JP2023050270A - Application program and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an application program capable of using a workflow definition file, and an image processing apparatus, configured to provide a technique for improving convenience in creating the workflow definition file.SOLUTION: In creating a WF file that defines a workflow including a process of storing an image file in a designated storage location, an image processing application 22 creates a list of accessible storage locations from among multiple storage location candidates, and displays the storage location candidates included in the created list, separately from storage location candidates not included in the created list, on a user IF 13. The image processing application 22 receives a selection of a storage location candidate, and designates the selected storage location candidate as a storage location to be used for the process of storing the image file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a computer-executable application program for an information processing device and an image processing device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an application program or an image processing device capable of creating a workflow definition file defining a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing is known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 discloses a technique related to workflow. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200001 discloses a multi-function peripheral capable of executing a workflow and having a configuration for registering parameter information used in each step of the workflow.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-219788

When creating a workflow definition file, the user selects processes or parameters to be included in the workflow from multiple processes. The more sophisticated the image processing apparatus, the more options there are, so the operation tends to be complicated and inconvenient for the user.

This specification discloses an application program and an image processing apparatus that can use a workflow definition file, and discloses a technique for improving convenience when creating a workflow definition file.

An application program designed to solve this problem is an application program that can be executed by a computer of an information processing device, causes the computer to execute creation processing for creating a workflow definition file, and the workflow definition file is: A file that defines a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing, the workflow can include a save process of saving an image file in a specified save destination, and the computer can store the created list creation processing for creating a list of accessible storage destinations from a plurality of storage destination candidates when creating the workflow definition file defining the workflow including the storage processing; Among storage destination candidates, the storage destination candidates included in the list created in the list creation process are displayed on the user interface of the information processing device, distinguishing from the storage destination candidates not included in the list. It is characterized by executing a display process and a designation process of receiving a selection of a storage destination candidate and designating the selected storage destination candidate as a storage destination used in the storage process.

When creating a workflow definition file that defines a workflow including storage processing, the application program disclosed in this specification selects accessible storage destination candidates from among multiple storage destination candidates. The storage destination in the storage process is specified by displaying the candidate separately from the previous candidates and accepting the selection. This makes it easier for the user to understand accessible storage destination candidates, and makes it easier for the user to select a storage destination than when all storage destination candidates are displayed without discrimination.

The information processing device or image processing device in which the application program is installed, the computer-readable storage medium storing the application program, and the control method for realizing the function of the application program are also novel and useful.

According to the technique disclosed in this specification, an application program and an image processing apparatus that can use a workflow definition file, and a technique that improves convenience when creating a workflow definition file is realized.

3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the PC; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a WF file; FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an instruction acceptance screen of an image processing application; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure of WF execution processing; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of WF creation processing; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure of PC save destination determination processing; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save destination selection screen; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of cloud storage location determination processing; FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a service selection screen; 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of an MFP; FIG.

The first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a program executed by a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") will be described.

The PC 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12, as shown in FIG. The PC 1 is an example of an information processing device, and the CPU 11 is an example of a computer. The PC 1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13 and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, which are electrically connected to the controller 10. . Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for hardware and software used to control the PC 1 and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the PC 1 .

The CPU 11 executes various processes according to programs read from the memory 12 and based on user's operations. Various programs and various data are stored in the memory 12 . The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. A buffer provided in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory. Note that an example of the memory 12 is not limited to the ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the PC 1, but is a storage medium readable and writable by the CPU 11, such as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc. Also good.

The user IF 13 includes hardware that displays a screen for notifying the user of information, and hardware that accepts user operations. The user IF 13 may be a combination of a display capable of displaying information and a mouse or keyboard having an input reception function, or may be a touch panel having a display function and an input reception function.

The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with external devices. The communication standard of the communication IF 14 is Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, or the like. The PC 1 may have a plurality of communication IFs 14 corresponding to a plurality of communication standards.

The PC 1 of this embodiment is connected to a multi-function peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") 3 via a communication IF 14, for example, as shown in FIG. The MFP 3 is a device having at least an image reading function. MFP3 is an example of a scanner.

Also, the PC 1 may be connectable to, for example, a local server 4 that is locally connected to the PC 1 via the communication IF 14 . Also, the PC 1 may be connectable to the Internet 50 via the communication IF 14 and may be able to use various cloud services 51 and 52 via the Internet 50 . Although shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 1, the PC 1 uses the cloud services 51 and 52 by connecting to cloud servers managed by the cloud services 51 and 52, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, the memory 12 of the PC 1 stores an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21 and an image processing application program (hereinafter referred to as "image processing application") 22. there is The image processing application 22 is an example of an application program. The OS 21 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), and Android (registered trademark).

The image processing application 22 is a program capable of executing various processes such as inputting, converting, and outputting image data using a device capable of executing image processing such as the MFP 3 . The image processing application 22 of the present embodiment is a program corresponding to the MFP 3, and can cause the MFP 3 to perform various types of processing including image processing based on user instructions.

Input-related processing that can be executed by the image processing application 22 includes, for example, scanning processing for acquiring image data by causing the MFP 3 or the like to perform scanning, and downloading processing for downloading image data via the Internet 50 . Conversion-related processing that can be executed by the image processing application 22 includes, for example, conversion processing for converting the format of image data and OCR processing for converting character images in image data into character data. The output-related processes that can be executed by the image processing application 22 include, for example, a print process that transmits image data to the MFP 3 or the like to execute printing, and an upload process that transmits an image file to the cloud service 51 or the like via the Internet 50. processing, and local storage processing for storing an image file in the memory 12, the local server 4, or the like. Upload processing and local storage processing are examples of storage processing.

Further, the image processing application 22 of this embodiment can use a workflow. A workflow indicates a series of processes to be executed by the image processing application 22, and is defined by a workflow definition file (hereinafter referred to as "WF file"). The image processing application 22 of this embodiment can accept instructions for creating, registering, and executing a WF file. A series of processes executed by the image processing application 22 according to the workflow includes, for example, image processing executed by a device such as the MFP 3 . For example, WF files 23 and 24 are registered in the image processing application 22 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.

In the WF file 23, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of jobs are described according to the execution order to be executed by the image processing application 22. As information of each job, settings used when executing the job are described. information is included. The WF file 23 in the example of FIG. 2 describes three jobs, <Job 1> 231, <Job 2> 232, and <Job 3> 233, in order of execution.

<Job 1> 231 of the WF file 23 is a scanning process for causing the MFP 3 to perform scanning and acquire scan data. <Job 2> 232 is conversion processing for converting the scan data acquired in <Job 1> 231 into PDF format. <Job 3> 233 is local saving processing for saving the file converted into the PDF format in <Job 2> 232 in the memory 12 of the PC 1 . In this WF file 23, one job describes one process, but one job may include a plurality of processes.

Next, various workflow-related operations in the PC 1 in which the image processing application 22 is installed will be described. It should be noted that the processing and each processing step in the flowcharts in the following description basically represent the processing of the CPU 11 according to commands written in programs such as the image processing application 22 .

When the image processing application 22 is activated, the user IF 13 displays an instruction acceptance screen for accepting an instruction from the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the instruction acceptance screen includes a print instruction button for accepting an instruction for the MFP 3 to print, a scan instruction button for accepting an instruction for the MFP 3 to perform scanning, and a WF creation button for accepting the creation and registration of a WF file. A button appears. If there is a created WF file, the instruction acceptance screen displays a WF execution button for accepting an instruction to specify and execute the created WF file.

A procedure of WF execution processing by the image processing application 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The WF execution process is executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 when the image processing application 22 receives an instruction to specify and execute the created WF file.

The CPU 11 reads the WF file instructed to be executed (S101). Then, the CPU 11 executes each job described in the read WF file in order from the top job (S102). For example, when the WF file to be executed is the WF file 23 shown in FIG. receive scan data from

The CPU 11 determines whether the job executed in S102 is a save job that includes upload processing or local save processing (S103). When determining that the job is not a saved job (S103: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the next job is described in the read WF file (S105). Since <Job 1> 231 is not a saved job, the CPU 11 determines NO in S<b>103 and reads the next job from the WF file 23 .

When determining that there is a next job (S105: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S102 and executes the read next job. In the case of the WF file 23, the next job is the <Job 2> 232 conversion process. In S102, the CPU 11 converts the format of the scan data acquired in <Job 1> 231 into PDF format to create PDF data. Since <Job 2> 232 is also not a saved job, the CPU 11 determines NO in S<b>103 and reads the next job from the WF file 23 .

<Job 3> 233 of the WF file 23 defines a local save process for saving the file in the folder of PC1. In S102, the CPU 11 saves the PDF data created in <Job 2> 232 based on the description in <Job 3> 233 . This <Job 3> 233 is a save job.

If it is determined that the executed job is a save job (S103: YES), the CPU 11, after executing the save job, stores the information indicating the save destination where the data in the save job is saved in the save history information 25 of the memory 12. (See FIG. 1) (S104). S104 is an example of a storage process. As information indicating the storage destination, for example, a folder path, a URL on the Internet, an IP address of an external device, or a combination thereof can be specified. Note that the CPU 11 may execute S104 if the execution of the save job succeeds, and skip S104 if the execution fails, such as when the designated save destination cannot be accessed.

After S104, the CPU 11 proceeds to S105 and determines whether or not there is a next job. When determining that there is no next job (S105: NO), the CPU 11 terminates the WF execution process.

Note that the image processing application 22 accepts the designation of the scan data storage destination not only when the workflow is executed, but also when the scan processing execution instruction is accepted. For example, when the image processing application 22 receives an operation to the scan instruction button on the instruction reception screen shown in FIG. 3, it receives the designation of the save destination of the scan data. After accepting the designation of the save destination of the scan data, when the execution instruction of the scan process is accepted, the image processing application 22 transmits the scan instruction to the MFP 3, acquires the scan data from the MFP 3, and stores the acquired scan data. Save data to the specified destination. The image processing application 22 also stores information indicating the storage destination in the storage history information 25 when data is stored in the scan process.

Next, a procedure of WF creation processing for creating a WF file in the PC 1 in which the image processing application 22 is installed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This WF creation process is executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 when the image processing application 22 receives an instruction to create a workflow. Note that in this embodiment, processing when an instruction to create a WF file that defines a workflow indicating a series of processing including scanning and saving is received will be described.

When the image processing application 22 receives an instruction to create a workflow including scanning and saving, the image processing application 22 determines whether or not the PC 1 is connected to a network (S201). S201 is. It is an example of determination processing. If not connected to the network, the PC1 cannot connect to the MFP3 or cloud service. As will be described later, the image processing application 22 of the present embodiment determines whether or not access to the storage destination specified by the user is possible when creating a WF file. If it is not connected to the network, access cannot be attempted, so the CPU 11 cannot properly determine whether or not access is possible.

If it is determined that the network is not connected (S201: NO), the CPU 11 notifies the user to connect to the network (S202), and ends the WF creation process. S202 is an example of notification processing. When the PC 1 of this embodiment is not connected to the network, it warns to that effect to prompt the user to connect to the network.

If it is determined that it is connected to a network (S201: YES), the CPU 11 selects "save to PC", which designates saving to a locally connected device including the PC 1 or local server 4, or a cloud service, as a saving destination. Accepts the user's selection of either "save to cloud service" to upload to. Then, the CPU 11 determines which of "save to PC" and "save to cloud service" is selected (S203).

When determining that "save to PC" has been selected (S203: PC), the CPU 11 executes PC save destination determination processing (S204). On the other hand, when determining that "save to cloud service" has been selected (S203: cloud service), the CPU 11 executes cloud save destination determination processing (S205).

The procedure of the PC save destination determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the PC save destination determination process, the CPU 11 acquires information on the folder specified as the save destination from the WF file including the local save process among the WF files already created in the image processing application 22 (S301). Extract as a save destination to be confirmed. The local save process is a process of saving in the PC 1 or the local server 4 , and the save destination specified in the local save process is one of the folders in the PC 1 or the local server 4 .

Note that the storage destination to be confirmed is a storage destination that is one of the targets for confirmation as to whether or not to add it to the storage destination candidate list. The storage destination candidate list is a list of storage destination candidates to be registered in the WF file being created, and is a list for accepting user selection. The folder specified as the save destination for the created WF file is highly likely to be accessible and is highly likely to be a folder frequently used by the user. Convenience is further enhanced by including such a folder in the storage destinations to be checked.

Further, the CPU 11 reads the storage history information 25 from the memory 12 (S302), and adds the folder of the PC 1 or the local server 4 stored in the storage history information 25 to the storage destination to be checked. As described above, the storage history information 25 stores information indicating the specified storage destination folder when scanning is executed or when a workflow including scanning is executed. The save history information 25 may store only the save destination of the local save process.

A folder stored as a save destination in the scan execution history is highly likely to be accessible, and highly likely to be a folder frequently used by the user. Therefore, by including such a folder in the storage destinations to be checked, the convenience is enhanced.

Furthermore, the CPU 11 acquires the storage destination information 31 stored in the MFP 3 from the MFP 3 connected to the PC 1 (S303), and selects each storage destination stored in the storage destination information 31 as a storage destination to be confirmed. Add to Note that the save destination information 31 is information stored by the MFP 3 when, for example, the panel of the MFP 3 accepts the designation of the save destination of the scan data. The MFP 3 of this embodiment can accept a push scan instruction by operating the panel of the MFP 3, for example. In the push scan instruction, a folder in the PC 1 can be set as the save destination of the scan data. When executing the push scan, the MFP 3 stores, in the save destination information 31, information indicating the folder designated as the save destination of the scan data, for example.

The folder set as the save destination of the scan data in the MFP 3, which is the device used by the user, is highly likely to be accessible, and is highly likely to be a folder frequently used by the user. Convenience is further enhanced by including such a folder in the storage destinations to be checked.

Through S301 to S303, the CPU 11 can acquire one or more storage destinations to be confirmed. If there is no save destination to be checked, the CPU 11 does not display the save destination candidates and ends the PC save destination determination process. In this case, the image processing application 22 may, for example, request the user to input the save destination, as in the conventional case.

The CPU 11 attempts to access one of the storage destinations extracted as the storage destinations to be checked in S301 to S303 (S304), and determines whether or not each folder is currently accessible (S305). If it is determined that the access has been made (S305: YES), the save destination is a folder with access authority, and the CPU 11 adds the save destination to the save destination candidate list (S311). The save destination candidate list is a list of accessible folders. S311 is an example of list creation processing. Note that the CPU 11 prepares an empty storage destination candidate list prior to S311.

When it is determined that the extracted storage destination could not be accessed (S305: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the folder name of the storage destination is described in the correct format (S321). When the folder name is stored in the save history information 25, for example, if the folder name is stored based on information from another application program, the folder name may be automatically changed, resulting in an incorrect format. be.

When determining that the format is not correct (S321: NO), the CPU 11 tries to correct the folder name (S322) and tries to access the folder with the corrected folder name. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the folder with the corrected folder name has been accessed (S323).

Since there are several patterns for automatically changing the folder name, the image processing application 22 stores the change pattern, applies it to the pattern, and performs the trial of S322. For example, if there are two "\" at the beginning of the folder path, one "\" may be deleted and the description may include only one "\". Also, for example, if a folder path contains "\" and "_" consecutively, the "\" may be deleted. The CPU 11 uses the possible change patterns to perform processing such as adding "¥" in S322. If there are a plurality of possible change patterns, and if the folder name cannot be accessed even if the folder name is corrected based on one change pattern, the CPU 11 further attempts correction and access using other change patterns. Also good.

If it is determined that the folder name has been corrected and access has been made (S323: YES), the CPU 11 adds the corrected folder name to the save destination candidate list (S311).

On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the format of the folder name is correct (S321: YES), or if it determines that it could not be accessed even after attempting to correct the folder name (S323: NO), the CPU 11 selects the extracted storage destination. (S331). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the parent folder has been accessed (S332). When determining that the parent folder has been accessed (S332: YES), the CPU 11 adds the accessible parent folder to the save destination candidate list (S311).

For example, if the folder used as the save destination is deleted, the CPU 11 cannot access that folder. However, the parent folder, which is the higher level folder of the deleted folder, may still exist and may be accessible. If the upper folder can be accessed, by including the upper folder in the list, it is possible to suppress the decrease in convenience without narrowing the options for the user.

After S311, or if it is determined that the parent folder could not be accessed (S332: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether there are other extracted storage destinations (S341). If it is determined that there is another storage destination extracted as a confirmation target (S341: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S304 and attempts to access another folder that is a storage destination to be confirmed.

On the other hand, when confirmation of all the storage destinations extracted as confirmation targets in S301 to S303 is completed and it is determined that there is no other storage destination (S341: NO), the CPU 11 stores in the created storage destination candidate list. The user IF 13 is caused to display a save destination selection screen including a list of saved save destinations as options (S351). S351 is an example of display processing. The storage destinations displayed as a list on the storage destination selection screen are all accessible storage destinations, that is, folders with access authority, and inaccessible storage destinations are not included. By not displaying inaccessible storage destinations as options, it is possible to suppress the possibility of creating a WF file in which an unexecutable WF is defined.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the save destination selection screen 60 is a screen that displays a list 61 of accessible folders and accepts selection. On the save destination selection screen 60, the CPU 11 also accepts designation of a file name to be saved and a file format. Note that the save destination selection screen 60 may further include a "select folder" button 62 for receiving designation of a folder not included in the list.

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a selection instruction has been received by the user's operation on the OK button 65 included in the save destination selection screen 60 (S352). When the selection of the necessary information is accepted on the save destination selection screen 60 , the CPU 11 can accept the operation of the OK button 65 .

When determining that the selection instruction has not been received (S352: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation of the cancel button 66 included in the save destination selection screen 60 has been received (S353). If it is determined that the cancel button 66 has not been operated (S353: NO), the CPU 11 waits until the OK button 65 or the cancel button 66 is operated.

When determining that the selection instruction has been received (S352: YES), the CPU 11 determines the save destination selected when the OK button 65 was operated as the save destination described in the WF file (S354), and performs PC save destination determination processing. and return to the WF creation process. S354 is an example of designation processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancel button 66 has been operated (S353: YES), the CPU 11 does not determine the save destination, ends the PC save destination determination process, and returns to the WF creation process.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the procedure of the cloud save destination determination process (S205) executed when "save to cloud service" is selected in S203 of the WF creation process shown in FIG. explain.

In the cloud storage destination determination process, the CPU 11 extracts cloud services that can be handled by the image processing application 22 (S401). Note that a plurality of cloud services are registered in advance in the image processing application 22, and of these, the cloud services to which sign-in is possible are compatible services. On the other hand, for example, a cloud service that has been terminated or a cloud service whose access is restricted by company regulations is a cloud service that does not allow sign-in, and is not a service that can be handled.

The CPU 11 checks whether or not the cloud services that can be used are accessible one by one in order. First, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user has already signed in to the cloud service to be confirmed (S403). Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether information indicating that the user has signed in to the cloud service, such as an access token associated with the cloud service, is stored in the memory 12 .

If it is determined that the user has already signed in (S403: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the access token stored in the memory 12 can be used (S404). For the determination of S404, the CPU 11 uses the access token, for example, to attempt access to the cloud service. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may make the determination of S404 based on whether or not the stored access token is valid.

When determining that the access token cannot be used (S404: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether a refresh token for updating the access token is available (S405). When determining that the refresh token can be used (S405: YES), the CPU 11 uses the refresh token to attempt to update the access token (S406), and determines whether the update was successful (S407). ).

If it is determined that a valid access token for accessing the cloud service is stored (S404: YES), or if it is determined that the access token has been successfully updated using the refresh token (S407: YES ), the CPU 11 determines that the cloud service is accessible, and adds the cloud service to the signed-in list (S411). The signed-in list is an example of a first list.

The signed-in list is a list of storage destination candidates to be registered in the WF file being created, and is a list of accessible cloud services for receiving user selection. S411 is an example of list creation processing. Note that the CPU 11 prepares an empty signed-in list prior to S411.

Even if a cloud service does not have a valid access token, if it has a refresh token and the access token can be reacquired using the refresh token, it becomes a signed-in cloud service.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the cloud service to be confirmed has never been signed in (S403: NO), or if it is determined that the refresh token cannot be used (S405: NO), or if the access token is updated is not successful (S407: NO), the CPU 11 adds the cloud service to the sign-in required list (S412). The sign-in required list is a list of cloud services that may become accessible by performing a sign-in procedure, but are not accessible in the current state. The sign-in required list is an example of the second list. Note that the CPU 11 prepares an empty sign-in required list prior to S412.

After S411 or S412, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is another cloud service that has not been checked among the cloud services extracted in S401 (S421). When determining that there is another cloud service (S421: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S403 and determines whether or not the next cloud service is accessible.

If it is determined that all the extracted cloud services have been added to the signed-in list or the sign-in required list (S421: NO), the CPU 11 separates the created signed-in list and sign-in required list from each other. The user IF 13 is caused to display a service selection screen including as a list (S431). S431 is an example of display processing.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the service selection screen 70 includes "sign-in services" 71 that are a list of signed-in lists, and "services that require sign-in" 72 that are a list of sign-in required lists. , respectively, and accepts a selection. "Signed-in service" 71 is an example of a storage destination candidate included in the first list, and "service requiring sign-in" 72 is an example of a storage destination candidate included in the second list. On the service selection screen 70, the CPU 11 also accepts specification of the file name and file format to be saved.

In the service selection screen 70 of the present embodiment, "signed-in services" 71 and "services requiring sign-in" 72 are displayed separately. Even if it is an available cloud service, in the case of a cloud service for which sign-in has not been completed, an operation for sign-in is required. Therefore, by displaying the cloud services separately from the signed-in cloud services, the user can easily select a cloud service that can be used immediately.

In the service selection screen 70 shown in FIG. 9, the signed-in completed list and the sign-in required list are displayed separately as separate selection columns, but the display format is not limited to this. For example, the signed-in list and the sign-in required list may be displayed as one selection field with different font colors and sizes.

The service selection screen 70 may further include a "select other services" button 73 for receiving designation of services not included in the list. When an operation to the "select other services" button 73 is accepted, the CPU 11 displays cloud services that are registered in the image processing application 22 but whose access is restricted due to company regulations or the like. The cloud service displayed by operating the "select other service" button 73 is an example of a storage destination candidate that is not included in either the first list or the second list.

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a selection instruction has been received by operating the OK button 75 included in the service selection screen 70 (S432). When the selection of necessary information is accepted on the service selection screen 70 , the CPU 11 can accept an operation to the OK button 75 .

When determining that the selection instruction has not been received (S432: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation of the cancel button 76 included in the service selection screen 70 has been received (S433). If it is determined that the cancel button 76 has not been operated (S433: NO), the CPU 11 waits until the OK button 75 or the cancel button 76 is operated.

When determining that the selection instruction has been received (S432: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the selected service is a service that requires sign-in and is included in the sign-in required list (S441). When determining that a service included in the sign-in required list has been selected (S441: YES), the CPU 11 accesses the selected cloud service, displays the sign-in screen provided by the cloud service, and allows the user to sign. Input of IN information is accepted (S442).

The CPU 11 determines whether or not the sign-in to the cloud service has succeeded (S443). Note that when the sign-in is successful, the CPU 11 can acquire an access token provided by the cloud service.

When determining that the sign-in has not succeeded (S443: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not cancellation of sign-in by the user has been accepted (S444). If it is determined that the cancellation has not been accepted (S444: NO), the CPU 11 returns to S442, accepts the sign-in, and waits until the sign-in is successful or canceled.

If it is determined that the sign-in has succeeded (S443: YES), or if it is determined that the selected service is a signed-in service included in the signed-in list (S441: NO), the CPU 11 The stored service is determined as the saving destination defined in the WF file (S445). S445 is an example of designation processing. Note that when the sign-in is successful and an access token provided by the cloud service is acquired, the CPU 11 stores the acquired access token in the memory 12 in association with the name of the cloud service. After S445, the CPU 11 ends the cloud save destination determination process and returns to the WF creation process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that an operation to the cancel button 76 included in the service selection screen 70 has been accepted (S353: YES), or if it is determined that the sign-in has been canceled on the sign-in acceptance screen (S444: YES) , the CPU 11 does not determine the storage destination, ends the cloud storage destination determination processing, and returns to the WF creation processing.

Returning to the description of the WF creation process in FIG. The CPU 11 determines whether or not a storage destination has been determined in either the PC storage destination determination processing of S204 or the cloud storage destination determination processing of S205 (S211). If it is determined that the storage destination has been determined by executing S354 of the PC storage destination determination processing or S445 of the cloud storage destination determination processing (S211: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the scan setting instruction has been received ( S212). Note that the image processing application 22 sets, for example, default settings as the initial values of the scan settings at the start of the WF creation process. A user who wants to change the scan settings from the initial values instructs the scan settings.

If it is determined that a scan setting instruction has been accepted (S212: YES), the CPU 11 accepts various settings related to scanning, such as the document size, color reading or not, reading resolution, etc. (S213). After S213, the CPU 11 returns to S212 and further determines whether or not a scan setting instruction has been received.

When determining that the scan setting instruction has not been received (S212: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the WF file registration instruction has been received (S221). If it is determined that the WF file registration instruction has been received (S221: YES), the CPU 11 includes the currently selected scan setting and the information of the save destination determined by the PC save destination determination process or the cloud save destination determination process. A WF file is created and registered in the memory 12 (S222). S222 is an example of creation processing.

The registered WF file becomes a workflow that can accept execution instructions. As a result, a WF execution button corresponding to the registered WF file is displayed on the instruction reception screen (see FIG. 3) displayed when the image processing application 22 is activated. Note that the image processing application 22 may receive designation of the name of the WF file at the time of registration, and the name of the WF file may be displayed on the WF execution button.

When determining that the WF file registration instruction has not been received (S221: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not an instruction to cancel WF creation has been received (S223). If it is determined that the instruction to cancel the creation of the WF has not been received (S223: NO), the CPU 11 waits until any of the scan setting instruction, registration instruction, and cancellation instruction is received.

After S222, or if it is determined that an instruction to cancel WF creation has been received (S223: YES), or if the save destination has not been determined in the PC save destination determination process or the cloud save destination determination process, it will be canceled. When determined (S211: NO), the CPU 11 ends the WF creation process without creating the WF file.

As described in detail above, the image processing application 22 of the first embodiment selects an accessible storage destination from a plurality of storage destination candidates when creating a WF file including upload processing and local storage processing. Display candidates separately from candidates for other save destinations. This makes it easier for the user to understand accessible storage destination candidates and to select a storage destination more easily than when all storage destination candidates are displayed without discrimination. In addition, by making it easier to select accessible storage destination candidates, the possibility of creating a WF file that defines an accessible storage location increases, and a WF file that defines an unexecutable process is created. can reduce the possibility of being

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage destinations stored in the existing WF file, the storage history information 25, and the storage destination information 31 stored in the MFP 3 are acquired as storage destination candidates, and other accessible storage destinations are obtained. Since it is displayed separately from the storage destination candidates for , storage destinations that are highly likely to be selected as storage destinations are displayed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a list of cloud services to which sign-in is possible is created and displayed separately from cloud services to which sign-in is not possible, so an available cloud service can be selected from among multiple cloud service candidates. easy.

Next, the second form will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a program executed by the MFP will be described. This point is different from the first mode executed by the PC1.

The MFP 100 of this embodiment includes a controller 110 including a CPU 111 and a memory 112, as shown in FIG. MFP 100 is an example of an image processing apparatus. MFP 100 also includes user IF 113 , communication IF 114 , printing unit 115 , and scanner 116 , which are electrically connected to controller 110 . MFP 100 can use printing unit 115 to print based on image data, and can use scanner 116 to read an image of a document. The printing unit 115 and scanner 116 are examples of an image processing unit.

The CPU 111 executes various processes according to programs read from the memory 112 and based on user's operations. Various programs and various data are stored in the memory 112 . The memory 112 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed.

The user IF 113 includes hardware that displays a screen for notifying the user of information, and hardware that accepts user operations. Communication IF 114 includes hardware for communicating with an external device. The communication standard of the communication IF 114 is Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, or the like. MFP 100 of the present embodiment can be connected to PC 101, local server 104, and Internet 50 via communication IF 114, as shown in FIG. Also, the MFP 100 can use various cloud services 51 and 52 via the Internet 50 .

The memory 112 of the MFP 100 stores an OS 121 and an image processing application 122, as shown in FIG. The image processing application 122 is a program capable of executing various processes such as inputting, converting, and outputting image data using the printing unit 115 and the scanner 116 . Further, the image processing application 122 of the present embodiment can use a workflow, and accepts instructions for creating and executing WF files.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, WF files 123 and 124 created by an image processing application 122 are registered in the memory 112 of the MFP 100 of this embodiment. The WF files 123 and 124 are files that define a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing such as printing and scanning, like the WF files 23 and 24 in the first mode described above.

The MFP 100 can accept execution instructions for the created WF files 123 and 124 . When receiving the selection of a WF file and its execution instruction, the MFP 100 executes the same process as the WF execution process shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 111 reads the specified WF file and sequentially executes the jobs according to the description. If the job to be executed is a save job, information indicating the designated save destination is stored in the save destination information 131 of the memory 112 . The save destination may be a folder in PC 101 or local server 104 connected to MFP 100, or may be cloud services 51 and 52. FIG.

The image processing application 122 of the MFP 100 of this embodiment can accept a WF file creation instruction via the user IF 113 . When the image processing application 122 receives an instruction to create a WF file including processing for saving scan data, etc., the image processing application 122 executes processing similar to the WF creation processing shown in FIG.

When the CPU 111 receives an instruction to create a WF file including local storage processing, the CPU 111 executes processing similar to the PC storage destination determination processing shown in FIG. Specifically, CPU 111 controls the storage destination information described in the created WF file in MFP 100, the storage destination information 131 stored in memory 112 of MFP 100, and the information stored in locally connected PC 101 or the like. The user IF 113 displays a list of accessible storage destination candidates based on the stored storage history information.

When the CPU 111 receives an instruction to create a WF file that includes an upload process, the CPU 111 executes the same process as the cloud save destination determination process shown in FIG. Specifically, the CPU 111 attempts to access a cloud service that can be handled by the image processing application 122, and causes the user IF 113 to display a list of signed-in cloud services. The CPU 111 may display the sign-in required list at the same time if it can be displayed on the user IF 13 at the same time.

Also when executed by the CPU 111, the upload processing for uploading the scan data to the cloud service 51 or the like and the local storage processing for storing the scan data in a locally connected device such as the PC 101 or the local server 104 are the storage processing. , and S222 of the WF creation process is an example of the creation process. Further, S311 of the PC storage destination determination process and S411 of the cloud storage destination determination process are examples of list creation processing, and S351 of the PC storage destination determination process and S431 of the cloud storage destination determination process are examples of display processing. , S352 of the PC storage destination determination processing and S432 of the cloud storage destination determination processing are examples of the designation processing.

As described above in detail, the image processing application 122 of the second mode displays accessible storage destination candidates separately from other storage destination candidates, as in the first mode. This makes it easier for the user to understand accessible storage destination candidates and to select a storage destination more easily than when all storage destination candidates are displayed without discrimination.

In particular, the user IF 113 of the MFP 100 often has a smaller amount of displayable information than the user IF 13 of the PC 1 . According to the second mode, it is possible to reduce the number of options, such as displaying only candidates for accessible storage destinations, which is effective for user convenience.

It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, instead of the PC 1, for example, a tablet computer or a smart phone may be used. Also, not limited to the MFP 3, any device having a scanning function and a communication function, such as a copier, a FAX device, a scanner, or a digital camera, may be used.

Also, the WF file is not limited to being stored in the memory 12, and may be any file that can be read by the image processing applications 22 and 122. FIG. For example, there may be a WF file stored in a device other than the PC 1 or MFP 100, such as the local server 4 or cloud server.

Further, for example, the various screens illustrated are only examples, and the display forms such as the position, shape, number, etc. of the included words and buttons are not limited to the illustrated examples. Further, in the embodiment, as buttons for selecting a storage destination other than the storage destinations displayed as options, the "select folder" button 62 on the storage destination selection screen 60 (FIG. 7) and the service selection screen 70 (FIG. Although an example of the screen including the "select other services" button 73 in 9) is shown, these buttons may not be included.

Moreover, in the embodiment, an example of the service selection screen 70 including both the signed-in list and the sign-in required list is shown, but both lists are not limited to being displayed at the same time. For example, if there is no service included in the signed-in list, the list of the sign-in required list may be displayed. In some cases, a list of the sign-in required list may be displayed. In particular, in the second mode, it is highly likely that the amount of information that can be displayed on the user IF 113 provided in the MFP 100 is small, so it is easier to apply not to display them at the same time.

Further, in the embodiment, even a created WF file, a storage location included in the storage history information 25 and the storage location information 31 cannot be accessed on the storage location selection screen 60 shown in FIG. However, for example, it may be displayed separately from accessible storage destinations. For example, a list of accessible folders and a list of inaccessible folders may be displayed separately in separate columns.

In the embodiment, in the PC storage destination determination process, the storage destination is selected from all of the created WF file, the storage history information stored in the PC1 or PC101, and the storage destination information stored in the MFP3 or MFP100. However, only one or two of these may be used. Specifically, at least one of S301 to S303 of the PC save destination determination process should be executed. Also, S331 to S332 of the PC save destination determination process may be omitted.

In addition, in the embodiment, when the storage destination of the sign-in required list is selected, the sign-in is accepted continuously, but it is not necessary to accept the sign-in. For example, sign-in may be accepted when a workflow execution instruction is accepted. In that case, even if the CPU 11 determines YES in S444 of the cloud storage destination determination processing in FIG. 8, it is preferable to proceed to S445 and determine the cloud service selected in S432 as the storage destination.

Further, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed in execution order or executed in parallel as long as there is no contradiction in the processing contents.

Also, the processing disclosed in the embodiments may be performed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium recording a program for executing the processes, a method, and the like.

1, 101 PCs
3, 100 MFPs
11, 111 CPU
13, 113 User interface
115 printing unit 116 scanner

Claims (11)

An application program executable by a computer of an information processing device,
to the computer;
A creation process for creating a workflow definition file is executed, the workflow definition file is a file defining a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing, and the workflow stores an image file in a designated storage destination. It is possible to include a storage process that
Furthermore, in said computer,
In the creating process, when creating the workflow definition file that defines the workflow including the saving process,
a list creation process for creating a list of accessible storage destinations from among multiple storage destination candidates;
A user interface of the information processing device distinguishing storage destination candidates included in the list created by the list creating process from among the plurality of storage destination candidates from storage destination candidates not included in the list. Display processing to display on
a designation process of receiving a selection of a storage destination candidate and designating the selected storage destination candidate as a storage destination used in the storage process;
to run
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to claim 1,
In the display process,
displaying, on the user interface, storage destination candidates included in the list created by the list creation processing, and displaying storage destination candidates not included in the list created by the list creation processing, on the user interface; do not display
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to claim 1 or claim 2,
In the saving process, a folder can be designated as the saving destination,
In the list creation process,
Include in the list folders for which access rights are granted from among the plurality of storage destination candidates;
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to claim 3,
In the list creation process,
Reads the created workflow definition file, and if the workflow defined in the read workflow definition file includes the save process and a folder is specified as a save destination, specify the save process. obtaining the folder that has been stored, and including the obtained folder in the plurality of storage destination candidates;
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to claim 3 or claim 4,
to the computer;
After executing the saving process with the folder as the saving destination, executing a storing process for storing the execution history including the saving destination folder,
Furthermore, in the list creation process,
reading the execution history stored in the storage process, acquiring a folder included in the execution history, and including the acquired folder in the plurality of storage destination candidates;
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
In the list creation process,
acquiring storage destination information stored in the scanner from a scanner connected to the information processing device, including a folder indicated in the acquired storage destination information in the plurality of storage destination candidates, , a folder that serves as a storage destination for the read image can be set, and the storage destination information indicating the set storage destination is stored;
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
In the list creation process,
Obtaining one or a plurality of folders as candidate storage destinations, determining whether or not each obtained folder is currently accessible, including folders determined to be accessible in the list, and folders not determined to be accessible. Even if the folder above the folder is accessible, the folder above the folder is included in the list,
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The save process is a process of saving an image file using a specified cloud service as the save destination, and sign-in is required to use the cloud service;
In the list creation process,
Include in the list cloud services to which sign-in is possible from among the plurality of storage destination candidates;
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to claim 8,
to the computer;
In the list creation process,
A first list and a second list are created as the lists, and among a plurality of storage destination candidates, signed-in cloud services are included in the first list, and sign-in-required cloud services are included in the first list. 2 list,
In the display process,
The storage destination candidates included in the first list, the storage destination candidates included in the second list, and the storage destination candidates not included in the first list or the second list are distinguished. displayed on the user interface of the information processing device;
An application program characterized by: In the application program according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
to the computer;
When creating the workflow definition file that defines the workflow including the save process,
Before executing the list creation process, executing a determination process for determining whether or not it is connected to a network,
executing the list creation process and the designation process when it is determined to be connected to a network;
If it is not determined that the device is connected to the network, the list creation processing and the designation processing are not executed, and the notification processing for notifying that the device is not connected to the network is executed.
An application program characterized by: an image processing unit;
a user interface;
An image processing device comprising
The image processing device is
A creation process for creating a workflow definition file is executed, and the workflow definition file is a file defining a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing to be executed by the image processing unit. It is possible to include a save process that saves the image file to the save destination,
Further, the image processing device
In the creating process, when creating the workflow definition file that defines the workflow including the saving process,
a list creation process for creating a list of accessible storage destinations from among multiple storage destination candidates;
A display for displaying, on the user interface, storage destination candidates included in the list created by the list creating process among the plurality of storage destination candidates, distinguishing from storage destination candidates not included in the list. processing;
a designation process of receiving a selection of a storage destination candidate and designating the selected storage destination candidate as a storage destination used in the storage process;
run the
An image processing apparatus characterized by:

Images