JP4710674B2 - Image processing apparatus, workflow execution processing method, and execution processing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a multi-function multifunction peripheral, a workflow execution processing method, and an execution processing program.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known a workflow execution device that sets a workflow including a plurality of processing steps and executes each process along the set workflow. As such a workflow, for example, there is one that performs a process of circulating a document or the like in a predetermined order.

Recently, a workflow that can add a new workflow to a workflow that has already been set has been proposed. For example, a workflow server (Patent Document 1) that can add not only a circulation order prepared in advance but also a task for enabling flexible setting of the circulation order, and a process definition of a running workflow can be changed ( Patent Document 2) and the like.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-85143 JP 2003-178170 A

  By the way, in a workflow in which circulation documents are circulated to each department in a predetermined order, for example, when a circulation target document has contents of pending matters and is circulated for gathering opinions of managers related to the management level. In order to reflect the opinions of subordinates, a new workflow for circulation within a department may be additionally set. In this case, it is necessary to control the setting and execution of the added workflow in consideration of the circulation of the document having the contents of the pending matters or the circulation deadline of the original workflow.

  However, in the above-described conventional known technology, additional workflow control is performed in consideration of the contents of the original workflow such as the attributes of the circulation document (for example, the security level of the document), the circulation deadline, and the circulation destination (circulation range). Since there was no such, there was a possibility that the execution state of the original workflow might be affected depending on the additional workflow.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image processing apparatus capable of controlling the setting and execution of an added workflow so as not to affect the execution state of the original workflow. It is an object of the present invention to provide a workflow execution processing method implemented in an image processing apparatus and a workflow execution processing program for causing a computer of the image processing apparatus to execute this process.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) a first workflow that circulates a document to a predetermined circulation destination within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and a second workflow that receives the document and is added to the first workflow; And a receiving means for receiving from the computer a second workflow for circulating the document to a plurality of circulation destinations in a predetermined circulation order within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and transmitting the document in accordance with the first workflow. A transmission means for transmitting to the destination and transmitting the document to the first transmission destination in accordance with the second workflow; and a delivery date in which the circulation delivery date of the second workflow can achieve circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow Determining means for determining whether the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow. When it is determined that the delivery date can be achieved, the process waits for the completion of the second workflow, and transmits the document to the next transmission destination via the transmission unit according to the first workflow. And when the determination means determines that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is not a delivery date within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow, waits for the completion of the second workflow. An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that executes a process of transmitting the document to a next transmission destination via the transmission unit according to the first workflow.
(2) When the circulation delivery date is not set in the second workflow, the control means transmits the document to the first transmission destination defined in the second workflow and the first workflow. 2. The image processing apparatus according to item 1, wherein the document is simultaneously transmitted to the next transmission destination.
(3) In the first workflow, at least one of the document printing restriction and the document downloading restriction is set, and the control unit sets at least one of the document printing restriction and the document downloading restriction. 3. The image processing apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein when any one of the settings is set, printing of the document or downloading of the document is restricted.
(4) a first workflow for circulating a document to a predetermined circulation destination within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and a second workflow that receives the document and is added to the first workflow; A receiving step for receiving from the computer a second workflow for circulating the document to a plurality of circulation destinations in a predetermined circulation order within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and the next transmission of the document according to the first workflow A transmission step of transmitting the document to the first transmission destination according to the second workflow, and a delivery date in which the circulation delivery date of the second workflow can achieve the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow. In the determination step, and in the determination step, the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is the first workflow. When it is determined that the delivery date can achieve the circulation within the circulation delivery date, the process of waiting for the completion of the second workflow and transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow is performed. And when the determination step determines that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is not a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved, wait for the completion of the second workflow. And a control step of executing a process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow.
(5) a first workflow for circulating a document to a predetermined circulation destination within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and a second workflow that receives the document and is added to the first workflow; A receiving step for receiving from the computer a second workflow for circulating the document to a plurality of circulation destinations in a predetermined circulation order within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and the next transmission of the document according to the first workflow A transmission step of transmitting the document to the first transmission destination according to the second workflow, and a delivery date in which the circulation delivery date of the second workflow can achieve the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow. In the determination step, and in the determination step, the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is the first workflow. When it is determined that the delivery date can achieve the circulation within the circulation delivery date, the process of waiting for the completion of the second workflow and transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow is performed. And when the determination step determines that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is not a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved, wait for the completion of the second workflow. A workflow execution program for causing a computer of the image processing apparatus to execute a control step of executing a process of transmitting the document to a next transmission destination according to the first workflow.

According to the invention described in (1) above, when it is determined that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved, the second workflow. Is completed, the document is transmitted to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow via the transmission means, and the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow. When it is determined that the delivery date cannot be achieved, the process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination via the transmission unit according to the first workflow without waiting for the completion of the second workflow. The image processing apparatus can execute the above.

According to the invention described in (2) above, when the circulation delivery date is not set in the second workflow, the transmission of the document to the first transmission destination defined in the second workflow and the first workflow are performed. Transmission of the document to the next specified transmission destination is performed simultaneously.

According to the invention described in (3) above, when at least one of document printing restriction and document downloading restriction is set in the first workflow, the document printing or document downloading is restricted. The

According to the invention described in (4) above, when it is determined that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved, the second workflow. In response to the completion of the first workflow, a process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow is executed, and the circulation delivery date of the second workflow can achieve the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow. If it is determined that it is not a delivery date, the process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination is executed according to the first workflow without waiting for the completion of the second workflow.

According to the invention described in (5) above, when it is determined that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved, the second workflow. In response to the completion of the first workflow, a process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow is executed, and the circulation delivery date of the second workflow can achieve the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow. When it is determined that the delivery date is not reached, the computer of the image processing apparatus executes a process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow without waiting for the completion of the second workflow. Can do.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a network system using an MFP as a workflow execution apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, this network system includes a plurality of MFPs 7 and 8 and a personal computer (PC) 9 which is a user terminal. The MFPs 7 and 8 and the PC 9 are connected via a network 10. Yes.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP 7. The MFP 8 has the same configuration.

  In FIG. 2, the MFP 7 includes a first bridge 103 connected to the bus 100, a memory controller 104, a second bridge 107, a raster interface 111, an image processing unit 112, and a NIC 113. The bridge 103 is connected to the CPU 101 and the main memory 102, the memory controller 104 is connected to the memory 105 and the print engine 106, and the second bridge 107 is connected to the hard disk device (HDD) 108 and the operation panel 109. A scanner 110 is connected to the interface 111.

  In addition to the overall control of the entire operation, the CPU 101 sets a workflow instructed by the user via the PC 9 or the like, and adds a new workflow if there is an addition, the original workflow or a new workflow. Has a function of executing the workflow added to. Furthermore, when a new workflow is added or executed, it also has a function of controlling the setting and execution of the added workflow based on the attributes of the original workflow. Specific control contents will be described later.

  The main memory 102 temporarily stores image data read by the scanner 110, print data transmitted from the PC 9 or the like via the NIC 113, and the like.

  The first bridge 103 performs data transfer between the bus 100 and the CPU 101 or the main memory 102.

  The memory controller 104 has a function of temporarily storing image data or the like in the memory 105, or transmitting image data to the print engine unit 106.

    The print engine 106 is a printing unit that prints image data on a sheet in accordance with instructed job conditions.

  The second bridge 107 transfers data between the bus 100 and the HDD 108 or the operation panel 109.

  The HDD 108 stores various image data, programs, and the like, has a box function, and can store image data in a box by dividing the image data.

  The operation panel 109 has functions for various input operations or data display.

  The scanner 110 functions as a reading unit for reading a document image or the like.

  The raster interface 111 is an interface between the scanner 110 and the bus 100.

  The image processing unit 112 performs predetermined image processing on the acquired image data.

  The NIC 113 is a network interface card for transmitting / receiving data to / from a PC 9 or the like connected via a network.

  In the configuration of the MFP 7 shown in FIG. 2, an original image is read by the scanner 110, and the image data is transferred to the main memory 102 via the raster interface 111 via the bus 100 and the first bridge 103.

  The image data transferred to the main memory 102 is transferred to the image processing unit 112 via the bus 100, subjected to necessary image processing, and then transferred again to the main memory 102 for storage.

  Thereafter, the image data is sent to the print engine 106 through the main controller 104, where it is printed on paper.

  Data sent from the PC 9 on the network 10 is received via the NIC 113. In the case of printing, the print data is transferred to the main memory 102, which is read by the CPU 101 and written into the main memory 102 as printable bitmap data.

  The generated bitmap data is transferred to the image processing unit 112 via the bus 100, subjected to necessary image processing, transferred to the main memory 102 as print data, and stored.

  Thereafter, the print data is sent to the print engine 106 through the main controller 104, where it is printed on paper.

  Next, as an example of a workflow, an outline of a circulation workflow for circulating documents in a predetermined order will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the user instructs the MFP 7 to set the circulation workflow from the PC 9. If this workflow is a workflow in which the user 1 circulates a document to the user 3 via the user 2 as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the user 1 creates the workflow on the PC 9 and then connects the MFP 7 via the network. Send to. Upon receiving this workflow, the MFP 7 creates workflow execution data by the CPU 101, stores it in the HDD 108, and sets it as valid. Then, it waits for input of a document to be processed along the workflow.

  When the user 1 creates a document associated with the workflow on the PC 9 and transmits it to the MFP 7, the MFP 7 transmits the document to the user 2. The transmission method may be any method such as electronic mail or FTP mail.

  After the user 2 confirms the document, the user 2 is notified of the confirmation, and the confirmation content is sent to the MFP 7.

  When the MFP 7 receives the confirmation report from the user 2, the MFP 7 sends the confirmation content of the user 2 to the user 3 on the workflow.

  After confirming the document, the user 3 notifies the MFP 7 that the document has been confirmed, and sends the confirmation content to the MFP 7.

  When the MFP 7 receives the confirmation report from the user 3, the MFP 7 informs the user 1 of the confirmation contents of the user 2 and the user 3, and ends the workflow.

  In the workflow, execution conditions such as circulation delivery date and application range may be set. In addition, when a workflow is newly added to the workflow, a condition for permitting the addition may be set.

  Next, a case where a new workflow is added to the workflow will be described with reference to FIGS.

  For example, the user 2 receives a document confirmation request by the workflow from the MFP 7 and confirms the document. In addition, the user 2 sends a workflow change request to the MFP 7 in order to have members other than the users 1 to 3 confirm the target document. send.

  Receiving the change request, the MFP 7 performs processing for adding another workflow. This additional processing is set to be performed from the screen on the user's PC 9, but other means may be used. Further, the workflow addition timing may be during execution of the workflow as in this example, or may be before execution.

  FIG. 4 is a transition diagram from the document confirmation request screen to the workflow addition edit screen on the PC 9 of the user 2.

  A screen D1 in FIG. 4 is a document confirmation request screen transmitted from the MFP 7, and is a screen for confirming to the user 2 "whether to confirm the contents" regarding the workflow processing. When the “Confirm” button is clicked, the screen transitions to the screen D2.

  On the screen D2, the workflow setting contents including the workflow number, the workflow content, the processing deadline, the workflow overview, and the storage address of the confirmation document are displayed, and a selection button of “Receive workflow” or “Change workflow request” is displayed. Is displayed. If “workflow change request” is clicked, a transition is made to screen D3.

  On the screen D3, a selection button of “add workflow” or “change condition” is displayed. When “add workflow” is clicked, the screen transitions to a screen D4.

  A screen D4 is a workflow additional editing screen, and the workflow can be additionally edited on this screen.

  For example, if user 2 wants user A and user B different from users 1 to 3 to check the document contents, the document “user 2” → “user a” → “user b” → “user 2” In order to add a new workflow to circulate to the current workflow, information on the new workflow is input. At this time, an “condition edit” button or the like can be operated to set an execution condition such as a circulation period in the workflow to be added. When the “Register” button is pressed, information about the workflow to be added is transmitted to the MFP 7.

  The MFP 7 determines whether or not the execution of the original workflow is affected from the execution conditions of the new workflow to be added. If the execution condition of the original workflow cannot be satisfied by the workflow to be added, the setting and execution of the new workflow to be added are controlled so as not to affect the execution of the original workflow.

  For example, if it is determined that the execution of the additional workflow does not affect the delivery date of the original workflow, the original workflow is advanced after the completion of the additional workflow as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, the numbers in the arrows indicate the circulation order.

  Conversely, if it is determined that the delivery date of the original workflow cannot be achieved by executing the additional workflow, or if no delivery date is set for the additional workflow, the workflow is allowed to be added, but the additional workflow Advance execution of the original workflow without waiting for completion.

The timing for proceeding with the execution of the original workflow may be as follows.
(I) As shown in FIG. 6, the original workflow is advanced at the same time as the additional workflow is executed. For example, this process is executed when an additional workflow is created without a deadline or when a workflow is created by reference circulation.
(II) As shown in FIG. 7, the added workflow is executed first, and the original workflow is advanced after waiting until a timing at which the setting conditions of the original workflow can be observed. For example, when user 2 creates an additional workflow with a deadline but does not return within the deadline, or when processing by user b in the additional workflow is delayed, the delivery date set in the original workflow cannot be observed, etc. This process is executed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of additional workflow management processing corresponding to FIGS. This process is executed by the CPU 101 of the MFP 7 operating according to an operation program stored in a storage medium such as a ROM or HDD 108 (not shown).

  In FIG. 8, additional processing is performed in step S1, and monitoring processing is performed in step S2.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the addition process (step S1).

  In FIG. 9, in step S11, it is determined whether or not there is an additional workflow. If there is no additional workflow (NO in step S11), the process ends. If there is an additional workflow (YES in step S11), an additional workflow execution condition is acquired in step S12.

  In step S13, the process of matching the conditions of the original workflow and the additional workflow is performed. In step S14, execution conditions are reset in the workflow, and then the process ends.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the condition matching process (step S13 in FIG. 9).

  In FIG. 10, in step S131, it is determined whether or not an execution condition is added to the additional workflow. If an execution condition is added to the additional workflow (YES in step S131), the process proceeds to step S134. If an execution condition is not added to the additional workflow (NO in step S131), in step S132, the addition of the workflow is permitted, and the additional workflow permission condition set in the original workflow is applied to the added workflow. Then, the process proceeds to step S133.

  In step S134, it is determined whether or not the additional workflow execution condition satisfies the original workflow execution condition, and if the additional workflow execution condition satisfies the original workflow execution condition (YES in step S134). Proceed to step S135. If the execution condition of the additional workflow does not satisfy the execution condition of the original workflow (NO in step S134), the workflow cannot be added in step S138, and the process proceeds to step S133.

  In step S135, it is determined whether the additional workflow execution condition satisfies the additional workflow permission condition in the original workflow. If the additional workflow permission condition in the original workflow is satisfied (YES in step S135), step S136 is performed. Then, after permitting the addition of the workflow, the process proceeds to step S133.

  If the additional workflow permission condition in the original workflow is not satisfied (NO in step S135), in step S137, the additional workflow is permitted in the additional workflow permission condition in the original workflow, and then the process proceeds to step S133.

  In step S133, execution order matching processing is performed, and execution condition matching processing ends.

  As described above, addition of a new workflow is permitted only when the execution conditions of the original workflow are satisfied, in other words, when the execution of the original workflow is not affected.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the execution order matching process (step S133 in FIG. 10).

  In FIG. 11, in step S1331, it is determined whether or not an execution date is conditioned for the additional workflow. If the execution date is conditioned for the additional workflow (YES in step S1331), the process proceeds to step S1333. If the execution date is not conditioned in the additional workflow (NO in step S1331), in step S1332, the addition of the workflow is permitted and a monitoring condition for the additional workflow is generated. In other words, when the additional workflow exceeds the conditions of the original workflow, the condition is set so that the original workflow is advanced, and then the process ends.

  In step S 1333, it is determined whether or not the execution date condition of the additional workflow satisfies the execution date condition of the original workflow. If the execution date condition of the additional workflow satisfies the execution date condition of the original workflow, If the execution date condition of the additional workflow does not satisfy the execution date condition of the original workflow (NO in step S1333), the original workflow is added to the added workflow in step S1337. The process proceeds without waiting for completion of execution.

  In step S1334, it is determined whether or not the additional workflow is a loop (returns to the original). If the additional workflow is a loop (returns to the original) (YES in step S1334), the original workflow is determined in step S1335. The workflow proceeds with processing after completion of execution of the added workflow. If the additional workflow is not a loop (NO in step S1334), in step S1336, the original workflow proceeds without waiting for completion of execution of the added workflow.

  In this way, if the additional workflow execution deadline condition does not satisfy the original workflow execution deadline condition, the processing of the original workflow proceeds without waiting for the additional workflow execution completion, so the original workflow It is possible to eliminate the possibility that the execution state of the program will be affected.

  12 to 14 are diagrams for explaining an example of controlling the additional workflow according to the attribute of the circulation target document processed in the original workflow.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the original workflow, there are no restrictions on printing and browsing of documents for the users 2 and 3, but considering the security of the circulation target document, as shown in FIG. For users a and b of the additional workflow, it is assumed that document download restrictions are set and only document browsing is permitted.

  In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the MFP 7 that executes the workflow permits only browsing and downloads when the circulation target document stored in the HDD 108 is accessed from the user a or the user b via the Web. Even if requested, it will be rejected. Note that the control of the additional workflow related to the circulation target document is not limited to the document download restriction, but may be a print restriction or the like.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the additional workflow management process when controlling the additional workflow according to the attribute of the circulation target document as described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 15, an additional process is performed in step S21, and a monitoring process is performed in step S22.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the addition process (step S21 in FIG. 15).

  In FIG. 16, in step S211, it is determined whether or not there is an additional workflow. If there is no additional workflow (NO in step S211), the addition process is terminated. If there is an additional workflow (YES in step S211), in step S212, the additional workflow execution condition and the execution condition of the document processed in the original workflow are acquired.

  In step S213, the conditions of the original workflow and the additional workflow are matched, and in step S214, the execution conditions are reset in the workflow.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the execution condition matching process (step S213 in FIG. 16).

  In FIG. 17, in step S2131, it is determined whether or not an execution condition is added to the additional workflow. If an execution condition is added to the additional workflow (YES in step S2131), the process proceeds to step S2134. If the execution condition is not added to the additional workflow (NO in step S2131), the execution condition of the document processed in the workflow is applied to the added workflow in step S2132, and then the process proceeds to step S2133.

  In step S2134, it is determined whether or not the additional workflow execution condition satisfies the execution condition of the document processed in the original workflow, and the additional workflow execution condition satisfies the execution condition of the document processed in the original workflow. If yes (YES in step S2134), in step S2135, after allowing the addition of the workflow, the process proceeds to step S2133.

  If the execution condition of the additional workflow does not satisfy the execution condition of the document processed in the original workflow (NO in step S2134), the additional workflow is permitted in the execution condition of the document processed in the original workflow in step S2136. After that, the process proceeds to step S2133. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that the execution of the original workflow is affected by the additional workflow.

  In step S2133, execution order matching processing is performed, and this processing ends.

  FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams for explaining the control contents for the additional workflow when the circulation range (the effective range of workflow execution) is set in the original workflow.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 18, it is assumed that a range for validating execution of a workflow is set (for example, valid only for users in the same department). In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, when a user outside the range is instructed to add a workflow to be circulated, the addition of the workflow is prohibited.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, when a workflow for circulating a document is executed across two parts A and B, the document is set to be valid only in the A part. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, it is prohibited to attach a document to this workflow.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating management processing performed for an additional workflow when the conditions described in FIGS. 18 to 21 are set in the original workflow.

  In FIG. 22, in step S31, a workflow addition process is performed, in step S32, a document attachment (attachment) process is performed, and in step S33, a monitoring process is performed, and then this management process is terminated.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of workflow addition processing (step S31 in FIG. 22).

  In FIG. 23, in step S311, it is determined whether there is an additional workflow. If there is no additional workflow (NO in step S311), the process ends. If there is an additional workflow (YES in step S311), in step S312, the additional workflow execution condition and the original workflow execution condition are acquired, and the process proceeds to step S313.

  In step S313, it is determined whether or not the execution range of the additional workflow is the same as the original workflow execution condition. If the execution range of the additional workflow is not the same as the original workflow execution condition (NO in step S313), in step S316 After the workflow cannot be added, the process proceeds to step S315. If the execution range of the additional workflow is the same as the original workflow execution condition (YES in step S313), the process proceeds to step S314.

  In step S314, the addition of the workflow is permitted, and the additional workflow permission condition in the original workflow is applied to the workflow to be added. Then, in step S315, the execution condition is reset in the workflow, and then the present process ends. .

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the document attach process (step S32 in FIG. 22).

  In FIG. 24, in step S321, it is determined whether the execution range of the workflow for attaching a document is the same as the document browsing restriction range, and if the execution range of the workflow for attaching a document is the same as the document browsing restriction range (step In step S322, after document attachment is permitted, the process ends.

  If the execution range of the workflow for attaching a document is not the same as the document browsing restriction range (NO in step S321), it is determined that document attachment is not permitted in step S323, and the process ends.

  FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 show an example of the conditions set for the original workflow and permitting the addition of the workflow.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the conditions for permitting the addition of a workflow include, for example, the original workflow application range (circulation range in the case of a circulation workflow), a processing period (circulation period), an additional workflow permission range, and an additional workflow. Is prohibited, or only a circulation workflow can be added.

  If the added workflow does not meet such conditions, the addition is prohibited as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a management process for controlling an additional workflow when the additional workflow permission conditions described in FIGS. 25 and 26 are set in the original workflow.

  In FIG. 27, additional processing is performed in step S41, and monitoring processing is performed in step S42.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the workflow addition process (step S41 in FIG. 27).

  In FIG. 28, in step S411, it is determined whether or not there is an additional workflow. If there is no additional workflow (NO in step S411), this process is terminated as it is. If there is an additional workflow (YES in step S411), in step S412, the additional workflow execution condition and the original workflow execution condition are acquired, and the process proceeds to step S413.

  In step S413, it is determined whether or not the additional workflow execution condition matches the original workflow execution condition. If the additional workflow execution condition does not match the original workflow execution condition (NO in step S413), step S413 is performed. In S416, the workflow cannot be added, and the process proceeds to step S415. If the additional workflow execution condition matches the original workflow execution condition (YES in step S413), the process advances to step S414.

  In step S414, the workflow is permitted to be added, and then the process proceeds to step S415. In step S415, the execution condition is reset in the workflow.

  FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 show an example in the case where a document processed in the original workflow is processed in the added workflow, and the execution process is restricted.

  The workflow shown in FIG. 29 relates to, for example, a process for distributing a document taken out from the specification holder of the PC 9, where Step 1 is a process for taking out a document from the PC 9, and Step 2 is a process for storing the taken out document in a document box. Step 3 is a document distribution process to another PC or the like, and each process of steps 1 to 3 is executed according to a workflow.

  Here, the execution conditions for the additional flow are set such that, for example, a watermark is added at the time of document printing, and the format when saving a document by a distribution function to a PC or the like is limited to encrypted PDF with password. It is assumed that

  For such a workflow, as shown in FIG. 30, from step 2 of the original workflow, from step a (document take-out processing from the box) and step b (print document and send SMB (Server Message Block)). A new workflow is added.

  In this case, in the newly added workflow, in step b, it is obliged to add a watermark to print the document, and PC storage by the distribution function is restricted to encrypted PDF with password.

As another example of restrictions on execution conditions for additional workflows,
When printing, the watermark set in the original workflow is added. When printing, copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing is forcibly set. The Nin1 print to be printed is forcibly set. It is possible to prohibit the use of the OCR function during the scan process.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the flow of additional workflow management processing corresponding to FIGS. 29 and 30.

  In FIG. 31, an additional process is performed in step S51, and an additional workflow execution process is performed in step S52.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the addition process (step S51 in FIG. 31).

  In FIG. 32, in step S511, it is determined whether or not there is an additional workflow. If there is no additional workflow (NO in step S511), the process is terminated as it is. If there is an additional workflow (YES in step S511), in step S512, the additional workflow execution condition and the original workflow execution condition are acquired.

  In step S513, the execution conditions of the original workflow and the additional workflow are matched, and the execution conditions are reset in the workflow in step S514.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the execution condition matching process (step S513 in FIG. 32).

  In FIG. 33, in step S5131, it is determined whether or not an execution condition is added to the additional workflow. If no execution condition is added to the additional workflow (NO in step S2131), the workflow is added in step S5132. Permit and apply the additional workflow permission condition in the original workflow to the workflow to be added, and then terminate. If an execution condition is added to the additional workflow (YES in step S5131), the process proceeds to step S5133.

  In step S5133, it is determined whether or not the additional workflow execution condition satisfies the original workflow execution condition. If the additional workflow execution condition satisfies the original workflow execution condition (YES in step S5133). In step S5134, the addition of the workflow is permitted and the process ends. If the execution conditions for the additional workflow do not satisfy the execution conditions for the original workflow (NO in step S5133), the workflow is not allowed to be added in step S5135, and the process ends.

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the additional workflow execution process (step S52 in FIG. 31).

  In FIG. 34, in step S521, it is determined whether or not an additional workflow is to be executed, and if the additional workflow is not to be executed (NO in step S521), the processing ends. If an additional workflow is to be executed (YES in step S521), the process proceeds to step S522.

  In step S522, it is determined whether or not the execution process matches the condition added to the original workflow. If the execution process matches the condition added to the original workflow (YES in step S522), In step S523, the execution by the additional workflow is permitted and the process ends.

 If the execution process does not match the condition added to the original workflow (NO in step S522), in step S524, the execution of the process by the additional workflow is permitted within the restriction range of the original workflow, and then the process ends. To do.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a network system using an MFP as a workflow execution apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the MFP. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a workflow for the purpose of circulation of a document. FIG. 10 is a transition diagram from a document confirmation request screen to a workflow addition edit screen on a user's PC. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in a case where the original workflow is advanced after completion of the additional workflow. It is explanatory drawing in the case where an original workflow is advanced simultaneously with an additional workflow being performed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in a case where an additional workflow is executed and waits until a setting condition of the original workflow can be observed. It is a flowchart which shows the additional workflow management process corresponding to FIGS. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the addition process (step S1) of FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of execution condition matching processing (step S13) in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the execution order matching process (step S133) of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the example which controls an additional workflow according to the attribute of the circulation object document processed with the original workflow. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the example which controls an additional workflow according to the attribute of the circulation object document processed by the original workflow. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the example which controls an additional workflow according to the attribute of the circulation object document processed by the original workflow. 15 is a flowchart illustrating additional workflow management processing when controlling an additional workflow according to the attribute of a circulation target document described in FIGS. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the addition process (step S21) of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the execution condition matching process (step S213) of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the control content with respect to an additional workflow when the circulation range (effective range of workflow execution) is set in the original workflow. Similarly, it is a figure for demonstrating the control content with respect to an additional workflow when the circulation range (effective range of workflow execution) is set in the original workflow. It is explanatory drawing in case a workflow is processed in two departments. Similarly, it is explanatory drawing in case a workflow is processed by two departments. It is a flowchart which shows the management process performed with respect to an additional workflow when the conditions as demonstrated in FIGS. 18-21 are set to the original workflow. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the workflow addition process (step S31) of FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of document attachment processing (step S32) in FIG. It shows an example of conditions for permitting the addition of a workflow set in the original workflow. Similarly, an example of a condition that is set in the original workflow and permits addition of the workflow is shown. 27 is a flowchart showing a management process for controlling an additional workflow when the additional workflow permission conditions as described in FIGS. 25 and 26 are set in the original workflow. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the workflow addition process (step S41) of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a restriction is added to an execution process when a document processed in an original workflow is processed in an added workflow. Similarly, when a document processed in the original workflow is processed in the added workflow, it is a diagram illustrating an example in which a restriction is imposed on the execution process. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing additional workflow management processing corresponding to FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of workflow addition processing (step S <b> 51) in FIG. 31. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of execution condition matching processing (step S513) in FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of additional workflow execution processing (step S51) in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

7 MFP (workflow execution device)
9 User terminal 101 CPU (first and second setting means, execution means, control means)

Claims (5)

A first workflow that circulates a document to a predetermined circulation destination within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and a second workflow that receives the document and is added to the first workflow. Receiving means for receiving from the computer a second workflow for circulating the document to a plurality of circulation destinations in a predetermined circulation order within a predetermined circulation delivery period ;
Transmitting means for transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow, and transmitting the document to the first transmission destination according to the second workflow;
Determining means for determining whether the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved;
If it is determined by the determination means that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved, waiting for the completion of the second workflow, In accordance with the first workflow, processing for transmitting the document to the next transmission destination via the transmission unit is executed, and the circulation delivery period of the second workflow is within the circulation delivery period of the first workflow by the determination unit. When it is determined that the delivery date cannot be achieved, the process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination via the transmission unit according to the first workflow without waiting for the completion of the second workflow. Control means for executing
An image processing apparatus comprising: When the circulation delivery date is not set in the second workflow, the control means transmits the document to the first transmission destination specified in the second workflow and the next transmission specified in the first workflow. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transmission of a document to a destination is performed simultaneously. In the first workflow, at least one of printing restriction of the document or downloading restriction of the document is set,
The image according to claim 1, wherein the control unit restricts printing of the document or downloading of the document when at least one of printing restriction of the document or download restriction of the document is set. Processing equipment. A first workflow that circulates a document to a predetermined circulation destination within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and a second workflow that receives the document and is added to the first workflow. Receiving from the computer a second workflow for circulating the document to a plurality of circulation destinations in a predetermined circulation order within a predetermined circulation delivery period;
Transmitting the document to a next transmission destination according to the first workflow, and transmitting the document to the first transmission destination according to the second workflow;
A step of determining whether the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved;
In the determination step, when it is determined that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved, waiting for the completion of the second workflow, A process for transmitting the document to a next transmission destination according to the first workflow, and a delivery date in which the circulation delivery date of the second workflow can achieve a circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow in the determination step. If not, the control step of executing the process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow without waiting for the completion of the second workflow;
A workflow execution method using an image processing apparatus. A first workflow that circulates a document to a predetermined circulation destination within a predetermined circulation delivery period, and a second workflow that receives the document and is added to the first workflow. Receiving from the computer a second workflow for circulating the document to a plurality of circulation destinations in a predetermined circulation order within a predetermined circulation delivery period;
Transmitting the document to a next transmission destination according to the first workflow, and transmitting the document to the first transmission destination according to the second workflow;
A step of determining whether the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved;
In the determination step, when it is determined that the circulation delivery date of the second workflow is a delivery date within which the circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow can be achieved, waiting for the completion of the second workflow, A process for transmitting the document to a next transmission destination according to the first workflow, and a delivery date in which the circulation delivery date of the second workflow can achieve a circulation within the circulation delivery date of the first workflow in the determination step. If not, the control step of executing the process of transmitting the document to the next transmission destination according to the first workflow without waiting for the completion of the second workflow;
Is a workflow execution program for causing a computer of the image processing apparatus to execute.

Images