JP2014109976A - Information processor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor capable of performing mono-management of information on use of external devices while reflecting personal setting on use of external devices by users.SOLUTION: The information processor includes: a first storage that stores a piece of information on a workflow which is created based on an instruction from an administrator; a second storage that stores a piece of setting information according to an instruction from an end user relevant to an activity as a constituent element of the workflow; a generation unit that generates a piece of setting screen information to display a setting screen for inputting an instruction from the end user on the basis of the information on the workflow and the setting information; an update unit that updates the setting information on the basis of the instruction input through the setting screen; and an execution unit that executes a workflow process generated based on the information on the workflow and the setting information.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an information processing apparatus that manages an external device such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) and a program that is executed by the apparatus.

  Currently, it is common to use an external device such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) in cooperation with an external system (including a file server system, a document management system, and a cloud). For example, there is a case where a document file read using the scan function of the MFP is stored in an external document management system.

  At that time, it is desirable for the user of the MFP to be able to set (customize) his / her preference for the MFP and to easily operate the MFP. For example, it is desirable to be able to easily set scan parameters such as resolution and file format when scanning a document and settings of external systems such as a storage destination and metadata. In particular, the MFP may be used repeatedly for the same purpose. However, it is inconvenient for the user to make the same setting for the MFP every time it is used, and therefore it is better that the frequency of setting operations and the like is low.

  It is also desirable for an administrator who manages an MFP or the like to easily perform settings and management (for example, which MFP and which external system are linked) related to the linkage between the MFP and the external system.

JP 2007-122137 A

  For administrators, management can be facilitated by centrally managing settings related to the linkage between MFPs (external devices) and external systems, but management is difficult if individual customization required by users is allowed without limitation. Become.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and program capable of centrally managing information related to the use of an external device and reflecting personal settings related to the use of the external device by a user. It is.

  According to the embodiment, the information processing apparatus responds to an instruction from an end user with respect to an activity that is a component of the workflow, and a first storage unit that stores information about the workflow created based on an instruction from the administrator. Second storage means for storing the setting information, and generation means for generating setting screen information for displaying a setting screen for inputting an instruction from the end user, based on the information on the workflow and the setting information. And updating means for updating the setting information based on an instruction input through the setting screen, and execution means for executing a workflow process generated based on the information on the workflow and the setting information.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the system in this embodiment. The figure which shows the flow of a basic process of the whole system in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server, MFP, and PC of the system in the present embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a new workflow is created by the administrator according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the login screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the user information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the user workflow related information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow list screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow new preparation screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the activity information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the property information in activity in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the activity property screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the activity information in a workflow in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the activity property information in a workflow in this embodiment. The flowchart shown about a process in case an end user in this embodiment performs a personal setting. The figure which shows an example of the transition of the screen displayed by the gadget at the time of performing personal setting in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow list information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow personal setting screen information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow personal setting information in this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which an end user executes a workflow from an MFP according to the present exemplary embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the scan parameter setting screen in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow personal setting log | history information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow personal setting screen information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow personal setting screen in this embodiment. 6 is a diagram showing an example of MFP capability information in the present embodiment. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the workflow personal setting screen information in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the workflow personal setting screen in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system in the present embodiment. 1 includes a server (information processing apparatus) 10 and a plurality of MFPs (Multi Function Peripheral) 14 (14-1,..., 14) connected to the server 10 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 11. -M), a plurality of PCs (Personal Computers) 16 and 17 (17-1,..., 17-n) equipped with a Web browser, and the server 10 via a communication network 18 such as the Internet. An external system 19 including a file server system, a document management system, a cloud service system, and the like is included. The MFP 14 is equipped with, for example, a scan function, a printer function, a FAX function, and the like. The PC 16 is used by a system administrator such as an IT (Information Technology) administrator, and the PC 17 (17-1,..., 17-n) is used by an end user who is a general user of the system. .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic processing flow of the entire system in the present embodiment.
First, the system administrator logs in to the server 10 using a browser installed in the PC 16, and then connects activities installed in the server 10 to, for example, MFP 14 (14-1,..., 14- A new workflow defining a series of work processes using m) is created (FIG. 2 (1)) and stored in the server 10 (FIG. 2 (2)).

  Next, the end user installs a gadget (application program) capable of displaying information related to the workflow on the PC 17 for the end user, and then inputs information of the server 10 through the gadget. After that, the PC 17 accesses the server 10 through the gadget, acquires workflow list information related to the user from the server 10, and displays the workflow list information on the screen.

  When the end user selects one workflow from the workflow list information, the PC 17 acquires information that can be set by the user in the activity of the selected workflow from the server 10 and displays the acquisition result on the screen (FIG. 2 ( 3)). Thereafter, when the end user updates the information (FIG. 2 (4)), the gadget of the PC 17 transmits the personal setting information to the server 10 and records it as the workflow personal setting information in the server 10 (FIG. 2 (5)). )).

  Next, when the end user accesses the server 10 and logs in using the browser installed in the MFP 14, a list of workflows related to the user is displayed. When the end user selects one workflow from the list (FIG. 2 (6)), an execution request for the selected workflow is transmitted from the MFP 14 to the server 10 (FIG. 2 (7)). Upon receiving the workflow execution request, the server 10 generates a workflow process from the workflow information of the selected workflow and the user who has selected the workflow from the workflow personal setting information in advance, and then executes a series of processes defined by the workflow. Run.

  When the activity in the workflow includes an activity for displaying a screen (for example, a scan parameter setting screen) on the browser of the MFP 14, the server 10 sets a value (for example, a value set by an end user operation when the workflow process is executed). , The file format of the scan) is saved as workflow personal setting history information on the server 10 side (FIG. 2 (8)). Further, the server 10 periodically acquires information indicating functions that can be executed from the MFP 14 (for example, a file format that can be selected when an image scanned and read) is recorded, and stores the information as MFP capability information. (FIG. 2A). The server 10 reflects workflow personal setting history information and MFP capability information in the workflow, and frequently uses settings on the workflow personal setting screen displayed on the user interface (UI) of the gadget of the PC 17 or upgrades the version of the MFP 14. A new setting associated with is displayed (FIG. 2B).

Next, the system configuration in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the server 10, the MFP 14, the PC 16, and the PC 17 in the system according to the present embodiment.
First, the MFP 14 in the present embodiment will be described.
The MFP 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs processing such as data control and calculation, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data and various processing programs to be processed by the CPU, a processing program, and the like. A ROM (Read Only Memory) to be stored, a touch screen panel that displays various information for providing a user interface and receives an input operation by the user, a network interface (I / F) that inputs and outputs data via the LAN 11, and the like including. The MFP 14 is provided with an image reading unit, a printing unit, a FAX unit, and the like, and provides a scan function, a printer function, and a FAX function under the control of the CPU. For example, the MFP 14 can print a document recorded on the MFP 14 by a printer function in response to an instruction from the PC 17. Further, the MFP 14 can scan a paper medium on which a document or the like is recorded by using a scan function, read image data (scanned image), and output the image data to an external system 19 (for example, a document management system) through the server 10.

  The MFP 14 executes various processing programs by the CPU, so that, for example, an embedded Web browser (EWB) 14a used when browsing the website from the MFP 14 and a server 10 outside the MFP 14 are transmitted. When the scan request is received, the scan is executed based on the scan request, and when the scan result acquisition request is received from the server 10, the MFP service unit 14b returns the scan result, and the MFP capability acquisition request transmitted from the server 10 is received. A function of the MFP capability response unit 14c that returns MFP capability information indicating the function (capability) of the is provided.

Next, the PCs 16 and 17 in this embodiment will be described.
The PCs 16 and 17 store a CPU that performs processing such as data control and calculation, a RAM that temporarily stores data to be processed by the CPU, a ROM that stores processing programs, and programs and data. For example, a storage device such as a hard disk (HD) device, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a network interface for inputting and outputting data via the LAN 11, and the like.

  The administrator PC 16 is equipped with a web browser 16a for browsing web pages by executing a web browser program by the CPU. The PC 16 can access a page (workflow management interface unit 32) provided by the server 10 via the Web browser 16a.

  The PC 17 for end users is equipped with a gadget 17a by executing a gadget program by the CPU. The gadget 17a transmits to the server 10 a function for accessing the server 10 (workflow personal setting interface unit 26) to acquire and display information on the workflow managed in the server 10, and a setting value input by a user operation. Has function.

Next, the configuration of the server 10 in the present embodiment will be described.
The server 10 includes a CPU that performs processing such as data control and computation, a RAM that temporarily stores data and various processing programs to be processed by the CPU, a ROM that stores processing programs, and the like, and various processing programs and various types of processing programs. It includes a storage device configured by a hard disk device (HD) or the like for storing files including information, and a network interface for inputting and outputting data via the LAN 11 or the communication network 18. The server 10 provides various functions related to the workflow by executing the workflow management program by the CPU.

  In accordance with the execution of the workflow management program by the CPU, the server 10 includes a workflow information unit 20, an activity information unit 21, a user information unit 22, a workflow personal setting information unit 23, a workflow personal setting history information unit 24, and an MFP capability information unit 36. Is stored in the storage device to store the respective information. The workflow information unit 20 and the activity information unit 21 store workflow information related to a workflow created based on an instruction from the administrator.

  The workflow information unit 20 stores, as workflow information, a workflow ID for uniquely identifying the workflow, a display name, a user ID of the last updater, and the last update date for each workflow. The workflow information unit 20 stores the user ID and the workflow ID related to the user indicated by the user ID as user / workflow related information.

  The activity information unit 21 stores information (activity information) related to activities that are components of the workflow. An activity is information that defines an attribute (property) that can be uniquely set for each activity and a process to be executed. The activity information section 21 includes an ID for uniquely identifying an activity (activity ID), a display name when displayed on a new workflow creation screen, a path indicating a storage location of an execution library, a category that can be arranged (Input, Process, One or a plurality of (Output) are stored as activity information. In addition, the activity information section 21 analyzes activity attributes at the time of installation, and stores attribute names (property names) and property types as activity property information in association with activity IDs.

  The user information unit 22 stores information related to the user who uses the workflow, and associates a user ID, a user display name, a password, an authority, a last update date, and the like for uniquely identifying the user for each user. Store as user information. The password can be an encrypted character string. The authority represents at least a general user or an administrator.

  The workflow personal setting information unit 23 stores setting information corresponding to an instruction from the end user for an activity that is a component of the workflow. For example, for each property of each activity of each workflow, a default value, A flag indicating whether the end user can be set and a setting value (personal setting information) designated by the end user are recorded in association with each other.

  The workflow personal setting history information unit 24 stores information set by the end user from the MFP when the workflow process is executed. The workflow personal setting history information unit 24 stores the user ID, the property ID, the ID of the MFP operated by the end user, and the setting date and time. Correspondingly, it is stored as workflow personal setting history information.

  The MFP capability information unit 36 stores information (MFP capability information) on, for example, functions (capabilities) that are periodically acquired from the MFP 14. For example, for the scan function, the resolution that can be executed by the MFP 14 at the time of scanning and the read image are stored. The file format at the time of saving, scan parameters such as color mode, and the like are stored in association with the update date and time.

  The server 10 executes the workflow management program by the CPU, whereby the workflow personal setting interface unit 26, the workflow personal setting update unit 27, the workflow program execution unit 28, the workflow program generation unit 29, the workflow management interface unit 32, and the workflow management unit. 33, the activity management unit 34, the user management unit 35, the MFP capability inquiry unit 37, the MFP service cooperation unit 38, and the external system cooperation unit 39 are realized.

  The workflow management interface unit 32 accepts requests related to workflow management from the administrator or end user through the PCs 16 and 17, and information related to the workflow according to the request from the administrator or end user (workflow list, workflow). Information, etc.) are displayed on the PCs 16 and 17.

  The workflow management unit 33 manages the workflow information by generating, updating, and deleting the workflow information stored in the workflow information unit 20 and the user / workflow related information. The user workflow related information includes a unique user ID set for each user and a unique workflow ID set for each workflow related to the user ID. The administrator can use the workflow management unit 33 through the PC 16 to create, update, and delete workflow information and user / workflow related information, and acquire workflow information by specifying a workflow ID.

  The activity management unit 34 generates, updates, and deletes activity information that is a component of the workflow stored in the activity information unit 21 and manages the activity information. The administrator can use the activity management unit 34 through the PC 16 to generate, update, and delete activity information and property information within the activity, and acquire the corresponding activity information by specifying the activity ID.

  The user management unit 35 manages user information stored in the user information unit 22, and generates, updates, and deletes user information. The administrator can use the user management unit 35 through the PC 16 to generate, update, and delete user information, and specify the user ID to obtain the corresponding user information. Further, the user management unit 35 determines whether or not the system can log in from the user ID and the password.

  The workflow personal setting interface unit 26 provides a user interface for personal setting for the workflow, and the individual for the corresponding workflow is determined according to the user ID and the workflow ID specified by the end user through the PC 17. Setting (workflow personal setting information) is acquired from the workflow personal setting information unit 23, workflow information is generated in a format recognizable by the gadget 17a of the PC 17 based on the workflow personal setting information, and transmitted to the gadget 17a of the PC 17, Display on the workflow personal setting screen.

  The workflow personal setting update unit 27 updates the workflow personal setting information stored in the workflow personal setting information unit 23 based on an instruction from the end user input through the interface provided by the workflow personal setting interface unit 26.

  The workflow process execution unit 28 executes the workflow generated by the workflow process generation unit 29. The workflow process execution unit 28 causes the MFP 14 to execute a process corresponding to a process (process) defined in the workflow. In addition, when a process (process) to be executed in cooperation with the MFP 14 and the external system 19 is defined in the workflow, the workflow process execution unit 28 uses the external system cooperation unit 39 to cooperate with the external system 19. Execute the process.

  In response to an instruction received from the MFP 14 or the PC 17, the workflow process generation unit 29 performs processing indicated by the workflow based on information stored in the workflow information unit 20, the activity information unit 21, and the workflow personal setting information unit 23. Generate a workflow process to execute When the end user stores the workflow personal setting information in the workflow personal setting information unit 23 through the PC 17, the workflow process generation unit 29 creates the workflow by reflecting the personal settings on the workflow created by the administrator through the PC 16. To do.

  For example, the MFP capability inquiry unit 37 periodically acquires information indicating functions that can be executed by the MFP 14 from the MFP 14 (MFP capability response unit 14c), and records the information in the MFP capability information unit 36 as MFP capability information. The MFP capability inquiry unit 37 can inquire and acquire information about the MFP 14 in accordance with specifications such as DPWS (Device Profile for Web Service).

  When the workflow process execution unit 28 executes a workflow for linking the MFP 14 and the external system 19, the MFP service cooperation unit 38 causes the MFP 14 (MFP service unit 14 b) to execute a process for cooperation and obtains a processing result. Then, the data is transmitted to the external system 19 through the external system linkage unit 39. For example, an image file input by the scan function of the MFP 14 is acquired and transmitted to the external system 19 through the external system cooperation unit 39.

  When the workflow executed by the workflow process execution unit 28 is a process (process) executed in cooperation with the MFP 14 and the external system 19, the external system cooperation unit 39 uses a Web service or the like to execute the external system. 19 is executed in order to cooperate with the program 19.

Next, the operation of the system in this embodiment will be described.
First, processing when a new workflow is created by the administrator will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The left column of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 shows the processing of the PC 16 (administrator), and the right column shows the processing of the server 10.

  The administrator activates the browser 16 a of the PC 16, inputs a URL (uniform resource locator) of the workflow management interface unit 32 of the server 10, and accesses the workflow management interface unit 32 of the server 10. The workflow management interface unit 32 of the server 10 receives an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) request received through the PC 16 (Web browser 16a), and transmits, for example, a login screen as shown in FIG. 5 to the Web browser 16a.

  The login screen shown in FIG. 5 is provided with an input frame for inputting a user name and password, and a login button for transmitting a login request to the workflow management interface unit 32.

  When the user name and password are input to the login screen by the operation of the administrator and the login button is pressed, the PC 16 transmits a login request together with login information (user name and password) to the workflow management interface unit 32 of the server 10. (Step A1).

  When the workflow management interface unit 32 receives the login request, the workflow management interface unit 32 inquires of the user management unit 35 about whether or not the login information is permitted. The user management unit 35 determines login permission and authority based on the login information and the user information recorded in advance in the user information unit 22, and transmits the determination result to the workflow management interface unit 32 (step A2). ).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information recorded in the user information unit 22. As shown in FIG. 6, the user information unit 22 is associated with a user ID that uniquely identifies the user, a user display name, a password, an authority, a last update date, and the like.

  The user management unit 35 searches the user information stored in the user information unit 22 based on the combination of the user name and password included in the login information, and the combination of the corresponding display name and password becomes the user information. If it is included, it is determined that login is possible.

  If the user management unit 35 determines that login is possible, the workflow management interface unit 32 requests the workflow management unit 33 to acquire workflow information registered in the workflow information unit 20.

  The workflow information unit 20 stores workflow information and user / workflow related information. In the workflow information, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the workflow ID, the display name, the user ID of the last updater, and the last update date are associated with each workflow. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the user workflow related information is associated with a user ID and an ID of a workflow related to the user indicated by the user ID.

  The workflow management unit 33 provides workflow information to the workflow management interface unit 32 in response to a request to acquire workflow information from the workflow management interface unit 32. When the workflow management interface unit 32 acquires the workflow information from the workflow management unit 33, the workflow management interface unit 32 generates, for example, a workflow list screen as shown in FIG. 9 based on the workflow information, and transmits it to the PC 16 (Web browser 16a) (step). A4).

  If the user management unit 35 determines that login is impossible (login failure), the workflow management interface unit 32 transmits the login screen again to the PC 16 (Web browser 16a).

  The web browser 16 a of the PC 16 displays a workflow list screen received from the workflow management interface unit 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the workflow list screen includes a workflow ID, a workflow name, a workflow last updater, and a last update date for uniquely identifying a workflow as information on a currently registered workflow. Display for each. In the workflow list screen, a new creation button for requesting the workflow management interface unit 32 to create a new workflow, an edit button for requesting the workflow management interface unit 32 to edit the workflow selected by the user, and the user selected A detail button for requesting the workflow management interface unit 32 to display a detailed workflow is provided.

  The workflow list screen shown in FIG. 9 indicates that workflows with the workflow names “ScanToCloud” and “QrScan” have already been created and registered in the server 10.

  When the administrator presses the new creation button on the workflow list screen displayed by the Web browser 16a, the workflow management interface unit 32 creates a new workflow creation screen based on the workflow information and the activity information, and the PC 16 (Web browser 16a). In the new workflow creation screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, an item for inputting a workflow name, an item for inputting a description of the workflow, an item for inputting an activity constituting the workflow, and information on the input workflow are managed. A save button is provided for transmitting to the interface unit 32 and requesting the creation of a new workflow.

  The administrator can input information on a newly created workflow through the new workflow creation screen by operating the PC 16.

  In FIG. 10, “WsdDcanToCloud” is input as a workflow name of a newly created workflow, and an explanatory text “workflow for registering a WDS scan image file...

  In an item for inputting a workflow activity, for example, an activity in which the processing content is defined can be selected for each input (input), intermediate process (process), and output (output) of the workflow. For example, by pressing a button provided for each of input (Input), intermediate processing (Process), and output (Output), a list of selectable activities is displayed in a pull-down menu, and an activity is selected from the pull-down menu. (Step A10).

  For example, input (Input) generates document information including the path and metadata of an image file, intermediate processing (Process) executes processing for document information generated by Input, and output (Output) The activity for the process of registering the document information processed in Process in the final registration destination is selected.

  For the input (Input), intermediate process (Process), and output (Output) of the new workflow creation screen, the activities displayed as a list in the pull-down menu are displayed based on the activity information stored in the activity information section 21. The

  An activity that is a component of a workflow defines an attribute (property) that can be uniquely set for each activity and a process to be executed. The activity information is installed in the server 10 (activity information unit 21) in advance. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an activity ID for uniquely identifying an activity, a display name displayed on a new workflow creation screen, an execution library (program) ) Includes one or more paths indicating the recording location and categories (Input, Process, Output) that can be arranged.

  Further, when the activity information is installed, the attribute of the activity is analyzed. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the property ID, the attribute name (property name), and the property type are associated with the activity ID as property information in the activity. It is stored in the activity information section 21.

  When displaying the list of activities on the new workflow creation screen, the workflow management interface unit 32 acquires the activity for each category (Input, Process, Output) from the activity information, and sets the display name of the activity on the workflow creation screen. Create a new workflow creation screen to be displayed for each category in the process definition.

  In the example of the new workflow creation screen illustrated in FIG. 10, a WSD (Web Services on Devices) scan activity and a metadata input activity are selected for Input. The WSD scan activity is an activity for displaying a screen for setting a scan parameter of the MFP 14, executing a scan in cooperation with the MFP service unit 14b, and acquiring an image file. The metadata generation activity is an activity for presenting a screen for inputting metadata of an image file to the user, receiving metadata input by the user through this screen, and generating metadata. For the process, an activity (image processing A activity) for performing image processing on an image file acquired by WSD scanning by the MFP 14 is selected. For Output, an activity (cloud service registration activity) for registering the image file processed by the image processing A activity in the external system 19 (cloud service) is selected.

  Here, on the new workflow creation screen, by specifying one of the selected activities for each of input (Input), intermediate processing (Process), and output (Output), a property setting request is sent together with the activity ID of this activity. An instruction can be given (step A11).

  When the workflow management interface unit 32 receives, via the web browser 16a, that an activity to be set as a property is specified from the new workflow creation screen, the property corresponding to the activity ID of the specified activity is transmitted through the activity management unit 34. Obtained from the activity property information, for example, an activity property screen as shown in FIG. 13 is generated and transmitted to the web browser 16a of the PC 16 (step A12).

  The PC 16 (Web browser 16a) displays an activity property screen and accepts an editing operation by the administrator for the activity property.

  In the activity property screen shown in FIG. 13, the activity name “WSD scan” corresponding to the activity ID is displayed, and the property name set in the activity property information for this activity, for example, folder path, resolution, folder type, user The name, password, monitoring time, etc. are displayed, and the default contents set for each property are displayed in an editable state. Furthermore, an OK button and a delete button are displayed.

  In addition, on the activity property screen, a user input availability check button is displayed for each property. The user input availability check button is a button for allowing the administrator to set whether or not to reflect the personal setting by the user to the corresponding property. When the user input enable / disable check button is pressed by the administrator's input operation, a check mark is displayed to indicate that user input is possible (perform reflection of personal settings). In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the activity property “resolution”, “file type”, “user name”, and “password” are set by the administrator to permit personal settings.

  When the OK button on the activity property screen is pressed, the workflow management interface unit 32 records the property of the activity edited on the activity property screen and whether or not personal setting is possible, and also creates a new workflow creation screen on the PC 16 (Web browser 16a). Send (return to previous screen). In the same manner as described above, the administrator can select another activity selected on the new workflow creation screen and edit the property through the activity property editing screen.

  When the save button on the new workflow creation screen is pressed, the PC 16 (Web browser 16a) transmits a workflow save request to the workflow management interface unit 32 (step A14). When the workflow management interface unit 32 receives the workflow storage request (step A15), the workflow management unit 33 stores the workflow in the workflow information unit 20 (step A16).

  In other words, the workflow management unit 33 creates an ID (workflow ID) that can uniquely identify the workflow, associates the workflow name and description input by the user, the user ID that created the workflow, and the creation date and time of the workflow. Information is stored in the workflow information unit 20 (see FIG. 7).

  Next, for each activity selected by the administrator on the new workflow creation screen, the workflow management unit 33 uses the workflow ID, activity ID, and the order of activities in the workflow as activity information in the workflow, as shown in FIG. Is stored in the workflow information unit 20.

  In the activity information in the workflow illustrated in FIG. 14, for example, for the input, the order of the WSD scan activity and the metadata input activity is selected, and therefore the order in the workflow of the workflow ID “WF1ACT1” corresponding to the WSD scan activity is “ 1 ”, the workflow order of the metadata input activity workflow ID“ WF1ACT2 ”is stored as“ 2 ”.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the workflow management unit 33, for each activity, as the activity property information in the workflow, each property value (PROP_VALUE) edited by the administrator on the activity property editing screen, and whether or not the user can input (USER_INPUT) is stored in the workflow information unit 20.

  For example, in the activity property screen shown in FIG. 13, the administrator sets the “resolution” and “file type” of the activity property to permit personal settings. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, for the property ID “RESOLUTION”, “800 × 480” is recorded in “PROP_VALUE”, “Enable” (individually settable) is recorded in “USER_INPUT”, and the property ID “FILE_TYPE” is recorded. “POP” is recorded in “PROP_VALUE”, and “Enable” (individually settable) is recorded in “USER_INPUT”. Note that “Disable” (individual setting impossibility) is recorded in “USER_INPUT” for the activity property set by the administrator so that personal setting is disabled.

  When the workflow management unit 33 completes the recording of the workflow, the workflow management interface unit 32 transmits the workflow storage request result to the PC 16 (step A17). The PC 16 (Web browser 16a) receives and displays the workflow storage request result (step A18).

  In this way, when the administrator creates a new workflow, it is possible to individually set whether or not the end user can input personal settings for the properties of the activities constituting the workflow. That is, it is possible to reflect the personal setting by the end user in the workflow only for the property that does not cause trouble when the administrator centrally manages the workflow.

  Next, processing when the end user makes personal settings for the workflow created by the administrator will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The left column of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 shows the processing of the PC 17 (end user), and the right column shows the processing of the server 10. FIG. 17 shows the transition of the screen displayed by the gadget 17a when performing personal settings.

  The end user installs a dedicated gadget 17a (application program) in the PC 17 in advance when the related process is executed on the workflow recorded in the server 10 through the PC 17 (step B1). The gadget 17 a has a function of acquiring and displaying information related to a workflow from the server 10 and a function of transmitting a setting value input by the user to the server 10. Note that if the gadget 17a is already installed in the PC 17, it is of course unnecessary to reinstall the gadget 17a.

  When the gadget 17a is activated in response to a user operation, the PC 17 displays an initial workflow list screen as shown in FIG. 17A, for example, by the gadget 17a. In the initial workflow list screen, a setting button and an update button are provided.

  When the setting button on the workflow list screen is pressed by a user operation (FIG. 17 (1)), the gadget 17a displays a server setting screen as shown in FIG. 17 (B). The server setting screen includes items for inputting server information including a URL for accessing the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 of the server 10, a user name, and a password, and information input to these items. An update button for instructing saving is provided.

  Next, when the user inputs a URL for accessing the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 on the server setting screen, a user name and a password, and the update button is pressed, the gadget 17a is displayed in each item. The inputted information is saved, and a workflow list acquisition request including a user ID and a password is transmitted to the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 of the server 10 indicated by the saved URL (FIG. 17 (2)) (step B3 ).

  As described above, when a URL, a user name, and a password are input and stored through the server setting screen, the gadget 17a is displayed by the URL by pressing the setting button on the workflow list screen. A workflow list acquisition request including the user ID and password is transmitted to the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 of the server 10 (FIG. 17 (3)) (step B3).

  When receiving the workflow list acquisition request from the gadget 17a (step B4), the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 of the server 10 inquires the user management unit 35 about whether or not to log in for the received user ID and password. Next, when it is determined by the user management unit 35 that login is possible, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 uses the workflow management unit 33 from the user workflow related information (see FIG. 8) stored in the workflow information unit 20. All workflow IDs corresponding to the transmitted user ID are acquired.

  Next, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 uses the workflow information stored in the workflow information unit 20 through the workflow management unit 33 to display the workflow display names corresponding to all the workflow IDs acquired from the user / workflow related information (see FIG. 7).

  The workflow personal setting interface unit 26 generates workflow list information for displaying a list of workflows including the workflow ID and the workflow display name as elements (step B5), and transmits the workflow list information to the gadget 17a of the PC 17 (step B6). The workflow personal setting interface unit 26 generates and transmits the workflow list information in a format recognizable by the gadget 17a, for example, in an XML (Extensible Markup Language) format.

  When receiving the workflow list information from the workflow personal setting interface unit 26, the gadget 17a of the PC 17 analyzes the workflow list information and displays the workflow list (step B7).

  FIG. 18 shows an example of workflow list information created in XML format acquired by the gadget 17a from the workflow personal setting interface unit 26. FIG. 17C shows display according to the workflow list information shown in FIG. An example of a workflow list to be executed is shown. Thus, the end user using the PC 17 can display a list of workflows related to him / her through the gadget 17a.

  Next, when one is selected from the workflow list displayed on the gadget 17a by the end user (step B8), the gadget 17a sends a request for acquiring workflow personal setting information together with the user ID and the selected workflow ID. This is transmitted to the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 of the server 10 (step B9) (FIG. 17 (4)).

  When the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 of the server 10 receives the workflow personal setting information acquisition request from the gadget 17a (step B10), the workflow activity information stored in the workflow information unit 20 through the workflow management unit 33 (FIG. 14). The ID (WFACT_ID) of the activity corresponding to the workflow ID received together with the acquisition request is acquired from (see). For example, the activity ID “WF1ACT1” corresponding to the workflow ID “WF1” is acquired.

  Next, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 similarly determines the property ID (WFACTPROP_ID), property ID (PROP_ID), and default value (PROP_VALUE) corresponding to the WFACT_ID from the activity property information in the workflow (see FIG. 15). , User input availability (USER_INPUT) is acquired. For example, the WFACTPROP_ID “WFA1ACTPROP1”, the PROP_ID “RESOLUTION”, the PROP_VALUE “800 × 600”, and the USER_INPUT “Disable” corresponding to “WF1ACT1” are acquired.

  Next, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 acquires WFACTPROP_ID and a personal setting (USER_VALUE) corresponding to the user ID from the workflow personal setting information stored in the workflow personal setting information unit 23. However, if the personal setting for the corresponding workflow is not made first, the personal setting (USER_VALUE) is not recorded and cannot be acquired.

  Next, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 acquires the property type (PROP_TYPE) from the ACT_ID and PROP_ID from the property information in the activity (see FIG. 12) stored in the activity information unit 21 through the activity management unit 34.

  Furthermore, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 acquires the workflow personal setting history information corresponding to the workflow ID and the user ID received together with the acquisition request stored in the workflow personal setting history information unit 24 (step B12). The workflow personal setting history information indicates the setting contents set by the end user operation at the time of executing the workflow process. If the setting has not been individually changed at the time of executing the workflow, the workflow personal setting history information 24 Corresponding information is not stored. Details of the workflow personal setting history information will be described later.

  Next, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 uses the workflow activity information and the personal setting information as elements based on the information acquired from the workflow information unit 20, the activity information unit 21, and the workflow personal setting information unit 23 described above. The workflow personal setting screen information including it is generated in a format recognizable by the gadget 17a (for example, XML format) and transmitted to the user (step B13).

  When the gadget 17a acquires the workflow personal setting screen information from the workflow personal setting interface unit 26, the gadget 17a displays the workflow personal setting information on the screen according to the workflow personal setting screen information (step B14).

  FIG. 19 shows an example of workflow personal setting screen information created in the XML format acquired by the gadget 17a from the workflow personal setting interface unit 26. FIG. 17D shows the workflow personal setting information shown in FIG. An example of the workflow personal setting screen displayed accordingly is shown.

  In the workflow personal setting screen shown in FIG. 17 (d1), all properties can be set. However, “Disable” (individual setting is not possible) is set in USER_INPUT of the activity property information in the workflow. For the specified properties, limit the input of personal settings by the end user.

  For example, for a property whose USER_INPUT is set to “Disable”, workflow personal setting information is generated so as not to display the input field on the workflow personal setting screen, or a character string indicating that personal setting is not possible is displayed. In this way, even if the property is changed, updating of personal settings described later is invalidated (not stored).

  Next, the value of the property displayed on the workflow personal setting screen is set by an end user operation (step B15), and when the update button is pressed, the gadget 17a sends an update request for the corresponding workflow personal setting, The user ID, the workflow ID, the activity ID, and the property ID and the set personal setting value are transmitted to the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 of the server 10 (step B16).

  When receiving the workflow personal setting update request (step B17), the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 of the server 10 requests the workflow personal setting update unit 27 to update the workflow personal setting information with the personal setting value. Based on the user ID, workflow ID, activity ID, and property ID received together with the update request, the workflow personal setting update unit 27 sets the value of USER_VALUE of the corresponding workflow personal setting information stored in the workflow personal setting information unit 23. Update with requested personal settings. That is, the personal setting by the end user input on the workflow personal setting screen is reflected in the workflow activity.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of workflow personal setting information. For example, the value of USER_VALUE of USER_ID “USER_1” of WFACTPROP_ID “WF1ACTPROP2” is changed from “Pdf” to “bmp”.

  In the workflow personal setting information shown in FIG. 20, only WFACTPROP_ID, USER_ID, and USER_VALUE are shown, but a default value (PROP_VALUE) and a flag (USER_INPUT) indicating whether the end user can be set may be stored in association with each other. it can.

  The workflow personal setting update unit 27 updates the corresponding workflow personal setting information, and then returns the updated workflow personal setting information to the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 as a result. The workflow personal setting interface unit 26 generates an update result of the workflow personal setting in a format recognizable by the gadget 17a (for example, XML format) and transmits it to the user (step B19).

  The gadget 17a of the PC 17 displays the update result of the workflow personal setting received from the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 on the workflow personal setting screen (step B20).

  In this way, the end user designates the user name (password) and requests the display of the workflow list screen through the gadget 17a of the PC 17, thereby displaying the workflow list corresponding to the user (FIG. 17C). ), The activity properties of the workflow selected from the workflow list can be changed on the workflow personal setting screen (FIG. 17 (d2)). In the workflow personal setting screen, the administrator can change only the properties that are set to be personally settable when creating the workflow, so it is possible to avoid personal settings that hinder the centralized management of the workflow by the administrator. .

  Next, processing for an end user to execute a workflow from the MFP 14 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The left column of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21 shows the processing of the PC 17 (end user), and the right column shows the processing of the server 10.

  First, after an end user logs in to the MFP 14 from the PC 17 (step C1), the Web browser 14a (EWB) installed in the MFP 14 is started, and a workflow list including login information (user ID, password) is provided via the Web browser 14a. The screen request is transmitted to the workflow management interface unit 32 of the server 10 (step C2).

  When the workflow management interface unit 32 receives a workflow list screen request including login information (step C3), the workflow management interface unit 32 inquires of the user management unit 35 about whether or not login is possible for the user ID and password of the login information. Next, when the user management unit 35 determines that login is possible, the workflow management interface unit 32 transmits from the user workflow related information (see FIG. 8) stored in the workflow information unit 20 through the workflow management unit 33. All workflow IDs corresponding to the assigned user ID are acquired (step C4). Here, it is assumed that a workflow for linking the MFP 14 and the external system 19 is executed, and for example, a workflow including a WSD scan activity as Input is acquired from the workflow corresponding to the user ID.

  The workflow management interface unit 32 acquires the display name of the workflow corresponding to the acquired workflow ID from the workflow information (see FIG. 7) stored in the workflow information unit 20 through the workflow management unit 33, and displays the workflow ID and the workflow. Workflow list information for displaying a list of workflows including names as elements is generated and transmitted to the PC 17 through the MFP 14 (step C5).

  The PC 17 displays a workflow list screen corresponding to the workflow list information. The workflow list screen is configured in substantially the same manner as the workflow list screen shown in FIG. 9, but an execution button for requesting execution of the workflow is provided instead of the new creation button and the edit button.

  The workflow management interface unit 32 transmits an error screen when the user management unit 35 determines that login is not possible (login failure).

  Next, when one workflow is selected from the workflow list screen by the user operation and the execution button is pressed (step C7), an execution request for the selected workflow is sent from the Web browser 14a of the MFP 14 together with the workflow ID to the workflow process generation unit. 29 (step C8).

  When the workflow process generation unit 29 receives the workflow execution request (step C9), the workflow process generation unit 29 acquires the workflow information from the workflow information unit 20 (step C10), and the activity of the corresponding workflow ID from the activity information in the workflow (see FIG. 14). ID is acquired (step C11).

  Next, the property ID corresponding to the activity ID is acquired from the property information within the activity (see FIG. 12). Next, the setting value (PROP_VALUE) is acquired from the activity property information in the workflow (see FIG. 15). Next, the personal setting (USER_VALUE) corresponding to the user ID and the activity property ID in the workflow is acquired from the workflow personal setting information (see FIG. 20) (step C12), and the setting value by this personal setting is updated. Reflect in the workflow.

  The workflow process generation unit 29 generates the workflow process by sequentially setting the above for each activity in the order indicated by the order in the workflow of the activity information in the workflow (step C13).

  Next, the workflow process generation unit 29 transmits an execution request for the generated workflow process to the workflow process execution unit 28. When the workflow process execution unit 28 receives the execution request from the workflow process generation unit 29, the workflow process execution unit 28 executes the workflow process (step C14).

  When executing a workflow for linking the MFP 14 and the external system 19, the workflow process generating unit 29 causes the MFP service linking unit 38 to execute processing for linking to the MFP 14 (MFP service unit 14b), and obtains a processing result. Then, the data is transmitted to the external system 19 through the external system linkage unit 39. For example, when a workflow created on the workflow creation screen shown in FIG. 10 is executed, the MFP 14 executes a WSD scan, acquires an image read by the scan from the MFP service unit 14b, and outputs an image corresponding to this image. After performing the processing A, it is registered in the external system 19 (cloud service) through the external system cooperation unit 39.

  In this way, by setting the workflow personal setting information in advance, when the workflow using the MFP 14 is executed, a process reflecting the personal setting can be executed. Thereby, the processing result requested by the end user can be obtained while using the workflow created by the administrator.

  Next, a method for recommending the change of the personal setting from the workflow personal setting history of the user in the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 will be described.

  First, it is assumed that when the workflow process is executed by the workflow process execution unit 28, the end user sets scan parameters for the MFP 14 through the scan parameter setting screen. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scan parameter setting screen. The scan parameter setting screen shown in FIG. 22 indicates that the resolution, color mode, and file format when saving a file can be set.

  When the scan parameter is set by the end user and the scan execution button is pressed, the workflow process execution unit 28 executes the workflow reflecting the set scan parameter, and sets the set information to the user ID and property ID. The ID of the operation MFP 14 and the setting date and time are associated with each other and stored in the workflow personal setting history information unit 24 as workflow personal setting history information. FIG. 23 shows an example of workflow personal setting history information stored in the workflow personal setting history information unit 24.

  The workflow personal setting interface unit 26 can reflect the workflow personal setting history information when the workflow personal setting screen information is generated in the process of personal setting by the end user (FIG. 16, step B12). Further, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 calculates statistical information of the user setting history based on the workflow personal setting history information stored in the workflow personal setting history information unit 24, and recommends information ( The personal setting information may be generated by adding a RECOMMEND attribute.

  For example, as the statistical information, for each property, the number of times of setting is calculated for each setting value, and there is a difference between the setting value having the maximum setting number and the setting number of the current personal setting information from a predetermined reference value. In this case, the recommendation information is added for the setting value with the maximum setting count. In other words, settings frequently used by the end user in the MFP 14 can be presented to the end user in the workflow personal setting screen.

  FIG. 24 shows an example of the workflow personal setting screen information in the XML format generated based on the workflow personal setting history information by the workflow management interface unit 32. FIG. 25 shows the workflow personal setting screen information shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of a workflow personal setting screen displayed by the gadget 17a.

  In the example shown in FIG. 24, “recommend =“ true ”” indicating recommendation information (RECOMMEND attribute) is added to the setting value “800 × 600” with respect to “resolution”. As a result, as shown in FIG. 25, “800 × 600” with recommendation information added to “resolution” is displayed. The other properties are not based on the statistical information, but the set values at the previous setting acquired from the workflow personal setting history information are displayed.

  In this way, the personal settings set for the MFP 14 at the time of executing the workflow process are stored in the workflow personal setting history information section 24 as workflow personal setting history information, and are used when performing personal settings through the workflow personal setting screen. It becomes possible to do. Also, based on statistical information of setting history calculated based on workflow personal setting history information, past setting values can be presented as recommendation information to end users on the workflow personal setting screen to assist in setting operations. it can.

  In the above description, the case where the setting value with the maximum number of times of setting is presented is shown. However, statistical information such as a setting value whose number of times of setting is larger than the reference value is presented in the pull-down menu on the workflow personal setting screen. Can be used for other purposes.

  Next, a method for notifying the user of the change when the MFP capability (function) is changed in the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 will be described.

  The server 10 periodically inquires of the MFP 14 (MFP capability response unit 14c) about the capability by the MFP capability inquiry unit 37. For example, setting information indicating the capability of the MFP 14 such as a scan parameter including resolution, file format, color mode, and the like that can be executed at the time of scanning is acquired, and as shown in FIG. Remember it.

  If the setting information acquired from the MFP 14 is not registered as MFP capability information, the MFP capability information is stored together with the acquisition date. Next, the difference between the previous inquiry result and the current result is obtained, and if there is a difference, the MFP capability information is updated assuming that maintenance such as version upgrade has been performed in the MFP 14. As a result, the server 10 can store the latest information on the capabilities of the MFP 14 and can be used for creating a new workflow or personal setting by an end user.

  Next, the workflow personal setting interface unit 26 is calculated based on the workflow personal setting history information when generating the workflow personal setting screen information in the process of personal setting by the end user (FIG. 16, step B12). MFP 14 frequently used by the user is detected based on the statistical information, for example, the set number of times for each MFP.

  The workflow personal setting interface unit 26, for the MFP 14 detected based on the statistical information, when the update date and time of the MFP capability information stored in the MFP capability information unit 36 has been updated in the past for a certain period from the present. New function information (NEWFEATURE attribute) can be added to generate personal setting information.

  FIG. 27 shows an example of the workflow personal setting screen information in the XML format generated based on the workflow personal setting history information by the workflow management interface unit 32. FIG. 28 shows the workflow personal setting screen information shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of a workflow personal setting screen displayed by the gadget 17a.

  In the example shown in FIG. 27, “newfeature =“ true ”” indicating new function information (NEWFEATURE attribute) is added to the setting value “800 × 600” with respect to “resolution”. As a result, as shown in FIG. 28, “800 × 600” in which new function information is added to “resolution” is displayed. In addition, as for other properties, an example is shown in which setting values corresponding to new functions are displayed with version upgrade (change in MFP capability) (“+” is added to the new setting values). .

  In this way, setting information is acquired from the MFP 14, stored as MFP capability information in the MFP capability information unit 36, and can be used when performing personal settings through the workflow personal setting screen. Thereby, personal setting based on the latest capability (function) of the MFP 14 can be facilitated.

  The MFP capability inquiry unit 37 periodically inquires the MFP 14 to obtain setting information. However, the MFP capability inquiry unit 37 is not limited to the periodicity, and the MFP capability inquiry unit 37 performs management when the function of the MFP 14 is changed or via the PC 16. An inquiry may be made when there is an instruction from a person.

  In the above-described embodiment, the function for implementing the invention is recorded in advance in the apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a program for realizing the same function may be downloaded from the network to the apparatus. Alternatively, a program for realizing a similar function stored in a recording medium may be installed in the apparatus. The recording medium may take any form as long as it can store programs and can be read by the apparatus, such as a DVD, CD-ROM, and semiconductor memory. In addition, the function obtained by installing or downloading in advance may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) or the like inside the apparatus.

  Moreover, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Server, 14 ... MFP, 16, 17 ... PC, 17a ... Gadget, 19 ... External system, 20 ... Workflow information part (first storage means), 21 ... Activity information part (first storage means), 22 ... User Information part, 23 ... Workflow personal setting information part (second storage means), 24 ... Workflow personal setting history information part (third storage means), 26 ... Workflow personal setting interface part (generation means), 27 ... Workflow personal setting update Part (update means), 28 ... workflow process execution part (execution means), 29 ... workflow process generation part, 32 ... workflow management interface part (setting means), 33 ... workflow management part, 34 ... activity management part, 35 ... user Management unit, 36... MFP capability information unit, 37... MFP capability inquiry unit (acquisition means).

Claims (5)

First storage means for storing information relating to a workflow created based on an instruction from an administrator;
Second storage means for storing setting information corresponding to an instruction from an end user for an activity that is a component of the workflow;
Generating means for generating setting screen information for displaying a setting screen for inputting an instruction from the end user based on the information on the workflow and the setting information;
Updating means for updating the setting information based on an instruction input through the setting screen;
An information processing apparatus comprising: information relating to the workflow; and execution means for executing a workflow process generated based on the setting information. Setting means for setting whether or not an instruction from the end user can be input to the activity for each property of the activity;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update unit updates the setting information for a property that is set to be inputable by the setting unit. Further comprising acquisition means for acquiring capability information indicating the capability of the external device used for the workflow processing;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the setting screen based on the capability information. Further comprising third storage means for storing setting information set in response to an instruction from the end user for the external device used in the workflow process as history information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit calculates statistical information based on the history information, and generates the setting screen based on the statistical information. Computer
First storage means for storing information relating to a workflow created based on an instruction from an administrator;
Second storage means for storing setting information corresponding to an instruction from an end user for an activity that is a component of the workflow;
Generating means for generating setting screen information for displaying a setting screen for inputting an instruction from the end user based on the information on the workflow and the setting information;
Updating means for updating the setting information based on an instruction input through the setting screen;
Generating means for generating a workflow process for executing the processing indicated by the workflow based on the information on the workflow and the setting information;
A program for causing an execution unit to execute the workflow process.

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