow on the information processing terminal 20 and executing scan distribution on the MFP 10 Is assumed.

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

  As shown 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, a display unit 18, and an engine unit. 19 is included. These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

  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 the MFP 10 and a storage medium 15 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  A predetermined program is stored in the storage medium 15, the program stored in the storage medium 15 is installed in the MFP 10 via the external storage device I / F unit 14, and the installed predetermined program is executed by the MFP 10. It becomes possible.

  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).

  Note that the operation panel including the operation unit 17 and the display unit 18 has a narrow display area, and it is difficult to display a mail address list or the like, or the operation area is small and it is difficult to input a password.

  The engine unit 19 is a mechanical part such as a plotter or a scanner that actually performs processing relating to image formation.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing server 30 according to the 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. These components are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

  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 image processing server 30 and a storage medium 35 (for example, a flash memory) connected via a data transmission path such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  Further, a predetermined program is stored in the storage medium 35, and the program stored in the storage medium 35 is installed in the image processing server 30 via the external storage device I / F unit 34, and the installed predetermined program is It can be executed by the image processing server 30.

  The network I / F unit 36 has a communication function connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) constructed by a data transmission path such as a wired and / or wireless line. This is an interface between the device and the image processing server 30. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the image processing server 30 is not illustrated with an input unit such as a keyboard and a display unit such as an LCD, but may be configured to include these. The information processing terminals 20 and 40 have the same hardware as the image processing server 30.

<Function>
Next, functions of the information processing terminal 20, the image processing server 30, and the MFP 10 in the embodiment will be described.
Information processing terminal 20
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the information processing terminal 20 in the embodiment. The information processing terminal 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a communication unit 201, a management unit 202, and a display control unit 203.

  The communication unit 201 transmits and receives image data and various data to and from the MFP 10 and the image processing server 30. The communication unit 201 is connected to the image processing server 30 and can access setting screen data representing a part of the management tool of the image distribution system.

  The management unit 202 acquires, from the image processing server 30, workflow setting screen data displayed on the MFP 10 or the information processing terminal 40. The management unit 202 functions as a distribution management tool related to distribution processing. The management unit 202 can set workflow parameters from a setting screen displayed based on the acquired setting screen data. The management unit 202 may access the storage unit 306 that stores the setting screen data of the image processing server 30 and display-control the setting screen based on the setting screen data. The set parameters are transmitted to the image processing server 30 via the communication unit 201.

  In addition, the management unit 202 associates the set parameters with the user ID of the user who has logged into the distribution management tool. The associated user ID and the set parameter are transmitted to the image processing server 30 via the communication unit 201.

  In addition, when a parameter that has already been set is stored in the storage unit 307, which will be described later, the management unit 202 may read this parameter and display it on the parameter setting screen. Thereby, the user can set a new parameter based on the previously set parameter.

  Here, the workflow will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow. A workflow 1 shown in FIG. 5 shows a workflow for performing OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) processing. Workflow 2 is a workflow for performing image conversion and performing SMTP transmission. Workflow 3 indicates a workflow for performing folder distribution by performing OCR processing. Workflow 4 shows a workflow for performing folder delivery and further performing SMTP transmission. That is, the workflow refers to a distribution process defined by combining one or a plurality of processes (plug-ins) among input, image conversion, and output (distribution) plug-ins.

  Next, workflow parameters will be described. The workflow parameter is a setting value necessary for executing the processing in the workflow. For example, the parameter for folder distribution is the folder name or folder path of the distribution destination, and the parameter for PDF conversion processing is the resolution after conversion or the password in the case of PDF conversion with password.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the display control unit 203 performs display control of the screen data acquired by the management unit 202. The display control unit 203 performs display control so that other screen data is displayed on the display unit.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a password setting screen for a password-added PDF. As shown in FIG. 6, Password can be input.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting a folder from the folder list. As shown in FIG. 7, using the management tool, parameters that cannot be set by the MFP 10 can be set using the information processing terminal 20.

  The setting screens shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are displayed as a part of the distribution management tool. These screens are also displayed on an MFP having a rich operation panel capable of setting parameters. These screens that can be displayed by the conventional MFP may be displayed on the information processing terminal 20. The information processing terminal 20 may have a viewer function similar to that of an MFP having a rich operation panel.

The communication unit 201 can be realized by, for example, a network I / F unit, and the management unit 202 and the display control unit 203 can be realized by, for example, a control unit and a main storage unit as a work memory.
-Image processing server Next, the function of the image processing server 30 in an Example is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the image processing server 30 in the embodiment. 8 includes a workflow management unit 301, a communication unit 302, a job execution unit 303, a workflow control unit 304, a workflow processing unit 305, a storage unit 306, a storage unit 307, a log management unit 308, and a deletion unit 309. including.

  The workflow management unit 301 stores the set workflow in the storage unit 306 in XML format, for example, when a user sets a workflow that arbitrarily combines plug-ins for image conversion processing or output processing.

  The workflow management unit 301 manages UI screen data and the like for workflow setting displayed on the MFP 10 and the information processing terminals 20 and 40 and transmits the UI screen data and the like via the communication unit 302 as necessary. The workflow management unit 301 also functions as a management tool for the image distribution system.

  The communication unit 302 transmits and receives device information and image data. In particular, the communication unit 302 receives image data from the MFP 10 or transmits image data subjected to image processing to a workflow distribution destination.

  The communication unit 302 receives workflow identification information and the like from the MFP 10. When receiving a workflow processing request (job request) from the MFP 10, the communication unit 302 outputs workflow identification information and the like to the job execution unit 303.

  When the communication unit 302 acquires a parameter from the information processing terminal 20, the communication unit 302 outputs the parameter to the storage unit 307 for storage. When the user ID is associated with the parameter, the user ID is also output to the storage unit 307.

  The job execution unit 303 executes a job requested from the MFP 10. The job execution unit 303 makes a workflow processing request to the workflow control unit 304 and outputs workflow identification information and image data.

  When the workflow control unit 304 receives a workflow processing request from the job execution unit 303, the workflow control unit 304 controls the execution of 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. In other words, 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 an image conversion process, an output process (distribution process), and the like. The image conversion process refers to a process for performing format conversion of image data such as PDF conversion and TIFF conversion. The output process refers to a process of distributing acquired image data or image converted image data to a distribution destination (such as a mail distribution server or an image management server). In the workflow processing means 305, at least output processing is performed.

  The storage unit 306 stores plug-ins for image conversion processing or output processing, and stores one or a plurality of workflows in which plug-ins are combined. Also, the setting screen data of each plug-in is stored.

  The storage unit 307 stores workflow parameters set from the information processing terminal 20. For example, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parameter table stored in the storage unit 307.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the parameter table includes a user ID, a workflow ID, and each parameter. The user ID is user identification information of a user who sets a parameter, and the workflow ID is identification information of a workflow where a parameter is set. Each parameter indicates a parameter set from the information processing terminal 20. When a workflow includes a plurality of plug-ins, each parameter is retained in the order of parameter 1, parameter 2,... According to the flow order.

  Note that the parameter table may separately hold necessary parameters for each workflow plug-in.

  For the first line shown in FIG. 9, the workflow ID “W1” is a workflow in the order of PDF conversion with password and folder distribution, and parameters that need to be set by the user are the password for PDF conversion, resolution, and destination This will be described below as a folder.

  The user “AAA” uses the information processing terminal 20 to start the distribution management tool by the management unit 202 and logs in. Next, the user “AAA” selects the MFP 10 that performs the distribution process, and selects the workflow with the workflow ID “W1” to be used. The workflow is selected from the workflows stored in the storage unit 306 of the image processing server 30.

  The user “AAA” sets parameters necessary for the distribution of the workflow indicated by the workflow ID “W1” using the distribution management tool by the management unit 202. The setting screen data of the distribution management tool is stored in the image processing server 30 and is the same as that displayed on the MFP having a rich operation panel. A rich operation panel refers to a panel that has a large display area and operation area, can display a mail address list and a folder list, and can easily enter text.

  The user “AAA” sets a password “xyz123” in the PDF conversion of the workflow indicated by the workflow ID “W1” using the distribution management tool (see FIG. 6), selects a resolution, and selects “Folder” from the distribution destination folder list. 1 ”is selected (see FIG. 7). The parameters “xyz123”, “folder 1”, and the like set in this way are associated with the user ID “AAA” and transmitted to the image processing server 30.

  Accordingly, the storage unit 307 stores the user ID “AAA”, the workflow ID “W1”, and each parameter “xyz123”... “Folder 1” in the parameter table. Although the workflow ID can recognize the workflow selected on the image processing server 30 side, the workflow ID of the workflow selected from the information processing terminal 20 may be transmitted to the image processing server 30.

  Note that identification information of the MFP to which this parameter is applied may be associated with the parameter table shown in FIG. In this case, identification information for identifying the MFP 10 selected from the information processing terminal 20 is transmitted to the image processing server 30. The identification information for identifying the MFP is, for example, a device ID or an IP address.

  Returning to FIG. 8, the log management unit 308 records and manages whether or not the processing by the workflow processing unit 305 is completed as a log. The log management unit 308 transmits log list information to the information processing terminal 20 via the communication unit 302 when browsing of the log list to be managed is instructed from the information processing terminal 20.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a log list. As shown in FIG. 10, the log list includes job date / time, workflow name, document name (image data), user name, number of pages, and status. There are two states, for example, success and failure. In the case of failure, the storage of the parameters stored in the storage unit 307 is continued in order to enable delivery retry.

  Returning to FIG. 8, when the workflow distribution processing operation is normally completed (successful), the deletion unit 309 deletes the parameters used for the successful workflow from the storage unit 307. The deletion unit 309 does not delete the parameter in the storage unit 307 when the workflow distribution processing operation fails. As a result, when the distribution process is unsuccessful, the memory resource can be appropriately utilized by holding the parameter and deleting the parameter when the distribution process is successful while retaining the parameter.

  Note that whether to delete or maintain the parameter in the storage unit 307 may be selected by the user at the time of distribution from the MFP 10. In this case, the user selects whether to delete or maintain the parameter set using the information processing terminal 20 when performing scan delivery using the MFP 10. The image processing server 30 prepares parameter deletion necessity screen data to enable this selection. The deletion necessity / unnecessity screen data is displayed on the MFP 10, and the user can set the necessity of parameter deletion from the deletion necessity / unnecessity screen.

  For the parameters set to be maintained by the user, for example, the flag in the storage unit 307 may be flagged, and the deletion unit 309 may not delete the flagged parameter. Thus, the user-desired parameter is stored in the storage unit 307 as the user appropriately selects whether or not to delete the parameter.

  The storage unit 306 and the storage unit 307 can be realized by the auxiliary storage unit 33 and / or the main storage unit 32, and the communication unit 302 can be realized by the network I / F unit 36, for example. Each other means can be realized by the control unit 31 and the main storage unit 32 as a work memory.

MFP 10
Next, functions of the MFP 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the MFP 10 according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the MFP 10 includes an image reading unit 101, a communication unit 102, a distribution control unit 103, and a display control unit 104. Other printer functions and copy functions of 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, acquired from the information processing terminal 20, or acquired from a hot folder on the network.

  The communication unit 102 transmits / receives device information and image data to / from an external device. In particular, the communication unit 102 transmits the image data and the processing request to the image processing server 30 when an image data workflow processing request or the like is instructed by the user.

  The distribution control unit 103 accepts selection of a workflow by the user from the workflow selection screen whose display is controlled by the display control unit 104. The workflow is selected using the operation panel (the operation unit 17 and the display unit 18) of the MFP 10. The selectable workflow is acquired from the storage unit 306 of the image processing server 30 or the like.

  At this time, if the user ID of the user who has logged into the MFP 10 can be acquired, if a parameter corresponding to this user ID is stored in the storage unit 307, a workflow having that parameter is selected as a selectable workflow.

  For example, the MFP 10 includes a card reader, and the MFP 10 can acquire the user ID of the login user by passing a card embedded with information that can identify the user ID such as an employee ID card through the card reader.

  When the MFP 10 obtains the user ID, the MFP 10 also sends the user ID to the image processing server 30 when making a request for obtaining the workflow selection screen to the image processing server 30. The image processing server 30 searches the data in the storage unit 307 using the acquired user ID as a key, and if there is a parameter corresponding to the user ID, reads the parameter. The image processing server 30 identifies a workflow from the workflow ID associated with the read parameter, and acquires the identified workflow from the storage unit 306. The image processing server 30 outputs this workflow as a workflow that can be selected by the MFP 10. As a result, it is possible to select a workflow having parameters set by the user on the information processing terminal 20, and a workflow having parameters set by other users is not selected by mistake.

  When the distribution control unit 103 selects a workflow, the distribution control unit 103 may cause the user to select whether to delete a parameter set from the storage unit 307 or to continue storing the workflow. The distribution control unit 103 transmits the selection result to the image processing server 30 via the communication unit 102.

  The display control means 104 controls to display a workflow selection screen on the operation panel. Here, it is assumed that the operation panel of the MFP 10 has a narrow display area and operation area, and parameters cannot be set.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation panel of the MFP 10. The operation panel d11 shown in FIG. 12 can display characters only in four lines, and the number of characters that can be displayed in one line is limited. It is appropriate to display a one-click button or the like on the operation panel d11.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow selection screen by the MFP 10. As illustrated in FIG. 13, workflow selection buttons b11 to b13 are displayed on the operation panel d11. The user selects a workflow by pressing the workflow selection buttons b11 to b13 or by pressing a hard key below the selection buttons b11 to b13. The displayed workflow may be, for example, only a workflow for which parameters are set by the information processing terminal 20. Thereby, the user can easily grasp the workflow in which the parameters are set.

  The image reading unit 101 can be realized by a scanner of the engine unit 19. The distribution control unit 103 and the display control unit 104 can be realized by the control unit 11 and the main storage unit 12 as a work memory, for example. The communication unit 102 can be realized, for example, by controlling the network I / F unit 16 by the control unit 11.

<Example of distribution management tool>
Next, an example of a distribution management tool that enables setting of workflow parameters on the information processing terminal 20 will be described.
・ Example 1
When the user instructs to start the distribution management tool, the management unit 202 instructs the display control unit 203 to display the screen shown in FIG. 14 after the login is completed. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of the distribution management tool. When the “flow setting” is checked and the OK button is pressed, the management unit 202 causes the user to perform MFP selection, workflow selection, and parameter setting (see FIGS. 6 and 7) in this order.

When the “log list” shown in FIG. 14 is checked and the OK button is pressed, the management unit 202 displays a log list screen as shown in FIG. The management unit 202 can acquire log list information by accessing the log management unit 308 of the image processing server 30.
・ Example 2
The management unit 202 may set workflow parameters with navigation. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery management tool with navigation. After selecting the MFP, the management unit 202 displays a workflow selection instruction screen shown in FIG. 15A on the display unit. When the “OK” button shown in FIG. 15A is pressed, a transition is made to a workflow selection screen (not shown).

  Next, after selecting the workflow, the management unit 202 displays a parameter setting instruction screen shown in FIG. 15B on the display unit. When the OK button shown in FIG. 15B is pressed, a transition is made to the workflow parameter setting screen (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  Next, after setting the parameters, the management unit 202 displays the distribution execution promotion screen shown in FIG. 15C on the display unit. When viewing the screen shown in FIG. 15C, the user goes to the MFP 10, selects a workflow for which parameters have been set by the information processing terminal 20, and executes distribution processing.

  Next, when the OK button shown in FIG. 15C is pressed, the management unit 202 displays the log confirmation instruction screen shown in FIG. 15D on the display unit. When the OK button shown in FIG. 15D is pressed, the log list screen is displayed (see FIG. 10).

  Two types of screen transitions of the distribution management tool as described above can be considered. In Example 2, since the navigation is included, the user can easily grasp the next processing.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the image distribution system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of distribution processing in the embodiment.

  In step S101, the information processing terminal 20 activates the distribution management tool by the management unit 202 and selects a workflow. The information processing terminal 20 obtains selectable workflows by accessing the image processing server 30.

  In step S102, the information processing terminal 20 causes the user to set workflow parameters using the distribution management tool. If the information processing terminal 20 has a viewer function of an MFP having a rich operation panel, this workflow setting screen can be displayed.

  In step S <b> 103, the image processing server 30 acquires the parameters set from the information processing terminal 20 and temporarily stores them in the storage unit 307.

  In step S104, the MFP 10 acquires a workflow having parameters stored in the storage unit 307 from the image processing server 30, and displays a one-click button or the like corresponding to the acquired workflow on the operation panel (see FIG. 13). The user selects a workflow by pressing a one-click button from the operation panel.

  In step S <b> 105, the MFP 10 transmits the scanned image data and the selected workflow to the image processing server 30. The image processing server 30 distributes the acquired image data according to the selected workflow.

  In step S106, the image processing server 30 records the result of the distribution process as a log. There are two types of results of distribution processing, for example, success and failure. At this time, when the operation of the distribution process is normally completed, the parameters in the storage unit 307 used in this workflow are deleted.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, in the system for distributing image data, even when the distribution process is performed using an operation panel having a narrow display area, the burden on the administrator can be reduced and the flexibility of the distribution process can be increased. . Further, according to the embodiment, by setting the identification information of the user who set the parameter in association with the parameter, the parameter set by another user is not erroneously used. Further, according to the embodiment, when the operation of the distribution process is normally completed, the memory resource can be appropriately utilized by deleting the parameter used for the distribution process. Further, by enabling the log list to be displayed on the information processing terminal 20, the user can check the result even when the distribution process is performed using the MFP 10. Further, according to the embodiment, the parameter setting can be facilitated by the distribution management tool reading the parameter once set again.

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

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

  Further, the program executed by the image processing server or the information processing terminal according to the embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the image processing server and the information processing terminal according to the embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from the storage medium and executes it. As a result, the respective means are loaded onto the main storage device, and the respective means are 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 range which does not deviate from the summary in an implementation stage. Moreover, 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.

10 MFP
30 Image processing server 20, 40 Information processing terminal 50 File server 60 EDMS
70 SMTP server 101 Image reading means 102 Distribution control means 103 Communication means 104 Display control means 201 Communication means 202 Management means 203 Display control means 301 Workflow management means 302 Communication means 303 Job execution means 304 Workflow control means 305 Workflow processing means 306 Storage means 307 Storage unit 308 Log management unit 309 Deletion unit 300 Communication unit

JP 2006-018640 A JP 2008-097586 A

Claims (9)

An image distribution system in which an image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus are connected via a network,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Distribution means for distributing image data input from the image forming apparatus according to a workflow that defines one or more processes selected from the image forming apparatus;
First storage means for storing setting screen data for setting processing parameters in the workflow;
Second storage means for temporarily storing parameters set from the setting screen data,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A management unit that accesses the image processing apparatus, controls display of a setting screen based on the setting screen data stored in the first storage unit, and receives a parameter setting;
Transmitting means for transmitting the set parameters to the image processing apparatus,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Obtaining means for obtaining a workflow having parameters set in the information processing apparatus from the image processing apparatus;
Distribution control means for displaying the acquired workflow on an operation panel in which parameters cannot be set, and enabling selection of the workflow;
An image distribution system comprising: The management means includes
Associating identification information for identifying a user who sets the parameter with the set parameter;
The transmission means includes
Sending the associated identification information and the set parameters;
The second storage means
Storing the identification information and the set parameter in association with each other;
The acquisition means includes
The image distribution system according to claim 1, wherein a workflow having the set parameters corresponding to identification information of a user who has logged into the image forming apparatus is acquired. The image processing apparatus includes:
3. The image distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: a deletion unit that deletes the set parameter used in the distribution process from the second storage unit when the distribution process of the image data is normally completed. The management means includes
The image delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a delivery result is acquired from the image processing apparatus, and the delivery result can be browsed. The management means includes
The image distribution according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when a parameter set previously from the accessed setting screen data is stored in the second storage unit, the parameter is acquired from the second storage unit. system. An image processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus via a network,
First storage means for storing setting screen data for setting parameters of a process in a workflow defining one or more processes;
Obtaining means for obtaining a parameter set based on the setting screen data from the information processing apparatus;
Second storage means for temporarily storing the acquired parameters;
Distribution means for distributing the image data input from the image forming apparatus according to a workflow selected from the image forming apparatus and having parameters stored in the second storage means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: When the acquisition unit associates the identification information for identifying the user with the set parameter and is acquired from the information processing apparatus,
The second storage means
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the identification information and the set parameter are stored in association with each other. The image processing apparatus includes:
The image delivery system according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a deleting unit that deletes the set parameter used for the delivery process from the second storage unit when the delivery process of the image data is normally completed. An image forming apparatus connected via an network to an image processing apparatus that distributes image data based on a workflow that defines one or more processes,
Obtaining means for obtaining a workflow having parameters set from an information processing apparatus connected to the image processing apparatus via a network from the image processing apparatus;
Workflow control means for displaying the acquired workflow on an operation panel in which parameters cannot be set, and enabling the selection of the workflow;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images