JP4259507B2 - Document processing apparatus, display method and display program in the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a workflow display method and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a document processing apparatus such as a multi function peripheral (MFP) that implements functions such as printing, FAX, and copying has a box function in which a document is stored and processing related to the stored document is set in advance. Things are known.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a document processing apparatus having a box function in which processing related to a document such as change of document contents or printout is set. According to the document processing apparatus having such a box function, a user The document processing apparatus can perform processing related to a document without having to bother to transfer a document to be processed to a terminal device such as a PC (personal computer).
JP 2004-227476 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-256186 JP 2002-41115 A

Incidentally, there is a demand for users who use the document processing apparatus to automate routine tasks that are performed on a daily basis as much as possible.
There are various forms (patterns) of routine work depending on the person / department that uses the device. In addition to this, the pattern of routine work, which is a combination of processes, is increasing due to the multifunctionality of the document processing apparatus.

Therefore, there is a problem that preparing a box in which a corresponding process is defined for each routine work pattern expected to be used requires a large amount of resources (hardware resources and software resources).
The inventors of the present application concatenate unit boxes in which different processing contents are defined, set the processing order between the unit boxes, and execute the processing defined in each unit box on the document, We are studying the development of a workflow system consisting of document processing devices that can handle various routine tasks while saving resources.

However, if any trouble (error) occurs in the middle of a series of processing in such a workflow system, the user cannot determine in which single box on the flow the trouble has occurred, so the trouble cannot be dealt with. There is a problem.
In addition, when a process that requires time is particularly executed on the workflow system, a request from the user who wants to know the progress status of the processing content can be considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and provides a workflow display method and display device capable of displaying the status of processing contents of a single box on a workflow to a user. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, a display method according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a document, and a single unit that is a box assigned to a predetermined area of the storage unit and that defines processing contents for an input document. A composite box in which processing content for an input document, which is a box assigned to a predetermined area of the storage unit, is defined using a connection relation and processing order of a plurality of predetermined single boxes, and a display unit A display method executed by the document processing apparatus, wherein when the input of the document to the single box is instructed, the process defined in the single box is executed for the input document, When the input of the document to the composite box is instructed, the processing defined in the predetermined single box for the input document is changed to the connection relationship and the processing. A box execution control step executed according to the order, and an execution status of a process defined in one single box among the plurality of predetermined single boxes; And a display step of displaying on the same screen the execution status and the execution status of the process in the single box for the document instructed to be input to the composite box .

The document processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a document, a single box that is assigned to a predetermined area of the storage unit and that defines processing contents for an input document, and the storage Document processing having a display box that is a box assigned to a predetermined area of a copy and whose processing content for an input document is defined using a connection relationship and a processing order of a plurality of predetermined single boxes When the input of a document to the single box is instructed, the apparatus executes the process defined in the single box for the input document, and the input of the document to the composite box is instructed The box execution control means for executing the processing defined in the predetermined single box for the input document according to the connection relation and the processing order. , As the execution status of the process defined in one single box among the plurality of predetermined single boxes, the execution status of the process for the document instructed to be input to the single single box, And display means for displaying the execution status of the processing in the single box for the document instructed to be input on the same screen .
In addition, a program according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a document, a single box that is a box assigned to a predetermined area of the storage unit and that defines processing contents for the input document, In a document processing apparatus having a display box and a composite box in which processing contents for an input document, which is a box assigned to a predetermined area, are defined by using a connection relation and processing order of a plurality of predetermined single boxes A program for executing a display process, wherein when the input of a document to the single box is instructed, the display process executes a process defined in the single box for the input document; When the input of the document to the composite box is instructed, the process defined in the predetermined single box is performed on the input document. An input to the one single box is instructed as the execution status of the process defined in the single box of the plurality of predetermined single boxes and the box execution control step executed according to the process and the processing order And a display step of displaying the execution status of the process for the document and the execution status of the process in the single box for the document instructed to be input to the composite box on the same screen.

According to these configurations, since the display related to the execution status of the process is displayed for the single box that is executing the defined process content, the user can check the execution status of the process content.
In addition, for each of the plurality of displayed single boxes, a box in which execution of the defined processing content is finished and a box that has not been executed yet are displayed differently.

In addition, the execution status is characterized by progress information indicating a ratio of completion of processing with respect to the entire processing being executed.
According to this configuration, for example, the convenience of a user who has requested a processing content that particularly requires time, or a user who is waiting for processing for the processing that the user requested because the processing content that requires a certain time is being executed. It becomes possible to improve.

Further, the execution status is characterized by progress information indicating a time required for the process being executed to be completed.
Further, the information regarding the execution status is obtained from a history of execution of processes performed in the past.
The execution status is characterized by error information indicating that the process being executed has been stopped due to an error.

According to this configuration, it is possible to provide the user with information for determining which single box has caused the trouble.
Further, when the error information is displayed, a selection notification as to whether or not to skip the stopped process is displayed.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent processing stagnation due to an error.

  In addition, it accepts the selection of a single box from multiple single boxes, and as for the processing contents of the selected single box, the execution status of the process running in the single box itself and as part of the composite box It is characterized in that the execution status of the process being operated is displayed at the same time.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, after describing the outline of the configuration of the workflow system in this embodiment, the workflow display method will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the workflow system 1.
The workflow system 1 is a system that supports a user who performs routine work, and automatically controls defined processes according to a set order. The workflow system 1 includes an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 2 as a document processing apparatus.

The MFP 2 includes a scanner unit 12, a FAX unit 14, a printer unit 16, a network controller unit 18, a PDL analysis / decompression unit 20, a mail transmission / reception unit 22, a format conversion unit 24, an operation panel unit 28, a control unit 30, and a storage unit 40. I have. Hereinafter, each part will be described.
The scanner unit 12 reads a document placed on a sheet feeder or the like, generates image data, and passes the image data to the control unit 30.

The FAX unit 14 transmits a FAX via a telephone line and passes the received FAX image to the control unit 30.
The printer unit 16 performs a printing process for printing the received data on paper.
The network controller unit 18 includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), and transmits and receives data via a network such as a LAN.

The PDL analysis / development unit 20 analyzes the type of PDL (Page Description Language) data received from the network controller unit 18, develops (rasterizes), and generates image data.
The mail transmission / reception unit 22 includes a mailer, and creates, transmits, and receives electronic mail.

The format conversion unit 24 converts document data formats (TIFF, PDF, JPEG, RAW, BMP, etc.).
The control unit 30 includes hardware such as a CPU, a RAM, and a rewritable flash ROM, and comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the MFP 2.
The operation panel unit 28 includes a liquid crystal panel, a touch panel provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal panel, and a push button switch. The operation panel unit 28 performs various displays and receives input information received from the user to the control unit 30. Send it out.

  This liquid crystal panel is smaller in screen size than a monitor in a PC (personal computer) or the like due to the configuration of the apparatus (usually about several inches at most), and the resolution is often not so good. . Moreover, touch panels and push button switches are not suitable for quick input. For this reason, it is desired to simplify the display and operation interface as much as possible.

  The storage unit 40 includes a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a rewritable DVD device, or a flash memory, and includes a single BOX 42 and a composite BOX 44. The BOXes 42 and 44 are assigned to a predetermined area in the storage unit 40 and have a function of managing documents. The “document” here is data to be handled by the MFP 2, for example, a document (document file) created by various software such as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and image data generated by the scanner unit 12. This includes data attached to the mail received by the mail transmitting / receiving unit 22.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit 30.
The control unit 30 includes a main control unit 31 that controls the operation of each unit, a BOX definition creation unit 32, a BOX definition holding unit 34, and a BOX execution control unit 37.
The BOX definition creating unit 32 creates a BOX definition list 35 and a BOX linked list 36 based on input information received from the user through the operation panel unit 28.

The BOX definition holding unit 34 holds the created BOX definition list 35 and BOX linked list 36, and also holds a JOB list 38.
The BOX execution control unit 37 refers to the list held in the BOX definition holding unit 34 and executes the defined process.
Next, the BOX definition list 35, the BOX linked list 36, and the JOB list 38 will be described in order.

FIG. 3 is a table showing the BOX definition list 35.
Each item of the table will be described.
The item “attribute” indicates the attribute of the BOX, and the “composite” attribute is assigned to the BOX in which the connection relationship between the BOX is set (defined), and the “single” attribute is assigned to the other BOX. . A single BOX has two cases: a case where it operates as a component of another composite BOX (in other words, a case where it operates as a child BOX in the parent composite BOX) and a case where it operates independently. Details will be described later.

The item “Public / Private” is “Public” for a BOX that can be shared (published) between users, and “Private” for other BOXes.
The item “From” indicates designation of the input source of the document, and the item “To” indicates the output destination of the document. The designation of the input source and output source is valid only when each BOX is executed independently. When each BOX operates as part of a composite BOX, the designation of the input source and output source is invalid, and processing is performed according to the order of the BOX linked list (see FIG. 4).

The item “event” indicates a condition for starting execution of the process.
The item “processing” indicates the processing content defined in each BOX. When the BOX operates independently, the process is started when the condition of “event” is satisfied.
The saving process in which “BOX B” is defined is a process for saving a document in a predetermined area, for example, a process for transferring and saving a document to a file server outside the MFP 2 via SMB (Server Message Block). is there.

The item “BOX status” indicates the progress status of each BOX (waiting for processing, being processed or processed).
FIG. 4 is a table showing the BOX linked list 36.
The BOX connection list 36 is information for specifying a connection relationship between a plurality of single boxes and a processing order between the connected single boxes.

In the “component” column, a BOX that is a node of each workflow is entered.
In a composite BOX with “AND” in “relation”, each process of the BOX included in the component is executed in series, and after the process of the final BOX is completed, the process in which the composite BOX itself is defined is executed. (If the process is not defined, it is assumed that the process of the composite BOX is completed when the process is completed).

Specifically, in the case of “BOX F”, the processes of “BOX A”, “BOX B”, and “BOX E” are executed in this order, and when the final “BOX E” print processing is completed, The processing of “BOX F” is completed.
In a composite BOX with “OR” as “OR”, each process of the BOX included in the component is executed in parallel, and after both parallel processes are completed, the process in which the composite BOX itself is defined is executed.

Specifically, in the case of “BOX B”, “BOX C” and “BOX D” processes (notification mail transmission process) are executed in parallel, and after both processes are completed, “BOX B” is defined. The saving process is executed.
FIG. 5 is a table showing the JOB list 38.
The JOB list 38 indicates the status of the JOB, and is provided in the BOX definition holding unit 34.

  The item “JOB status” indicates the execution status of the job. Here, when a composite BOX is registered as a job, the execution status of each connected single BOX included in the composite BOX is stored. The execution status of this composite BOX is information indicating that processing has been completed, processing is in progress, processing is waiting, etc. for each single BOX. Note that the execution status may be an expression specifying processing such as printing, transmission, and storage (for example, transmission completed, transmission in progress, and transmission waiting).

In such a JOB state (a BOX process job will be described), information is sequentially flowed into the MFP 2 during execution of the BOX process in S111 described later, and the flowed information is acquired by the main control unit 31. Then, the JOB state may be rewritten sequentially.
The item “JOB name” is a name for identifying the JOB.
The item “JOB definition BOX name” indicates a BOX name for executing a JOB. In the case of a JOB generated without using a BOX, this item is indicated as “none”.

The item “user name” indicates the name of the user who requested the job.
Next, processing contents executed by the control unit 30 of the MFP 2 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of processing executed by the control unit 30.
First, various flags and variables are initialized (S101).
If there is an operation input (S102: Yes) and the input information includes a scan instruction (S103: Yes), a reading start instruction is sent to the scanner unit 12 (S104) to start reading. If the input information includes a BOX condition setting instruction (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to a BOX setting process (S106) subroutine. If not included (S105: No), a BOX state display process (S107). Move to the subroutine.

If there is a document input (S110: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1101. The BOX output mode in step S1101 is a mode in which BOX is specified as an output destination. For example, a case in which BOX is specified as an output destination of a scanned document (Scan-to-Box) can be mentioned.
In step S1102, a new JOB name is generated and newly registered in the JOB list 38 (see FIG. 5), and the JOB definition BOX name corresponding to the new JOB name (the BOX specified in the BOX output mode is the JOB list 38). The JOB name is added as information to the BOX of JOB definition BOX name) and stored in the output destination buffer.
(BOX processing)
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing details of the BOX process.

First, in the BOX process, the output destination is extracted from the output destination buffer (S201). This output destination buffer is a FIFO (First-In First-Out) buffer that stores the output destination of a document in a list structure.
When the output destination of the output destination buffer is BOX and the attribute is a single item (S202: Yes, S203: “Single”), the process proceeds to step S2031. In step S2031, it is determined whether the single BOX operation is an operation on the composite BOX. This determination is made by referring to the JOB definition BOX name in the JOB list 38 based on the JOB name information added to the single BOX and determining whether the BOX name exists in the BOX linked list 36.

If the operation of this single BOX is not the operation on the composite BOX (S2031: No), the process proceeds to the input source determination process in steps S204 to S205.
This input source determination process can prevent a process not intended by the user from being executed. In addition, security threats such as a document being input from an input source that is not originally assumed are suppressed. When the input source determination process is satisfied (S204: No or S204: Yes, S205: Yes), the process proceeds to the designated time waiting process in steps S206 to S207.

If there is no time designation (S206: No) or the designated time comes (S207: Yes), the process according to the process defined in the BOX definition list 35 is executed (S208).
Here, when the execution of the process is started, if this process is an operation on a single BOX (if the process was created by a single BOX), the JOB statuses of the JOB list 38 and the BOX definition list 35 are set to “process”, respectively. Change from "Waiting" to "Processing".

Further, if the process that has started execution is an operation on the first single BOX in the composite BOX, the JOB statuses of the single box JOB list 38 and the BOX definition list 35 are changed from “Waiting” to “Processing”, respectively. Change to
On the other hand, if it is an operation on the second and subsequent single BOX in the composite BOX, only the job status of the corresponding single BOX in the JOB list 38 is changed from “Waiting” to “Processing”. The JOB state of the BOX definition list 35 is not changed.

Then, the part defined by “To” in the BOX definition list 35 is stored in the output destination buffer as the output destination (S209), and the process returns to the main routine.
If the operation of this single BOX is an operation on the composite BOX (S2031: Yes), the process proceeds to step S2081. In step S2081, the JOB definition BOX name in the JOB list 38 is referred to from the JOB name information added to the single BOX, and the relationship including the BOX name is determined.

If the relationship is “AND” (S2081: “AND”), the BOX linked list 36 is referred to, and the BOX next to its own (in-process) BOX is stored as an output destination in the output destination buffer (S2082).
If the relationship is “OR” (S2081: “OR”), the BOX including the BOX as a component is stored in the output destination buffer as the output destination (S2083).

  In step S203, when the BOX attribute is composite (S203: “composite”), the BOX definition list 35 and the BOX linked list 36 are referred to, and all the BOX included in the constituent elements of the BOX are processed. If not completed (S210: No) and all BOX included in the component of the BOX are unprocessed (S211: Yes), the process proceeds to step S212.

  When the “relation” in the BOX linked list 36 is “AND” (S212: “AND”), the JOB name information requested for processing is added to all the BOX of the components of the BOX linked list 36, and the first Only BOX is designated as the output destination and stored in the output destination buffer (S213). For example, when the processing target BOX is “BOX F”, the JOB name information (BOX F) requested to be processed is added to the component “BOX A”, “BOX B”, and “BOX E”, respectively, and the component first "BOX A" is stored in the output destination buffer as an output destination.

  When the “relation” of the BOX linked list 36 is “OR” (S212: “OR”), the job name information requested for processing is added to all the BOX of the components of the BOX linked list 36, and all The BOX is sequentially stored in the output destination buffer (S214). For example, when the processing target BOX is “BOX B”, the JOB name information (BOX B) requested to be processed is added to the component “BOX C” and “BOX D”, respectively, and “BOX C” and “BOX B” are added. D ”will be stored in the output buffer in order.

  Returning to the flow of FIG. 6, when the output destination of the output destination buffer is a printer (S112: “printer”), the document is delivered to the printer unit 16 and a print instruction is given (S113). In the case of mail (S112: “mail”), the mail transmission / reception unit 22 is instructed to send a mail to the set destination address (S114). In the case of FAX (S112: “FAX”), the FAX unit 14 is instructed to transmit a FAX using the set telephone number as a transmission destination (S115).

If the output destination of the output destination buffer is BOX (S112: “BOX”), the document is stored in the designated output destination BOX (S116). When this storage is handled as reception of a document in the output destination BOX, a document input event occurs (S110: Yes), and the BOX process (S111) is executed again.
At the time when this process is completed, if the completed process is an operation on a single BOX, the JOB statuses of the JOB list 38 and the BOX definition list 35 are changed from “processing” to “processed”, respectively.

If the completed processing is an operation on a single BOX that is not the last in the composite BOX, the job status of the job list 38 of the single BOX is changed from “processing” to “processed”, and the BOX definition list 35 The job status is not changed.
On the other hand, if the completed processing is an operation on the last single BOX in the composite BOX, the JOB statuses of the JOB list 38 and the BOX definition list 35 in the single BOX are changed from “processing” to “processed”. To "".
(BOX setting process)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the BOX setting process.

In the BOX setting process, first, a screen for accepting selection of the attribute of the BOX to be set is displayed on the operation panel unit 28 (S301).
FIG. 10 shows a screen displayed in step S301.
On the same screen, a window 60 is displayed on the left and a rectangular workflow creation board 70 is displayed on the right.

At the top of the window 60, there are two keys, a “basic work” key 61 and a “custom work” key 62, and the tab can be switched by pressing the key. Hereinafter, the windows 60 in a state where the “basic work” and “custom work” tabs are selected are referred to as a basic work area 60 and a custom work area 60, respectively.
When the “basic work” key 61 is pressed (S302: “basic work”), the process proceeds to a single BOX setting process (S303), and when the “custom work” key 62 is pressed (S302: “custom work”). The process proceeds to the composite BOX setting process.

(Single unit BOX setting)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the single BOX setting process.
In the single BOX setting process, the defined single BOX is displayed in the basic work area 60 (see FIG. 10) by reading the BOX definition list 35 (S401).
Here, when the “New” key 64 is pressed (S402: “New”), a default value is read to create a new single BOX, a single BOX setting screen is displayed, and settings for each item are accepted (S4021). To S4023), the new single BOX is registered in the BOX definition list 35 (S403).

When the “Edit” key 66 is pressed in a state in which the defined BOX is selected by pressing (On state) (S402: “Edit”), the information of the currently selected BOX is set to the set value (S4025) and selected. The display shifts to a single BOX setting screen display of the BOX that has been made (S404).
When the “Delete” key 68 is pressed in this state (S402: “Delete”), the process proceeds to step S406. Step S406 will be described later.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a single BOX setting screen displayed in step S404 (the setting screen in steps S4022 to S4023 is the same). In the single BOX setting, four items of (1) “event” 100, (2) “From” 110, (3) “To” 130, and (4) “processing” 120 are received, and the received setting is displayed in the BOX definition list. 35. Hereinafter, each item and its contents will be described in order.

(1) “Event” 100 specifies a start condition of a defined process. The conditions include details of designated time (not only time but also date designation), document storage, document deletion, document access, document reception, and no designation (unconditional).
(2) “From” 110 is used to specify a document input source. Input sources include (i) mail address, (ii) IP address, (iii) telephone number (used when receiving documents via FAX), (iv) user name (user name set on MFP 2) , (V) BOX, and (vi) not specified. The designated input source is used for the above-described input source determination processing (S204 to S205).

(i) E-mail address Next, the e-mail address designation will be briefly described.
FIG. 13 is a display screen of the virtual keyboard 140. If the “mail address” key 111 is pressed while the “condition setting” key 99 is pressed and turned on, the screen shifts to this screen, and the designation of the mail address is accepted by key input of the virtual keyboard 140. This e-mail address may be a single address, or may be specified on a domain basis in combination with a wild card (*) (for example, “* .konicaminolta.jp”).

(3) “To” 130 is an item for designating an output destination of a document after the processing is executed.
The output destination includes (i) mail address, (ii) IP address, (iii) telephone number, (iv) user name, (v) BOX, (vi) unspecified, and (vii) print details.
(4) The contents of “process” 120 include (i) transfer, (ii) notification, (iii) deletion, (iv) conversion, (v) save, (vi) change, and (vii) no designation.

(I) The transfer process transfers the designated document as it is to the output destination.
(Iv) The conversion process converts the document format to a specified format. FIG. 14 is a conversion designation display screen. If the “e-mail address” key 125 is pressed while the “condition setting” key 99 is ON, the screen shifts to this screen. In FIG. 14, it is possible to select format conversion designation for each of the TIFF, PDF, JPEG, and RAW file formats.

(Vi) In the change process, the document content (creator, creation date, name, etc.) is changed.
Returning to the flow of FIG. 11, in step S406, it is determined whether the designated single BOX is a component of the composite BOX.
If it is not a constituent element (S406: No), the selected single BOX is deleted (S408).

If it is a component (S406: Yes), a warning that the BOX cannot be deleted is displayed (S407).
FIG. 15 is a deletion impossible warning screen displayed in step S407.
If deletion of a single BOX (single BOX having a connection relationship with another single box) that is a component of the composite BOX is permitted without reservation, the connection relationship including the deleted single BOX is cut off, and the composite BOX configuration Will be changed.

In this way, such a situation can be prevented by displaying a warning that a single BOX having a connection relationship with another single box cannot be deleted.
Note that the warning display is not limited to that shown in FIG. 15 as long as the warning alerts the user that the deletion-target single BOX has a connection relationship. Further, a warning may be given to the user by voice instead of display.

(Composite BOX setting)
Next, the composite BOX setting process (S304) will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing details of the composite BOX setting process.
In the composite BOX setting process, the predefined composite BOX is displayed in the custom work area 60 by reading the BOX definition list 35 (S501).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a screen displayed in step S501. The “BOX B” key 80 displayed in the custom work area 60 can be selected by pressing it.
The workflow creation board 70 has three areas 71, 72 and 73. Each area 71, 72, 73 can be selected by pressing, and the number on the upper left indicates the order in the flow.

When the “New” key 64 is pressed (S502: “New”), a new composite BOX is registered in the BOX definition list 35 and the BOX linked list 36 (S503). In the BOX linked list 36 of the new composite BOX, the first component is set to end (S504), and each item of the new composite BOX in the other lists is blank (no entry).
When any defined composite BOX is selected by pressing (S502: “BOX”), the linked list 36 of the selected BOX is read and the linked relationship is displayed on the workflow creation board 70 (S505).

When the “Edit” key 66 is pressed in a state where the predefined composite BOX is selected by pressing (S506: “Edit”), the editing of the selected composite BOX is accepted (S507), and the “Delete” key is selected. When is pressed, the selected composite BOX is deleted (S508).
(Specific example of setting BOX B)
A specific example of the composite BOX setting will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19 by taking the composite “BOX B” as an example.

A composite “BOX B” 80 illustrated in FIG. 17 is a new composite BOX whose connection relationship is undefined. In the area 71 of the workflow creation board 70, an “END” mark indicating the flow end point is displayed.
When the “Parallel” key 79 is pressed with the area 71 selected on the screen of FIG. 17, the area 71 is divided into an area 71a and an area 71b, and a display screen as shown in FIG. 18 is obtained.

  When the basic work area 60 is displayed by switching the tab by pressing the “basic work” key 61, as shown in FIG. 19, the single BOX (“BOX A” 81, “BOX C” defined in the same area 60 is displayed. "82," BOX D "83," BOX E "84). Further, by pressing “BOX C” 82 and “BOX D” 83 in order, these BOXes are inserted in this order into the areas 71a and 71b in the workflow creation board.

Further, when the “determine” key 77 is pressed on the screen, the connection relationship of “BOX B” is confirmed.
As shown in FIG. 19, “BOX C” and “BOX D” are displayed as icons, and the two icons are connected by a line.
With such display, it is easy for the user to intuitively understand that “BOX C” and “BOX D” are connected in parallel.

  Further, as described above, since there are many patterns of routine work, it is extremely difficult to cover the processing contents assumed to be used by the user at the manufacturing stage of the MFP 2. In this way, by accepting designation of the connection relationship of the single boxes and the processing order from the user, it becomes possible to set (create) a workflow that executes a series of processing that meets the user's needs flexibly.

Since the workflow can be set by a simple operation of specifying the processing order of the single box, it is possible to set the workflow more easily than in the past.
(BOX status display process)
Next, the BOX state display process will be described.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing details of the BOX state display process.

First, the BOX definition list 35 is read, and a screen showing a BOX state relating to a BOX being executed (processing or waiting for processing) among the BOXes in the list is displayed (S601).
Instead of reading out the BOX definition list 35, the JOB list 38 is read out, and a job in which a part of the BOX is described in the “JOB definition BOX name” in the JOB list 38 is being executed (processing). Alternatively, information regarding a part of the BOX waiting for processing may be displayed.

  FIG. 21A is a diagram showing a BOX state display screen displayed in step S601. On this screen, the BOX name, its attributes, and the status of whether it has been processed, being processed, or waiting for processing are displayed. Here, the job indicated by BOX F has a composite attribute, and the displayed execution status (processed / processing / waiting for processing) is a composite status as a composite BOX, and each single unit constituting the composite BOX It is not the execution status of BOX.

Keys 87 and 88 surrounding "BOX E" and "BOX F" can be pressed.
Here, when the key 87 of the single attribute “BOX E” is pressed (S602: “single”), it is determined whether it is a public or private. Since “BOX E” is Public, the determination is “Public” (S603: “Public”), and the process proceeds to the JOB status screen display in Step S604.

FIG. 21B is a diagram showing a JOB status display screen displayed in step S604.
As shown in FIG. 21B, two job states in “BOX E” are displayed, and the user name that registered (issued) the job is “state” in the “registration source” column. The column displays the progress status of whether or not each job has been completed.

The “registration source” is the user name input from the PC in the case of a job registered from a terminal device such as a PC, and the personal authentication name in the case of a job registered through personal authentication. . In the case of a job registered via a BOX in which print processing is defined, a BOX name may be described as “registration source”.
Also, job acquisition in this BOX E is acquired from the JOB list 38. In this case, even if BOX E is used in the composite BOX, it is displayed on this screen [FIG. 21 (b)]. In FIG. 21B, JOB4 indicates processing of BOX E defined in the composite BOX F.

Since “BOX E” is a publicly available BOX (shared among users), it may be used by an unspecified user, a large number of print jobs are accumulated, and time may be required for the print processing.
Therefore, it is preferable that a user who wants to execute a process including a print process of “BOX E” (for example, composite “BOX F”) can grasp the situation in which the process waits.

In particular, since it is normal that print processing can only process the stored jobs one by one in order, there is a high possibility of waiting for the order of processing, and it is preferable to perform such display. is there.
When the BOX designated in Step S603 is Private (S603: “Private”), the fact that the designated BOX status cannot be displayed is displayed (for example, “This BOX is Private, so the status display is displayed). Not possible "). This is to keep processing confidential. Even in the case of a private BOX, the BOX state may be displayed after authentication using a password or the like.

In this case, the displayed jobs are only jobs registered by a user authenticated user.
When the composite attribute “BOX F” key 88 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 21A (S602: composite), the process proceeds to a composite BOX state display process (S606).
(Composite BOX status display process)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing details of the composite BOX state display process.

First, with reference to the BOX linked list 36, the single BOX, which is a component of the designated composite BOX, is displayed in a line from the left to the right in the processing order (S701).
Next, referring to the “JOB status” of the JOB list 38 (see FIG. 5), the progress status (progress information) indicating whether or not the execution of the processing contents of each single BOX of the component has been completed is acquired. Each single box is displayed in accordance with its progress state (waiting for processing, being processed or processed) (S702).

FIG. 21C is a diagram showing a screen displayed in the composite BOX state display process.
In the same screen, each BOX which is a component of “BOX F” is displayed in a line from left to right in accordance with the processing order. The processed “BOX A” and “BOX B” are shaded and an hourglass is superimposed on “BOX E” being processed. The progress status is displayed with reference to “JOB status” in the JOB list 38 (see FIG. 5).

Thus, by displaying the processed BOX and the BOX being processed separately, the user can grasp the progress on the flow with a glance. In addition, when the processing on the flow is delayed for some reason, the user can determine which single box on the flow is the cause of the trouble, and can quickly take countermeasures.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating another example of a screen displayed in the composite BOX state display process.

In the same screen, each component (“BOX C” and “BOX D”) of the composite “BOX B” for executing parallel processing is displayed.
A diagonal line is displayed over the processed “BOX C”, and an hourglass is displayed over the “BOX D” being processed.
In FIG. 23, a display indicating that the processing of “BOX D” has not been completed is displayed. Since the processing content of “BOX D” is notification mail transmission, it usually takes less time for processing. Thereby, it is possible to provide the user with a determination material that the cause of the trouble is the “BOX D” notification mail transmission process.

In the above description, the job status has been processed, being processed, and waiting for processing, but in reality, an error occurred during the BOX processing. A state of “error” indicating this is also provided as one of the job states.
(Specific example when composite “BOX F” receives a document)
Next, a specific example in the case where the composite “BOX F” receives a document will be described.

FIG. 24 is an image diagram illustrating processing executed on a document when the document is received in the composite “BOX F” and a document flow between the BOXes.
When the composite “BOX F” receives a document (assuming that a document in PDF format has been received), the processing related to the received document is determined by the processing order [(1) BOX A (2 ) BOX B (3) BOX E], each BOX-defined process is executed. That is,
(1) Format conversion processing from pdf format to tiff format (BOX A)
(2) Document storage processing (BOX B)
(3) Processing for transferring the document to the printer unit 16 (BOX E),
Are sequentially performed on one document.

In BOX B, BOX C and BOX D are connected in parallel. Therefore, a document is output to each of BOX C and BOX D, notification mail transmission is executed in parallel, and both notification mail transmission is completed. After that, the document is transferred to BOX E.
Thus, in this specific example, it is possible to perform a series of stepwise processes for a certain document. In addition, the user can easily understand intuitively as if a series of processing is executed just by inputting a document into the composite “BOX F”.

Furthermore, since the processing target in which the BOX on the flow is defined is a document received by itself, the software configuration can be simplified.
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is of course not limited to the above-described embodiments.
(Modification 1)
In the present embodiment, the BOX definition holding unit 34 of the control unit 30 holds the BOX definition list 35 and the BOX linked list 36 and manages them centrally. However, such information is distributed to each BOX. May be stored.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a BOX according to the first modification. FIG. 25A illustrates a single BOX and FIG. 25B illustrates a composite BOX.
The single BOX 42 includes document data 42a and BOX definition information 42b. The BOX definition information 42b is obtained from (i) attribute information, (ii) document input source information (iii) document output destination information (iv) processing content definition information, and the like, similar to the BOX definition list 35 (see FIG. 3) described above. It is configured.

Since the document data 42a only needs to be in a manageable state, the document body (original) may be stored, or link information to a separately stored document may be stored to save capacity.
The composite BOX 44 includes BOX connection information 44c in addition to the document data 44a and the BOX process definition information 44b.

(Modification 2)
In this embodiment, in step S604, a message that the job is simply being processed is displayed [see FIG. 21B].
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the progress status may be displayed in more detail as shown in FIG. FIG. 26 may be displayed when BOX A in FIG. 21C is pressed.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a progress status display screen according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 26, the progress rate of the format conversion (.pdf → .tiff) process is displayed as a percentage (50% in the figure), and the estimated remaining time (12 seconds) until the process is completed is displayed. Yes. This estimated remaining time is calculated from a history of past work hours. Thus, the convenience can be further improved by displaying the progress rate of the process that often takes time such as the format conversion process.

(Modification 3)
In the composite BOX status display process according to the present embodiment, “BOX D” (FIG. 23) is displayed to indicate that processing is in progress. You may make it display the notification which makes a user select.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a processing stay notification screen according to the third modification. As shown in FIG. 27, the notification mail transmission process is not completed and the cause is displayed on the screen.

On the screen, a “continue processing” key 91 and a “stop processing” key 92 are displayed. Since the single “BOX D” is a component of the composite “BOX B”, the processing of the composite “BOX B” will not be completed unless the processing is completed. When the “continue processing” key 91 is pressed by the user, it is possible to continue the processing of the composite “BOX B”.
(Other matters)
(1) In the present embodiment, the workflow system 1 is composed of an MFP 2 that is a document processing apparatus. The workflow system is not limited to this, and may be configured from a plurality of document processing apparatuses connected on a network, or may be configured from a plurality of other devices.

  (2) The present invention is not limited to the workflow display method, and can be applied to a program for realizing the above-described method by a computer. Examples of the program include magnetic disks such as magnetic tape and flexible disks, optical recording media such as DVD, CD-ROM, CD-R, MO, and PD, flash memory recording media such as Smart Media (registered trademark), etc. It can be recorded on various computer-readable recording media, and may be produced, transferred, etc. in the form of the recording medium. Various wired and wireless networks including the Internet in the form of programs, broadcasting, In some cases, the data is transmitted and supplied via a telecommunication line, satellite communication or the like.

  Further, the program according to the present invention does not have to include all modules for causing the computer to execute the processing described above. For example, a separate information process such as a communication program or a program included in an operating system (OS) is performed. You may make it make a computer perform each process of this invention using the various general purpose programs which can be installed in an apparatus. Therefore, it is not always necessary to record all the modules on the recording medium of the present invention, and it is not always necessary to transmit all the modules. Further, there are cases where predetermined processing can be executed using dedicated hardware.

  The workflow display method according to the present invention is extremely useful because it displays the execution status of the processing content to the user.

The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the workflow system 1 Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the controller Table showing BOX definition list 35 Table showing BOX linked list 36 Table showing the JOB list 38 The flowchart which shows the detail of the process which the control part 30 performs Flow chart showing details of BOX processing Flow chart showing details of BOX processing Flow chart showing details of BOX setting process Screen displayed in step S301 Single BOX setting process flowchart Single BOX setting screen displayed in step S404 Virtual keyboard 140 display screen Conversion specification display screen Undeleteable warning display screen displayed in step S407 Flowchart showing details of composite BOX setting process Screen displayed in step S501 Display screen during BOX B setting Display screen after setting BOX B Flow chart showing details of BOX state display processing (A) BOX status display screen displayed in step S601, (b) JOB status display screen displayed in step S604, (c) Screen displayed in composite BOX status display processing Flow chart showing details of composite BOX status display process Screen displayed in the composite BOX status display process Image diagram showing processing executed on a document when the document is received in the composite “BOX F” and the flow of the document between BOXes It is a figure which shows the data structure of BOX which concerns on the modification 1, (a) shows single-piece | unit BOX, (b) shows compound BOX. Progress display screen according to modification 2 Processing stay notification screen according to modification 3

Explanation of symbols

1 Workflow system 2 MFP
28 Operation Panel 30 Control Unit 31 Main Control Unit 32 BOX Definition Creation Unit 34 BOX Definition Holding Unit 35 BOX Definition List 36 BOX Linked List 37 BOX Execution Control Unit 38 JOB List 42 Single Box
44 Compound Box

Claims (9)

A storage unit for storing a document, a box allocated to a predetermined area of the storage unit and a processing box for the input document, and a box allocated to the predetermined area of the storage unit. A display method executed by a document processing apparatus having a display unit and a composite box in which processing content for a document input in a plurality is defined using a plurality of predetermined single boxes connected and processing order,
When the input of the document to the single box is instructed, the processing defined in the single box is executed for the input document,
A box execution control step of executing processing defined in the predetermined single box with respect to the input document according to the connection relation and the processing order when input of the document to the composite box is instructed;
As the execution status of the process defined in one single box among the plurality of predetermined single boxes,
An execution status of a process for a document instructed to input to the one single box;
Execution status of processing in the single unit box for a document instructed to input to the composite box;
A display step of displaying on the same screen. In the display step, the document instructed to input to the one single box and the document instructed to input to the composite box are displayed so as to be distinguishable.
The display method according to claim 1, wherein: The processing content of the composite box is defined by the processing content of the composite box itself in addition to the connection relation and processing order of the plurality of predetermined single boxes.
In the box execution control step, when an input of a document to the composite box is instructed, a process defined in the predetermined single box is executed on the input document according to the connection relation and the processing order. Executes the processing contents of the composite box itself
The display method according to claim 1, wherein the display method is a display method. A storage unit for storing a document, a box allocated to a predetermined area of the storage unit and a processing box for the input document, and a box allocated to the predetermined area of the storage unit. A document processing apparatus having a composite box in which processing content for a document input in a plurality is defined using a plurality of predetermined unit boxes connected and a processing order, and a display unit,
When the input of the document to the single box is instructed, the processing defined in the single box is executed for the input document,
Box execution control means for executing processing defined in the predetermined single box for the input document in accordance with the connection relation and the processing order when input of the document to the composite box is instructed;
As the execution status of the process defined in one single box among the plurality of predetermined single boxes,
An execution status of a process for a document instructed to input to the one single box;
Execution status of processing in the single unit box for a document instructed to input to the composite box;
Display means for displaying the same on the same screen
A document processing apparatus characterized by that. In the display means, the document instructed to input to the one single box and the document instructed to input to the composite box are displayed in an identifiable manner.
The document processing apparatus according to claim 4. The processing content of the composite box is defined by the processing content of the composite box itself in addition to the connection relation and processing order of the plurality of predetermined single boxes.
The box execution control means executes the processing defined in the predetermined single box for the input document when the input of the document to the composite box is instructed according to the connection relation and the processing order. Executes the processing contents of the composite box itself
The document processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the document processing apparatus is a document processing apparatus. A storage unit for storing a document, a box allocated to a predetermined area of the storage unit and a processing box for the input document, and a box allocated to the predetermined area of the storage unit. A program for executing display processing in a document processing apparatus having a display unit and a composite box in which processing contents for a document input in a plurality are defined using a plurality of predetermined single boxes connected and processing order There,
When the input of the document to the single box is instructed, the display process executes the process defined in the single box for the input document, and the input of the document to the composite box is instructed A box execution control step for executing processing defined in the predetermined single box for the input document according to the connection relation and the processing order;
As the execution status of the process defined in one single box among the plurality of predetermined single boxes,
An execution status of a process for a document instructed to input to the one single box;
Execution status of processing in the single unit box for a document instructed to input to the composite box;
And a display step for displaying the same on the same screen. In the display step, the document instructed to input to the one single box and the document instructed to input to the composite box are displayed so as to be distinguishable.
The program according to claim 7. The processing content of the composite box is defined by the processing content of the composite box itself in addition to the connection relation and processing order of the plurality of predetermined single boxes.
In the box execution control step, when an input of a document to the composite box is instructed, a process defined in the predetermined single box is executed on the input document according to the connection relation and the processing order. Executes the processing contents of the composite box itself
9. The program according to claim 7 or 8, wherein:

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