JP2023093883A - Program, control method and information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of taking full advantage of the capacity of a device that executes image processing as a program capable of using workflow definition data.SOLUTION: An image processing application 22 allows a CPU 11 of a PC 1 to read WF data being data defining a workflow indicating a series of processing including image processing. A device to be an execution object of the image processing and setting values used for the image processing can be set in the workflow. The image processing application 22 further allows it to receive selection of the device to be the execution object of the image processing included in the workflow defined in the read WF data via a user IF 13 of the PC 1, and when the selected device can deal with upper setting values than the setting values set in the workflow defined in the read WF data, execute the workflow defined in the read workflow with the upper setting values.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to computer-executable programs, control methods, and information processing apparatuses.

2. Description of the Related Art Application programs or devices capable of using workflow definition data defining a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing are conventionally 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 technique for using setting information for executing a workflow on a first workflow execution device to create setting information for executing the same workflow on a second workflow execution device. A configuration is disclosed in which default values are applied when the capabilities of one workflow execution device and the second workflow execution device are not equal.

JP 2009-71447 A

When a workflow to be executed by a first device (workflow execution device) is to be executed by a second device having different capabilities from the first device, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, If not, the workflow is carried over to the second device by applying default values. However, if the second device has higher capabilities than the first device, the capabilities of the second device cannot be fully utilized.

A program designed to solve this problem is a program that can be executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus, and causes the computer to execute a reading process for reading workflow definition data, and the workflow definition data is used for image processing. data defining a workflow indicating a series of processes including: executing a selection process of receiving, via a user interface of the information processing apparatus, a selection of a device to be subjected to the image processing included in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the readout process; and further instructing the computer that the device selected in the selection process is a first set value set in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the read process. when the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading process is compatible with the second set value, which is a higher set value than the first set value, instead of the first set value. It is configured to execute with 2 set values.

When executing a workflow, the program disclosed in the present specification accepts selection of a device to be subjected to image processing included in the workflow, and the selected device is set higher than the setting value set in the workflow. Causes the workflow to run with the higher setting if the value can be accommodated. This increases the possibility of fully utilizing the capabilities of the selected device compared to using the settings originally set in the workflow.

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

According to the technology disclosed in this specification, a program capable of using workflow definition data and capable of fully utilizing the capability of a device that performs image processing is realized.

2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a PC; FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure of WF execution processing; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of WF data; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of device selection processing; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a high performance notification screen; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a procedure of WF rewriting processing; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a low performance notification screen; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of device selection processing; FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a device selection screen;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This specification discloses a program executed by a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC").

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 informing 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 include multiple communication IFs 14 that support multiple communication standards. The PC 1 of this embodiment may be connectable to the Internet via the communication IF 14, and may be able to use various cloud services via the Internet.

The PC 1 of the present embodiment is connected to a plurality of multifunction peripherals (hereinafter referred to as "MFPs") 3 to 5 via the communication IF 14, as shown in FIG. Each of MFP3, MFP4, and MFP5 is a device that has at least one of an image forming function and an image reading function and is capable of executing image processing. The MFP3, MFP4, and MFP5 may be of the same model, or may be of different models. Each of MFP3, MFP4, and MFP5 is an example of a device.

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 a 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 for using a device such as the MFP3. The image processing application 22 of this embodiment is a program compatible with any of the MFPs 3 to 5, and transmits an instruction to execute image processing such as scanning or printing to any of the MFPs 3 to 5 based on user instructions. be able to.

The image processing application 22 of this embodiment can also use a workflow. A workflow is a series of processes to be executed by the image processing application 22, and is defined by workflow definition data (hereinafter referred to as “WF data”). The WF data describes information indicating a plurality of processes to be executed by the image processing application 22 and their execution order. The multiple processes described in the WF data include image processing to be executed by a device such as the MFP3.

The image processing application 22 of the present embodiment can accept instructions for creating and registering WF data, and stores the WF data for which a registration instruction has been accepted in the memory 12 of the PC 1, for example, as shown in FIG. The image processing application 22 can register a plurality of WF data, and in the example of FIG. 1, two types of WF data 23 and 24 each defining a workflow are stored in the memory 12 of the PC 1 . The image processing application 22 can register at least one piece of WF data, and can accept an instruction to execute by designating the registered WF data. Details of the WF data will be described later.

Next, the operation of 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 .

A procedure of WF execution processing, which is processing for executing a registered workflow, 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 a selection of a workflow to be executed and an instruction to execute the selected workflow.

In the WF execution process, the CPU 11 reads the WF data corresponding to the workflow designated to be executed from the memory 12, and sequentially analyzes the described contents (S101). S101 is an example of a readout process and a readout step.

FIG. 3 shows an example of WF data read in S101. The WF data 23 includes, for example, a WF name 31 and function information 32, as shown in FIG. The WF name 31 is a name that identifies the WF data 23 . The image processing application 22, for example, displays a list of WF names of registered WF data on the user IF 13 and accepts user's selection. For example, when the WF name 31 is selected by the user's operation, the CPU 11 identifies the WF data 23 to be executed based on the WF name 31 and reads the identified WF data 23 from the memory 12 .

The function information 32 is information specifying a plurality of processes to be executed by the image processing application 22 in order of execution of the processes. The WF data 23 in the example shown in FIG. 3 is WF data that defines a workflow of first causing the device to perform scanning and then uploading data based on the scanning results. As shown in FIG. 3, the function information 32 includes, for each process, type information 321 indicating the type of process, and setting information 322 that is information used when executing the process.

In the WF data, image processing using the functions of the device such as the MFP 3 such as scanning, printing, and facsimile transmission can be defined as function information 32 . In addition, in the WF data, as the function information 32, it is possible to define processes that can be executed by using the functions of the PC 1, such as format conversion of image data, download, and upload. The function information 32 of the process using the function of the device includes, in addition to the type information 321 and setting information 322, device information 323 indicating the device that executes the function. Device information 323 is not included in function information 32 for processing that does not use device functions.

The image processing application 22 of this embodiment can set either individual specification or runtime selection as the device information 323 of the WF data. The individual designation is information that preliminarily specifies an individual device whose function is to be used to execute processing, and indicates the specified device. In the case of individual designation, the device information 323 of WF data is, for example, device name, node name, IP address, MAC address, and serial number.

The run-time selection is information indicating that the device that uses the function to execute the process is not specified in advance, but is selected when the workflow is run. Execution selection is an example of a setting in which a device to be subjected to image processing is undetermined. In the WF data 23 of the example shown in FIG. 3, "execution selection" is set as the device information 323 indicating the device for executing the scan.

Based on the analysis result in S101, the CPU 11 executes one process in the order described in the WF data. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the process to be executed is a process that uses the function of the device (S102).

When determining that the process to be executed is a process that does not use the function of the device, such as downloading or uploading (S102: NO), the CPU 11 executes the process to be executed without using the device (S105). . After the execution, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the next process is described in the read WF data (S106). If there is no next process, that is, if it is determined that all the processes described in the WF data have been executed (S106: NO), the CPU 11 terminates the WF execution process. When determining that there is the next process (S106: YES), the CPU 11 sets the next process as an execution target and returns to the determination of S102.

If the CPU 11 determines that the process to be executed is a process that uses the function of the device, such as printing or scanning (S102: YES), the CPU 11 determines that the device information described in the WF data for that process is individually specified. or execution time selection (S111). If it is determined to be individual designation (S111: individual designation), the CPU 11 instructs the device designated by the device information to execute processing (S112). Specifically, the CPU 11 transmits a command for instructing execution of processing specified by the type information 321 and parameters based on the setting information 322 to the device specified by the device information.

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the device has successfully executed the process (S113). The device executes the instructed process based on the received command and parameters, and returns information indicating success to the PC 1 when the execution of the process is properly completed. In S113, the CPU 11 determines whether or not information indicating successful execution of the process has been received from the device that transmitted the command. If it is determined that the process has been successfully executed (S113: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S106, and if the next process is described in the WF data, it executes the next process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution of the process has not succeeded (S113: NO), specifically, if the information indicating that the execution of the process has succeeded has not been received, the CPU 11 notifies an error (S115). ). For example, if an error occurs in the device before or during execution of processing, information indicating the error is sent from the device to the PC1. Also, for example, when the device is in a state where it cannot be used due to maintenance, or when communication between the PC 1 and the device is malfunctioning, and when information indicating the execution result is not received from the device within a predetermined time. Also, the CPU 11 determines that the execution of the process has not succeeded.

Furthermore, the CPU 11 accepts the user's selection of either reselecting another device or canceling execution of the workflow (S116). The instruction to reselect another device is an instruction to execute workflow processing on a device other than the device indicated by the device information of the WF data. Since the execution is first started based on the WF data, it is more likely that execution can be completed on the device originally set in the WF data. On top of that, since the selection of another device is accepted if the execution is not completed, the possibility of completing the execution of the workflow increases.

The cancel instruction is an instruction to cancel execution of the selected workflow. When determining that the instruction to cancel has been received (S116: Cancel), the CPU 11 terminates the WF execution process. If there is no need to execute the workflow on a device other than the device originally set in the WF data, the user can cancel execution of the workflow by selecting cancel.

If it is determined that the device information included in the WF data is selected at runtime (S111: Selected at runtime), or if it is determined that reselection of the device was selected after an error was notified (S116: Device reselection ), the CPU 11 executes a device selection process (S121). The device selection process is a process of receiving a selection of a device to execute image processing included in WF data and causing the selected device to execute image processing. In this embodiment, it is possible to set runtime selection to receive device selection each time the workflow is executed, so the degree of freedom in executing the workflow is increased.

The procedure of device selection processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the device selection process, the CPU 11 acquires information on all devices connectable to the PC 1, displays a list on the user IF 13, and receives device selection by the user (S201). S201 is an example of a selection process and a selection step. The CPU 11 may acquire information on all devices connected to the PC 1 from the OS 21 or may acquire information on devices registered in the image processing application 22 . Further, when an error is reported in S115 of the WF execution process, the CPU 11 may display only the devices other than the information on the device that caused the error.

After accepting the selection of the device, the CPU 11 communicates with the selected device and acquires the capability information from the device (S205). S205 is an example of an acquisition process. The capability information includes information on functions provided by the device and information indicating setting values that can be set for each function. Based on the acquired capability information, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the selected device has the function of executing the image processing to be executed (S206). For example, if the image processing to be executed is scan processing and the selected device is a printer having only a print function, the CPU 11 determines that the selected device does not have the function.

If it is determined that the selected device does not have the function (S206: NO), the CPU 11 notifies that the process cannot be executed (S207), returns to S201, and redisplays the list of devices. to accept another device selection.

Note that the CPU 11 may also acquire information indicating the current status from the device in S205 in addition to the ability information. Then, even if the status of the device is in use or in error, and the device cannot be used immediately, the CPU 11 may notify that fact and accept the reselection of another device.

When determining that the selected device has the function (S206: YES), the CPU 11 compares the device capability with the WF data information (S211). Specifically, based on the device capability information acquired in S205, the CPU 11 determines the image processing to be executed using the setting values indicated by the setting information included in the WF data and the capability of the selected device. Comparable set values and . A setting value indicated by setting information included in the WF data is an example of a first setting value. In S211, the CPU 11 determines whether the device capability is higher than the setting information, the device capability and the setting information are equal, or the device capability is lower than the setting information.

The CPU 11 first determines whether or not the device can handle all of the setting values indicated by the setting information included in the WF data. If so, it is determined that the capability of the device is lower than the setting information. For example, if the image processing to be executed is scan processing, the setting information includes a setting for color reading, and the selected device can only read in monochrome, it is determined that the capability of the device is lower than the setting information. Also, for example, if the image processing to be executed is scanning processing and only reading at a resolution lower than the reading resolution included in the setting information can be performed, it is determined that the capability of the device is lower than the setting information.

On the other hand, if the device is compatible with all setting values indicated by the setting information included in the WF data, the CPU 11 selects the highest setting value compatible with the selected device and the setting value of the WF data. compare. Specifically, the CPU 11 compares at least comparable capabilities, such as read resolution, print resolution and print quality, whether or not color reading and color printing are possible, among the setting information. If at least one of the highest setting values that can be handled by the device is higher than the setting value of the WF data, the CPU 11 determines that the capability of the device is higher than the setting information.

For example, if the image processing to be executed is scanning processing, the setting information includes a setting for monochrome reading, and the selected device is a device capable of color reading, the CPU 11 determines that the device has a higher capability than the setting information. I judge. Further, for example, if the image processing to be executed is scan processing and reading at a higher resolution than the reading resolution included in the setting information is possible, the CPU 11 determines that the device capability is higher than the setting information. . Further, for example, if the image processing to be executed is print processing, the setting information includes a setting for monochrome printing, and the selected device is a device capable of executing color printing, the CPU 11 determines that the device capability is Judged to be higher than the setting information.

On the other hand, if all of the highest setting values that can be handled by the device are equivalent to the setting values of the WF data, the CPU 11 determines that the capabilities of the device and the setting information are equivalent. For example, if the image processing to be executed is scan processing and the reading resolution included in the setting information is equal to the highest resolution readable by the selected device, the CPU 11 determines that the device capability and the setting information are equal. We judge that it is. Further, for example, if the image processing to be executed is print processing and the print resolution included in the setting information is equal to the maximum printable resolution of the selected device, the CPU 11 determines the capability of the device and the setting information. are equivalent.

As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the device capability and the setting information are equivalent (S211: equivalent), the CPU 11 selects the setting value set in the workflow based on the setting information included in the WF data. Instruct the device to execute image processing (S212).

When determining that the selected device has higher capability than the setting information (S211: High), the CPU 11 notifies that the device has higher capability (S221) and accepts user input (S222). Specifically, the CPU 11 notifies information about setting values that can be used by the selected device, and accepts user input as to whether or not setting values higher than the setting information of the WF data are to be used. The upper set value is an example of a second set value, and the input received in S222 is an example of an input as to whether or not to use the second set value. By confirming with the user whether or not to use the higher setting value before using the higher setting value, it is possible to avoid execution of processing unintended by the user.

The CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a high performance notification screen 51, for example, as shown in FIG. On the high performance notification screen 51, setting information 511 of WF data, information 512 of setting values that can be used by the selected device, and whether to change the setting values according to the capability of the device and execute or execute the WF data A radio button 513 for accepting selection of whether to execute the setting information as is, and an OK button 514 for determining the selection are included.

If it is determined based on the user's input that the setting value of the setting information of the WF data has been selected (S222: As is), the CPU 11 advances to S212 and transfers the selected device to the WF data. Instructs execution of image processing with the setting values of the included setting information.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting value is changed and executed based on the user's input is selected (S222: setting change), the CPU 11 uses the selected device instead of the setting value of the WF data. Execution of image processing with the highest possible setting value is instructed (S223). S223 is an example of a workflow execution process and a workflow execution step. The highest setting value instructed to the device in S223 is an example of the second setting value. Note that the setting value after the setting change may be higher than the setting value of the WF data. more likely to perform well.

If the device can support setting values higher than the setting values of the WF data for a plurality of setting items, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display information on the setting items that can be supported, and sets each setting item. may be accepted. Also, if there is a selectable intermediate setting value between the highest setting value in the device and the setting value of the WF data setting information, the CPU 11 displays a plurality of selectable setting values on the user IF 13. It is also possible to accept the selection of setting values by the user. Also in these cases, if it is determined in S222 that the user has selected to change the setting and execute, the CPU 11 changes the setting value based on the user's selection and instructs the device to execute.

Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the device information included in the WF data is individual designation (S225). If it is determined that it is individual designation (S225: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not to rewrite the WF data based on the device and set values used in the current execution (S226). For example, the CPU 11 notifies that the WF data can be rewritten, and accepts user input as to whether or not to rewrite the WF data.

When determining to rewrite the WF data (S226: YES), the CPU 11 executes WF rewriting processing (S227). By confirming with the user whether or not to rewrite the WF data before rewriting, rewriting unintended by the user can be avoided.

The procedure of WF rewrite processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the WF rewriting process, the CPU 11 rewrites the device information and setting information of the WF data to be executed read in S101 of the WF execution process based on each information used for execution in S223 of the device selection process (S301 ). S301 is an example of rewrite processing. As a result, when the WF data is read out next time, the CPU 11 can use the rewritten execution target device and setting values from the beginning.

Next, the CPU 11 extracts other WF data including the same device information as the WF data to be executed from among the WF data stored in the memory 12, and displays a list of the WF names of the extracted WF data ( S302). In S302, the CPU 11 sets the same device information and the same setting information as the WF data to be executed for the same image processing as the image processing instructed to be executed in S223 of the device selection processing among the WF data to be executed. Extract WF data. The other WF data extracted in S302 is an example of specific workflow definition data, and the workflow defined by the other WF data extracted in S302 is an example of a specific workflow.

Then, the CPU 11 accepts the user's input as to whether or not to rewrite the other WF data displayed as a list (S303). If the CPU 11 determines to rewrite other WF data based on the user's input (S303: YES), the CPU 11 rewrites all the WF data listed in S302 (S304). The CPU 11 rewrites the device information and setting information of these WF data with the information used for execution in S223 of the device selection process. S304 is an example of specific rewrite processing. By rewriting the WF data, the device and setting values selected this time can be used thereafter when executing other workflows.

By rewriting other WF data for the same image processing with the same device and the same setting values, the other WF data can be rewritten to appropriate setting values without execution. For example, if a plurality of workflows using the same device are registered and the device is replaced by a new one, the trouble of individually correcting a plurality of WF data can be saved. Note that the CPU 11 may accept a selection as to whether or not to rewrite each piece of WF data displayed as a list.

After S304, or if it is determined that other WF data will not be rewritten (S303: NO), the CPU 11 ends the WF rewriting process and returns to the device selection process.

Returning to the description of the device selection process in FIG. If it is determined that the selected device's capability is lower than the setting information of the WF data (S211: low), the CPU 11 notifies that the device's capability is low (S231) and accepts the user's input (S232). Specifically, the CPU 11 notifies that the selected device cannot execute processing with the set value of the WF data, and sets the set value within the range that can be executed by the selected device. User input is accepted as to whether or not to use a setting value lower than the data setting value. The lower set value is an example of a third set value, and the input received in S232 is an example of an input as to whether or not to use the third set value. By confirming with the user whether or not to use the lower set value before using the lower set value, it is possible to avoid execution of processing unintended by the user.

The CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a low performance notification screen 52, for example, as shown in FIG. On the low performance notification screen 52, setting information 521 of WF data, information 522 of setting values that can be used by the selected device, and setting values that can be executed by the device are changed and executed, or A radio button 523 for selecting a device or accepting a selection and an OK button 524 for confirming the selection are included.

If it is determined based on the user's input that the image processing is to be executed by changing the setting values that can be executed by the device (S232: setting change), the CPU 11 changes the setting value of the WF data to the selected value. Execution of image processing with the highest setting value that can be executed by the device that has been selected is instructed (S233). The highest setting value instructed to the device in S233 is an example of the third setting value. Even if the selected device does not support the setting value of WF data, if it can be executed with the lower setting value, by executing with the lower setting value, the situation where the workflow cannot be executed is avoided. can.

Note that the setting value used in S233 is not limited to the highest executable setting value, and may be any setting value lower than the setting value of the WF data and executable by the device. However, using the highest setting possible on the device increases the chances of fully utilizing the capabilities of the device. Further, when there are a plurality of setting values that can be executed by the device, the CPU 11 may display information on a plurality of selectable setting values on the user IF 13 and accept selection of the setting values by the user.

If it is determined that the user's selection is to select another device (S232: another device), the CPU 11 returns to S201, displays the device list again, and accepts the device selection by the user again. . In this case, the CPU 11 may display only the devices other than the information on the device selected in S201 previously executed.

After S212, S227, and S233, the CPU 11 ends the device selection process and returns to the WF execution process. In the WF execution process, after the device selection process, the process advances to S106 to determine whether or not the next execution target process is described in the WF data. When determining that there is no next process (S106: NO), the CPU 11 terminates the WF execution process.

It should be noted that the CPU 11 may also determine whether or not the execution of the process was successful in the same manner as in S113 of the WF execution process described above, even when the execution of the process is instructed in S212, S223, and S233. If the CPU 11 determines that the execution of the process has not succeeded, the CPU 11 may return to S201 and accept re-selection of the device, for example.

In addition, after displaying the list in S201, the CPU 11 also displays a notification screen for notifying execution impossibility in S207, a high performance notification screen 51 displayed in S221, and a low performance notification screen 52 displayed in S231. It may be possible to receive an instruction to cancel the execution of When receiving a cancel instruction on these screens, the CPU 11 ends the device selection process, returns to the WF execution process, and ends the WF execution process.

In the device selection process shown in FIG. 4, after receiving the selection of the device in S201, information on the capability of the device selected in S205 is obtained. Alternatively, information on the capabilities of each selectable device may be acquired in advance and notified. A procedure of device selection processing in such a configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The device selection process shown in FIG. 8 is executed in S121 of the WF execution process of FIG. 2 instead of the device selection process shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 8 and the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same procedures as those of the device selection process shown in FIG. 4 to simplify the description.

In the device selection process shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 11 searches for devices connected to the PC 1 (S401). Specifically, the CPU 11 sends out a search signal via the communication IF 14 and receives a response signal from each device. As a result, each device compatible with the image processing application 22 is searched. Furthermore, the CPU 11 acquires information on executable functions and capability information from each device found (S402).

Based on the acquired information, the CPU 11 extracts a device having a function for executing image processing to be executed in the workflow (S403). S403 is an example of search processing. Further, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a list of the devices extracted in S403 together with information on their capabilities, and accepts device selection by the user (S404). As the capability information, the CPU 11 displays information including information indicating whether or not the capability of the device is higher than the setting information included in the WF data for the image processing to be executed. S404 is an example of processing for notifying whether or not each device can support the second set value.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a device selection screen 53 and accepts the user's selection. The device selection screen 53 includes WF data setting information 531, a radio button 532 for accepting selection of one device, and an OK button 533 for confirming the selection. The device selection screen 53 displays, as information of each device, a comparison result between the capability of the device and the set value of the WF data in association with the device name, for example. The displayed comparison result may be only information indicating the level of the device capability with respect to each setting value of the WF data, or information specifically indicating the difference between each setting value of the WF data and the capability of the device may be displayed. You can

Note that the CPU 11 may also acquire information indicating the current status from each device in S402, and extract only devices that are currently available in S403. Further, the device selection screen 53 shown in FIG. 9 may accept an instruction to cancel execution of the workflow.

After receiving the user's selection on the displayed device selection screen 53, the CPU 11 compares the capabilities of the selected device with the setting information described in the WF data (S211). In other words, the CPU 11 determines whether a device with a higher capability than the WF data was selected, a device with an equivalent capability as the WF data was selected, or a device with a lower capability than the WF data was selected.

If a device with the same capability as the WF data is selected (S211: equivalent) or if a device with higher capability than the WF data is selected (S211: High), the CPU 11 performs the device selection shown in FIG. Processing similar to the processing is executed (S212 to S227). In this case, the CPU 11 may proceed to S223 without displaying the high performance notification screen 51 (S221) or accepting user input (S222).

If a device with lower capability than the WF data is selected (S211: low), the CPU 11 instructs the selected device to execute image processing with the highest setting value possible for the selected device (S233). ). In this case, since the lack of capability has already been notified in S404, the low performance notification screen 52 of the device selection process shown in FIG. 4 is displayed (S231 in FIG. S232) is unnecessary.

After S212, S227, and S233, the CPU 11 ends the device selection process and returns to the WF execution process. In the WF execution process, after the device selection process, the process advances to S106 to determine whether or not the next execution target process is described in the WF data. When determining that there is no next process (S106: NO), the CPU 11 terminates the WF execution process.

As shown in FIG. 8, if a plurality of devices are searched in advance and the result of comparing each searched device with the setting value of WF data is notified, only the device name is simply listed as shown in FIG. It is easier for the user to make a selection than in the device selection process. On the other hand, as in the device selection process shown in FIG. 4, if only the device names are first displayed in a list and the capability information of only the selected device is acquired, then as in the device selection process shown in FIG. , the processing load is reduced compared to the case of acquiring capability information from a plurality of devices in advance.

As described in detail above, the image processing application 22 of the present embodiment accepts selection of a device to be executed for image processing included in a workflow defined in read WF data, and the selected device is , the workflow is executed with the higher setting value than the setting value of the WF data. Therefore, compared to the case of using the setting values originally set in the WF data, the possibility of being able to fully utilize the capabilities of the execution target device increases.

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, the device connected to the PC 1 is not limited to the MFP, and may be any device capable of executing image processing, such as a printer dedicated to printing, a copier, a FAX machine, or a scanner. Also, the number of MFPs connected to the PC 1 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more.

Further, for example, the high performance notification screen 51 shown in FIG. 5, the low performance notification screen 52 shown in FIG. 7, and the device selection screen 53 shown in FIG. is not limited to the illustrated example.

Further, the WF data read by the user's execution instruction is not limited to the data stored in the memory 12, and may be data that can be read by the image processing application 22. FIG. For example, there may be WF data stored in a device other than the PC 1, such as a cloud server.

In addition, in the present embodiment, it is possible to accept specification of selection at runtime as device information when registering a workflow, but specification of selection at runtime may not be acceptable. For example, if device information is not included in the WF data to be executed, the image processing application 22 may determine that the selection is specified at the time of execution. Further, the image processing application 22 may, for example, request input of device information when registering a workflow, or may include device information of a default device in WF data when device information is not input. good.

Further, when the image processing application 22 of the present embodiment selects a device with higher performance than the setting value of the WF data, in S221 of the device selection process, the user's input as to whether or not to change the setting is accepted. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the image processing application 22 may change settings without asking the user.

Further, in the image processing application 22 of the present embodiment, when a device having lower capability than the set value of the WF data is selected, in S231 of the device selection processing, the user inputs whether or not to change the settings and execute. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the image processing application 22 may use the highest setting value of the device without asking the user.

Further, the image processing application 22 of the present embodiment asks the user whether or not to rewrite the WF data in S226 of the device selection process when a device with higher performance than the setting value of the WF data is selected. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the image processing application 22 may not rewrite WF data regardless of the capabilities of the selected device. Further, for example, the image processing application 22 may be able to accept and set in advance whether or not to rewrite the WF data. In that case, in S226, instead of inquiring of the user, the CPU 11 may read the information set in the image processing application 22 and determine whether or not to rewrite the information.

Further, the image processing application 22 of the present embodiment can rewrite the WF data only when the device information of the WF data is individual setting when a device with higher performance than the setting value of the WF data is selected. Although it is assumed that there is, it may be rewritten even if it is selected at runtime. For example, the image processing application 22 may rewrite the device information selected at runtime with individual setting information indicating the selected device, and rewrite the setting information with the highest setting value of the device.

In addition, in the present embodiment, WF data including the same device information and the same setting information for the same image processing as the read WF data is extracted as a target for rewriting in S302 of the WF rewriting process, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, regardless of the type of image processing, all WF data containing the same device information may be rewritten. Further, for example, even if the setting information is different, all WF data including the same device information in the same image processing may be rewritten.

In any flow chart 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 PC
3, 4, 5 MFPs
11 CPUs
12 memory 13 user interface
14 communication interface

Claims (15)

A program executable by a computer of an information processing device,
to the computer;
A reading process for reading workflow definition data is executed, the workflow definition data being data defining a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing, and the workflow includes a device to be subjected to the image processing, A setting value used for the image processing can be set,
Furthermore, in said computer,
executing a selection process of receiving, via a user interface of the information processing apparatus, a selection of a device to be subjected to the image processing included in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the readout process; let
Furthermore, in said computer,
The device selected in the selection process has a setting value higher than a first setting value that is a setting value set in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading process. executing the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading process with the second setting value instead of the first setting value, if a certain second setting value can be handled;
A program configured to: In the program according to claim 1,
to the computer;
receiving an input as to whether or not to use the second setting value via the user interface when the device selected in the selection process is compatible with the second setting value; an input that does not use the second setting value by causing the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading process to be executed with the second setting value when an input that uses a value is received; is received, the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading process is executed with the first set value;
A program configured to: In the program according to claim 1 or claim 2,
to the computer;
When the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading process is executed with the second set value, the workflow definition data read out in the reading process is stored in the workflow. executing a rewriting process for rewriting the device selected in the selection process as the execution target of the included image processing and rewriting the setting value set in the workflow to the second setting value;
A program configured to: In the program according to claim 3,
In the rewriting process,
When the workflow for which the second set value is set is executed, an input as to whether or not to rewrite the workflow definition data is received via the user interface, and an input to rewrite the workflow definition data is received. (b) with respect to the workflow definition data read out in the reading process, the image processing execution target included in the workflow is set as the device selected in the selection process, and a setting value set in the workflow; is set to the second setting value, and when an input not to rewrite the workflow definition data is received, the workflow definition data read out in the reading process is not rewritten.
A program configured to: In the program according to claim 3 or claim 4,
a plurality of workflow definition data can be registered;
to the computer;
When the workflow definition data has been rewritten in the rewriting process, specifying workflow definition data defining a specific workflow separately from the rewritten workflow definition data among the registered workflow definition data With regard to the workflow definition data, the image processing execution target included in the specific workflow is set to the device selected in the selection process, and setting values set to the specific workflow defined in the specific workflow definition data are set to , executing a specific rewriting process for rewriting the image processing to the second setting value, and the specific workflow includes a device set in the workflow definition data before being rewritten by the rewriting process as an execution target of the image processing. the workflow in which the same device is set and the first setting value is set;
A program configured to: In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
to the computer;
Before executing the selection process, start execution of the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the read process, and execute the selection process if execution of the workflow is not completed. let it run,
In the selection process,
Accepting, through the user interface, selection of a device other than the device set as the execution target of the image processing in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading process;
A program configured to: In the program according to claim 6,
In the workflow, it is possible to undetermine a device to be subjected to the image processing,
to the computer;
If the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading process includes a device to be subjected to the image processing, the workflow is executed before executing the selection process. and executing the selection process if execution of the workflow is not completed;
If the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading process is set to undetermine the device on which the image processing is to be executed, the execution of the workflow is started. without performing the selection process,
In the selection process,
When the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the read processing is set to be undetermined for the device to be subjected to the image processing, the image included in the workflow Selection of a device to be subjected to processing is accepted via the user interface, and the device to be subjected to image processing is included in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading process. If set, selection of a device different from the device set as the execution target of the image processing included in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading process is performed by the through the user interface,
A program configured to: In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
to the computer;
executing acquisition processing for acquiring capability information indicating capabilities of the device selected in the selection processing;
Furthermore, in said computer,
If the second setting value is included in the settable setting values indicated in the capability information obtained in the obtaining process, the above defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading process causing the workflow to run with the second set value;
A program configured to: In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
to the computer;
executing a search process for searching for a device having a function related to the image processing included in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the read process;
In the selection process,
A process of accepting selection of a device to be executed for the image processing included in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the read process from among the devices searched in the search process. and a process of acquiring capability information indicating the capability of each device searched in the search process, and notifying whether each device is compatible with the second setting value.
A program configured to: In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The second setting value is a higher setting value than the first setting value and is the highest setting value that can be handled by the device selected in the selection process.
A program configured to: In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
to the computer;
When the device selected in the selection process is compatible with the second setting value, the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading process is set to the first setting value. Instead, execute with the second setting value,
When the device selected in the selection process is not compatible with the first set value but is compatible with a third set value which is a lower set value than the first set value, in the read process, executing the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out by using the third setting value instead of the first setting value;
A program configured to: In the program according to claim 11,
to the computer;
whether the third setting value is used via the user interface when the device selected in the selection process is not compatible with the first setting value but is compatible with the third setting value; receiving an input indicating whether or not to use the third setting value, and executing the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading process with the third setting value when receiving an input to use the third setting value. and if an input not using the third set value is received, the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the readout process is not executed, and the computer performs the selection process again. to run
A program configured to: In the program according to claim 11 or claim 12,
The third setting value is a setting value lower than the first setting value and is the highest setting value that can be handled by the device selected in the selection process.
A program configured to: a reading step of reading out workflow definition data by an information processing device, wherein the workflow definition data is data defining a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing, and the workflow includes an execution target of the image processing. A device and a setting value used for the image processing can be set,
moreover,
a selection step of receiving, via a user interface of the information processing apparatus, a selection of a device to be subjected to the image processing included in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading step;
The device selected in the selection step has a setting value higher than a first setting value set in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading step. A workflow for executing the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading step with the second set value instead of the first set value, if a certain second set value can be handled. an execution step;
including,
A control method configured to: a user interface;
a computer;
An information processing device comprising
The computer is
a read process for reading workflow definition data is executed, the workflow definition data is data defining a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing, and the workflow includes a device on which the image processing is executed; A setting value used for the image processing can be set,
Further, the computer
a selection process of receiving, via the user interface, selection of a device to be subjected to the image processing included in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the readout process;
The device selected in the selection process has a setting value higher than a first setting value set in the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read in the reading process. A workflow for executing the workflow defined in the workflow definition data read out in the reading process with the second set value instead of the first set value, if a certain second set value can be handled. execution process;
run the
An information processing device configured as follows.

Images