JP5697476B2 - Workflow processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a workflow processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Conventionally, there has been a workflow processing apparatus capable of executing a series of processes as a workflow by combining a plurality of processes such as scanning and printing in a multi-function peripheral, file storage in document data management (hereinafter referred to as a box), and file transmission.
In the prior art of such a workflow processing apparatus, there is one that can continuously execute a second workflow different from the first workflow after executing a certain first workflow (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 proposes a workflow execution processing method in which a user can combine a first workflow and a second workflow that have already been defined. As a result, the user can easily create and execute a new workflow by reusing the existing workflow. Further, the technique of Patent Document 1 determines whether or not to execute the second workflow based on the execution result of the first workflow.

JP 2007-249876 A

  However, it is assumed that there is only one input for the second workflow, and the execution result of the first workflow can be directly used as the input for the second workflow. If there are a plurality of the conventional techniques, the conventional technique cannot be used. In other words, when the processing of the second workflow is “combination of scan data and box storage data”, the data output in the first workflow is converted to “scan data” and “box storage data” of the second workflow. It cannot be judged whether it is considered. Therefore, in such a case, there is a problem that the workflow process cannot be continuously executed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and enables selection of which process input from among a plurality of processes constituting the second workflow process the execution result of the first workflow process. It is an object to enable continuous execution of workflow processing.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a workflow processing apparatus that holds definition information of the workflow process multiple, in terms of selecting one from a selected object corresponding to the plurality of workflow processing, also run continuously other workflow processing Display control means for displaying a first screen used to select whether to perform continuous execution or not, and continuous execution via the first screen displayed by the display control means is selected. and, if the first workflow processing corresponding to the selected selection object has been executed, anda storage means for storing document data after executing the first workflow processing in the storage device, wherein When the display control means is selected to continuously execute via the first screen and the first workflow process is executed, the display control means It is used for selecting whether one of the selected objects corresponding to the flow process is to be executed and another workflow process is to be continuously executed or not to be executed, and indicates the completion of the first workflow process. A second screen is displayed, and among the plurality of steps included in the input process defined in the definition information of the second workflow process corresponding to the selected object selected via the second screen, Displaying a third screen used for selecting a step of using the document data after executing the first workflow processing stored in the storage device; and the storage means includes the first screen or the first screen. When it is selected that continuous execution is not performed via the screen of 2 and the workflow process corresponding to the selected selected object is executed, the workflow process is executed. Characterized in that it does not save the document data of.

  According to the present invention, the execution result of the first workflow process can be continuously executed by making it possible to select which process input is selected from among a plurality of processes constituting the second workflow process. It can be.

It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a workflow processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of a workflow processing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of workflow definition information. It is a figure for demonstrating the format of the workflow definition information preserve | saved at the workflow information storage part. It is a figure for demonstrating the workflow execution screen displayed on an operation part. It is a figure for demonstrating the workflow continuous execution screen displayed on an operation part. It is a figure for demonstrating the workflow continuous execution detailed setting screen whose input displayed on an operation part is a scan and Box. It is a figure for demonstrating the workflow continuous execution detailed setting screen whose input displayed on an operation part is only Box. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the workflow execution process of a workflow processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the workflow input process of a workflow processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the workflow edit process of a workflow processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the workflow output process of a workflow processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the workflow continuous execution process of a workflow processing apparatus.

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

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a workflow processing apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, as long as the functions of the embodiments described below are executed, the system may be connected to another computer or the like via a network such as a LAN or WAN.
The workflow processing apparatus 200 includes a CPU 1 that executes workflow processing such as document data input processing, editing processing, and output processing based on a workflow processing program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 13. Further, the CPU 1 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 4.
Further, an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) that is a control program of the CPU 1 is stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 13. The data ROM of the ROM 3 or the external memory 13 stores various data used when performing workflow processing or the like.
The RAM 2 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 1 and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 2 is used as an input information expansion area, an output information expansion area, an environment data storage area, an NVRAM, and the like. The printing unit I / F 5 controls the printing unit (printer engine) 10 to print document data in printing processing during workflow processing. The scanner I / F 6 controls the scanning of the paper document data in the scanning process during the workflow process with respect to the scanner 11. The external memory I / F 7 controls access to the external memory 13 such as a hard disk (HD), a flexible disk (FD), and an IC card. The external memory 13 stores a boot program, font data, user files, document data, workflow definition information shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B described later, and the like. The number of external memories 13 is not limited to one, and at least one external memory 13 is provided. In addition to the built-in font, an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected. May be. The operation unit 12 includes a display for displaying each screen of FIGS. 4 to 6 described later, a switch for operation, a pointing device (not shown), display control on the display, and a switch or pointing device. Input control from is executed.

The network I / F 8 is connected to the network 14 and executes communication control processing with the network. The network 14 may be a network such as a LAN or a WAN. The FAX I / F 9 is connected to the telephone line 15 and executes FAX communication processing with the telephone line.
Note that control programs for the printing unit I / F 5, the scanner I / F 6, the operation unit 12, the external memory I / F 7, and the network I / F 8 FAX I / F 9 are stored in the program ROM of the ROM 3, the external memory 13, and the like.
The CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a pointing device (not shown) on the operation unit 12 and executes various data processing such as copying, printing, and scanning. When performing printing, the user opens a window relating to print settings, and can set the print processing method including settings of the printing unit 10 and selection of a print mode. Further, when executing a scan, the user can open a window relating to scan settings, and perform settings for the scanner 11 and print processing methods including selection of a scan mode.
The CPU 1 reads out the program stored in the ROM 3 or the program stored in the external memory 13 to the RAM 2 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the workflow processing apparatus 200 and the processing of the flowchart described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the workflow processing apparatus.
The workflow control unit 108 reads the workflow definition information shown in FIG. 3A stored in the workflow information storage unit 107 through the workflow information management unit 106, and performs workflow processing according to the workflow definition information. This workflow process is executed by the workflow control unit 108 by requesting the print control unit 101, the scanner control unit 102, the box information management unit 103, the network control unit 104, and the FAX control unit 105. The workflow control unit 108 stores the workflow definition information set for the user through the operation control unit 109 in the workflow information storage unit 107 through the workflow information management unit 106.
The workflow information storage unit 107 stores the workflow definition information shown in FIG. 3B in the external memory 13 through the RAM 2 or the external memory I / F 7 in response to a request from the workflow information management unit 106, or from the RAM 2 or the external memory 13. Read out. In response to a request from the workflow control unit 108, the operation control unit 109 displays the screens of FIGS. 4 to 6 on the operation unit 12 or detects contents input by the user.

The print control unit 101 converts the document data received from the workflow control unit 108 into a printer control command. The document data converted into the printer control command is printed by the printing unit 10 through the printing unit I / F 5.
Upon receiving a scan request from the workflow control unit 108, the scanner control unit 102 requests the scanner 11 to scan through the scanner I / F 6. Further, the scanner control unit 102 acquires the image information acquired by the scanner 11 through the scanner I / F 6, converts it into document data, and transmits it to the workflow control unit 108.
The Box information management unit 103 stores the document data received from the workflow control unit 108 in the external memory 13 through the external memory I / F 7. Further, when receiving the document data read request from the workflow control unit 108, the Box information management unit 103 requests the external memory 13 to read the document data through the external memory I / F 7. Further, the Box information management unit 103 acquires the document data stored in the external memory 13 through the external memory I / F 7 and transmits it to the workflow control unit 108.
The network control unit 104 transmits the document data received from the workflow control unit 108 via the network I / F 8 to an external information processing apparatus, an external storage device, an external image forming apparatus, etc. (not shown) via the network 14.
The FAX control unit 105 converts the document data received from the workflow control unit 108 into image data, and transmits the image data to an external FAX apparatus (not illustrated) through the telephone line 15 through the FAX I / F 9.

  In the present embodiment, the scanning process in the scanner control unit 102 and the document data reading process in the Box information management unit 103 are collectively referred to as input processing. In the present embodiment, the input process is a scan process and a document data reading process, but in addition to this, a FAX reception / mail reception or the like may be used as the input process. In the present embodiment, the document data page combining process in the workflow control unit 108 is referred to as an editing process. In the present embodiment, the document data page combining process is an editing process. However, the document data page deleting process, the document data partial page combining process, and the like may be input processes. In the present embodiment, the printing process in the print control unit 101, the document data storage process in the Box information management unit 103, the network transmission process in the network control unit 104, and the FAX transmission process in the FAX control unit 105 are called output processes. In the present embodiment, print processing, document data storage processing, network transmission processing, and FAX transmission processing are output processing, but mail transmission processing or the like may be output processing.

FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of workflow definition information. The workflow definition information includes “workflow name” and “workflow definition”. FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining the format of workflow definition information stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. The workflow information storage unit 107 stores a plurality of pieces of workflow definition information shown in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a workflow execution screen displayed on the operation unit 12. The display process of this screen is executed by the operation unit 12 based on a request from the CPU 1. A touch panel (not shown) or the like is used for a user input operation on this screen.
The workflow execution screen 400 includes workflow buttons 401 to 405, a workflow continuous execution button 406, a workflow execution button 407, and the like. The workflow buttons 401 to 405 display the workflow names from the workflow definition information in FIG. 3B stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. Therefore, FIG. 4 shows five workflow buttons, but this is an example, and the number of workflow buttons is the same as the number of workflow definition information records stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. .
The workflow buttons 401 to 405 are buttons that are pressed when the user selects a workflow to be executed. The operation control unit 109 detects which workflow button the user has pressed through the operation unit 12, and transmits the detected workflow to the workflow control unit 108.
The workflow continuous execution button 406 is a button for executing the workflow selected by the user and selecting whether or not to continuously execute another workflow after executing the selected workflow. The operation control unit 109 detects whether the user has pressed the workflow continuous execution button through the operation unit 12, and transmits the detected content to the workflow control unit 108.
The workflow execution button 407 is a button that the user presses when actually executing the workflow selected by the workflow buttons 401 to 405. When the user presses the workflow execution button 407, the operation unit 12 detects the content input on the workflow execution screen 400 and transmits the detected content to the workflow control unit 108.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a workflow continuous execution screen displayed on the operation unit 12. FIG. 5 is an example of a workflow continuous execution screen displayed on the operation unit 12. The display process of this screen is executed by the operation unit 12 based on a request from the CPU 1. A touch panel (not shown) or the like is used for a user input operation on this screen.
The workflow continuous execution screen 500 includes workflow buttons 501 to 505, a workflow continuous execution button 506, a workflow execution button 507, and the like. The workflow buttons 501 to 505 display the workflow names from the workflow definition information in FIG. 3B stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. Therefore, FIG. 4 shows five workflow buttons, but this is an example, and the number of workflow buttons is the same as the number of workflow definition information records stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. .
Workflow buttons 501 to 505 are buttons that are pressed when the user selects a workflow that the user wants to continuously execute after the previously executed workflow. Note that the workflow control unit 108 performs control so that a workflow button corresponding to an already executed workflow cannot be pressed. For example, a case where the workflow button 401 is pressed on the workflow execution screen 400 and the workflow “scan transmission” is executed will be described. In this case, the workflow control unit 108 controls the operation control unit 109 so that “scan transmission” of the workflow button 501 cannot be selected on the workflow continuous execution screen 500. More specifically, the user cannot select by graying out “scan transmission” of the workflow button 501. As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect that the workflow already executed by the user is not mistakenly pressed again. The operation control unit 109 detects which workflow button the user has pressed through the operation unit 12 and transmits the detected workflow to the workflow control unit 108.
The workflow continuous execution button 506 is a button for the user to select whether to execute the workflow selected by the user after executing the previous workflow and then execute another workflow continuously. The operation control unit 109 detects whether the user has pressed the workflow continuous execution button through the operation unit 12, and transmits the detected content to the workflow control unit 108.
The workflow execution button 507 is a button that is pressed by the user when the workflow selected by the workflow buttons 501 to 505 is actually continuously executed. When the user presses the workflow execution button 507, the operation unit 12 detects the content input on the workflow continuous execution screen 500 and transmits the detected content to the workflow control unit 108.
The workflow continuous execution screen 500 is an example of a workflow process selection screen.

FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining a workflow continuous execution detail setting screen in which the input displayed on the operation unit 12 is scan and box.
The display process of this screen is executed by the operation unit 12 based on a request from the CPU 1. A touch panel (not shown) or the like is used for a user input operation on this screen. This screen is displayed when the user selects “Scan Box Combined Print” of the workflow button 502 to be continuously executed and presses the workflow execution button 507 on the workflow continuous execution screen 500.
The workflow continuous execution detail setting screen 600 includes workflow input selection buttons 601 and 604, a workflow edit content display 602, a workflow output content display 603, a workflow execution button 605, and the like. The workflow input selection buttons 601 and 604, the workflow editing content display 602, and the workflow output content display 603 display the workflow definition from the workflow definition information of FIG. 3B stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. Therefore, the configuration of the workflow input selection buttons 601 and 604, the workflow editing content display 602, and the workflow output content display 603 displayed in FIG. 6A is an example. The number of workflow input selection buttons, workflow editing content display, and workflow output content display is the same as the number of input processing, editing processing, and output processing defined in the workflow definition information workflow stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. It becomes.
Workflow input selection buttons 601 and 604 are buttons that are pressed when the user selects which input of a workflow that is continuously executed a document used in a previously executed workflow. The operation control unit 109 detects which workflow input selection button is pressed by the user through the operation unit 12 and transmits the detected input process to the workflow control unit 108.
The workflow editing content display 602 displays what editing processing is performed in a continuously executed workflow. The workflow output content display 603 displays what kind of output processing is performed in a continuously executed workflow.
The workflow execution button 605 is a button pressed by the user when the workflow is continuously executed. When the user presses the workflow execution button 605, the operation unit 12 detects the content input on the workflow continuous execution detail setting screen 600 and transmits the detected content to the workflow control unit 108.
In FIG. 6A, scanning, Box, page combination, printing, and the like are an example of a plurality of steps constituting the second workflow process. In FIG. 6A, among a plurality of processes constituting the second workflow process, a process (page combination, printing) in which a document processed in the previous workflow cannot be input is grayed out, and the user Cannot be selected. On the other hand, among a plurality of processes constituting the second workflow process, a process (scan, box) that can take a document processed in the previous workflow as an input can be selected by the user.

FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining a workflow continuous execution detail setting screen in which the input displayed on the operation unit 12 is only Box.
The display process of this screen is executed by the operation unit 12 based on a request from the CPU 1. A touch panel (not shown) or the like is used for a user input operation on this screen. This screen is displayed when the user selects “Box FAX” of the workflow button 505 to be continuously executed on the workflow continuous execution screen 500 and presses the workflow execution button 507.
The workflow continuous execution detail setting screen 610 includes a workflow input content display 611, a workflow output content display 612, a workflow execution button 613, and the like. The workflow input content display 611 and the workflow output content display 612 display the workflow definition from the workflow definition information of FIG. 3B stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. Therefore, the workflow input content display 611 and the workflow output content display 612 displayed in FIG. 6B are examples. The number of the workflow input content display, workflow edit content display, and workflow output content display is the same as the number of input processing, editing processing, and output processing defined in the workflow definition information workflow stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. It becomes.
The workflow input content display 611 displays which input of the workflow that is continuously executed with the document used in the previously executed workflow. In this case, the continuously executed workflow is “BoxFAX” and there is only one input process. Therefore, it is inevitable which input the document data used in the previously executed workflow corresponds to, and there is no room for the user to select an input process, so the workflow input content is displayed.
The workflow output content display 612 displays what output processing is performed in a continuously executed workflow.
The workflow execution button 613 is a button pressed by the user when the workflow is continuously executed. When the user presses the workflow execution button 613, the operation unit 12 detects the content input on the workflow continuous execution detail setting screen 610 and transmits the detected content to the workflow control unit 108.
6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a process selection screen.

Hereinafter, the workflow execution process of the workflow processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a workflow execution process of the workflow processing apparatus 200.
In step S701, the workflow control unit 108 requests the workflow information management unit 106 to read the workflow definition information shown in FIG. 3B stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. The workflow control unit 108 transmits the workflow definition information received from the workflow information management unit 106 to the operation control unit 109 and requests to display the workflow execution screen 400 of FIG. In step S <b> 702, the workflow control unit 108 receives the content input by the user on the workflow execution screen 400 detected by the operation control unit 109 or the content input by the user on the workflow continuous execution screen 500.
In step S <b> 703, the workflow control unit 108 performs input processing of the workflow selected by the workflow buttons 401 to 405 or the workflow buttons 501 to 505 detected in step S <b> 702. Details of the workflow input processing will be described later with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 704, the workflow control unit 108 edits the workflow selected by the workflow buttons 401 to 405 or the workflow buttons 501 to 505 detected in step S <b> 702. Details of the workflow editing process will be described later with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 705, the workflow control unit 108 performs output processing of the workflow selected by the workflow buttons 401 to 405 or the workflow buttons 501 to 505 detected in step S <b> 702. Details of the workflow input process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S706, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the workflow continuous execution button 406 detected in step S702 or the workflow continuous execution button 506 is pressed in step S1102. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the workflow continuous execution button 406 or the workflow continuous execution button 506 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S707. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the workflow continuous execution button 406 or the workflow continuous execution button 506 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S707, the workflow control unit 108 requests the box information management unit 103 to delete the temporarily stored document data if there is the temporarily stored document data stored in step S708, and then ends the process. In step S708, the workflow control unit 108 requests the box information management unit 103 to temporarily store the document data edited in step S704. In step S709, the workflow control unit 108 performs processing necessary for continuous workflow execution. The continuous workflow execution process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Hereinafter, the workflow input process of the workflow processing apparatus 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a workflow input process of the workflow processing apparatus 200.
In the workflow processing apparatus 200, when the step process of S703 is entered, the following process is performed. In step S801, the workflow control unit 108 refers to the workflow information in FIG. 3A detected in step S702, and determines whether or not input processing to be processed remains. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that there is an input process to be processed, the process proceeds to step S802. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that there are no input processes to be processed, the process ends. In step S802, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the remaining input processing is scanning. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining input processing is scanning, the process proceeds to step S803. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining input processing is not scanning, the process proceeds to step S804.
In step S <b> 803, the workflow control unit 108 requests the scanner control unit 102 to scan the scanner 11 through the scanner I / F 6 to acquire document data, and develops the acquired document data on the RAM 2. To do. In step S804, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the remaining input process is a box. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining input processing is Box, the process proceeds to step S805. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining input processing is not a box, the process proceeds to step S801.
In step S <b> 805, the workflow control unit 108 requests the box information management unit 103 to perform box reading processing in the external memory 13 through the external memory I / F 7, acquires document data, and acquires the acquired document data. The data is expanded on the RAM 2.

Hereinafter, the workflow editing process of the workflow processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the workflow editing process of the workflow processing apparatus 200.
In the workflow processing apparatus 200, when the step process of S704 is entered, the following process is performed. In step S901, the workflow control unit 108 refers to the workflow information in FIG. 3A detected in step S702, and determines whether there is an editing process to be processed. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that there is an editing process to be processed, the process proceeds to step S902. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that there is no editing process to be processed, the process ends. In step S <b> 902, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the remaining editing process is page combination. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining editing process is page combination, the process proceeds to step S903. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining editing process is not page combination, the process proceeds to step S804. In step S803, the workflow control unit 108 page-links the document data expanded on the RAM 2, and expands it on the RAM 2 again.

Hereinafter, the workflow output process of the workflow processing apparatus 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a workflow output process of the workflow processing apparatus 200.
In the workflow processing apparatus 200, when the step processing of S705 is entered, the following processing is performed. In step S1001, the workflow control unit 108 refers to the workflow information in FIG. 3A detected in step S702, and determines whether there is an output process to be processed. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that there is an output process to be processed, the process proceeds to step S1002. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that there are no output processes to be processed, the process ends. In step S1002, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the remaining output processing is transmission. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining output processing is transmission, the process proceeds to step S1003. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining output processing is not transmission, the process proceeds to step S1004.
In step S <b> 1003, the workflow control unit 108 requests the network control unit 104 to transmit the document data developed on the RAM 2 to the network 14 through the network I / F 8. In step S1004, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the remaining output processing is FAX. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining output processing is FAX, the process proceeds to step S1005. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining output processing is not FAX, the process proceeds to step S1006. In step S1005, the workflow control unit 108 requests the FAX control unit 105 to transmit the document data FAX developed on the RAM 2 to the telephone line 15 through the FAX I / F 9.

In step S1006, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the remaining output processing is a box. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining output processing is Box, the process proceeds to step S1007. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining output processing is not a box, the process proceeds to step S1008. In step S1007, the workflow control unit 108 requests the Box information management unit 103 to transmit the document data expanded on the RAM 2 to the external memory 13 through the external memory I / F 7.
In step S1008, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the remaining output process is printing. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining output processing is printing, the process proceeds to step S1003. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the remaining output processing is not printing, the process proceeds to step S1001. In step S <b> 1009, the workflow control unit 108 requests the print control unit 101 to print the document data developed on the RAM 2 to the printing unit 10 through the printing unit I / F 5.

Hereinafter, the continuous workflow execution process of the workflow processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the workflow continuous execution process of the workflow processing apparatus 200.
In the workflow processing apparatus 200, when the step process of S709 is entered, the following process is performed. In step S1101, the workflow control unit 108 requests the workflow information management unit 106 to read the workflow definition information shown in FIG. 3B stored in the workflow information storage unit 107. The workflow control unit 108 transmits the workflow definition information received from the workflow information management unit 106 to the operation control unit 109 and requests to display the workflow continuous execution screen 500 of FIG. In step S <b> 1102, the workflow control unit 108 receives the content input by the user on the workflow continuous execution screen 500 detected by the operation control unit 109. In step S1103, the workflow control unit 108 transmits the workflow information detected in step S1102 to the operation control unit 109, and requests to display the workflow continuous execution detail setting screen 600 or 610 in FIGS. 6A and 6B. To do. In step S <b> 1104, the workflow control unit 108 receives the content input by the user on the workflow continuous execution detail setting screen 600 or 610 detected by the operation control unit 109. If the workflow information input process detected in S1102 is single, the workflow control unit 108 treats the user as selecting a single input process.

In step S1105, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the input process selected in step S1104 is scanning. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the input process is scanning, the process proceeds to step S1106. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the input process is not scanning, the process proceeds to step S1107. In step S1106, the workflow control unit 108 changes the input process of the workflow definition information in FIG. 3A detected in step S1102 from scanning to a Box temporary storage document.
In step S1107, the workflow control unit 108 determines whether the input process selected in step S1104 is a box. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the input process is Box, the process proceeds to step S1108. If the workflow control unit 108 determines that the input process is not Box, the process ends. In step S1108, the workflow control unit 108 changes the input processing of the workflow definition information in FIG. 3A detected in step S1102 from Box to Box temporarily stored document.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

  As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to select a process input from among a plurality of processes constituting the second workflow process by using the execution result of the first workflow process. Can be executed continuously.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

Claims (4)

A workflow processing apparatus that holds definition information of the workflow process multiple,
Display control for displaying a first screen used to select whether one of the selected objects corresponding to the plurality of workflow processes is to be executed continuously or not. Means,
When it is selected that continuous execution is performed via the first screen displayed by the display control means, and the first workflow processing corresponding to the selected selected object is executed, the first workflow Storage means for storing document data after executing processing in a storage device;
Have
When the display control means is selected to continuously execute via the first screen and the first workflow process is executed, one of the selected objects corresponding to the plurality of workflow processes is selected. The second screen is used to select whether other workflow processing is to be continuously executed or not to be executed after selection, and the completion of the first workflow processing is displayed. Of the plurality of steps included in the input process defined in the definition information of the second workflow process corresponding to the selected object selected via the second screen, the first workflow stored in the storage device Display a third screen that is used to select a process that uses the document data after executing the process,
When the storage means is selected not to perform continuous execution via the first screen or the second screen, and the workflow processing corresponding to the selected selected object is executed, the workflow processing is performed. A workflow processing apparatus characterized by not storing document data after execution . The workflow processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit displays the second screen in which a selection object corresponding to the first workflow process cannot be selected . An information processing method executed by a workflow processing apparatus that holds definition information of a plurality of workflow processes,
Display control for displaying a first screen used to select whether one of the selected objects corresponding to the plurality of workflow processes is to be executed continuously or not. Process,
When it is selected that continuous execution is performed via the first screen displayed by the display control step, and the first workflow processing corresponding to the selected selected object is executed, the first workflow A storage step of storing the document data after executing the processing in a storage device;
Including
In the display control step, when continuous execution is selected via the first screen and the first workflow process is executed, one of the selected objects corresponding to the plurality of workflow processes is selected. The second screen is used to select whether other workflow processing is to be continuously executed or not to be executed after selection, and the completion of the first workflow processing is displayed. Of the plurality of steps included in the input process defined in the definition information of the second workflow process corresponding to the selected object selected via the second screen, the first workflow stored in the storage device Display a third screen that is used to select a process that uses the document data after executing the process,
In the saving step, when it is selected that continuous execution is not performed via the first screen or the second screen, and the workflow processing corresponding to the selected selected object is executed, the workflow processing is performed. An information processing method characterized by not storing document data after execution. A program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the workflow processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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