JP2019004303A - Program and information processing terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of reducing the work burden of a user of a scanner at the time of executing a workflow in a program of an information processing terminal that executes a workflow using the scanner.SOLUTION: A terminal program causes a computer to execute a first acquisition process (S11: job request and S12: 000) for acquiring workflow request information from a scanner, a second acquisition process (S13) of acquiring target status information specified on the basis of the workflow request information from a plurality of pieces of status information each indicating a different status, a reading process (S14) of reading target workflow definition information associated with the target status information among a plurality of workflow definition information, and a workflow execution process (S18, S19, S22) for sequentially executing a plurality of jobs defined in the read target workflow definition information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for realizing a workflow including a plurality of jobs.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a distribution system including a scanner that transmits document data generated by scanning processing to a distribution server, and a distribution server that stores document data received from the scanner in a storage device. In the distribution system configured as described above, it is assumed that the scanners are distributed and arranged in a company branch or the like. The scanner configured as described above executes a workflow selected by a user of the scanner among a plurality of workflows provided by the workflow server.

JP 2014-179816 A

  That is, the staff at the branch office needs to select a necessary workflow during business, and then set a document to be used for the workflow to the scanner and execute a scanning process. Such work becomes more burdensome to busy staff as the number of workflow options increases and the number of workflows executed during work increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the work load of the scanner user when executing the workflow in the program of the information processing terminal that controls the execution of the workflow using the scanner. Is to provide new technology.

  Various disclosures are provided herein. A program which is one of the disclosed examples can be executed by a computer connected to a scanner, a communication interface, and a memory. The program causes the computer to execute a first acquisition process for acquiring workflow request information from the scanner. The workflow request information is information indicating that a user interface provided in the scanner has received an input operation for requesting the start of a workflow. The workflow includes a job for causing the scanner to execute a scan operation for reading a document and generating scan data, and for causing the output device to output the scan data acquired from the scanner to the output device through the communication interface. And a job for transmitting scan data. The program includes: a second acquisition process for acquiring target situation information specified based on the workflow request information acquired in the first acquisition process among a plurality of situation information each indicating a different situation; Reading out the target workflow definition information associated with the target status information acquired in the second acquisition process from among the plurality of workflow definition information stored in the memory in association with at least one of the plurality of status information Causing the computer to execute processing. Each of the plurality of workflow definition information is information that defines the contents of each of the plurality of jobs included in the workflow. The program causes the computer to execute a workflow execution process for sequentially executing the plurality of jobs defined in the target workflow definition information read in the reading process.

  Another program of the disclosed example can be executed by a computer connected to the scanner, the communication interface, and the memory. The program causes the computer to execute a first acquisition process for acquiring workflow request information from the scanner. The workflow request information is information indicating that a user interface provided in the scanner has received an input operation for requesting the start of a workflow. The workflow is for causing a server to execute at least one of a job for acquiring scan data generated by the scanner reading a document and a plurality of data processing for the scan data acquired from the scanner. And a job for transmitting the scan data to the server through the communication interface. The program includes: a second acquisition process for acquiring target situation information specified based on the workflow request information acquired in the first acquisition process among a plurality of situation information each indicating a different situation; Reading out the target workflow definition information associated with the target status information acquired in the second acquisition process from among the plurality of workflow definition information stored in the memory in association with at least one of the plurality of status information Causing the computer to execute processing. Each of the plurality of workflow definition information is information that defines the contents of each of the plurality of jobs included in the workflow. The program causes the computer to execute a workflow execution process for sequentially executing the plurality of jobs defined in the target workflow definition information read in the reading process.

  According to the above configuration, the target workflow definition information associated with the target situation information identified based on the acquired workflow request information is selected from the plurality of workflow definition information stored in the memory. The work burden on the user can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. 2A is a block diagram of the MFP 10, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the information processing terminal 50. FIG. 3 shows an example of data stored in the memory 62, where (A) shows a workflow list and (B) shows a job list corresponding to the WF-ID “B”. FIG. 4 shows a job list corresponding to the WF-ID “A”. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the WF control process. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram when the workflow shown in FIG. 4 is executed. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram after the transfer request form data is received from the server 80 in the workflow shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram when the workflow shown in FIG. 3B is executed. FIG. 9A shows an example of an inventory search vote, and FIG. 9B shows an example of a shipping notification vote. FIG. 10A shows an example of a transfer request slip, and FIG. 10B shows an example of an inventory list, a sales report, and an attendance report constituting a daily report.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the execution order of each process described below can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 according to the present embodiment. A system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes MFPs 10A, 10B, and 10C (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as “MFP 10”), an information processing terminal 50, and a server 80. . The numbers of MFPs 10, information processing terminals 50, and servers 80 in the system 100 are not limited to the above example. The MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 are configured to be communicable through the communication network 101. The communication network 101 may be, for example, the Internet, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a combination thereof.

  More specifically, the MFPs 10A and 10B and the information processing terminal 50 are connected to the LAN of the store A. The MFP 10C is connected to the LAN of the store B. Further, the server 80 is connected to the LAN of the head office that manages the stores A and B. The LAN of the store A, the LAN of the store B, and the LAN of the head office are connected through the Internet. However, the connection form of each device is not limited to the above example.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the MFP 10 includes a printer 11, a scanner 12, a FAX-I / F 13, a display 23, a user I / F 24, a communication I / F 25, a CPU 31, and a memory 32. And a communication bus 33. Each component constituting the MFP 10 is connected to each other through the communication bus 33. The MFP 10 only needs to include at least one of the printer 11, the scanner 12, and the FAX-I / F 13. Further, among the printer 11, the scanner 12, and the FAX-I / F 13, the components included in the MFPs 10A, 10B, and 10C may be different.

  The printer 11 is hardware that executes a printing operation for recording an image indicated by image data on a sheet. In this embodiment, an example of an ink jet printer 11 that records an image by discharging ink will be described. However, the recording method of the printer 11 may be an electrophotographic method or the like. The scanner 12 is hardware that executes a scan operation for reading an image recorded on a document and generating image data (hereinafter referred to as “scan data”). The FAX-I / F 13 is hardware that executes a FAX transmission operation for FAX transmission of image data to an external device according to the FAX protocol, and a FAX reception operation for FAX reception of image data from the external device according to the FAX protocol.

  More specifically, the scanner 12 includes, for example, an ADF that can set a plurality of originals together, a detection sensor that detects whether or not the originals are set on the ADF, and originals conveyed one by one from the ADF. A reading sensor for reading. The detection sensor outputs a detection signal to the CPU 31 in response to the document set on the ADF. The reading sensor outputs scan data indicating an image read from the document to the CPU 31. The scanner 12 may include a contact glass that can set only one original instead of the ADF. The scanner 12 may be a small mobile scanner or a document scanner capable of high-speed reading, such as ADS.

  The display 23 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and includes a display screen that displays various types of information.

  The user I / F 24 is an interface that accepts an input operation. Specifically, the user I / F 24 has a button, and outputs various operation signals associated with the pressed button to the CPU 31. Further, the user I / F 24 may have a film-like touch sensor superimposed on the display screen of the display 23. An operation for designating an object displayed on the display screen of the display 23 and an operation for inputting a character string or a numeric string are examples of the input operation. The “object” is, for example, a character string, icon, button, link, radio button, check box, pull-down menu, or the like displayed on the display 23.

  The user I / F 24 realized as a touch sensor outputs position information indicating the position on the display screen touched by the user. Note that “touch” in this specification includes all operations for bringing an input medium into contact with a display screen. In addition, even if the input medium is not touching the display screen, “hover” or “floating touch” that brings the input medium close to a position where the distance to the display screen is very small is based on the above-mentioned concept of “touch”. May be included. Furthermore, the input medium may be a user's finger or a touch pen. The input operation for tapping the position of the object displayed on the display 23 is an example of a specifying operation for specifying the object. Hereinafter, the designation operation for designating an object may be simply expressed as “designation of an object”, “designation operation for an object”, or the like.

  The communication I / F 25 is an interface that can communicate with an external device via the communication network 101. That is, the MFP 10 transmits various types of information to the external device through the communication I / F 25 and receives various types of information from the external device through the communication I / F 25. Although the specific communication procedure of communication I / F25 is not specifically limited, For example, Wi-Fi (trademark) is employable.

  The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. The CPU 31 reads and executes various programs, which will be described later, from the memory 32 based on various information input through the user I / F 24, various information received from an external device through the communication I / F 25, and the like. The CPU 31 and the memory 32 constitute an example of a controller.

  The memory 32 stores an OS 34 and a device program 35. The device program 35 may be a single program or a collection of a plurality of programs. The memory 32 stores data or information necessary for executing the device program 35. The memory 32 is configured by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an HDD, a portable storage medium such as a USB memory attached to and detached from the MFP 10, a buffer provided in the CPU 31, or a combination thereof.

  The memory 32 may be a computer readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM in addition to the above examples. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium that is a kind of computer-readable medium, but a non-transitory computer-readable storage. Not included in the media. The same applies to the memory 62 of the information processing terminal 50 described later.

  The memory 32 stores a plurality of sets of login IDs and passwords. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a set of login ID “Admin” and password “abc” and a set of login ID “User” and password “xyz” are stored in the memory 32. For example, the set of login ID and password may be registered in advance when the MFP 10 is shipped, or may be input by the administrator of the MFP 10 through the user I / F 24. The login ID is an example of a user ID that identifies a user who operates the MFP 10.

  Further, the MFP 10 can change the state between the login state and the logout state using the set of the login ID and password stored in the memory 32. The MFP 10 in the logout state determines whether or not the set of the input login ID and password is stored in the memory 32 in response to accepting the login operation for inputting the login ID and password through the user I / F 24. . Then, the MFP 10 changes from the logout state to the login state in response to determining that the set of the input login ID and password is stored in the memory 32. Further, the MFP 10 in the login state changes from the login state to the logout state in response to accepting a logout operation (for example, pressing of the [Logout] button) through the user I / F 24.

  The login state is a state in which, in addition to the operation permitted in the non-login state, an operation specifically permitted for the login user can be accepted through the user I / F 24. The operation that is specifically permitted in the login state is, for example, an operation of adding, editing, and deleting a destination with respect to the telephone directory for the logged-in user, or an operation for setting security. The security-related setting includes, for example, switching whether or not a password input is requested during a printing operation, or inputting personal information of a logged-in user.

  Further, the user assigned the login ID “Admin” may be permitted a special operation in addition to the operation permitted to the user assigned the login ID “User”. Further, the special operation may be, for example, an initialization operation for returning the setting of the MFP 10 to the factory setting. That is, the MFP 10 that has been logged in using the login ID “Admin” returns the setting of the MFP 10 to the factory default state in response to accepting the initialization operation through the user I / F 24. On the other hand, the MFP 10 that has been logged in using the login ID “User” does not accept an initialization operation through the user I / F 24.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the information processing terminal 50 mainly includes a display 53, a user I / F 54, a communication I / F 55, a CPU 61, a memory 62, and a communication bus 63. The display 53, user I / F 54, communication I / F 55, CPU 61, memory 62, and communication bus 63 included in the information processing terminal 50 are the display 23, user I / F 24, communication I / F 25, CPU 31, included in the MFP 10. Since the configuration is the same as that of the memory 32 and the communication bus 33, the description thereof is omitted. The CPU 61 and the memory 62 are an example of a controller. The information processing terminal 50 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the memory 62 can store a workflow list. The workflow list includes one or more workflow records. Each workflow record included in the workflow list corresponds to one of one or more workflows. For example, the workflow record may be input through the user I / F 54 by the administrator of the information processing terminal 50, or may be received from the server 80 through the communication I / F 55. A workflow refers to a series of processes in which a plurality of jobs are combined. A job is a unit of processing included in a workflow, and includes, for example, a scan job, a print job, a FAX transmission job, a display job, an upload job, and a download job.

  The workflow list includes, for example, a WF-ID and status information. The WF-ID is information for identifying the workflow corresponding to the workflow record. The status information is information for indicating a status in which the workflow corresponding to the workflow record can be executed. The situation information includes, for example, at least one of time information, device ID, and login ID. The time information indicates a range of time when workflow request information described later is received. That is, the time information is a set of a plurality of time information. The device ID is information for identifying the MFP 10 that is the transmission source of the workflow request information. The login ID is a login ID input to put the MFP 10 in the login state when the MFP 10 in the login state transmits the workflow request information.

  The scan job is a job for causing the MFP 10 to execute a scan operation and acquiring scan data generated by the scan operation. The print job is a job that causes the MFP 10 to execute a print operation. The FAX transmission job is a job that causes the MFP 10 to execute a FAX transmission operation. The display job is a job for displaying information on the display 23 of the MFP 10. The upload job is a job for transmitting data to the server 80. The download job is a job for receiving data from the server 80. However, the content and type of the job are not limited to the above example.

  The workflow according to the present embodiment includes at least a scan job and an upload job. More specifically, the workflow according to the present embodiment acquires scan data from the MFP 10 by a scan job, and transmits the acquired scan data to the server 80 by an upload job.

  Further, the memory 62 can store a job list, for example, as shown in FIGS. The job list corresponds to one of the WF-IDs registered in the workflow list. The job list shown in FIG. 3B corresponds to WF-ID “B”, and the job list shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to WF-ID “A”. The job list is an example of workflow definition information that defines a workflow identified by a WF-ID. The job list includes a plurality of job records. Each job record included in the job list corresponds to one of a plurality of jobs included in the workflow. For example, the job list may be input through the user I / F 54 by the administrator of the information processing terminal 50 or may be received from the server 80 through the communication I / F 55.

  The job record includes, for example, a job ID, operation information, message data, feature information, and a next job ID. The job ID is information for identifying a job record. The operation information is information indicating the contents of the job corresponding to the job record. In the operation information shown in FIGS. 3B and 4, the contents of the job are indicated by character strings with emphasis placed on easy understanding. However, the actual operation information includes, for example, an operation ID for identifying the operation to be executed and an execution parameter indicating the execution condition of the operation. As an example, the operation information corresponding to the job ID “001” in FIG. 3B includes the operation ID “scan” of the scan operation and the execution parameters of the scan operation (for example, reading resolution = 600 dpi, reading color = 256 colors). Including. As another example, the operation information corresponding to the job ID “005” in FIG. 4 includes an operation ID “print” of the print operation and an execution parameter (for example, sheet size = A4, image quality = fine) of the print operation. .

  The message data indicates a character string (hereinafter referred to as “guide message”) to be displayed on the display 23 of the MFP 10 when the job corresponding to the job record is executed. As an example, the guide message indicated by the message data corresponding to the job ID “001” in FIGS. 3B and 4 is an example of a first guide message indicating the contents of the workflow defined in the job list. As another example, the guide message indicated by the message data corresponding to the job ID “003” in FIG. 3B and the job ID “008” in FIG. 4 is the second indicating the result of the workflow defined in the job list. It is an example of a guide message.

  The characteristic information indicates characteristics that should be included in data (hereinafter referred to as “job data”) acquired by a job corresponding to the job record. The scan data acquired from the MFP 10 and the processing result data acquired from the server 80 are examples of job data. Note that the job record may not include one or both of message data and feature information. The next job ID is information for identifying a job record corresponding to a job to be executed next.

  As an example, the feature information corresponding to the job ID “001” in FIG. 3B includes one of the character strings “inventory list”, “sales report”, and “attendance report” in the scan data. The characteristic is shown. Further, the job record identified by the job ID “001” in FIG. 3B includes the next job ID “002” when the feature extracted from the job data matches the feature indicated by the feature information, and the job data. And the next job ID “003” when the feature indicated by the feature information does not match.

  As another example, the feature information corresponding to the job ID “003” in FIG. 4 is added to the job data downloaded from the server with one of the data IDs “shipping notification slip”, “transfer request slip”, and “out of stock”. The characteristic that it is done is shown. Further, the job record identified by the job ID “003” in FIG. 4 includes a next job ID “004” corresponding to the data ID “shipment notification slip” and a next job ID “transfer request slip” corresponding to the data ID “transfer request slip”. 005 ”and the next job ID“ 006 ”corresponding to the data ID“ out of stock ”.

  The terminal program 65 executes the WF control process shown in FIG. 5 based on the information shown in FIGS. First, the terminal program 65 acquires target status information in response to receiving job request information including the job ID “000” from the MFP 10 via the communication I / F 55 (S11: job request & S12,000) (S13). . The job request information including the job ID “000” is an example of workflow request information indicating that the MFP 10 has received an input operation for requesting the start of the workflow. The process of acquiring job request information including the job ID “000” is an example of a first acquisition process, and the process of S13 is an example of a second acquisition process.

  As an example, the terminal program 65 may acquire time information indicating the reception time of job request information including the job ID “000” and target status information from a system clock (not shown). As another example, the terminal program 65 may acquire at least one of the device ID and the login ID included in the received job request information as target situation information. That is, the target status information acquired in S13 is status information specified based on job request information including the job ID “000”. The number of target situation information acquired in S13 is not limited to three. Further, the number of pieces of target situation information acquired by the terminal program 65 may be different each time the process of S13 is executed.

  Next, the terminal program 65 specifies a WF-ID associated with the target situation information acquired in S13 among the WF-IDs registered in the workflow list. When a plurality of pieces of target situation information are acquired in S13, the terminal program 65 specifies a WF-ID associated with all of the plurality of pieces of target situation information. Further, when a plurality of WF-IDs associated with the target situation information acquired in S13 are registered, the terminal program 65 identifies a plurality of WF-IDs. Then, the terminal program 65 reads the job list identified by the specified WF-ID from the memory 62 (S14). The process of S14 is an example of a read process.

  Next, the terminal program 65 determines the number of job lists read in S14 (in other words, the number of WF-IDs specified in S14) (S15). When the terminal program 65 determines that a plurality of job lists have been read (S15: plural), the terminal program 65 instructs the MFP 10 that is the transmission source of the job request information including the job ID “000” via the communication I / F 55. Information is transmitted (S16). The selection instruction information is information for causing the user of the MFP 10 to select one of the plurality of WF-IDs identified in S14. The selection instruction information includes, for example, a plurality of WF-IDs identified in S14. The process of S16 is an example of a selection instruction process.

  On the other hand, although illustration is omitted, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10 displays a workflow selection screen on the display 23 in response to selection instruction information being received from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25. The workflow selection screen includes a plurality of workflow icons corresponding to the plurality of WF-IDs included in the selection instruction information. Next, in response to accepting a user operation for designating one of a plurality of workflow icons through the user I / F 24, the device program 35 assigns a WF-ID corresponding to the designated workflow icon to the communication I / F 25. To the information processing terminal 50.

  Next, the terminal program 65 receives a WF-ID from the MFP 10 through the communication I / F 55 as a response to the selection instruction information (S17: Yes). The process of S17 is an example of a third acquisition process. Of the plurality of job lists read in S14, the job list identified by the WF-ID received in S17 is an example of target workflow definition information (hereinafter referred to as “target job list”). Then, the terminal program 65 executes the job identified by the job ID “001” in the target job list (S18). That is, the terminal program 65 executes the job according to the operation information of the job record including the job ID “001”. On the other hand, when the terminal program 65 determines that there is only one job list read in S14 (S15: 1), the job list read in S14 is used as the target job list without executing the processes in S16 & S17. , S18 is executed.

  Further, the terminal program 65 receives the job request information including a job ID different from the job ID “000” (S11: job request & S12: 001-), and the next job ID registered in the target job list. Among these, the next job ID associated with the job ID included in the job request information is specified. Then, the terminal program 65 executes the job identified by the specified next job ID (S19).

  Further, in response to receiving job data from the MFP 10 or the server 80 through the communication I / F 55 (S11: job data), the terminal program 65 extracts features of the received job data (S20). The process of receiving job data from the MFP 10 is an example of a first reception process, the process of receiving job data from the server 80 is an example of a second reception process, and the process of S20 is an example of an extraction process. A specific example of the process of extracting features will be described later with reference to S37 and S38 in FIG. 6, S65 and S66 in FIG.

  In addition, the terminal program 65 reads, from the memory 62, feature information corresponding to the job ID added to the received job data among the feature information registered in the job list. The terminal program 65 compares the feature extracted in S20 with the feature indicated by the feature information read from the memory 62, so that the feature extracted from the job data matches the feature indicated by the feature information. It is determined whether or not (S21). The process of S21 is an example of a first determination process.

  Next, the terminal program 65 specifies the next job ID corresponding to the determination result in S21 among the plurality of next job IDs corresponding to the job ID added to the job data. Then, the terminal program 65 executes the job identified by the specified next job ID (S22). The terminal program 65 implements the workflow by repeatedly executing the processes of S11 to S22 until the job corresponding to the job record not including the next job ID is executed. That is, the processes of S18, S19, and S22 that are repeatedly executed are examples of the workflow execution process.

  The server 80 outputs the scan data received from the information processing terminal 50 that executes the upload job. The process of outputting the scan data includes, for example, a process of storing the scan data in a memory included in the server 80, a process of displaying an image indicated by the scan data on a display included in the server 80, and a scan data displayed on a printer connected to the server 80 Refers to a process for executing a print operation targeting the. The server 80 that executes these processes is an example of an output device.

  Further, the server 80 may execute data processing (for example, OCR, statistics, data matching, etc.) for the scan data. The purpose of the data processing may be, for example, inventory confirmation, order processing, sales data management, daily report printing, and the like. Further, the server 80 may generate processing result data indicating a result of data processing for scan data. Then, the server 80 may transmit the processing result data to the information processing terminal 50 that executes the download job.

[Operation of System 100]
With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the details of the operation of the system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case in which the system 100 is introduced into a company that sells shoes in stores A and B. However, it goes without saying that the method of using the system 100 is not limited to this.

  First, the employee of the store A listens to the shoes conditions (for example, manufacturer, model number, color, size, etc.) desired by the customer and sells shoes that meet the customer's wishes. More specifically, if an employee in the store A has shoes in the store A that satisfy the conditions desired by the customer, the employee sells the shoes to the customer. On the other hand, if the shoe of the condition desired by the customer is not in store A, the employee of store A uses system 100 to check whether the shoe is in the head office or store B. Then, if the shoe is in the head office or the store B, the employee of the store A obtains the shoe from the head office or the store B and sells it. On the other hand, if the shoe is not in the head office or store B, the employee of store A obtains the shoe from the manufacturer and sells it.

  Further, the store manager of the store A performs sales management, inventory management, customer management, attendance management, and the like of the store A using the information processing terminal 50, and reports the results to the head office using the system 100. That is, it is not preferable that employees other than the store manager use the information processing terminal 50 from the viewpoint of appropriately managing confidential information or personal information. Therefore, the system 100 according to the present embodiment is installed in such a company, so that the business of the company can be smoothly executed without causing an employee other than the store manager to operate the information processing terminal 50.

  The flowchart in this specification basically shows the processing of the CPUs 31 and 61 in accordance with the instructions described in the program. That is, processes such as “determination”, “extraction”, “selection”, “calculation”, “decision”, “specification”, “acquisition”, “acceptance”, “control”, etc. Represents processing. Processing by the CPUs 31 and 61 includes hardware control via the OSs 34 and 64. “Acquisition” is used in a concept that does not require a request. That is, the process that the CPU 61 receives data without requesting it is also included in the concept of “the CPU 61 acquires data”. Further, “data” in this specification is represented by a bit string readable by a computer. Data having substantially the same semantic content but different formats are handled as the same data. The same applies to “information” in this specification.

  First, with reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7, an example of the operation | work in operation of the shop A is demonstrated. The employee of the store A during business hours (for example, 15:00), when the shoe of the condition desired by the customer is not in the store A, as shown in FIG. “Manufacturer”, model number “Sneaker XYZ”, color “red”, and size “26” are entered in the inventory search form and set in the ADF of MFP 10A in the non-logged-in state (S31). The apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10A transmits job request information to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 in response to detecting through the detection sensor that a document has been set on the ADF (S32). The job request information transmitted here includes, for example, a job ID “000” and a device ID “MFP-A”, and does not include a login ID. The operation of setting a document on the ADF is an example of an input operation for requesting the start of a workflow.

  Next, the terminal program 65 of the information processing terminal 50 receives job request information from the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 (S32). The process of S32 is an example of a first acquisition process. Next, in response to the job ID “000” being included in the received job request information, the terminal program 65 receives the time information “15:00” indicating the current time and the device ID “included in the job request information”. MFP-A "is acquired as target situation information. This process is an example of a second acquisition process. Next, the terminal program 65, among the WF-IDs registered in the workflow list shown in FIG. 3A, the corresponding status information includes the current time “15:00” and the device ID “MFP-A”. -Specify ID "A". Then, the terminal program 65 reads the job list shown in FIG. 4 from the memory 62 as the target job list corresponding to the specified WF-ID “A”. This process is an example of a reading process.

  Next, in accordance with the operation information “scan inventory search slip” included in the job record with the job ID “001” among the read job records of the target job list, the terminal program 65 sends the job request information to the MFP 10A that is the transmission source. Scan instruction information is transmitted through the communication I / F 55 (S33). The scan instruction information is information for instructing execution of a scan operation. The scan instruction information transmitted in S33 includes, for example, a job ID “001”, an operation ID “scan” included in the operation information, and an execution parameter. The process of S33 is an example of a scan instruction process.

  Further, the terminal program 65 transmits display instruction information to the MFP 10 </ b> A through the communication I / F 55 in response to the message data included in the job record with the job ID “001”. The display instruction information is information for instructing display of a guide message indicated by message data. The display instruction information transmitted here includes, for example, message data indicating a guide message “scan the inventory search slip” indicating the contents of the workflow defined in the target job list. This process is an example of a display instruction process. The terminal program 65 may transmit the display instruction information included in the scan instruction information, or may separately transmit the scan instruction information and the display instruction information.

  Next, the device program 35 of the MFP 10 </ b> A responds to the display instruction information received through the communication I / F 25, and displays the received display instruction information guide message “Please scan the inventory search slip” on the display 23. Display. Further, the apparatus program 35 waits until the [Scan] button of the user I / F 24 is pressed in response to receiving the scan instruction information through the communication I / F 25. As a result, the employee who sets the inventory search tag in the ADF of the MFP 10 </ b> A may press the “scan” button after viewing the guide message displayed on the display 23.

  Next, the apparatus program 35 causes the scanner 12 to perform a scanning operation according to the received scan instruction information in response to accepting an operation of pressing the [Scan] button through the user I / F 24 (S34). That is, the scanner 12 reads the inventory search slip set in the ADF according to the execution parameter included in the scan instruction information, and generates scan data (hereinafter referred to as “inventory search slip data”). Then, the apparatus program 35 transmits the inventory search form data generated by the scanner 12 to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 as a response to the scan instruction information (S35). Note that the job ID “001” included in the scan instruction information received in S33 is added to the inventory search slip data transmitted in S35.

  Next, the terminal program 65 receives inventory search form data from the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 (S35). The process of S35 is an example of a first reception process. Next, since the feature information is not set in the job record with the job ID “001” added to the received inventory search slip data, the terminal program 65 does not execute the processing of S20 & S21. Then, the terminal program 65 communicates the inventory search tag data received in S35 according to the operation information “upload of inventory search tag data” included in the job record of the next job ID “002” corresponding to the job ID “001”. / F55 is transmitted to the server 80 (S36). The job ID “002” is added to the inventory search slip data transmitted in S36. The inventory search form data with the job ID added is an example of output instruction information. The process of S36 is an example of an output instruction process.

  Next, the server 80 stores the received inventory search tag data in the server memory in response to receiving the inventory search tag data from the information processing terminal 50 (S36). Next, the server 80 sends a character string “xxx manufactory” corresponding to the manufacturer, a character string “Sneaker XYZ” corresponding to the model number, a character string “red” corresponding to the color, and a character string “26” corresponding to the size, It is extracted from inventory search form data using a well-known OCR technique. Then, the server 80 determines whether or not there are shoes in the head office or the store B that match the conditions indicated by the extracted character strings “xxx manufactory”, “sneaker XYZ”, “red”, “26”. Judgment is made by referring to the inventory database. These processes are examples of data processing for scan data.

  As another example, the server 80 displays an image indicated by the inventory search tag data received from the information processing terminal 50 on a display included in the server 80, and the shoes having the conditions indicated by the inventory search tag data are displayed in the head office or the store B. It may be possible to let an employee at the headquarters look for whether or not Then, the server 80 may accept an input operation for inputting a result of the employee in the head office searching for the shoes through a user I / F included in the server 80.

  The server 80 instructs the employee of the head office to send the shoes from the head office to the store A when the shoes matching the conditions are located at the head office, and sends the shipping notification form data to the information processing terminal 50. (S37). As shown in FIG. 9B, for example, the shipping notification form data is information indicating the date and time “scheduled arrival date: April 19, 2017” when the shoes sent by the employees of the head office are scheduled to arrive at the store A. And a character string extracted by OCR. The server 80 transmits transfer request slip data to the information processing terminal 50 when the shoes matching the conditions are in the store B (S37). The transfer request form data includes matters necessary for requesting transfer of shoes between stores, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, the server 80 transmits out-of-stock data to the information processing terminal 50 when there are no shoes that match the conditions at the head office and the store B (S37). The out-of-stock data is data indicating that there is no stock of shoes that meet the conditions. The shipping notification form data, transfer request form data, and out-of-stock data are examples of processing result data indicating the result of processing the scan data. The processing result data includes a job ID “003” next to the job ID “002” added to the inventory search slip data, and a data ID for identifying the content of the processing result data (for example, “shipping notification slip”, “transfer”). "Request form" and "Out of stock") are added.

  Next, the terminal program 65 receives the processing result data from the server 80 through the communication I / F 55 according to the operation information “download processing result data” included in the job record with the job ID “003” (S37). The process of S37 is an example of a second reception process. In the present embodiment, the server 80 is both the transmission destination of the inventory search form data in S36 and the transmission source of the processing result data in S37. Therefore, only one server ID (for example, URL) for identifying the communication partner server 80 in S36 and S37 may be defined in the workflow record including the WF-ID “A”. Alternatively, the server ID indicating the transmission destination of the inventory search slip data in S36 is defined in the job record of job ID “002”, and the server ID indicating the transmission source of the processing result data in S37 is defined in the job record of job ID “003”. May be defined.

  Next, the terminal program 65 extracts features of the received processing result data. For example, the terminal program 65 may extract the data ID added to the processing result data as a feature of the processing result data. This process is an example of an extraction process. Next, the terminal program 65 determines whether or not the feature extracted from the processing result data matches the feature indicated by the job record with the job ID “003” added to the processing result data (S38). This process is an example of a first determination process. Then, the terminal program 65 executes the next job corresponding to the determination result of S38.

  As an example, when the terminal program 65 determines that the feature extracted from the processing result data matches the “shipment notification slip” (S38: shipping notification slip), the next job ID corresponding to the feature “shipment notification slip”. Print instruction information is transmitted to MFP 10A through communication I / F 55 in accordance with the operation information “print shipping notification slip” included in the job record “004” (S39). The print instruction information is information for instructing execution of a print operation. The print instruction information transmitted in S39 includes, for example, the shipping notification form data received in S37, the job ID “004”, the operation ID “print” included in the operation information, and the execution parameter. The process of S39 is an example of a print instruction process and an output instruction process.

  Next, in response to receiving the print instruction information from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 (S39), the apparatus program 35 causes the printer 11 to execute a print operation according to the received print instruction information (S40). That is, the printer 11 records the image indicated by the shipping notification form data included in the print instruction information on the sheet according to the execution parameter included in the print instruction information. As a result, the shipping notification slip shown in FIG. 9B is output from the MFP 10A. Then, the employee of the store A may hand the shipping notification form output from the MFP 10A to the customer and guide the revisit after the scheduled arrival date and time.

  In S39, the terminal program 65 may transmit display instruction information for instructing display of the image indicated by the shipping notification form data to the MFP 10A instead of the print instruction information. Then, the device program 35 of the MFP 10 </ b> A may cause the display 23 to display a shipping notification vote according to the display instruction information received from the information processing terminal 50 in S <b> 40. As a result, the ADS that does not include the printer 11 can also execute the process of S40. Which of the print instruction information and the display instruction information is transmitted in S39 may be defined in advance in the job record, for example.

  In S39, the terminal program 65 may transmit the print instruction information or the display instruction information to a printer different from the MFP 10A that has transmitted the job request information. Thus, even when job request information is received from a scanner that does not include a printer and a monitor, the process of S40 can be realized. A device ID (for example, an IP address or a MAC address) indicating a device to which the print instruction information or the display instruction information is transmitted may be defined in advance in a job record, for example.

  As another example, when the terminal program 65 determines that the feature extracted from the processing result data matches “out of stock” (S38: no stock), the next job ID “ Display instruction information is transmitted to the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 in accordance with the operation information “display of no stock message” included in the job record “006” (S41). The display instruction information transmitted in S41 includes, for example, a job ID “006” and message data “There is no stock. Please contact the manufacturer.” The process of S41 is an example of a display instruction process.

  Next, in response to receiving the display instruction information from the information processing terminal 50 via the communication I / F 25 (S41), the device program 35 receives the received display instruction information guide message “There is no stock. Please contact the manufacturer. "Is displayed on the display 23 (S42). Then, after seeing the guide message displayed on the display 23, the employee of the store A may call the manufacturer and order shoes that meet the conditions.

  As yet another example, the terminal program 65 responds to the feature “transfer request slip” in response to determining that the feature extracted from the processing result data matches the “transfer request slip” (S38: transfer request slip). In accordance with the operation information “print transfer request slip” included in the job record of the next job ID “005”, the print instruction information is transmitted to the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 (S51). The print instruction information transmitted in S51 includes, for example, the transfer request form data received in S37, a job ID “005”, an operation ID “print” included in the operation information, and an execution parameter. The process of S51 is an example of a print instruction process.

  Further, the terminal program 65 transmits display instruction information to the MFP 10 </ b> A through the communication I / F 55 in response to the message data being included in the job record with the job ID “005”. The display instruction information transmitted here includes, for example, message data indicating a guide message “Please fill in the transfer request form and set in the scanner” indicating how to handle the sheet on which the image is recorded by the printing operation. This process is an example of a display instruction process. The terminal program 65 may transmit the display instruction information included in the print instruction information, or may separately transmit the print instruction information and the display instruction information.

  Next, in response to receiving the display instruction information through the communication I / F 25, the device program 35 of the MFP 10A receives the guide message “Please fill in the transfer request form and set it in the scanner”. Is displayed on the display 23. In response to receiving the print instruction information from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 (S51), the apparatus program 35 causes the printer 11 to execute a print operation according to the received print instruction information (S52). That is, the printer 11 records the image indicated by the transfer request form data included in the print instruction information on the sheet according to the execution parameter included in the print instruction information.

  As a result, the transfer request form shown in FIG. 10A is output from the MFP 10A. Then, the employee of the store A sees the guide message displayed on the display 23, and then, on the transfer request form output from the MFP 10A, the necessary items (for example, the shipment deadline of shoes corresponding to “limit ::” : "Name of the person in charge corresponding to" "is entered and set in the ADF of the MFP 10A (S53). Next, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10A transmits job request information to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 in response to detecting that the document is set on the ADF through the detection sensor (S53) (S54). ). The job request information transmitted here includes, for example, the job ID “005” included in the print instruction information received in S51.

  Next, the terminal program 65 receives job request information including the job ID “005” from the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 (S54). Next, the terminal program 65 sends scan instruction information to the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 in accordance with the operation information “scan of shipping request slip” included in the job record of the next job ID “007” corresponding to the job ID “005”. Transmit (S55). The scan instruction information transmitted in S55 includes, for example, a job ID “007”, an operation ID “scan” included in the operation information, and an execution parameter. The process of S55 is an example of a scan instruction process.

  Further, the terminal program 65 transmits display instruction information to the MFP 10 </ b> A through the communication I / F 55 in response to the message data included in the job record with the job ID “007”. The display instruction information transmitted here includes, for example, message data “Please scan the transfer request form.” This process is an example of a display instruction process. The terminal program 65 may transmit the display instruction information included in the scan instruction information, or may separately transmit the scan instruction information and the display instruction information.

  Next, the device program 35 of the MFP 10 </ b> A displays on the display 23 the guide message “Please scan the transfer request form” of the received display instruction information in response to receiving the display instruction information through the communication I / F 25. Display. Further, the apparatus program 35 waits until the [Scan] button of the user I / F 24 is pressed in response to receiving the scan instruction information through the communication I / F 25. As a result, the employee who has set the transfer request form in the ADF of the MFP 10 </ b> A may press the [Scan] button after viewing the guide message displayed on the display 23.

  Next, the apparatus program 35 causes the scanner 12 to perform a scanning operation according to the received scan instruction information in response to accepting an operation of pressing the [Scan] button through the user I / F 24 (S56). In other words, the scanner 12 reads the transfer request form set in the ADF according to the execution parameter included in the scan instruction information, and generates scan data (hereinafter referred to as “transfer request form data”). Then, the device program 35 transmits the transfer request form data generated by the scanner 12 to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 as a response to the scan instruction information (S57). Note that the job ID “007” included in the scan instruction information received in S55 is added to the transfer request form data transmitted in S57.

  Next, the terminal program 65 receives the transfer request form data from the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 (S57). The process of S57 is an example of a first reception process. Next, since the feature information is not set in the job record with the job ID “007” added to the received transfer request form data, the terminal program 65 does not execute the processing of S20 & S21. Then, in accordance with the operation information “FAX transmission of transfer request form data” included in the job record of the next job ID “008” corresponding to the job ID “007”, the terminal program 65 transmits FAX instruction information to the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55. Is transmitted (S58). The FAX instruction information is information for instructing execution of a FAX transmission operation. The FAX instruction information transmitted in S58 includes, for example, the transfer request form data received in S57, a job ID “008”, and a FAX number for identifying the MFP 10C as a FAX transmission destination. The process of S58 is an example of an output instruction process.

  Further, the terminal program 65 transmits display instruction information to the MFP 10 </ b> A through the communication I / F 55 in response to the message data being included in the job record with the job ID “008”. The display instruction information transmitted here includes, for example, message data “FAX transfer request slip”. This process is an example of a display instruction process. The terminal program 65 may transmit the display instruction information included in the FAX instruction information, or may transmit the FAX instruction information and the display instruction information separately.

  Next, the device program 35 causes the FAX-I / F 13 to execute a FAX transmission operation according to the received FAX instruction information in response to receiving FAX instruction information through the communication I / F 25 (S58). That is, the FAX-I / F 13 transmits the transfer request form data included in the FAX instruction information by FAX to the MFP 10C identified by the FAX number included in the FAX instruction information. In response to receiving the display instruction information through the communication I / F 25, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10A displays the received display instruction information guide message “FAX transfer request form” on the display 23. . Then, after seeing the guide message, the employee of the store A may guide the customer that the desired shoes are sent from the store B.

  Further, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10C receives the transfer request form data from the MFP 10A via the FAX-I / F 13 (S59). Next, the apparatus program 35 may cause the printer 11 to execute a printing operation for recording the image indicated by the transfer request form data received by FAX on a sheet, or may display the image on the display 23. Then, the employee of the store B may look at the transfer request slip recorded on the sheet or the transfer request slip displayed on the display 23 and send shoes matching the conditions to the store A.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an example of the business after the store A is closed will be described. The store manager of the store A uses the information processing terminal 50 after the daily business is completed (for example, 21:00) for the inventory list, the sales report, and the attendance report shown in FIG. create. The inventory list is a list of inventory of the store A after the end of the business day. The sales report indicates the daily sales at the store A. The attendance report shows the attendance time and leaving time of the employee who went to the store A. The inventory list, sales report, and attendance report are examples of daily reports.

  Next, the store manager of the store A causes the printer 11 of the MFP 10A to execute a print operation for recording the created daily report on the sheet. Then, the store manager of the store A switches the MFP 10A to the login state using the login ID “Admin” and the password “abc”, and then sets the daily report recorded on the sheet in the ADF (S61). The apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10A transmits job request information to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 in response to detecting through the detection sensor that a document has been set on the ADF (S62). The job request information transmitted in S62DE includes, for example, a job ID “000”, a device ID “MFP-A”, and a login ID “Admin”.

  Next, the terminal program 65 receives job request information from the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 (S62). The process of S62 is an example of a first acquisition process. Next, in response to the job ID “000” being included in the received job request information, the terminal program 65 performs time information “21:00” indicating the current time, device ID “MFP-A”, and login. ID “Admin” is acquired as target situation information. This process is an example of a second acquisition process. Next, the terminal program 65 sets the corresponding status information among the WF-IDs registered in the workflow list shown in FIG. 3A to the current time “21:00”, the device ID “MFP-A”, and the login ID. The WF-ID “B” including “Admin” is specified. Then, the terminal program 65 reads the job list shown in FIG. 3B from the memory 62 as the target job list corresponding to the specified WF-ID “B”. This process is an example of a reading process.

  Next, the terminal program 65 communicates with the MFP 10A as the transmission source of the job request information according to the operation information “daily report scan” included in the job record of the job ID “001” among the job records of the read job list. Scan instruction information is transmitted through F55 (S63). The scan instruction information transmitted in S63 includes, for example, a job ID “001”, an operation ID “scan” included in the operation information, and an execution parameter. The process of S63 is an example of a scan instruction process.

  Further, the terminal program 65 transmits display instruction information to the MFP 10 </ b> A through the communication I / F 55 in response to the message data included in the job record with the job ID “001”. The display instruction information transmitted here includes, for example, message data indicating a guide message “scan the daily report” indicating the contents of the workflow defined in the target job list. This process is an example of a display instruction process. The terminal program 65 may transmit the display instruction information included in the scan instruction information, or may separately transmit the scan instruction information and the display instruction information.

  Next, the apparatus program 35 of the MFP 10 </ b> A causes the display 23 to display a guide message “Please scan daily report” of the received display instruction information in response to receiving the display instruction information through the communication I / F 25. . Further, the apparatus program 35 waits until the [Scan] button of the user I / F 24 is pressed in response to receiving the scan instruction information through the communication I / F 25. As a result, the employee who sets the daily report in the ADF of the MFP 10 </ b> A may press the [Scan] button after viewing the guide message displayed on the display 23.

  Next, the apparatus program 35 causes the scanner 12 to execute a scanning operation according to the received scan instruction information in response to accepting an operation of pressing the [Scan] button through the user I / F 24 (S64). That is, the scanner 12 sequentially reads daily reports set in the ADF in accordance with execution parameters included in the scan instruction information, and generates scan data (hereinafter referred to as “daily report data”). Then, the device program 35 transmits daily report data generated by the scanner 12 to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25 as a response to the scan instruction information (S65). It should be noted that the job ID “001” included in the scan instruction information received in S63 is added to the daily report data transmitted in S65.

  Next, the terminal program 65 receives daily report data from the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 (S65). The process of S65 is an example of a first reception process. Next, the terminal program 65 extracts the characteristics of the received daily report data. The terminal program 65 extracts, for example, character strings (for example, “inventory list”, “sales report”, “attendance report”) included in the daily report data as features of the daily report data using a well-known OCR technique. May be. Next, the terminal program 65 determines whether or not the feature extracted from the daily report data matches the feature indicated by the job record with the job ID “001” added to the daily report data (S66). This process is an example of a first determination process. Then, the terminal program 65 executes the next job corresponding to the determination result of S66.

  As an example, when the terminal program 65 determines that the feature extracted from the daily report data does not match the feature of the job record (S66: No), the operation information “included in the job record of the next job ID“ 002 ”“ In accordance with “rescan for missing sheets”, rescan instruction information is transmitted to MFP 10A through communication I / F 55 (S63). The rescan instruction information transmitted in S63 includes, for example, a job ID “002”, an operation ID “scan” included in the operation information, and an execution parameter. The process of S63 after determining “S56: No” is an example of a rescan instruction process.

  Further, the terminal program 65 transmits display instruction information to the MFP 10 </ b> A through the communication I / F 55 in response to the message data included in the job record with the job ID “002”. The display instruction information transmitted here includes, for example, message data indicating a guide message “Please scan [*].” Indicating the characteristics determined not to match in S56. [*] Is replaced with a character string indicating an image that is not included in the daily report data received in S55 among the character strings "inventory list", "sales report", and "time report". This process is an example of a display instruction process. The terminal program 65 may transmit the display instruction information included in the rescan instruction information, or may transmit the rescan instruction information and the display instruction information separately.

  The operation of the MFP 10A that has received the rescan instruction information is the same as S64 and S65 described above. Then, the terminal program 65 receives daily report data again from the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 as a response to the rescan instruction information (S65). Next, the terminal program 65 determines whether or not the feature extracted from the plurality of daily report data received in S65 matches the feature indicated by the job record with the job ID “002” (S66).

  Then, the terminal program 65 determines that the feature extracted from the daily report data matches the feature of the job record (S66: Yes), and the operation information “daily report data included in the job record of the next job ID“ 003 ”. The daily report data received in S65 is transmitted to the server 80 through the communication I / F 55 according to "Upload of" (S67). A job ID “003” is added to the daily report data transmitted in S67. The process of S67 is an example of an output instruction process. Further, the server 80 stores the received daily report data in the server memory in response to the reception of the daily report data from the information processing terminal 50.

  Further, the terminal program 65 transmits the display instruction information to the MFP 10A through the communication I / F 55 in response to the message data included in the job record with the job ID “003” (S68). The display instruction information transmitted here includes, for example, message data “daily report uploaded” and job ID “003”. This process is an example of a display instruction process. Further, in response to receiving the display instruction information from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25, the device program 35 of the MFP 10A displays the received display instruction information guide message “daily report has been uploaded” on the display 23. (S69).

[Effects of Embodiment]
According to the above embodiment, the target job list associated with the target situation information specified based on the acquired workflow request information is selected from the plurality of job lists stored in the memory 62. The work burden on the user can be reduced. More specifically, a job list corresponding to the reception time of the workflow request information, the device ID of the MFP 10 that is the transmission source of the workflow request information, the login ID that is logged into the MFP 10 that is the transmission source of the workflow request information, or a combination thereof is selected. As a result, an appropriate workflow can be executed while reducing the operation burden on the user of the MFP 10.

  That is, as in the above-described embodiment, in the MFP 10A installed in the store A, the workflow that can be executed during business hours and after business hours can be automatically switched. As a result, even if the employee of the store A is not particularly aware of it, one MFP 10A can execute various workflows. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 8, it is possible to prevent the workflow for uploading daily reports from being executed by employees other than the store manager. That is, the reliability that the daily report data uploaded to the server 80 is created by a user having a predetermined authority (that is, a store manager) is improved. Although further details are omitted, a different workflow can be assigned to each of the plurality of MFPs 10A and 10B installed in the store A.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, when there are a plurality of job lists associated with the target situation information (S15: plural), an operation for selecting one of the plural job lists is performed by the user of the MFP 10 Will be required. However, since the job list is narrowed down in advance by the target situation information specified based on the workflow request information, compared with the case where a desired job list is selected from all the job lists stored in the memory 62, The operation burden on the user of the MFP 10 is reduced.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the first guide message set in the job record with the job ID “001” is displayed on the display 23 of the MFP 10A, so that the user of the MFP 10A can recognize the contents of the workflow to be executed. be able to. The “workflow content” may be, for example, a name assigned to the workflow in advance or a name of a document to be read by a scanning operation.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the output instruction process is executed when appropriate scan data is received from the MFP 10A (S66: Yes → S67), and the scan operation is performed again when inappropriate scan data is received from the MFP 10A. In addition to the instruction, the user of the MFP 10A can recognize the necessity of rescanning by the guide message (S66: No → S63). Thereby, appropriate scan data can be acquired.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the MFP 10A outputs a shipping notification form or a transfer request form indicating the result of processing scan data, and allows the user to recognize how to handle the sheet by a guide message. Note that the MFP 10 that executes the scan operation in S34 and S56 and the MFP 10 that executes the print operation in S40 and S52 may be the same or different. That is, the MFP 10A may execute the scan operation in S34 and S56, and the MFP 10B may execute the print operation in S40 and S52.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the workflow request information is transmitted at the timing when the document is set on the ADF has been described. However, the timing at which the workflow request information is transmitted is not limited to this. As another example, the apparatus program 35 requests a workflow request in response to the start of power supply from the external power source to the MFP 10 (that is, the power switch of the MFP 10 is switched from “OFF” to “ON”). Information may be transmitted. As yet another example, the apparatus program 35 may transmit workflow request information in response to the MFP 10 being switched from a sleep state to a drive state. By adopting such a trigger, the workflow request information is transmitted at the timing when the MFP 10 can execute the workflow.

  The sleep state is, for example, a state in which power is not supplied to at least the scanner 12 among the components of the MFP 10. More specifically, in the sleep state, power is supplied to the user I / F 24, the communication I / F 25, the CPU 31, and the memory 32 among the components of the MFP 10, and the printer 11, the scanner 12, and the FAX-I / In this state, power is not supplied to F13. On the other hand, the driving state is a state in which power is supplied to the scanner 12. More specifically, the driving state is a state where power is supplied to all the components of the MFP 10. Then, the MFP 10 in the dormant state changes to the driving state in response to receiving an input operation through the user I / F 24 or in response to receiving information from an external device through the communication I / F 25. On the other hand, the MFP 10 in the driving state enters the sleep state in response to the period when the input operation is not accepted through the user I / F 24 reaches the threshold time and the period when the information is not received through the communication I / F 25 reaches the threshold period. The state changes.

  The workflow record shown in FIG. 3A may further include message data. The message data of the workflow record includes a message indicating the content of the workflow identified by the WF-ID. Then, the terminal program 65 may transmit the time information of the workflow record and the message data set to the MFP 10 through the communication I / F 55. The device program 35 of the MFP 10 in the standby state is indicated by message data corresponding to time information including the current time in response to receiving the time information and a set of message data from the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25. The message may be displayed on the display 23.

  The standby state refers to a state where the MFP 10 is not executing a workflow, for example. That is, the standby state refers to the state of the MFP 10 excluding the period from when the workflow request information is transmitted until the workflow is completed. As a result, a message indicating a workflow that can be executed at the current time can be displayed on the display 23 of the MFP 10 before transmitting the workflow request information.

  Further, the job record of the scan job (job IDs “001” and “002” in FIG. 3B and job IDs “001” and “007” in FIG. 4) further includes one of a plurality of header information. May be included. The header information is information indicating data processing for scan data generated by the scan job indicated by the job record. The terminal program 65 may read out header information corresponding to the job ID added to the scan data received in S35 and S55 from the memory 62 as target header information. Then, the terminal program 65 may transmit scan data to which the read target header information is added to the server 80. Thereby, the data processing executed by the server 80 on the scan data can be handled by the information processing terminal 50.

  Further, the job record of the scan job (job IDs “001” and “002” in FIG. 3B and job IDs “001” and “007” in FIG. 4) further includes one of the server IDs. May be included. The server ID (for example, URL) identifies one of a plurality of servers constituting the system 100. The terminal program 65 may read the server ID corresponding to the job ID added to the scan data received in S35 and S55 from the memory 62 as the target server ID. Then, the terminal program 65 may transmit the scan data to the server identified by the read target server ID. Accordingly, the information processing terminal 50 can handle a server that executes data processing on the scan data.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the device program 35 of the MFP 10 executes the scan operation in response to receiving the scan instruction information as a response to the workflow request information has been described. However, the trigger for the scanning operation is not limited to the above example. As another example, the apparatus program 35 may execute a scan operation in response to detecting a workflow request information transmission trigger. Then, the apparatus program 35 may transmit workflow request information including scan data generated by the scan operation to the information processing terminal 50 through the communication I / F 25.

  Furthermore, part or all of the processing executed by the information processing terminal 50 in the above embodiment may be executed by the MFP 10. That is, the “computer to which the scanner is connected” is not limited to the information processing terminal 50 connected to the MFP 10 through the communication network 101, but may refer to the CPU 31 connected to the scanner 12 through the communication bus 33. In this case, the CPU 31 may acquire the scan data generated by the scanner 12 from the scanner 12 through the communication bus 33.

  In addition, in the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 according to the above-described embodiment, the various programs stored in the memories 32 and 62 are executed by the CPUs 31 and 61 so that each process executed by the controller of the present invention is realized. Explained. However, the configuration of the controller is not limited to this, and part or all of the configuration may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be realized not only as the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 but also as a program that causes the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 to execute processing. Then, the program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium may include a storage unit mounted on a server that can be connected to the MFP 10 and the information processing terminal 50 through the communication network 101 in addition to a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or the like. And the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part of the server may be distributed through the communication networks 101, such as the internet, as the information or signal which shows the said program.

10 ... MFP
11 ... Printer 12 ... Scanner 13 ... FAX-I / F
23, 53 ... Display 24, 54 ... User I / F
25, 55 ... Communication I / F
31, 61 ... CPU
32, 62 ... Memory 35 ... Device program 50 ... Information processing terminal 65 ... Terminal program 80 ... Server

Claims (21)

A program executable by a computer connected to a scanner, a communication interface, and a memory,
The program causes the computer to execute a first acquisition process for acquiring workflow request information from the scanner, and the workflow request information indicates that a user interface provided in the scanner has received an input operation for requesting the start of a workflow. The workflow includes a job for causing the scanner to execute a scan operation for reading a document and generating scan data, and for outputting the scan data acquired from the scanner to the output device via the communication interface. Including at least a job for transmitting the scan data to the output device,
The program
A second acquisition process for acquiring target situation information specified based on the workflow request information acquired in the first acquisition process among a plurality of situation information each indicating a different situation;
Target workflow definition information in which at least one of the plurality of situation information is associated with each of the plurality of workflow definition information stored in the memory and associated with the target situation information acquired in the second acquisition process And reading processing to read out the computer, each of the plurality of workflow definition information is information that defines the contents of each of the plurality of jobs included in the workflow,
The program causes the computer to execute a workflow execution process for sequentially executing the plurality of jobs defined in the target workflow definition information read in the reading process. The program
In the first acquisition process, the workflow request information is received from the scanner through the communication interface;
In the workflow execution process,
Scan instruction processing for instructing execution of the scan operation, and transmitting scan instruction information to the scanner through the communication interface;
A first reception process for receiving the scan data generated by the scan operation according to the scan instruction information from the scanner through the communication interface as a response to the scan instruction information;
The program according to claim 1, which causes the computer to execute output instruction processing for transmitting output instruction information for instructing output of the scan data received in the first reception process to the output device through the communication interface.   In the scan instruction process, the program outputs display instruction information for instructing to display a guide message indicating the content of the workflow defined in the target workflow definition information on a display included in the scanner through the communication interface. The program according to claim 2, further transmitted to the scanner. In the workflow execution process, the program
An extraction process for extracting features of the scan data received in the first reception process;
A first determination process for determining whether or not the feature extracted in the extraction process matches the feature defined in the target workflow definition information;
In response to determining that the first determination process matches, causing the computer to execute the output instruction process,
Causing the computer to execute rescan instruction processing for transmitting rescan instruction information for instructing re-execution of the scan operation to the scanner through the communication interface in response to determining that they do not match in the first determination processing. The program according to claim 2 or 3.   In the rescan instruction process, the program displays display instruction information for instructing to display a guide message indicating a feature determined not to match in the first determination process on a display included in the scanner through the communication interface. The program according to claim 4, further transmitted to the scanner. In the workflow execution process, the program
A second reception process for receiving, as a response to the output instruction information, processing result data indicating a result of processing the scan data included in the output instruction information from the output apparatus;
Print instruction processing for transmitting print instruction information for instructing execution of a print operation for the processing result data received in the second reception process to the printer associated with the scanner through the communication interface; 6. The program according to claim 2, wherein the program is executed by a computer, and the printing operation is an operation of recording an image indicated by target data on a sheet.   In the print instruction process, the program outputs display instruction information for instructing to display a guide message indicating how to handle a sheet on which an image is recorded in the print operation on a display included in the printer through the communication interface. The program according to claim 6, further transmitted to a printer. A program executable by a computer connected to a scanner, a communication interface, and a memory,
The program causes the computer to execute a first acquisition process for acquiring workflow request information from the scanner, and the workflow request information indicates that a user interface provided in the scanner has received an input operation for requesting the start of a workflow. The workflow includes at least one of a job for acquiring scan data generated by the scanner reading a document and a plurality of data processes for the scan data acquired from the scanner. And at least a job for transmitting the scan data to the server through the communication interface,
The program
A second acquisition process for acquiring target situation information specified based on the workflow request information acquired in the first acquisition process among a plurality of situation information each indicating a different situation;
Target workflow definition information in which at least one of the plurality of situation information is associated with each of the plurality of workflow definition information stored in the memory and associated with the target situation information acquired in the second acquisition process And reading processing to read out the computer, each of the plurality of workflow definition information is information that defines the contents of each of the plurality of jobs included in the workflow,
The program causes the computer to execute a workflow execution process for sequentially executing the plurality of jobs defined in the target workflow definition information read in the reading process. In the workflow execution process, the program
Obtaining the scan data from the scanner;
Of the plurality of header information each corresponding to one of the plurality of data processes, the target header information indicated by the target workflow definition information read in the read process is added to the acquired scan data,
The program according to claim 8, wherein the scan data to which the target header information is added is transmitted to the server through the communication interface. In the workflow execution process, the program
Obtaining the scan data from the scanner;
The scan data is transmitted through the communication interface to the target server indicated by the target workflow definition information read out in the read process among the plurality of servers each executing one of the plurality of data processes. The program according to claim 9.   In the reading process, the program includes the time information corresponding to the time information including the reception time of the workflow request information among the plurality of workflow definition information associated with the time information as the status information. The program according to claim 1, wherein target workflow definition information is read from the memory.   In the reading process, the program includes the target workflow associated with the device ID included in the workflow request information among the plurality of workflow definition information associated with the device ID that is the status information. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein definition information is read from the memory, and the device ID included in the workflow request information identifies the scanner that is a transmission source of the workflow request information.   In the reading process, the program includes the target workflow associated with the user ID included in the workflow request information among the plurality of workflow definition information associated with the user ID which is the situation information. The program according to claim 1, wherein definition information is read from the memory, and the user ID included in the workflow request information identifies a user who operates the scanner that is a transmission source of the workflow request information. The program
A selection instruction for instructing the scanner to select selection instruction information for selecting one of the plurality of target workflow definition information that has been read in response to reading the plurality of target workflow definition information in the reading process. Processing,
A third acquisition process for acquiring a workflow ID for identifying the target workflow definition information selected by the scanner user from the plurality of target workflow definition information from the scanner as a response to the selection instruction information; To run
The workflow execution process according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of jobs defined in the target workflow definition information identified by the workflow ID acquired in the third acquisition process are sequentially executed. program. Each of the plurality of workflow definition information is associated with a first guide message indicating the content of the workflow defined in the workflow definition information,
In the workflow execution process, the program performs a display instruction process for displaying the first guide message associated with the target workflow definition information on a display included in the scanner, and before causing the scanner to generate the scan data. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is executed by the computer. Each of the plurality of workflow definition information is associated with a second guide message indicating the result of the workflow defined in the workflow definition information.
In the workflow execution process, the program performs a display instruction process for displaying the second guide message associated with the target workflow definition information on a display included in the scanner, after transmitting the scan data to the computer. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which is executed.   The program includes, as the first acquisition process, a display instruction process for transmitting display instruction information including time information and a message indicating the workflow executable at the time indicated by the time information to the scanner through the communication interface. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the program is executed in advance by the computer, and the display instruction information is an instruction to display the message on a display included in the scanner.   The program according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein in the first acquisition process, the workflow request information is acquired in response to a document set on the scanner.   In the first acquisition process, the program executes the workflow in response to the start of power supply from an external power source to the scanner or in response to the scanner being switched from a sleep state to a drive state. The request information is acquired, and the sleep state is a state in which power is not supplied to the scanner, and the driving state is a state in which power is supplied to the scanner. Program. An information processing terminal comprising a communication interface, a memory, and a controller,
The controller executes a first reception process for receiving workflow request information from a scanner through a communication interface, and the workflow request information indicates that a user interface provided in the scanner has received an input operation for requesting the start of a workflow. The workflow includes a job for causing the scanner to execute a scan operation for reading a document and generating scan data, and for outputting the scan data acquired from the scanner to the output device through the communication interface. Including at least a job for transmitting the scan data to an output device,
The controller is
An acquisition process for acquiring target situation information specified based on the workflow request information received in the first reception process among a plurality of situation information each indicating a different situation;
Read out the target workflow definition information associated with the target situation information acquired in the acquisition process, out of the plurality of workflow definition information stored in the memory and associated with at least one of the plurality of situation information. Read processing, each of the plurality of workflow definition information is information defining the contents of each of the plurality of jobs included in the workflow,
The information processing terminal that executes a workflow execution process for sequentially executing the plurality of jobs defined in the target workflow definition information read in the read process. An information processing terminal comprising a communication interface, a memory, and a controller,
The controller executes a first reception process for receiving workflow request information from a scanner through a communication interface, and the workflow request information indicates that a user interface provided in the scanner has received an input operation for requesting the start of a workflow. The workflow includes at least one of a job for acquiring scan data generated by the scanner reading a document and a plurality of data processing for the scan data acquired from the scanner. At least a job for transmitting the scan data to the server through the communication interface,
The controller is
An acquisition process for acquiring target situation information specified based on the workflow request information received in the first reception process among a plurality of situation information each indicating a different situation;
Read out the target workflow definition information associated with the target situation information acquired in the acquisition process, out of the plurality of workflow definition information stored in the memory and associated with at least one of the plurality of situation information. Read processing, each of the plurality of workflow definition information is information defining the contents of each of the plurality of jobs included in the workflow,
The information processing terminal that executes a workflow execution process for sequentially executing the plurality of jobs defined in the target workflow definition information read in the read process.

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