JP2016096393A - Information processing apparatus, system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus configured to reduce the workload of a user.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus for executing a workflow as a series of processing includes: a workflow receiving section 72 which receives a workflow to be executed, selected from among at least one workflow registered in advance; a set value receiving section 73 which receives a set value for each processing included in the selected workflow; a flow execution section 65 which executes each processing included in the selected workflow, according to the received set value; a change receiving section 75 which receives a change of the set value for each processing in a job representing an executed workflow; and a re-execution receiving section 76 which receives a request to execute a job again. The flow execution section 65 executes again the processing which has been executed in the job to be executed again, according to the changed set value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, system, information processing method, and program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multifunction peripheral has a function of executing a workflow, which is a series of processing, on image data captured by a scanner or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A system is also known in which a multifunction peripheral transmits image data to a server device, and the server device executes a workflow. According to such a multi-function peripheral and system, the image data scanned and captured is subjected to data conversion processing such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing and PDF (Portable Document Format) processing, and the like. It can be automatically transmitted to a folder or a server device.

  Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe techniques for editing image data obtained by scanning and then converting it to document data.

  However, when document data automatically transmitted to a specified folder or the like is confirmed, it may be noticed that processing that does not match the intention is performed. For example, there may be a case where it is noticed by checking the document data after being automatically transmitted that the OCR has been performed in the wrong language or that the document has been converted into the wrong data format.

  In such a case, conventionally, the user has to set the paper in the multifunction device again to scan. Furthermore, when the person who confirmed the document data after distribution is different from the operator of the multifunction machine, the person who confirmed it had to re-request the scanning process from the operator, which was troublesome.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, a system, an information processing method, and a program capable of reducing a user's work burden.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that executes a workflow that is a series of processes, and includes at least one pre-registered workflow. A workflow reception unit that receives selection of the workflow to be executed from, a setting value reception unit that receives a setting value for each process included in the selected workflow, and each process included in the selected workflow, A flow execution unit that executes according to the received setting value, a change reception unit that receives a change in the setting value for each process in the job representing the executed workflow, and a re-execution reception unit that receives a request for re-execution of the job, The flow execution unit is executed by the job that has received re-execution. The The process rerun accordance with the changed set value.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the work burden on the user.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow executed by the workflow processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral, the terminal device, and the workflow processing device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a sequence when a workflow is executed. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sequence when the job is re-executed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of job information. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the process for adding intermediate workflow information and intermediate data. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the intermediate workflow information and intermediate data acquisition process. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job list. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting value change screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of workflow information. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the intermediate workflow information. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting value information. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the workflow processing apparatus.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an information processing system 10 according to the embodiment. As an example, the information processing system 10 includes a multifunction device 20, a terminal device 21, a workflow processing device 22, and a file server 23.

  The multifunction device 20, the terminal device 21, the workflow processing device 22, and the file server 23 are connected via a network. The network may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) to which the LAN is connected via a router. The network may include the Internet or a telephone communication line. Further, the network may be configured by wire, or a part or all of the network may be configured by radio.

  The multifunction machine 20 is an example of an image forming apparatus that has at least one of a scanner function and a facsimile function and acquires data. The multi-function device 20 further has a communication function, a display function, and the like. The multifunction device 20 also functions as an information processing apparatus that stores a program in advance and executes data processing according to the program. For example, the multifunction device 20 scans a sheet to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data to the workflow processing device 22 via the network.

  The terminal device 21 is an information processing device such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a mobile phone. The terminal device 21 has information input, a communication function, a display function, and the like. Furthermore, the terminal device 21 stores a program in advance and executes data processing according to the program.

  The workflow processing device 22 is an example of an information processing device configured by one or more computers such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and a workstation. The workflow processing device 22 has a communication function, further stores a program in advance, and executes data processing according to the program.

  The workflow processing device 22 executes a workflow that is a series of processes for given data. In the present embodiment, the workflow processing device 22 acquires image data generated by the multifunction device 20 scanning a sheet via a network, and executes a workflow on the acquired image data.

  The workflow processing device 22 executes a workflow in response to a workflow execution instruction from the multifunction device 20. Further, the workflow processing device 22 re-executes a job representing the executed workflow in response to a re-execution instruction from the terminal device 21. In this case, the workflow processing device 22 accepts a change in the setting value for each process executed in the job, and re-executes the job according to the changed setting value.

  The file server 23 is an example of a server device configured by one or more computers such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and a workstation. The file server 23 has a communication function and an information storage function. The file server 23 receives data, which is a workflow execution result, from the workflow processing device 22 via the network. Then, the file server 23 stores the received data.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow executed by the workflow processing apparatus 22 according to the embodiment. In the workflow processing device 22, a plurality of workflow information is registered in advance. The workflow information defines the content and execution order of each process included in the workflow. The workflow information is described in a data format that can be interpreted by a computer. In the present embodiment, workflow information is described in XML (Extensible Markup Language).

  In workflow information, various data processing (character recognition (OCR) processing, data conversion processing to a specific data format and data distribution processing to a file or server, image filtering processing, data composition processing, margin detection processing , Upper / lower discrimination processing and data compression processing, etc.) can be defined. The workflow information defines the execution order of each process. In the example of FIG. 2, a workflow for sequentially executing OCR processing → data conversion processing → distribution processing is shown.

  In addition, for each process included in the workflow, a setting value necessary to execute the process is input by the user. For example, in the case of OCR processing, a setting value for specifying a recognized language (Japanese, English, German, etc.) is input by the user. In the case of data conversion processing, a setting value that specifies the data format after conversion (TIFF format, JPG format, PDF format, etc.) is input by the user. In the case of distribution processing, the user inputs a setting value that specifies an address of a distribution destination folder or an address of a server device.

  In the present embodiment, the data to be processed in the workflow is image data generated by scanning a sheet. Instead, the data to be processed may be any data such as moving image data, text data, audio data, and a computer program as an example.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the multifunction device 20, the terminal device 21, and the workflow processing device 22.

  The multi-function device 20 includes a scanning unit 51, a display input unit 52, a data processing control unit 53, and a communication unit 54. The scan unit 51 scans a sheet set on the document table and generates image data. The display input unit 52 displays information for the user and inputs an operation from the user. The data processing control unit 53 executes a program to perform data processing and controls the entire apparatus. The communication unit 54 is connected to the workflow processing apparatus 22 via a network and transmits / receives data to / from the workflow processing apparatus 22.

  The terminal device 21 includes a display input unit 55, a data processing control unit 56, and a communication unit 57. The display input unit 55 displays information for the user and inputs an operation from the user. The data processing control unit 56 executes a program to perform data processing and controls the entire apparatus. The communication unit 57 is connected to the workflow processing apparatus 22 via a network and transmits / receives data to / from the workflow processing apparatus 22.

  The workflow processing apparatus 22 includes an input / output unit 61, a storage unit 62, a job information generation unit 63, an intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64, and a flow execution unit 65.

  The input / output unit 61 is connected to the multifunction device 20 and the terminal device 21 via a network, and inputs / outputs data to / from the multifunction device 20 and the terminal device 21. The input / output unit 61 includes a data receiving unit 71, a workflow receiving unit 72, a setting value receiving unit 73, a job receiving unit 74, a change receiving unit 75, and a re-execution receiving unit 76.

  The data receiving unit 71 acquires image data generated by the MFP 20 by scanning a sheet via a network. The workflow reception unit 72 receives a selection of a workflow to be executed from at least one workflow registered in advance. More specifically, the workflow accepting unit 72 sends a list representing at least one workflow registered in advance to the multifunction device 20, and transmits information specifying one workflow selected by the user from the list to the multifunction device. 20 from.

  The set value receiving unit 73 receives a set value for each process included in the selected workflow. More specifically, the setting value receiving unit 73 sends setting items for each process included in the selected workflow to the multi-function device 20, and composites the setting values input by the user for each setting item. From the machine 20.

  The job reception unit 74 receives a selection of a job to be re-executed from at least one job indicating an executed workflow. More specifically, the job receiving unit 74 sends a list representing executed jobs to the terminal device 21 and receives information specifying one job selected by the user from the list from the terminal device 21. .

  The change accepting unit 75 accepts a change in setting value for each process in the selected job. More specifically, the change accepting unit 75 sends the setting items and setting values for the respective processes included in the selected workflow to the terminal device 21, and the setting values changed by the user among the setting items. Received from the terminal device 21.

  The re-execution receiving unit 76 receives a re-execution request for the selected job from the terminal device 21 via the network.

  The storage unit 62 stores various data. The storage unit 62 includes an image data storage unit 83, a workflow information storage unit 84, and a job information storage unit 85. The image data storage unit 83 stores image data generated by scanning by the multifunction machine 20. The workflow information storage unit 84 stores workflow information registered in advance. The job information storage unit 85 stores job information indicating the content of a job representing a workflow executed by the flow execution unit 65.

  Each time the flow execution unit 65 executes a workflow, the job information generation unit 63 generates job information indicating the content of the job and stores the job information in the job information storage unit 85. The job information includes, for example, image data to be processed by the workflow, executed workflow information, metadata, setting value information including setting values, and data that is a processing result of the workflow.

  Further, the job information includes intermediate workflow information and intermediate data for each process included in the workflow. For each process included in the workflow, the job information generation unit 63 generates intermediate workflow information that defines the content and execution order of processes to be executed after the corresponding process, and is a processing target of the intermediate workflow information. Get intermediate data. Then, the job information generation unit 63 generates job information including intermediate workflow information and intermediate data for each process included in the workflow.

  The intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 specifies job information indicating the content of the job to be re-executed from the job information stored in the job information storage unit 85. The intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 acquires intermediate workflow information including all processes whose setting values have been changed from job information indicating the contents of the job to be re-executed. At the same time, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 acquires intermediate data corresponding to the acquired intermediate workflow information. Then, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 gives the acquired intermediate workflow information and intermediate data to the flow execution unit 65.

  The flow execution unit 65 acquires workflow information corresponding to the selected workflow from the workflow information storage unit 84. In addition, the flow execution unit 65 acquires the image data generated by scanning by the multifunction machine 20 from the image data storage unit 83. Then, the flow execution unit 65 executes each process included in the selected workflow on the image data scanned and generated by the multifunction machine 20 according to the received set value.

  Further, the flow execution unit 65 acquires intermediate workflow information and intermediate data from the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 when the job is re-executed. Then, the flow execution unit 65 re-executes each process executed by the job for which re-execution is accepted according to the changed setting value.

  The flow execution unit 65 includes a plurality of process execution units 91 and a flow control unit 92.

  Each process execution part 91 performs the process according to a setting value with respect to the given data. Each process execution part 91 performs a mutually different process. Each process execution part 91 is implement | achieved, for example, when a processor runs the plug-in program called by the flow control part 92. FIG.

  For example, one of the process execution units 91 recognizes characters for given image data and generates text data. In this case, the processing execution unit 91 is given a set value for specifying a language (Japanese, English, German, etc.), and performs character recognition using dictionary data of the language specified by the set value.

  Also, any other process execution unit 91 converts the data format of the given data. In this case, the processing execution unit 91 is given a setting value that specifies the data format (Tiff, JPEG, PDF, etc.), and outputs data in the data format specified by the setting value.

  Further, any other processing execution unit 91 transmits the given data to a folder or a server. In this case, the process execution unit 91 is given a setting value specifying the address of the transmission destination folder and the address of the transmission destination server, and transmits data to the transmission destination specified by the setting value.

  The flow control unit 92 controls the execution order of a plurality of processes executed by the process execution unit 91 according to the workflow information or the intermediate workflow information. More specifically, the flow control unit 92 sequentially calls the corresponding process execution unit 91 according to the given workflow information or intermediate workflow information, and the called process execution unit 91 receives data and set values to be processed. To execute the process. Then, the called process execution unit 91 executes the process according to the given setting value for the given data, and returns the process result to the flow control unit 92.

  In addition, the flow control unit 92 sequentially calls the corresponding process execution unit 91 according to the intermediate workflow information given from the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64, and gives the data to be processed to the called process execution unit 91. Then, the flow control unit 92 causes the process to be executed according to the changed set value when the set value is changed, or according to the original set value when the set value is not changed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a sequence when a workflow is executed. When executing the workflow, the multifunction machine 20 and the workflow processing device 22 advance the process in a sequence as shown in FIG. 4, for example.

  First, the user instructs the multifunction device 20 to start scanning (S11). Upon receiving the scan start instruction, the multi-function device 20 scans the paper and generates image data (S12).

  In this example, an example in which the multifunction machine 20 is used has been described, but data acquisition processing by another device may be used. For example, the image capturing apparatus may be a process of acquiring still image data or moving image data. Further, for example, the process may be a process in which the client terminal receives an email or the process of reading data from a recording medium.

  Subsequently, the multifunction device 20 transmits the generated image data to the workflow processing device 22 via the network (S13). When receiving the image data, the input / output unit 61 of the workflow processing device 22 stores the received image data in the image data storage unit 83 (S14, S15). When the image data storage process is completed, the input / output unit 61 returns a response to the multi-function device 20 (S16).

  Subsequently, the user instructs the multifunction machine 20 to obtain a workflow list (S17). Upon receiving the list acquisition request instruction, the MFP 20 transmits a workflow list acquisition request to the workflow processing apparatus 22 (S18). Upon receiving a workflow list acquisition request, the input / output unit 61 acquires a registered workflow list from the workflow information storage unit 84 (S19, S20). Subsequently, the input / output unit 61 returns the acquired workflow list to the multi-function device 20 (S21). Upon receiving the list, the multi-function device 20 displays the list and allows the user to select one of the workflows.

  Subsequently, the user performs a workflow selection operation on the multifunction machine 20 (S22). When the selection operation is performed, the multifunction machine 20 transmits a setting item acquisition request for each process included in the selected workflow to the workflow processing apparatus 22 (S23). Upon receiving the setting item acquisition request, the input / output unit 61 acquires setting items for each process included in the selected workflow from the workflow information storage unit 84 (S24, S25). Subsequently, the input / output unit 61 returns the acquired setting item to the multi-function device 20 (S26). When the multifunction device 20 receives the setting item, the multifunction device 20 displays a screen for inputting a setting value for the setting item and causes the user to input the setting value.

  Subsequently, the user inputs a setting value to the multifunction device 20 and gives an instruction to start execution of the workflow (S27). Upon receiving the execution start instruction, the multi-function device 20 transmits an execution start instruction to the workflow processing apparatus 22 together with information and setting values for specifying the selected workflow (S28).

  When receiving the execution instruction, the input / output unit 61 gives an execution instruction to the flow control unit 92 (S29). When receiving the execution instruction, the flow control unit 92 acquires the corresponding workflow information from the workflow information storage unit 84 (S30, S31). Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 acquires the scanned image data from the image data storage unit 83 (S32, S33).

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 analyzes the workflow information and sequentially calls the corresponding process execution unit 91 to execute the process. In this example, first, the flow control unit 92 calls the process execution unit 91-1 that executes the OCR process to execute the OCR process (S34). In this case, the flow control unit 92 gives a setting value specifying the language input by the user to the process execution unit 91-1 together with the data to be processed. Then, when the OCR process is completed, the process execution unit 91-1 returns the result of the OCR process to the flow control unit 92 (S35).

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 calls the process execution unit 91-2 that executes the data conversion process to execute the data conversion process (S36). In this case, the flow control unit 92 gives a setting value specifying the data format input by the user to the processing execution unit 91-2 together with the data to be processed. Then, when the data conversion process is completed, the process execution unit 91-2 returns the converted data to the flow control unit 92 (S37).

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 calls the process execution unit 91-3 for executing the distribution process to execute the distribution process (S38). In this case, the flow control unit 92 gives a setting value specifying the transmission destination input by the user to the process execution unit 91-3 together with the distribution target data. Then, when the distribution process is completed, the process execution unit 91-3 returns information indicating the completion to the flow control unit 92 (S39).

  When all the processes included in the workflow information are completed, the flow control unit 92 calls the job information generation unit 63 to generate job information indicating the execution contents of the workflow (S40). Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 stores the generated job information in the job information storage unit 85 (S41, S42).

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 notifies the input / output unit 61 that the workflow has been completed (S43). The input / output unit 61 notifies the multi-function device 20 that the workflow has been completed (S44).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sequence when the job is re-executed. The workflow processing device 22 can accept a re-execution request from the terminal device 21 for an already executed job. When the job is re-executed, the terminal device 21 and the workflow processing device 22 advance the processing in a sequence as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In this example, an example in which the terminal device 21 is used has been described, but a re-execution request may be received from the multifunction device 20.

  First, the user instructs the terminal device 21 to request a job list acquisition (S51). Upon receiving an instruction for a list acquisition request, the terminal apparatus 21 transmits a job list acquisition request to the workflow processing apparatus 22 (S52). Upon receiving a job list acquisition request, the input / output unit 61 acquires a stored job list from the job information storage unit 85 (S53, S54). Subsequently, the input / output unit 61 returns a list of acquired jobs to the terminal device 21 (S55). When the terminal device 21 receives the job list, the terminal device 21 displays the job list and allows the user to select one of the jobs.

  Subsequently, the user performs a job selection operation on the terminal device 21 (S56). When the selection operation is performed, the terminal device 21 transmits a setting item and an execution request for the set value for each process executed in the selected job to the workflow processing device 22 (S57). When receiving an acquisition request for setting items or the like, the input / output unit 61 acquires setting items and executed setting values for each process executed in the selected job from the job information storage unit 85 (S58, S59). ). Subsequently, the input / output unit 61 returns the acquired setting item and the executed setting value to the terminal device 21 (S60). When the terminal device 21 receives the setting item and the executed setting value, the terminal device 21 displays a screen for changing the setting value and allows the user to input the changed setting value.

  Subsequently, the user inputs the changed setting value to the terminal device 21, and then gives an instruction to start re-execution of the job (S61). Upon receiving the execution start instruction, the terminal device 21 transmits a re-execution start instruction to the workflow processing apparatus 22 together with information for specifying the selected job and the changed setting value (S62).

  Upon receiving the re-execution instruction, the input / output unit 61 gives a re-execution instruction to the flow control unit 92 (S63). Upon receiving the re-execution instruction, the flow control unit 92 acquires job information from the job information storage unit 85 (S64, S65).

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 calls the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 to acquire intermediate workflow information and intermediate data (S66). More specifically, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 acquires intermediate workflow information including all processes whose setting values have been changed by the user from job information indicating the contents of the job to be re-executed. At the same time, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 acquires intermediate data corresponding to the acquired intermediate workflow information.

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 analyzes the intermediate workflow information and sequentially calls the corresponding process execution unit 91 to execute the process. In this example, first, the flow control unit 92 calls the process execution unit 91-1 for executing the OCR process, and executes the OCR process (S67). At this time, the flow control unit 92 causes the process to be executed according to a setting value for specifying the language after the change when the setting value is changed, or according to a setting value for specifying the original language when the setting value is not changed. Then, when the OCR process is completed, the process execution unit 91-1 returns the result of the OCR process to the flow control unit 92 (S68).

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 calls the process execution unit 91-2 that executes the data conversion process to execute the data conversion process (S69). At this time, the flow control unit 92 executes the process according to the setting value that specifies the changed data format when the setting value is changed, or according to the setting value that specifies the original data format when the setting value is not changed. Let Then, when the data conversion process is completed, the process execution unit 91-2 returns the converted data to the flow control unit 92 (S70).

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 calls the process execution unit 91-3 for executing the distribution process to execute the distribution process (S71). At this time, the flow control unit 92 executes processing according to the setting value for specifying the changed transmission destination when the setting value is changed, or according to the setting value for specifying the original transmission destination when the setting value is not changed. Let Then, when the distribution process is completed, the process execution unit 91-3 returns information indicating the completion to the flow control unit 92 (S72).

  When all the processes included in the workflow information are completed, the flow control unit 92 calls the job information generation unit 63 to generate job information indicating the execution contents at the time of re-execution (S73). Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 stores the generated job information in the job information storage unit 85 (S74, S75).

  Subsequently, the flow control unit 92 notifies the input / output unit 61 that the re-execution of the job has been completed (S76). Then, the input / output unit 61 notifies the terminal device 21 that the re-execution of the job has been completed (S77).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of job information. A job ID for identifying a job is assigned to the job information. For example, the job information is stored for each job ID under the route representing the scan in the job information storage unit 85.

  For example, the job information includes image data, workflow information, metadata, setting value information, and post-processing data. The metadata is information including, for example, execution date / time, update date / time, job ID, user name, and the like. The set value information is information including a set value input by the user. The post-processing data is data generated as a result of executing the workflow.

  The job information includes intermediate workflow information and intermediate data for each process included in the workflow. The intermediate workflow information is workflow information that defines the content and execution order of processes executed after the process (including the process). The intermediate data is data that is a target of processing of the corresponding intermediate workflow information.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of intermediate workflow information and intermediate data generation processing. For example, when the execution of the workflow is completed, the job information generation unit 63 generates job information and stores it in the job information storage unit 85. In this case, the job information generation unit 63 adds the intermediate workflow information and the intermediate data to the job information according to the flow shown in FIG.

  First, the job information generation unit 63 repeatedly executes the processing from step S102 to step S104 for each processing included in the workflow (loop processing between step S101 and step S105). In step S102, the job information generation unit 63 generates intermediate workflow information corresponding to the process. For example, the job information generation unit 63 can generate intermediate workflow information by rewriting the value of the pointer indicating the process to start execution indicated in the original workflow information so as to indicate the process. .

  Subsequently, in step S103, the job information generation unit 63 acquires intermediate data corresponding to the process. For example, the job information generation unit 63 can acquire intermediate data corresponding to the process by acquiring the data given to the process execution unit 91 that executes the process from the flow control unit 92.

  Subsequently, in step S104, the job information generation unit 63 adds the intermediate workflow information generated in step S102 and the intermediate data acquired in step S103 as a set to the job information. As described above, the job information generation unit 63 can add the intermediate workflow information and the intermediate data to the job information.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing for acquiring intermediate workflow information and intermediate data from job information. When re-executing a job, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 acquires one intermediate workflow information and intermediate data from the job information, and gives them to the flow control unit 92. In this case, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 acquires intermediate workflow information and intermediate data according to the flow shown in FIG.

  First, in step S111, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 detects a process in which the setting value has been changed among the processes executed in the job to be re-executed. In this case, if a plurality of setting values are changed, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 detects a plurality of corresponding processes.

  Subsequently, in step S112, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 specifies the process to be executed first among the processes executed in the job to be re-executed. Subsequently, in step S113, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 acquires intermediate workflow information and intermediate data corresponding to the specified process from the job information.

  Subsequently, in step S114, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 acquires setting value information from the job information, and rewrites the changed setting value. In step S115, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64 gives the acquired intermediate workflow information, intermediate data, and setting value information to the flow control unit 92 to start execution.

  As a result, when the job is re-executed, the flow control unit 92 can execute only the process that affects the result due to the change of the setting value, and does not execute the process that has no effect. Thereby, the flow control unit 92 can reduce the processing amount when the job is re-executed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job list. When selecting a job to be re-executed, the workflow processing device 22 sends a job list to the terminal device 21. Then, the terminal device 21 displays a list of jobs as shown in FIG.

  The job list screen displays the generation date and time, the last update date and time, the job ID, and the like for each job. Further, a confirmation button 101, a change button 102, and a re-execution button 103 are displayed on the job list screen.

  When the confirmation button 101 is pressed by the user, the terminal device 21 acquires and displays the corresponding processing result from, for example, the file server 23 that is the data distribution destination. Thereby, the terminal device 21 can acquire and display the data stored in the file server 23 via the network, and can make the user determine whether to re-execute the job.

  When the change button 102 is pressed by the user, the terminal device 21 displays a setting value change screen. Thereby, the terminal device 21 can make a user change a setting value.

  When the re-execution button 103 is pressed by the user, the terminal device 21 transmits a re-execution start request to the workflow processing device 22 together with the set value. Thereby, the terminal device 21 can accept the re-execution of the job.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting value change screen. When the change button 102 in FIG. 9 is pressed, the terminal device 21 displays a setting value change screen as shown in FIG.

  On the setting value change screen, the setting value can be changed for each process executed in the job to be re-executed. The setting value change screen may display the setting values at the time of job execution by default.

  For example, a select button for selecting a language for OCR processing is displayed on the setting value change screen of FIG. In addition, a select button for selecting the data format of the data conversion process is displayed on the setting value change screen. The set value change screen displays a select button for selecting a distribution destination folder or server in the distribution process, and a box for inputting a folder address. Further, a box for inputting a file name of job information may be displayed on the setting value change screen.

  A completion button 104 is displayed on the setting value change screen. When the user presses the completion button 104, the terminal device 21 finishes the setting value change process and displays the job list display screen of FIG. 9. By displaying such a setting value change screen, the terminal device 21 can cause the user to change the setting value when the job is re-executed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of workflow information. The workflow information shown in FIG. 11 is described in an XML document. Between <flow> and </ flow>, processing and order included in the workflow are described.

  An ID and a display name for designating one process (plug-in program) are described between <plugin> and </ plugin> or between “<plugin” and “/>”. Also, between <plugin> and </ plugin>, an ID for designating a process (plug-in program) to be executed next is described. Also, between <startpoint> and </ startpoint>, an ID for specifying a process (plug-in program) to be executed first is described.

  The flow control unit 92 can execute the workflow in the order of OCR processing → data conversion processing → distribution processing by calling the processing execution unit 91 in accordance with the contents described in such an XML document.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the intermediate workflow information. The job information generation unit 63 generates intermediate workflow information for each process included in the workflow. For example, the job information generation unit 63 rewrites the description between <startpoint> and </ startpoint> in the workflow information to generate intermediate workflow information. The intermediate workflow information shown in FIG. 12 is an XML document in which the description between <startpoint> and </ startpoint> is rewritten to data conversion processing (“Data Converter”). By generating such intermediate workflow information, the job information generation unit 63 can generate intermediate workflow information for executing processing in the order of data conversion processing → distribution processing. Note that the job information generation unit 63 may delete the code when a code unrelated to the processing is generated as a result of rewriting the description between <startpoint> and </ startpoint>.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting value information. The job information generation unit 63 generates setting value information including the setting value input by the user and other information related to the setting value. The setting value information shown in FIG. 13 is described in an XML document.

  Information relating to the setting value is described between <distributionData> and </ distributionData>. Also, a setting value input by the user is described between <userInputData> and </ userInputData>.

  Between <plugin> and </ plugin>, an ID for specifying a process (plug-in program), a setting item, and a display name of the setting item are described. Furthermore, a numerical value representing a set value is described between <value> and </ value> between <plugin> and </ plugin>.

  The contents of specific setting values represented by the respective numerical values are defined in other areas of the setting value information. Also, predetermined fixed setting values (for example, the address of the file server 23, etc.) are also defined in other areas of the setting value information.

  According to the information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment as described above, a workflow job executed on image data generated by scanning can be re-executed. In this case, in the information processing system 10, the set value can be changed. Thereby, according to the information processing system 10, even when the workflow is executed with an incorrect setting value, the workflow can be executed with the correct setting value without performing another scan. Therefore, according to the information processing system 10, it is possible to reduce the work burden on the user.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 20. As an example, the multi-function device 20 includes a controller 110, an operation panel 125, a facsimile control unit (FCU) 126, an imaging unit 127, and a printing unit 128.

  The controller 110 includes a CPU 111 (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC 112 (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an NB 113 (North Bridge), an SB 114 (South Bridge), a MEM-P 115 (system memory), and a MEM-C 116 (local memory). ), HDD 117 (hard disk drive), memory card slot 118, NIC 119 (network interface controller), USB device 120, IEEE 1394 device 121, and Centronics device 122.

  The CPU 111 is an IC for executing various types of information processing, and executes applications in parallel on a process basis on an OS (Operating System) or a platform. The ASIC 112 is a semiconductor device for image processing. The NB 113 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 111 and the ASIC 112. The SB 114 is a bridge for connecting the NB 113 and peripheral devices. The ASIC 112 and the NB 113 are connected through, for example, an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port).

  The MEM-P 115 is a memory connected to the NB 113. The MEM-C 116 is a memory connected to the ASIC 112. The HDD 117 is a storage connected to the ASIC 112, and is used to perform image data accumulation, document data accumulation, program accumulation, font data accumulation, form data accumulation, and the like.

  The HDD 117 stores various application programs (copy program, scanner program, printer program, fax program, etc.). The memory card slot 118 is connected to the SB 114 and is used for setting (inserting) the memory card 124.

  The NIC 119 is a controller for performing data communication using a MAC address or the like via a network or the like. The USB device 120 is a device for providing a serial port compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The IEEE 1394 device 121 is a device for providing a serial port compliant with the IEEE 1394 standard. The Centronics device 122 is a device for providing a parallel port compliant with the Centronics specification. The NIC 119, the USB device 120, the IEEE 1394 device 121, and the Centronics device 122 are connected to the NB 113 and the SB 114 via a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus.

  The operation panel 125 is hardware (operation unit) for a user to input to the multifunction device 20 and hardware (display unit) on which the multifunction device 20 displays a menu screen. The operation panel 125 is connected to the ASIC 112. The FCU 126, the imaging unit 127, and the printing unit 128 are connected to the ASIC 112 via the PCI bus.

  The imaging unit 127 optically scans a document placed on the contact glass, A / D converts the reflected light, performs image processing, and generates color or monochrome image data.

  The printing unit 128 includes, for example, a tandem type photosensitive drum, modulates a laser beam based on image data or PDL (Page Description Language) data, and scans the photosensitive drum to form a latent image. Then, the printing unit 128 transfers the image of each page developed by attaching toner to the latent image onto the sheet with heat and pressure. The printing unit 128 is not limited to such an electrophotographic plotter, and may be an ink jet type plotter engine that discharges droplets to form an image.

  The FCU 126 is connected to the network via the NIC 119 and is connected to, for example, the T.F. 37, T.A. The image data is transmitted and received in accordance with a communication procedure corresponding to the 38 standard or a public communication network and following a communication procedure corresponding to the G3 and G4 standards, for example. Further, even if the FCU 126 receives image data when the power of the multifunction device 20 is OFF, the FCU 126 can activate the printing unit 128 to print the image data on a sheet.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the workflow processing apparatus 22. Since the terminal device 21 and the file server 23 have the same configuration, the description of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 21 and the file server 23 is omitted.

  The workflow processing device 22 includes a CPU 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an HDD 304, a graphic board 305 to which a display 320 is connected, an input device 306, a media drive 307, And a network communication unit 308. The CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, HDD 304, graphic board 305, input device 306, media drive 307, and network communication unit 308 are connected by a bus.

  The CPU 301 expands and executes a program stored in the HDD 304 in the RAM 303, and controls each component to perform input / output and process data. The ROM 302 stores a start program for reading a basic input / output system (BIOS) and a bootstrap loader from the HDD 304 to the RAM 303. The bootstrap loader reads the OS from the HDD 304 to the RAM 303.

  The HDD 304 may be a non-volatile memory, and may be an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like. The HDD 304 stores an OS and a device driver. Further, the HDD 304 stores a workflow processing program. Also, the HDD 304 stores various plug-in programs. These programs are files in an installable or executable format, and are recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium. The program may be distributed by downloading from a server.

  A GUI screen generated by the graphic board 305 is displayed on the display 320 as instructed by the program. The input device 306 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and accepts user operations. The media drive 307 reads / writes data from / to an optical medium such as a compact disc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and Blu-ray disc. The media drive 307 may read / write data from / to a memory card such as a flash memory. The network communication unit 308 is, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) card for connecting to a LAN.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus (workflow processing apparatus 22 and the like) of the present embodiment includes a control apparatus such as a CPU, a storage apparatus such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM, and an external storage apparatus such as an HDD and a CD drive apparatus. A display device such as a display device and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse are provided, and a hardware configuration using a normal computer is employed.

  The program executed by the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment is an installable or executable file, and is a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD. Recorded and provided.

  Further, the program executed by the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the program of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program executed by the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units (the input / output unit 61, the job information generation unit 63, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64, and the flow execution unit 65). As the hardware, a processor (CPU 301) reads a program from a storage medium (such as HDD 304 or media drive 307) and executes the program, so that the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device (RAM 303). The unit 63, the intermediate workflow acquisition unit 64, and the flow execution unit 65 are generated on the main storage device.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information processing system 20 Multifunction machine 21 Terminal device 22 Workflow processing apparatus 23 File server 51 Scan part 52 Display input part 53 Data processing control part 54 Communication part 55 Display input part 56 Data processing control part 57 Communication part 61 Input / output part 62 Storage Unit 63 job information generation unit 64 intermediate workflow acquisition unit 65 flow execution unit 71 data reception unit 72 workflow reception unit 73 set value reception unit 74 job reception unit 75 change reception unit 76 re-execution reception unit 83 image data storage unit 84 workflow information storage Unit 85 job information storage unit 91 process execution unit 92 flow control unit 101 confirmation button 102 change button 103 re-execution button 104 completion button

JP 2008-97586 A JP 2007-328726 A JP 2008-288686 A

Claims (15)

An information processing apparatus that executes a workflow that is a series of processes,
A workflow reception unit for receiving selection of the workflow to be executed from at least one of the workflows registered in advance;
A setting value receiving unit that receives setting values for each process included in the selected workflow;
A flow execution unit that executes each process included in the selected workflow according to the received setting value;
A change accepting unit that accepts a change of a setting value for each process in the job representing the executed workflow;
A re-execution receiving unit that receives a request for re-execution of the job;
With
The flow execution unit re-executes processing executed by the job that has received re-execution according to the changed setting value. A workflow information storage unit for storing workflow information defining the content and execution order of each process included in the workflow;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow execution unit acquires workflow information corresponding to the selected workflow from the workflow information storage unit, and executes a process defined in the acquired workflow information. The flow execution unit
A plurality of processing execution units that execute processing according to a set value for given data;
A flow control unit that calls the corresponding process execution unit in accordance with the workflow information, gives the called process execution unit data and setting values to be processed, and executes the process;
Have
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the called processing execution unit executes processing according to a given set value for given data, and returns a processing result to the flow control unit. A job information generation unit that generates job information indicating the content of the job;
A job information storage unit for storing the job information;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: The job information generation unit
For each process included in the workflow, intermediate workflow information that defines the content and execution order of processes executed after the corresponding process is generated, and intermediate data to be processed by the intermediate workflow information is acquired. ,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the job information including the intermediate workflow information and the intermediate data for each process included in the workflow is generated. The intermediate workflow information including all processes whose setting values have been changed is acquired from the job information indicating the contents of the job to be re-executed, and the intermediate data corresponding to the acquired intermediate workflow information is acquired and acquired. An intermediate workflow acquisition unit that gives the intermediate workflow information and the intermediate data to the flow control unit,
The flow controller is
The corresponding process execution unit is called according to the given intermediate workflow information, the data to be processed is given to the called process execution unit, and when the set value is changed, the changed set value is changed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein if there is not, the process is executed according to the original set value. The intermediate workflow acquisition unit
Among the processes executed in the job to be re-executed, a process whose setting value is changed is detected,
Among the detected processes, identify the process to be executed first,
Acquiring the intermediate workflow information corresponding to the identified process, and acquiring the intermediate data corresponding to the acquired intermediate workflow information,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the acquired workflow information and the intermediate data are provided to the flow control unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a data receiving unit that acquires image data generated by scanning paper.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flow execution unit executes the workflow on image data generated by the image forming apparatus scanning a sheet. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the re-execution reception unit receives a request for re-execution of the job from a terminal device via a network. An information processing apparatus that executes a workflow as a series of processes;
A terminal device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network;
A system comprising:
The information processing apparatus includes:
A workflow reception unit for receiving selection of the workflow to be executed from at least one of the workflows registered in advance;
A setting value receiving unit that receives setting values for each process included in the selected workflow;
A flow execution unit that executes each process included in the selected workflow according to the received setting value;
A change accepting unit that accepts a change of a setting value for each process in the job representing the executed workflow;
A re-execution receiving unit that receives a request for re-execution of the job;
Have
The terminal device receives the selection of the job to be re-executed by a user operation, and transmits the job to the information processing device via the network.
The flow execution unit re-executes the process executed by the job that has received re-execution according to the changed setting value. An image forming apparatus that scans paper and generates image data;
The information processing apparatus further includes a data receiving unit that acquires image data generated by scanning a sheet by the image forming apparatus,
The system according to claim 10, wherein the flow execution unit executes the workflow on the image data acquired by the data reception unit. A server device connected to the information processing device via the network and storing data received via the network;
The information processing apparatus executes any of the processes included in the workflow to transmit and store the data that is the processing result of the workflow to the server apparatus via the network,
The terminal device acquires data stored in the server device via the network, displays the data to the user, and allows the user to determine whether to re-execute the job that generated the displayed data. Item 12. The system according to Item 11. An information processing apparatus that executes a workflow as a series of processes;
A terminal device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network;
An information processing method executed in a system comprising:
The information processing apparatus accepts selection of the workflow to be executed from at least one of the workflows registered in advance,
The information processing apparatus receives a set value for each process included in the selected workflow,
The information processing apparatus executes each process included in the selected workflow according to the received setting value,
The information processing apparatus accepts a change in a setting value for each process in a job representing the executed workflow,
The terminal device receives the selection of the job to be re-executed by a user operation, and transmits the job to the information processing device via the network.
The information processing apparatus accepts a request for re-execution of the job;
An information processing method in which the information processing apparatus re-executes a process executed by the job that has been re-executed according to a changed set value. The system further includes an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus scans a sheet to generate image data,
The information processing apparatus acquires via image data generated by the image forming apparatus scanning a sheet,
The information processing method according to claim 13, wherein the information processing apparatus executes the workflow on the acquired image data. A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus that executes a workflow as a series of processes,
The computer,
A workflow reception unit for receiving selection of the workflow to be executed from at least one of the workflows registered in advance;
A setting value receiving unit that receives setting values for each process included in the selected workflow;
A flow execution unit that executes each process included in the selected workflow according to the received setting value;
A change accepting unit that accepts a change of a setting value for each process in the job representing the executed workflow;
A re-execution receiving unit that receives a request for re-execution of the job;
To function,
The flow execution unit re-executes the process executed by the job that has received re-execution according to the changed setting value.

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