JP2020009222A - Workflow system and workflow program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a workflow system and workflow program that can efficiently perform approval works of electronic forms, employing a format having no sense of discomfort with paper document type forms.SOLUTION: A workflow system is composed of: a workflow server 100 that manages a workflow; and a plurality of connected terminal devices 200, 300, 400 and 500 via a network, and in the workflow system, user organization information and information on each in-charge, and further a document which are set and registered in advance are processed according to a circulating approval route. A configuration is included that has: reading means 600 that reads user specific paper document type forms to be displayed on a form data input screen as image data; and edit means that displays the read image data in a screen area in accordance with specifications of display screens of the terminal devices 200, 300, 400 and 500, and can freely edit a data input area corresponding to the image data, an item selection button, a seal display column and like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a workflow system using the Internet and a program therefor, and more particularly to a workflow system and a program therefor that can efficiently perform an operation of approving electronic forms and peripheral devices.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, paperless drawings such as drawings and documents in a paper format in an office are digitized and managed. By digitizing the recorded matter and managing it with a personal computer, the storage space can be reduced, and the stored recorded matter can be easily searched.

  Furthermore, as a method for efficiently performing the business of approving digitized forms, a workflow system that transfers digitized forms between a plurality of information processing terminals connected via a network and executes business processing There is. However, in such a workflow system, a method of arranging and inputting various kinds of data for each item in a document display field in which a display method of a document is fixed has been adopted.

  Further, when converting structured document data into a document form and displaying it in accordance with the type of information processing terminal or the type of document, a technique of a structured document workflow processing method having a document screen frame setting step is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-163,897. Are disclosed.

JP-A-2002-245396

  However, in the display screen using the document screen frame described in Patent Document 1, the form of the paper form and the display screen used by the user in the past greatly changes, and conversely, there is a possibility that the work may be hindered. However, there was a problem that efficiency was not improved. In addition, in recent years, falsification and alteration of approved texts have become a problem, and the need for a system incorporating a function for preventing falsification and alteration of approved texts has been increasing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a specific object of the present invention is to adopt a display screen format that does not make the user feel uncomfortable with paper-based forms conventionally used by users, and to convert electronic forms and Is a workflow system that has the function of not only falsifying and altering the final settled documents easily, but also the management of office peripheral devices and the like at the same time. , A workflow system and a program therefor.

  The present invention has been devised to achieve the above object. To be more specific, a workflow server that manages a workflow, and a plurality of terminal devices connected via the Internet, pre-set and registered the user's organization information and information on each department, and approval to circulate documents. A workflow system that is processed according to a route, wherein a reading means for reading a form in a user-specific paper format to be displayed on a display screen such as a form data input screen or an application form to be approved as image data; and The configuration includes an editing unit that displays the data in a screen area corresponding to the specification of the display screen of the terminal device and that can freely edit a data input area corresponding to the image data, an item selection button, a seal display field, and the like.

  The workflow system of the present invention captures a form in a user-specific paper format as image data and uses it as a background screen in a form data input screen or a display screen of an application form to be approved. Since it has an editing function to construct a GUI (Graphical User Interface) consisting of a seal display field, etc., it can be set to the screen display desired by the user. There is an effect that can be shifted to computerization.

  The present invention includes a workflow server that manages a workflow, and a plurality of terminal devices connected via the Internet, and user organization information and information on each person in charge set and registered in advance, and an approval route for circulating a document. Selecting means for selecting a template desired by a user from a plurality of templates prepared in advance for display on a display screen such as a form data input screen, and processing the selected template on the terminal Editing means for displaying in a screen area corresponding to the specification of the display screen of the device, and enabling a user to arbitrarily edit addition, deletion or movement of a data input area, an item selection button, a seal display field, a ruled line, etc. Is included.

  The workflow system of the present invention provides a data input area and an item for a template selected from a plurality of templates prepared in advance for setting a display screen such as a form data input screen or an application form to be approved to a format desired by the user. The user can arbitrarily edit the addition, deletion or movement of selection buttons, seal display fields, ruled lines, etc., and has an editing function to build a GUI, so that newly needed forms can be displayed without any discomfort at the user's company There is an effect that the format of the screen can be easily set.

  According to the present invention, the workflow system includes a configuration having a restricting means for preventing a user from changing or deleting the finally settled document thereafter.

  The workflow system according to the present invention has an effect that it can be used for managing a document in which falsification or alteration of a document is prohibited, since the user cannot change or delete the final settled document.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a workflow system including a workflow server for managing a workflow and a plurality of terminal devices connected via the Internet, wherein the workflow system is processed according to a predetermined flow. If the workflow server receives a signal transmitted by a temperature sensor of the air conditioning device, and determines that the workflow server has an abnormal value set in advance, the registered person in charge A configuration having a notification unit for notifying an inspection command is included.

  The workflow system of the present invention has an effect that management of a plurality of peripheral devices can be incorporated into the same workflow system in addition to the approval of electronic forms.

  In addition, the program of the present invention includes the above-mentioned approval operation for digitized forms and the like, limiting means for preventing the user from subsequently changing or deleting the final settled document, and managing peripheral devices and the like. A program for executing a workflow system for performing a workflow process, which can be used by connecting to and accessing a workflow server via the Internet, and using a workflow system including a personal computer (PC) to perform the workflow processing of the present invention. And can be easily realized.

  By using the workflow system of the present invention, the user can incorporate a format that does not have a sense of incongruity with the paper-form forms used by the user into the form data input screen and the display screen of the application form to be approved. It is possible to efficiently perform the approval operation of the converted forms. Further, since the document for which the final settlement has been made cannot be easily changed, it is also effective in managing a document in which falsification or alteration of the document is prohibited. Further, management of a plurality of office peripheral devices and the like can be incorporated in the same workflow system, so that a further effect can be expected in improving office efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a workflow system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the workflow system according to FIG. 1. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of various settings of the workflow system. It is a figure showing a login screen. It is a figure showing an application for approval. It is a figure showing a format selection screen. It is a figure showing a format edit screen. It is a figure showing the example of a form of a paper format. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of application and approval. It is a figure showing a form data input screen. It is a figure showing a list of applications for approval. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of peripheral device management of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall schematic of a workflow system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the workflow system according to the embodiment, a workflow server 100, a system administrator terminal 200, an applicant terminal 300, an approver terminal 400, and an air conditioning device terminal 500 as a peripheral device terminal are connected via the Internet. The image scanner 600 is connected to and operated by the system administrator terminal 200.

  The system administrator terminal 200 is a computer device such as a personal computer (PC). As shown in FIG. 2, a web browser 201, a communication interface (communication I / F) 202, an input device 203, a display device 204, a control unit 205 and a storage unit 206.

  The applicant terminal 300 and the approver terminal 400 are terminals that are carried and used by a user, such as a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant or a smartphone, and have a wireless LAN function and a short-range wireless communication function. , Web browsers 301 and 401, communication I / Fs 302 and 402, input devices 303 and 403, display devices 304 and 404, control units 305 and 405, storage units 306 and 406, and the like.

The web browsers 201, 301, and 401 are used for providing a setting page and performing web-based display for executing a simulation of a user interface for image formation and for requesting a workflow to be performed.
The communication I / Fs 202, 302, and 402 communicate using a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP) or the like.

The input devices 203, 303, and 403 are configured by a keyboard of hard keys, a touch panel of software keys, and the like, and the display devices 204, 304, and 404 are a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, and the like. It consists of.
The control units 205, 305, and 405 are configured by a central processing unit, a so-called CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage units 206, 306, and 406 include a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. It consists of.

  The web browsers 201, 301, and 401 of the system administrator terminal 200, the applicant terminal 300, and the approver terminal 400 allow the CPUs of the control units 205, 305, and 405 to execute programs stored in the storage units 206, 306, and 406 on the RAM. It is realized by loading and executing.

  The image scanner 600 is a scanner device or a multifunction peripheral including a scanner unit 601, a control unit 602, a storage unit 603, a communication I / F 604, and the like, and has various post-processing services for scanning and processing data. For example, the scanner unit 601 includes an optical reading device such as a CCD, and has a function of optically scanning a paper medium and reading it as electronic image data.

  The air conditioning equipment terminal 500 includes an HTTP client 501, a communication I / F 502, a control unit 503, a temperature sensor 504, and the like. Further, the temperature sensor 504 is a known sensor, detects a surrounding environmental state, and outputs information indicating the environmental state. Further, the HTTP client 501 transmits an HTTP message to the HTTP server 104 described below, and receives an HTTP message from the HTTP server 104.

  The workflow server 100 is a general computer including a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication I / F 103, an HTTP server 104, an SMTP server 105, and the like, and transmits and receives data to and from other devices via the Internet. Thus, all workflows to be processed by this workflow system are managed.

  The control unit 101 is configured by a central processing unit, a so-called CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes various processes according to various programs stored in the storage unit 102 and control data used for the programs.

  The storage unit 102 is a storage device that stores an OS (Operating System) executed by the control unit 101, various programs such as a workflow execution program, and data used in those programs, and is a ROM (Read Only Memory). And a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk, a solid state drive (SSD), and the like.

  In the storage unit 102, application form data applied in the workflow system, various master data registered by a system administrator, a workflow execution program for executing the workflow system, an API (Application Programming Interface), and a JAVA (registered). (Trademark) language is also stored.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of various settings for starting use of the workflow system shown in FIG.

  In the workflow system of the present embodiment, various settings are performed using the system administrator terminal 200 as shown in FIG. First, when this system is accessed from the system administrator terminal 200 via the web browser 201, the user ID 40A and password 40B of the system administrator are entered on the login screen for the workflow system shown in FIG. Thus, the use of the workflow system is started (step S001).

  First, user settings for using the workflow system according to the present embodiment are made. The administrator menu shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 204, the “organization and user” button 50A is pressed with the input device 203, and the user ID, user name, password, authority, seal, and the like are displayed on the “basic setting” tab. The administrator sets (step S002).

  Next, the system administrator sets the post and responsibilities of each user on the "Organization / Post Settings" tab. When the organization of the company that uses the workflow system is set by registering the system administrator, approver, and applicant's distinction and the job title (step S003), it is registered as master data in the storage unit 102 of the workflow management server. .

  In addition, set the format of the display screen such as the form data input screen for each form. By pressing the “Format” button 50B of the administrator menu shown in FIG. 5, the screen shifts to the format selection screen shown in FIG. On the format selection screen, when a form read from a paper format as image data is used, the "Create new format" button 60A is used. When selecting and using a plurality of templates prepared in advance, the “load template” button 60B is pressed (step S004).

  Here, the plurality of templates prepared in advance of the present embodiment, which are a part of the invention described in claim 2, are very general-purpose templates, and also, for example, industry-specific templates used in the medical industry, Further, a wide variety of templates are prepared, for example, business-specific templates used by the general affairs department and the sales department. The user selects a template close to a desired one from among them (step S005).

The screen shifts to the format editing screen shown in FIG. 7, and the format of the selected template is edited. First, the template selected in step S005 is displayed in the format field 70A.
Further, in order for the user to edit the template in a desired format, necessary items are arranged on the template 70C by drag-and-drop from the item menu 70B, and fine-tuning such as enlargement, reduction, movement, and deletion is performed to fit the template ( Step S006).
Through such operations, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) is constructed by executing various changes such as addition and deletion of an input area (html form) of a template and addition / deletion of formation on a web browser.

As settings for the edited format, settings such as an alert, the number of seal boxes, an approval route, various authorities, etc. are made from the "setting" button 70D (step S007).
Finally, when the format desired by the user is completed, the user presses a “register” button 70E, and the format is stored in the master data in the storage unit 102 of the workflow management server 100.

On the other hand, if the "create new format" button 60A is selected in step S004, the operation proceeds to the operation of reading a paper form as image data (step S008).
First, form image data (a format such as png or jpg) is created by an image scanner 600 such as a multifunction peripheral from a form in a paper format conventionally used by a user shown in FIG. Change to pixels, 750 pixels wide. In the case of landscape, it is changed to 750 pixels vertically and 1100 pixels horizontally.

  Next, the screen shifts to the format editing screen shown in FIG. 7, and the image file whose size has been changed is designated in the “background image” item from the “setting” button 70D and uploaded to the master data in the storage unit 102 of the workflow management server 100. (Step S009). At this time, communication between the web browser and the workflow management server is performed using HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) or SSL protocol.

Further, similarly to step S006, the image data uploaded in step S009 is displayed in the format field 70A shown in FIG. 7 as a background screen, and edited in a format desired by the user. The necessary items from the item menu 70B are arranged on the background screen 70C by drag-and-drop, and fine adjustments such as enlargement, reduction, movement, and deletion are performed to fit the background screen (step S010).
By the above operation, various changes such as addition or deletion of the template input area (html form) to the upper layer of the background image are executed on the web browser, and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be constructed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of application and approval of the workflow system according to the present embodiment.

  In the workflow system of the present embodiment, when the applicant first accesses the system from the applicant terminal 300 via the web browser 301, the application is displayed on the login screen for the workflow system shown in FIG. The use of the workflow system is started by inputting the user's user ID 40A and password 40B (step S101).

  The "new creation" button 10A shown in FIG. 10 is pressed, and the format to be used is selected from the pull-down menu (step S102). The application content is input to the input area (html form) of the format using the input device 303 (step S103). If necessary, the user presses an “add attachment” button 10B to attach a document, adds a comment or the like, presses an “application” button 10C, and transmits the application data to the workflow server 100 (step S104).

  The application server, format, application form number, subject, and the like are transmitted from the workflow server 100 to the approver terminal 400 as an approval request notification by e-mail (step S105). When the approver accesses the present system from the approver terminal 400 via the web browser 401, the user ID 40A and password 40B of the system administrator are displayed on the login screen for the workflow system shown in FIG. To start using the workflow system (step S106).

  The approver opens the application form by pressing the application form line 11A to be approved from the application form list shown in FIG. 11 (step S107). After confirming the contents of the application form shown in FIG. 5, the approver presses the “Approve” button 50C, “Reject” button 50D, “Return” button 50E, etc., and transmits the application data to the workflow server 100 (step S108).

  On the other hand, the application result, the applicant, the format, the application form number, the subject, and the like are transmitted from the workflow server 100 to the applicant as an application result notification by email. If the application result is a reversion, the applicant determines whether to reapply by appropriately reviewing the application contents and adding comments as necessary (step S109) or to end the application.

  Further, in order to execute the invention described in claim 3, in the above-described workflow system according to the present embodiment, status information is added to each application data as needed according to the status of application and approval. The information restricts the user from changing or deleting data in the workflow system according to the present embodiment. Incidentally, when the status is "draft", "applying", or "approving", a change or the like can be performed, but when the status is any other status, the data is restricted so that the data cannot be changed or deleted.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is executed by the flow of the peripheral device management flowchart shown in FIG.
When the system is accessed from the system administrator terminal 200 via the web browser 201, the user inputs the user ID 40A and password 40B of the system administrator on the login screen for the workflow system shown in FIG. As a result, the use of the workflow system is started (step S201).

  Press the "Organization and user" button 50A of the administrator menu located on the left side of the diagram shown in FIG. 5, and on the "Basic settings" tab, enter the user ID, user name, password, authority, etc. of the air conditioning equipment terminal 500. This is set by the system administrator (step S202).

  Next, the system administrator sets the post and responsibilities of each user on the "Organization / Post Settings" tab. By setting the air-conditioning device terminal 500 as an applicant and registering a person in charge of managing the air-conditioning device as an approver, a setting is made so that the air-conditioning device can be managed on the workflow system of the present embodiment (step S203). By setting in this way, it is registered as master data in the storage unit 102 of the workflow server.

When the HTTP client 501 transmits a signal transmitted by the temperature sensor unit 504 of the air conditioning equipment terminal 500 as a message to the HTTP server 104 (step S204), the workflow server 100 receives the signal, and determines that the value is a preset abnormal value. (Step S205), the workflow server 100 notifies the person in charge of the inspection request notification by e-mail as in the case where the application is made in the workflow system (step S206).
Thus, the invention described in claim 4 can be carried out.

  In addition to the above, the workflow system according to the present embodiment also has a function of strengthening security by restricting access using an IP address, setting an expiration date of a password, and limiting the number of password errors.

As described above, the best configuration, method, and the like for carrying out the present invention have been disclosed in the above description, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can be changed within a range that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, such as deletion, deletion, etc., and any aspect is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are exhibited.
Therefore, the present invention can provide not only the information processing apparatus, the workflow system, and the workflow execution method described above, but also a computer-readable program for executing the method, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded. Things.

  In the above-described embodiment, the management examples of the air conditioning device terminals are described. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, a printer device, a lighting device, or a multifunction device may be managed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, each terminal is described as one. However, a plurality of terminals may be used as a matter of course. In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the case where there is one approver. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and a plurality of approvers can be set.

Reference Signs List 100 workflow server 101 control unit 102 storage unit 103 communication I / F
104 HTTP server 105 SMTP server 200 System administrator terminal 201 Web browser 203 Input device 204 Display device 300 Applicant terminal 400 Approver terminal 500 Air conditioning equipment terminal 501 HTTP client 504 Temperature sensor unit 600 Image scanner 601 Scanner unit

  The present invention relates to a workflow system using the Internet and a program therefor, and more particularly to a workflow system and a program therefor that can efficiently perform an operation of approving electronic forms and peripheral devices.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, paperless drawings such as drawings and documents in a paper format in an office are digitized and managed. By digitizing the recorded matter and managing it with a personal computer, the storage space can be reduced, and the stored recorded matter can be easily searched.

  Furthermore, as a method for efficiently performing the business of approving digitized forms, a workflow system that transfers digitized forms between a plurality of information processing terminals connected via a network and executes business processing There is. However, in such a workflow system, a method of arranging and inputting various kinds of data for each item in a document display field in which a display method of a document is fixed has been adopted.

  Further, when converting structured document data into a document form and displaying it in accordance with the type of information processing terminal or the type of document, a technique of a structured document workflow processing method having a document screen frame setting step is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-163,897. Are disclosed.

JP-A-2002-245396

  However, in the display screen using the document screen frame described in Patent Document 1, the form of the paper form and the display screen used by the user in the past greatly changes, and conversely, there is a possibility that the work may be hindered. However, there was a problem that efficiency was not improved. In addition, in recent years, falsification and alteration of approved texts have become a problem, and the need for a system incorporating a function for preventing falsification and alteration of approved texts has been increasing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a specific object of the present invention is to adopt a display screen format that does not make the user feel uncomfortable with paper-based forms conventionally used by users, and to convert electronic forms and It is an object of the present invention to provide a workflow system and a program therefor, which have a function that can efficiently perform the approval operation of the document, and have a function that the document for which the final settlement is made cannot be easily falsified or altered .

The present invention has been devised to achieve the above object. To be more specific, a workflow server that manages a workflow, and a plurality of terminal devices connected via the Internet, pre-set and registered the user's organization information and information on each department, and approval to circulate documents. A workflow system that is processed according to a route, wherein a reading means for reading a form in a user-specific paper format to be displayed on the background of a display screen such as a form data input screen or an application form to be approved as image data, and the read image data and changing a recording means for recording as the image file to change the sizes for use in the screen area according to the specification as a background image on the display screen of the terminal device, and selecting means for selecting the image file, the background image own the addition or deletion of data input area and item selection button in the corresponding front screen It includes a configuration having the edit means capable of editing, and recording means for recording the format is fixed with the front screen was created and the background image by said editing means.

The workflow system of the present invention captures a form in a user-specific paper format as image data, uses it as a background screen in a form data input screen or a display screen of an application form to be approved, etc., and matches the background screen with a front screen. It has an editing function to construct a GUI (Graphical User Interface) consisting of an input area, a seal display field, etc., so that the user can set the desired screen display, which makes the user uncomfortable about digitizing from a paper form. There is an effect that it is possible to shift to computerization smoothly with little.

According to the present invention, in the workflow system, the final settled document cannot be changed or deleted by any of the system administrator, approver, and applicant who are all users of the company that uses the workflow system thereafter. A configuration having a restricting means to make it possible is included.

The workflow system of the present invention has an effect that it can be used for management of a document in which falsification or alteration of a document is prohibited, since the final settled document cannot be changed or deleted by all users.

Further, the program of the present invention is a program for executing the approval operation of the above-mentioned electronic forms and the restricting means for preventing the user from changing or deleting the final settled document thereafter. Thus , the workflow processing can be used by connecting to and accessing the workflow server via the Internet, and the workflow processing of the present invention can be easily realized using a workflow system including a personal computer (PC).

  By using the workflow system of the present invention, the user can incorporate a format that does not have a sense of incongruity with the paper-form forms used by the user into the form data input screen and the display screen of the application form to be approved. It is possible to efficiently perform the approval operation of the converted forms. Further, since the document for which the final settlement has been made cannot be easily changed, it is also effective in managing a document in which falsification or alteration of the document is prohibited.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a workflow system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the workflow system according to FIG. 1. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of various settings of the workflow system. It is a figure showing a login screen. It is a figure showing an application for approval. It is a figure showing a format selection screen. It is a figure showing a format edit screen. It is a figure showing the example of a form of a paper format. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of application and approval. It is a figure showing a form data input screen. It is a figure showing a list of applications for approval.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall schematic of a workflow system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the workflow system according to the embodiment, a workflow server 100, a system administrator terminal 200, an applicant terminal 300, and an approver terminal 400 are connected via the Internet. The image scanner 600 is connected to and operated by the system administrator terminal 200.

  The system administrator terminal 200 is a computer device such as a personal computer (PC). As shown in FIG. 2, a web browser 201, a communication interface (communication I / F) 202, an input device 203, a display device 204, a control unit 205 and a storage unit 206.

  The applicant terminal 300 and the approver terminal 400 are terminals that are carried and used by a user, such as a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant or a smartphone, and have a wireless LAN function and a short-range wireless communication function. , Web browsers 301 and 401, communication I / Fs 302 and 402, input devices 303 and 403, display devices 304 and 404, control units 305 and 405, storage units 306 and 406, and the like.

The web browsers 201, 301, and 401 are used for providing a setting page and performing web-based display for executing a simulation of a user interface for image formation and for requesting a workflow to be performed.
The communication I / Fs 202, 302, and 402 communicate using a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP) or the like.

Input device 203,303,403 is constituted by a touch panel keyboard or software key hard key, the display device 204,304,404, the liquid crystal display device LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or organic EL (Electroluminescence) display device, etc. It consists of.
The control units 205, 305, and 405 are configured by a central processing unit, a so-called CPU ( Central Processing Unit ), and the storage units 206, 306, and 406 include a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. It consists of.

  The web browsers 201, 301, and 401 of the system administrator terminal 200, the applicant terminal 300, and the approver terminal 400 allow the CPUs of the control units 205, 305, and 405 to execute programs stored in the storage units 206, 306, and 406 on the RAM. It is realized by loading and executing.

  The image scanner 600 is a scanner device or a multifunction peripheral including a scanner unit 601, a control unit 602, a storage unit 603, a communication I / F 604, and the like, and has various post-processing services for scanning and processing data. For example, the scanner unit 601 includes an optical reading device such as a CCD, and has a function of optically scanning a paper medium and reading it as electronic image data.

  The workflow server 100 is a general computer including a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication I / F 103, an HTTP server 104, an SMTP server 105, and the like, and transmits and receives data to and from other devices via the Internet. Thus, all workflows to be processed by this workflow system are managed.

The control unit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) ( Central Processing Unit ), and executes various processes using various programs stored in the storage unit 102 and control data used for the programs.

The storage unit 102 is a storage device that stores an OS ( Operating System ) executed by the control unit 101, various programs such as a workflow execution program, and data used for those programs, and is a ROM (Read Only Memory). And a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk, an SSD ( Solid State Drive ), and the like.

In the storage unit 102, application form data applied in the workflow system, various master data registered by the system administrator, a workflow execution program for executing the workflow system, an API ( Application Programming Interface ), and a JAVA (registered). (Trademark) language is also stored.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of various settings for starting use of the workflow system shown in FIG.

  In the workflow system of the present embodiment, various settings are performed using the system administrator terminal 200 as shown in FIG. First, when this system is accessed from the system administrator terminal 200 via the web browser 201, the user ID 40A and password 40B of the system administrator are entered on the login screen for the workflow system shown in FIG. Thus, the use of the workflow system is started (step S001).

  First, user settings for using the workflow system according to the present embodiment are made. The administrator menu shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 204, the “organization and user” button 50A is pressed with the input device 203, and the user ID, user name, password, authority, seal, and the like are displayed on the “basic setting” tab. The administrator sets (step S002).

  Next, the system administrator sets the post and responsibilities of each user on the "Organization / Post Settings" tab. When the organization of the company that uses the workflow system is set by registering the system administrator, approver, and applicant's distinction and the job title (step S003), it is registered as master data in the storage unit 102 of the workflow management server. .

In addition, set the format of the display screen such as the form data input screen for each form. By pressing the "Format" button 50 B of the administrator menu shown in Figure 5, to migrate to the format selection screen shown in Figure 6. The format selection screen, an invention of claim 1, the 60 A button "Create new format" as used those reading the document paper format as image data, previously prepared in Reference Example If you choose from a plurality of templates used, the user presses the "Transfer template" button 60 B (step S 004).

Here, a plurality of templates prepared in advance as reference examples are very general-purpose templates, and also, for example, industry-specific templates used in the medical industry, and further, for example, used in the general affairs department or the sales department. A wide variety of templates are prepared, such as business-specific templates. The user selects the close to those desired from among the template (step S 005).

The screen shifts to the format editing screen shown in FIG. 7, and the format of the selected template is edited. First, a template selected in step S 005 is displayed on the format field 70 A.
Furthermore, fit for the user to edit the template to the desired format, then placed the template onto 70 C with drag and drop the desired items from the item menu 70 B, enlargement, reduction, and movement, to fine-tune and deleting template (step S 006).
Through such operations, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) is constructed by executing various changes such as addition and deletion of an input area (html form) of a template and addition / deletion of formation on a web browser.

As settings for the edited format, settings such as an alert, the number of seal boxes, an approval route, various authorities, etc. are made from the "setting" button 70D (step S007).
Finally, when the format desired by the user is completed, the user presses a “register” button 70E, and the format is stored in the master data in the storage unit 102 of the workflow management server 100.

On the other hand, if you select "Create a New Format" button 60 A in step S004, the process proceeds to an invention of claim 1, reads the form of a paper format as image data manipulation (step S008).
First, form image data (a format such as png or jpg) is created by an image scanner 600 such as a multifunction peripheral from a form in a paper format conventionally used by a user shown in FIG. Change to pixels, 750 pixels wide. In the case of landscape, it is changed to 750 pixels vertically and 1100 pixels horizontally.

  Next, the screen shifts to the format editing screen shown in FIG. 7, and the image file whose size has been changed is designated in the “background image” item from the “setting” button 70D and uploaded to the master data in the storage unit 102 of the workflow management server 100. (Step S009). At this time, communication between the web browser and the workflow management server is performed using HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) or SSL protocol.

Further, as in step S006, image data uploaded in step S 009 the format field 70 A shown in FIG. 7 is displayed as a background screen, edit the format desired by the user. By placing the required items from the item menu 70 B with drag and drop to a background screen 70C, enlargement, reduction, movement, fits a background screen by the fine adjustment and deletion (step S 010).
By the above operation, various changes such as addition and deletion of the template input area (html form) on the front screen , which is the upper layer of the background image, are executed on the web browser, and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be constructed. .

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of application and approval of the workflow system according to the present embodiment.

  In the workflow system of the present embodiment, when the applicant first accesses the system from the applicant terminal 300 via the web browser 301, the application is displayed on the login screen for the workflow system shown in FIG. The use of the workflow system is started by inputting the user's user ID 40A and password 40B (step S101).

  The "new creation" button 10A shown in FIG. 10 is pressed, and the format to be used is selected from the pull-down menu (step S102). The application content is input to the input area (html form) of the format using the input device 303 (step S103). If necessary, the user presses an “add attachment” button 10B to attach a document, adds a comment or the like, presses an “application” button 10C, and transmits the application data to the workflow server 100 (step S104).

  The application server, format, application form number, subject, and the like are transmitted from the workflow server 100 to the approver terminal 400 as an approval request notification by e-mail (step S105). When the approver accesses the present system from the approver terminal 400 via the web browser 401, the user ID 40A and password 40B of the system administrator are displayed on the login screen for the workflow system shown in FIG. To start using the workflow system (step S106).

  The approver opens the application form by pressing the application form line 11A to be approved from the application form list shown in FIG. 11 (step S107). After confirming the contents of the application form shown in FIG. 5, the approver presses the “Approve” button 50C, “Reject” button 50D, “Return” button 50E, etc., and transmits the application data to the workflow server 100 (step S108).

  On the other hand, the application result, the applicant, the format, the application form number, the subject, and the like are transmitted from the workflow server 100 to the applicant as an application result notification by email. If the application result is a reversion, the applicant determines whether to reapply by appropriately reviewing the application contents and adding comments as necessary (step S109) or to end the application.

Further, in order to execute the invention described in claim 2 , in the above-described workflow system according to the present embodiment, status information is added to each application data as needed according to the status of application and approval. According to the information, in the workflow system according to the present embodiment , all users of the company using the system, that is, the system administrator, the approver, and the applicant are restricted so that none of them can change or delete data. I have. Incidentally, when the status is "draft", "applying", or "approving", a change or the like can be performed, but when the status is any other status, the data is restricted so that the data cannot be changed or deleted.

  In addition to the above, the workflow system according to the present embodiment also has a function of strengthening security by restricting access using an IP address, setting an expiration date of a password, and limiting the number of password errors.

As described above, the best configuration, method, and the like for carrying out the present invention have been disclosed in the above description, but the present invention is not limited to this. It can be changed within a range that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, such as deletion, deletion, etc., and any aspect is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are exhibited.
Therefore, the present invention can provide not only the information processing apparatus, the workflow system, and the workflow execution method described above, but also a computer-readable program for executing the method, and a recording medium on which the program is recorded. Things.

  Further, in the above embodiment, each terminal is described as one. However, a plurality of terminals may be used as a matter of course. In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the case where there is one approver. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and a plurality of approvers can be set.

Reference Signs List 100 workflow server 101 control unit 102 storage unit 103 communication I / F
104 HTTP server 105 SMTP server 200 System administrator terminal 201 Web browser 203 Input device 204 Display device 300 Applicant terminal 400 Approver terminal 600 Image scanner 601 Scanner unit

The present invention has been devised to achieve the above object. To be more specific, a workflow server that manages a workflow, and a plurality of terminal devices connected via the Internet, pre-set and registered the user's organization information and information on each department, and approval to circulate documents. A workflow system that is processed according to a route, wherein a reading means for reading a form in a user-specific paper format to be displayed on the background of a display screen such as a form data input screen or an application form to be approved as image data, and the read image data and changing a recording means for recording an image file to change the sizes for use in the screen area according to the specification of the display screen as the background image of the terminal device, before Symbol data input to the front screen is a higher layer of the background image Editing means for freely adding or deleting an area or an item selection button; It includes construction and a recording means for recording the format used and the background image and the front screen created to the fixed display screen of the form data entry screen or application by collecting means.

Workflow system of the present invention takes the form of user-specific paper format as image data, it was used as the background screen on the display screen, such as form data input screen or approval subject of the application form, which is the upper layer of the background screen front Since it has an editing function for constructing a GUI (Graphical User Interface) including an input area and a seal display field on the screen, it is possible to set the screen display desired by the user. There is an effect that there is little discomfort and the transition to computerization can be smoothly performed.

Claims (5)

  A workflow system that includes a workflow server that manages a workflow and a plurality of terminal devices connected via the Internet, and is processed according to a predetermined flow. Reading means for reading the image data, and displaying the read image data in a screen area corresponding to the specification of the display screen of the terminal device, and freely adding or deleting a data input area or an item selection button corresponding to the image data. A workflow system comprising editing means.   A workflow system comprising a workflow server for managing a workflow and a plurality of terminal devices connected via the Internet, and processed according to a predetermined flow, wherein a plurality of templates prepared in advance to be displayed on a display screen Selecting means for selecting a template, and an editing means for displaying the selected template in a screen area corresponding to the specification of the display screen of the terminal device and for freely adding or deleting a data input area and an item selection button. A workflow system comprising:   3. The workflow system according to claim 1, wherein the workflow system has a restriction unit that does not allow a user to change or delete the final settled document. 4.   A workflow system comprising a workflow server that manages a workflow and a plurality of terminal devices connected via the Internet and processed according to a predetermined flow, wherein a signal transmitted by a sensor of the terminal device is transmitted to the workflow server. A workflow system comprising: a notification unit that receives a server, and, when the workflow server determines that the value is a preset abnormal value, notifies a registered person of an inspection command.   A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the workflow system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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