JP6720790B2 - Information processing apparatus, program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Multifunction machines having functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile are known. The multifunction peripheral has a function of performing a workflow including one or more processes on the document data captured by the scanner. By executing the workflow, the multi-function peripheral can perform predetermined processing such as noise removal on the captured document data, and then automatically transmit the document data to the designated file server device or the like.

A general-purpose operating system such as Android (registered trademark) is activated in the portable information processing device. Also, many applications can run on a general-purpose operating system. For example, the information processing apparatus can also receive the document data scanned and captured by the multi-function peripheral from the multi-function peripheral, and execute a dedicated application that applies a workflow to the received document data. As a result, the information processing apparatus executes the workflow instead of the multi-function peripheral, so that the processing load on the multi-function peripheral can be reduced.

Further, the dedicated application for executing such a workflow is not limited to the document data scanned and captured by the multi-function peripheral, and the workflow can be applied to the document data managed by another general-purpose application. As a result, the information processing apparatus performs the same processing as the processing executed by the multi-function peripheral, such as noise removal processing and automatic transmission processing to the file server apparatus, etc., on the document data managed by the general-purpose application. You can

Patent Document 1 describes an information processing apparatus that executes preset preprocessing when image data generated by scanning is transmitted to its own application by an intent.

However, in the information processing apparatus, when data is transferred from one application to another application, each application must provide an API (Application Programming Interface) for data transfer. Therefore, in order to acquire the document data from other applications, the dedicated application that executes the workflow must be designed in consideration of the API provided by each application. Therefore, an application dedicated to executing a workflow needs to implement a corresponding additional API in order to obtain document data from another application.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an information processing device and a program capable of easily selecting an appropriate workflow when performing a workflow on document data managed by another application And an information processing method.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an information processing apparatus including a processor, wherein the processor executes a workflow including one or more processes, and a document data an application unit for executing a process for handling, the function as the operating system which manages the workflow execution unit and at least one of the application unit, the operating system portion is provided with intent function, the workflow execution unit, if the operating system portion in response to the call instruction output from the application portion by the intent function calls the workflow execution unit, a display control unit for displaying a list indicating at least one of said work flow executable, A selection accepting unit that accepts a selection of any one of the workflows including an application acceptance process among at least one of the workflows shown in the list, and a selection target designated by the call instruction in the application acceptance process . An application reception unit that acquires document data, and a flow control unit that applies the selected workflow to the acquired document data are included.

According to the present invention, when a workflow is applied to document data managed by another application, an appropriate workflow can be easily selected.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the document processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus together with the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the application calling process. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the workflow execution unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of the selection history. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of the selection history. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the selection history. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of the document processing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of the workflow execution unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the information processing apparatus displaying the workflow generation screen. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of the document processing system according to the fourth embodiment.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a document processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The document processing system 10 includes an image forming device 20, an information processing device 30, an information providing server device 32, a file server device 34, and a mail server device 36.

The image forming apparatus 20 scans the front surface of the paper and outputs document data representing an image on the front surface of the paper. The image forming apparatus 20 is, for example, a multifunction machine having functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile.

The image forming apparatus 20 is an example of a device that outputs document data. The document processing system 10 may include a device that outputs document data other than the image forming apparatus 20, instead of the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the document processing system 10 may include an electronic camera device, a facsimile device, or the like as a device that outputs document data. Further, the document data may include text data, moving image data, or the like.

The information processing device 30 is a computer. The information processing device 30 is, for example, a portable computer that can be carried by a user. The information processing device 30 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, a mobile phone device, a notebook computer, or the like. The information processing device 30 may be a stationary computer.

The information processing device 30 can send and receive information to and from the image forming device 20 via a communication path. The communication path may be, for example, a radio wave wireless communication path or an infrared wireless communication path. Further, the communication path may be a wire communication path using a cable or the like. The communication path may be a path connecting the information processing apparatus 30 and the image forming apparatus 20 in a one-to-one manner, a path connecting via a bus or the like, or a network, such as the Internet. It may be a route connected via a public line.

Further, the information processing device 30 can access the information providing server device 32, the file server device 34, and the mail server device 36 via a network such as the Internet.

The information providing server device 32 provides information to the information processing device 30 via the network. For example, the information providing server device 32 provides a program executed by the information processing device 30. In this case, the information processing device 30 downloads the program from the information providing server device 32 and executes it.

The file server device 34 stores the document data transmitted from the information processing device 30 via the network. The information processing device 30 transmits the document data to the file server device 34 via the network and stores it.

The mail server device 36 stores the document data transmitted in the mail format from the information processing device 30 via the network. The information processing device 30 transmits the document data to the mail server device 36 via the network and stores it.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 30. The information processing device 30 includes a processor 201 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 202 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a storage device 203 such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). A display unit 204 such as a display, an input unit 205 such as a touch sensor formed on the display, a communication unit 206, and a network I/F 207 are provided. The processor 201, the memory 202, the storage device 203, the display unit 204, the input unit 205, the communication unit 206, and the network I/F 207 are connected by a bus.

The processor 201 expands the program stored in the storage device 203 into the memory 202 and executes the program to control each unit to perform input/output and process data. The memory 202 stores data as a work area of the processor 201.

The storage device 203 stores an operating system (OS), application programs, workflow programs, and data. These programs are files in an installable format or an executable format, and are recorded and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium. Further, the program may be distributed by downloading it from the information providing server device 32 or the like.

The communication unit 206 transmits/receives information to/from the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path. The network I/F 207 is an interface device for connecting to the network. The network I/F 207 transmits/receives information to/from other devices such as the information providing server device 32, the file server device 34, and the mail server device 36 via the network.

The image forming apparatus 20 includes a processor 211 such as a CPU, a memory 212 such as a RAM and a ROM, a storage device 213 such as an HDD, a printer 214, a scanner 215, and a communication unit 216. The printer 214 prints characters and images according to the data on a sheet or the like. The scanner 215 reads characters and images printed on paper and converts them into data. The image forming apparatus 20 may be configured to include only one of the printer 214 and the scanner 215. The communication unit 216 transmits/receives information to/from the information processing device 30 via a communication path.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 30 together with the image forming apparatus 20. The information processing device 30 includes an operation unit 42, a workflow execution unit 44, at least one application unit 46 (46-1 to 46-N) (N is an arbitrary natural number), an OS unit 48 (operating system unit). Have.

The operation unit 42 functions by the processor 201 executing a dedicated operation application program installed in the storage device 203. Instead of this, the operation unit 42 may function by the processor 201 executing the script program downloaded from the information providing server device 32 on the browser program.

The operation unit 42 provides the user with a user interface for operating the image forming apparatus 20. The operation unit 42 gives an operation instruction corresponding to an operation on the user interface to the image forming apparatus 20 via the communication path. The image forming apparatus 20 executes various operations according to the operation instruction given from the operation unit 42. Such an operation unit 42 can function as an operation panel of the image forming apparatus 20. Thus, the operation unit 42 can provide the user with a scan start button, an input button for various setting values for scanning, and the like.

The workflow execution unit 44 functions when the processor 201 executes the workflow program installed in the storage device 203. The workflow execution unit 44 acquires the document data generated by scanning by the image forming apparatus 20 via the communication path. The workflow execution unit 44 performs a workflow including one or more processes on the document data acquired from the image forming apparatus 20.

The workflow execution unit 44 stores workflow information that defines a workflow. The workflow execution unit 44 reads out the workflow information that defines the workflow selected by the user, and sequentially executes the processing according to the read out workflow information. Thereby, the workflow execution unit 44 can execute the workflow selected by the user.

Further, when the workflow includes server distribution processing, the workflow execution unit 44 transmits the processing target document data to the file server device 34, the mail server device 36, or the like via the network, for example.

The workflow execution unit 44 may be called by the OS unit 48 in response to a calling instruction from any of the application units 46. In this case, the workflow execution unit 44 displays a list showing at least one workflow that can be executed, and accepts the selection of any one of the workflows shown in the list. When the selected workflow includes an application reception process, the workflow execution unit 44 acquires the document data designated by the call instruction. Then, the workflow execution unit 44 applies the selected workflow to the acquired document data.

The application unit 46 functions by the processor 201 executing the application program installed in the storage device 203. The application unit 46 executes processing for handling document data. The application unit 46 may have a function of managing document data, may have a function of generating document data, may have a function of editing document data, and may have a function of editing document data. It may have a function of transmitting to a server on the network. The application program may be, for example, a business program, a game program, free of charge, or charged.

The workflow execution unit 44 is an example of the application unit 46. The workflow program is an example of an application program.

The OS unit 48 functions by the processor 201 executing an operating system program installed in the storage device 203. The operating system program is a basic program for operating a computer. The OS unit 48 manages the operation unit 42, the workflow execution unit 44, and at least one application unit 46. That is, the operation unit 42, the workflow execution unit 44, and at least one application unit 46 function under the control of the OS unit 48. The OS unit 48 functions, for example, by executing Android (registered trademark).

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the application calling process. Each application unit 46 can execute an application calling process.

The OS section 48 includes a call manager 52. The call manager 52 provides each application unit 46 with a function (application calling function) of calling another application unit 46. Here, an example will be described in which the first application unit 46-1 calls the m-th (m is an integer of 2 or more) workflow execution unit 44-m. The workflow execution unit 44 is an example of the mth application unit 46-m.

The first application unit 46-1 gives a call instruction to the call manager 52 of the OS unit 48 in executing the application calling process. The first application unit 46-1 can specify the document data to be processed in the call instruction. The call instruction may include the substance of the document data to be processed, or may describe the address at which the document data to be processed is stored.

Upon receiving the call instruction, the call manager 52 calls and activates the corresponding workflow execution unit 44. Then, the call manager 52 gives the document data included in the call instruction. The called workflow execution unit 44 receives the document data from the call manager 52.

As described above, in the application calling process, the first application unit 46-1 calls and activates the m-th application unit 46-m (workflow execution unit 44) that functions under the control of the OS unit 48, and executes the processing. The target document data can be given. As a result, the called m-th application unit 46-m (workflow execution unit 44) can acquire the document data to be processed from the first application unit 46-1. For example, in Android (registered trademark), such a function is called an intent.

The first application unit 46-1 may give a call instruction for specifying the m-th application unit 46-m to be called to the OS unit 48, or specify the m-th application unit 46-m to be called. A call instruction not to be issued may be given to the OS unit 48. Here, a call instruction in which the first application unit 46-1 specifies the m-th application unit 46-m (for example, the workflow execution unit 44) to be called is called an explicit call instruction. For example, in Android (registered trademark), such a call instruction is called an explicit intent. A call instruction in which the first application unit 46-1 does not specify the mth application unit 46-m (for example, the workflow execution unit 44) to be called is called an implicit call instruction. For example, in Android (registered trademark), such a call instruction is called an implicit intent.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the first application unit 46-1 gives an implicit call instruction to the OS unit 48.

Further, the workflow execution unit 44 and each application unit 46 are set in advance by a manager or the like with a call instruction that can be received from another application unit 46. For example, Android (registered trademark) is registered as an intent filter in the manifest file.

For example, as shown in Table 1, the workflow execution unit 44 is set with what kind of operation is designated to accept the call.

Further, for example, as shown in Table 2, the workflow execution unit 44 is set with what kind of document data can be received.

When the call manager 52 receives a call instruction from any of the application units 46, the call manager 52 refers to such information and receives the operation and document data designated by the call instruction from another application unit 46 (workflow execution). (Including part 44).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit 44. The workflow execution unit 44 acquires the document data generated by scanning by the image forming apparatus 20, and applies the workflow specified by the operator to the acquired document data. The content of the process executed by the workflow is defined by the workflow information.

A plurality of workflow information generated by the administrator is registered in the workflow execution unit 44. The workflow information is described in a data format that can be interpreted by a computer. The workflow information is described in, for example, XML (Extensible Markup Language). The workflow execution unit 44 interprets the contents described in the workflow information and executes the workflow.

The workflow information defines a workflow (at least one process and an execution order of those processes) executed by the workflow execution unit 44. The workflow shown in FIG. 5 indicates that processing is performed in the order of noise removal processing→character recognition processing→format conversion processing→server distribution processing.

For example, in the noise removal process, the workflow execution unit 44 removes noise from the image. In the character recognition process, the workflow execution unit 44 recognizes the characters included in the image and generates text data. In the format conversion process, the workflow execution unit 44 converts the document data into a designated file format (for example, PDF (Portable Document Format)). In the server distribution process, the workflow execution unit 44 transmits the document data to the designated server (for example, the file server device 34 or the mail server device 36).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit 44. In some cases, the workflow execution unit 44 does not apply the workflow to the document data generated by the image forming apparatus 20, but applies the workflow to the document data managed by the application unit 46. In this case, the workflow execution unit 44 is activated in response to a call from the OS unit 48 in response to a call instruction from the application unit 46, and executes the workflow.

When processing the document data managed by the application unit 46, the workflow execution unit 44 executes a workflow including an application reception process as shown in FIG. The workflow shown in FIG. 6 indicates that processing is performed in the order of application reception processing→character recognition processing→format conversion processing→server distribution processing.

In the application reception process, the workflow execution unit 44 acquires document data managed by another application unit 46 that functions under the control of the OS unit 48. For example, in the application reception process, the workflow execution unit 44 reads the document data from the memory area designated by the call instruction.

In the application reception process, the workflow execution unit 44 stores the document data in a specific folder managed by the Dropbox (registered trademark) in response to a call instruction from the Dropbox (registered trademark) application, which is an example of the application unit 46. You may download it. Further, in the application reception process, the workflow execution unit 44 acquires document data managed by LINE (registered trademark) in response to a call instruction from a LINE (registered trademark) application, which is an example of the application unit 46. May be.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the workflow execution unit 44 according to the first embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 includes a document acquisition unit 61, an application reception unit 62, a workflow information storage unit 63, a flow control unit 64, a plug-in execution unit 65, a delivery destination information storage unit 66, and a delivery unit 67. The workflow list storage unit 71, the history storage unit 72, the display control unit 73, the selection receiving unit 74, and the history management unit 75.

When the document acquisition unit 61 receives a workflow execution instruction from the image forming apparatus 20, the document acquiring unit 61 acquires, from the image forming apparatus 20, the document data generated by scanning by the image forming apparatus 20. The document acquisition unit 61 gives the acquired document data to the flow control unit 64.

When the workflow executing unit 44 is called by the OS unit 48 in response to the call instruction output from the application unit 46, the application receiving unit 62 acquires the document data designated by the call instruction. The application receiving unit 62 may obtain the document data from the OS unit 48, or may read the document data from the storage area designated by the call instruction. The application reception unit 62 operates according to an execution instruction from the flow control unit 64. The application reception unit 62 gives the acquired document data to the flow control unit 64.

The workflow information storage unit 63 stores workflow information. For example, as shown in Table 3, the workflow information storage unit 63 stores the workflow information represented by XML data in association with the workflow ID. The workflow information storage unit 63 may store a plurality of workflow information.

The flow control unit 64 receives a workflow execution instruction and a workflow ID that identifies the workflow to be executed from the image forming apparatus 20 or the selection receiving unit 74. The flow control unit 64 controls the execution of the workflow specified by the workflow ID according to the execution instruction received from the image forming apparatus 20 or the selection receiving unit 74. The flow control unit 64 may temporarily store the execution instruction and the workflow ID in the queue, and acquire the execution instruction and the workflow ID from the queue at the timing of execution.

In addition, when the flow control unit 64 receives a workflow execution instruction from the image forming apparatus 20, the flow control unit 64 receives the document data to be processed from the document acquisition unit 61. Further, when the workflow execution unit 44 is called by the OS unit 48 in response to the call instruction output from the application unit 46, the flow control unit 64 receives the document data to be processed from the application reception unit 62.

When executing the workflow, the flow control unit 64 reads the workflow information associated with the acquired workflow ID from the workflow information storage unit 63. The flow control unit 64 specifies each processing and processing order included in the workflow to be executed according to the read workflow information. Then, the flow control unit 64 specifies the process to the plug-in execution unit 65 in executing each process in the workflow to be executed. Further, the flow control unit 64 specifies the process, and gives the document data to be processed and the set value for executing the process to the plug-in execution unit 65. After the plug-in execution unit 65 executes the process, the flow control unit 64 receives the processed document data from the plug-in execution unit 65. Then, when one process included in the workflow is completed, the flow control unit 64 specifies the next process to the plug-in execution unit 65. Thereby, the flow control unit 64 can cause the plug-in execution unit 65 to sequentially execute one or more processes specified by the workflow.

When the workflow to be executed includes the server distribution process, the flow control unit 64 gives an execution instruction to the distribution unit 67 in executing the server distribution process. The flow control unit 64 gives an execution instruction to the delivery unit 67, and also gives the document data to be processed and the setting values necessary for executing the delivery process. Further, when the workflow to be executed includes an application reception process, the flow control unit 64 gives an execution instruction to the application reception unit 62 in the application reception process.

The plug-in execution unit 65 is designated by the flow control unit 64 as a process to be executed. Along with this, the plug-in execution unit 65 is provided with the document data to be processed and the set value. The plug-in execution unit 65 performs the designated processing on the given document data according to the set value. More specifically, the plug-in execution unit 65 can execute a plurality of different plug-in programs 81 (81-1 to 81-n). The plug-in execution unit 65 can execute the specified process on the given document data by executing the plug-in program 81 corresponding to the specified process. When the plug-in execution unit 65 finishes executing the designated process, the plug-in execution unit 65 returns the processed document data to the flow control unit 64.

The delivery destination information storage unit 66 stores delivery destination information indicating the destination of the document data. The delivery destination information storage unit 66 stores the address of the delivery destination server for each type such as folder delivery or mail delivery, as shown in Table 4, for example.

When the workflow includes server distribution processing, the distribution unit 67 receives an execution instruction from the flow control unit 64. At the same time, the distribution unit 67 receives the document data and the setting value from the flow control unit 64. The distribution unit 67 specifies the distribution type based on the received setting value, and reads the distribution destination information corresponding to the specified distribution type from the distribution destination information storage unit 66. Then, in the execution of the server distribution process, the distribution unit 67 transmits the document data in the data format corresponding to the specified distribution type to the address indicated in the distribution destination information. The delivery unit 67 may send the document data to a printer device or the like on the network.

The workflow list storage unit 71 stores a list. The list shows at least one workflow that can be executed when called by the OS unit 48 in response to the calling instruction output from the application unit 46. The list shows at least one workflow including the application reception process. The list includes, for example, workflow IDs arranged in a predetermined order. For example, the list includes workflow IDs arranged in numerical order or generation order.

The history storage unit 72 stores a selection history indicating a workflow selected when being called by the OS unit 48 in response to a calling instruction output from the application unit 46. The history storage unit 72 stores, for example, a selection history for each of the application units 46 that output the call instruction. Further, the history storage unit 72 may store a selection history for each of the types of document data designated by the call instruction. Further, the respective selection histories may be rearranged so that the workflow selected more recently is ranked higher.

The display control unit 73 causes the display unit 204 to display a list indicating at least one workflow that can be executed when the OS unit 48 calls the workflow in response to the call instruction output from the application unit 46.

In this case, the display control unit 73 displays a list showing the workflows arranged in the order according to the selection history. For example, the display control unit 73 corrects and displays the workflow order shown in the list stored in the workflow list storage unit 71 according to the selection history stored in the history storage unit 72.

When the history storage unit 72 stores the selection history for each of the application units 46 that output the call instruction, the display control unit 73 displays the selection history corresponding to the application unit 46 that is the output source of the call instruction. It is also possible to display a list including the created workflow in the upper part. For example, the display control unit 73 modifies and displays the list so that the workflow shown in the selection history corresponding to the application unit 46 that is the output source of the call instruction is included in the upper portion of the list.

When the history storage unit 72 stores a selection history for each type of document data designated by the call instruction, the display control unit 73 causes the selection corresponding to the type of document data designated by the call instruction. A list including the workflow shown in the history in the upper part may be displayed. For example, the display control unit 73 modifies and displays the list so that the workflow shown in the selection history corresponding to the type of document data specified by the call instruction is included in the upper part of the list.

Furthermore, the display control unit 73 may display a list in which the workflow selected most recently is ranked higher. For example, when the history storage unit 72 stores a selection history that is rearranged so that the workflow selected more recently becomes higher, the display control unit 73 displays the workflows arranged in the order shown in the selection history. You may display the list included in the upper part.

Here, the term “upper” means a position on the list that the user can select more easily. For example, when the workflow IDs are displayed side by side in order from the top of the screen, “upper” means the upper part of the screen, and when the workflow IDs are displayed in a plurality of screens, the initial value is displayed. Means the screen displayed in. Thereby, the display control unit 73 can make it easier for the user to select the workflow indicated in the selection history.

The selection receiving unit 74 receives a selection of any one workflow from the user among at least one workflow displayed in the list displayed by the display control unit 73. For example, the selection receiving unit 74 receives the selection of the workflow from the user based on the operation on the input unit 205. When the selection acceptance unit 74 accepts the selection of the workflow, the selection acceptance unit 74 gives the history management unit 75 a workflow ID for identifying the selected workflow. Further, when the selection receiving unit 74 receives the selection of the workflow, the selection receiving unit 74 gives the flow control unit 64 a workflow execution instruction and a workflow ID that identifies the selected workflow.

The history management unit 75 manages the selection history stored in the history storage unit 72. Specifically, the history management unit 75 updates the selection history stored in the history storage unit 72 every time the selection receiving unit 74 receives the selection of the workflow.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of the selection history. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of the selection history.

For example, the history management unit 75 manages the selection history for each of the application units 46 that output the call instruction, as illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, when the OS unit 48 calls the workflow execution unit 44 in response to a call instruction output from the application unit 46, the history management unit 75 identifies the application unit 46 that has output the call instruction. Then, the history management unit 75 adds the selected workflow to the selection history corresponding to the identified application unit 46.

Note that the history management unit 75 may rearrange the selection history so that the workflow selected most recently is ranked higher. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the application unit 46 that has output the call instruction is “A” and the selected workflow is “#2”. In this case, the history management unit 75 rearranges the order of the workflows shown in the selection history of "A" so that "#2" is the highest rank, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the selection history. For example, the history management unit 75 may manage the selection history for each type of document data designated by the call instruction, as shown in FIG. For example, when the workflow execution unit 44 is called by the OS unit 48 in response to the call instruction output from the application unit 46, the history management unit 75 identifies the type of document data specified by the call instruction. Then, the history management unit 75 adds the selected workflow to the selection history corresponding to the specified type. Also in this case, the history management unit 75 may rearrange the corresponding selection history so that the workflow selected most recently is ranked higher.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow of the document processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The document processing system 10 executes processing, for example, in the sequence shown in FIG.

First, the first application unit 46-1 executes some processing on the document data (S311). Subsequently, the first application unit 46-1 gives an implicit call instruction to the OS unit 48 (S312). In this case, the first application unit 46-1 specifies the managed document data as the processing target. The implicit call instruction is a call instruction that does not specify the application unit 46 to be called.

Subsequently, when the OS unit 48 receives the implicit call instruction, the OS unit 48 displays a list of application units 46 that can acquire the document data, and designates one of the displayed application units 46 to the user. (S313). The workflow execution unit 44 is an example of the application unit 46. Then, the OS section 48 receives the designation of any of the application sections 46 from the user (S314).

Here, when the application unit 46 other than the workflow execution unit 44 is designated, the OS unit 48 calls the designated application unit 46 (here, the second application unit 46-2) (S315). Then, the called second application unit 46-2 executes some processing (S316).

On the other hand, when the workflow executing unit 44 is designated, the OS unit 48 calls the workflow executing unit 44 (S317). Then, the called workflow execution unit 44 applies the workflow to the document data for which the processing is to be performed (S318). The processing content of the workflow execution unit 44 in S318 will be further described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing of the workflow execution unit 44. When the workflow executing unit 44 is called by the OS unit 48 in response to the call instruction output from the application unit 46, the workflow executing unit 44 executes the processing as in the sequence shown in FIG.

First, the display control unit 73 receives a call from the OS unit 48 (S321). Subsequently, the display control unit 73 analyzes the content of the call (S322). For example, the display control unit 73 specifies the name (application name) of the calling application unit 46. The display control unit 73 may also specify the type of document data to be processed.

Subsequently, the display control unit 73 acquires a list showing at least one workable workflow from the work flow list storage unit 71 (S323). Subsequently, the display control unit 73 acquires the corresponding selection history from the history storage unit 72 (S324). For example, when the history storage unit 72 stores the selection history for each application unit 46, the display control unit 73 acquires the selection history corresponding to the calling application unit 46. Further, for example, when the history storage unit 72 stores the selection history for each type of document data, the display control unit 73 acquires the selection history corresponding to the type of document data to be processed.

Then, when there is no corresponding selection history, the display control unit 73 displays the list stored in the workflow list storage unit 71 (S325). For example, the display control unit 73 displays a list including workflow IDs arranged in numerical order or generation order.

On the other hand, when there is a corresponding selection history, the display control unit 73 corrects the order of the workflows shown in the list stored in the workflow list storage unit 71 according to the acquired selection history (S326). For example, the display control unit 73 modifies the list so that the workflow shown in the selection history corresponding to the application unit 46 that is the output source of the call instruction is included in the upper portion of the list. Further, for example, the display control unit 73 modifies the list so that the workflow shown in the selection history corresponding to the type of document data designated by the call instruction is included in the upper part of the list. When the selection history is rearranged so that the most recently selected workflow is ranked higher, the display control unit 73 corrects the order of the workflows listed higher in the list in the order shown in the selection history. You may.

Then, the display control unit 73 displays the corrected list (S327). Accordingly, the display control unit 73 can display the list showing the workflows arranged in the order according to the selection history. Further, for example, the display control unit 73 can display a list including the workflow shown in the selection history corresponding to the application unit 46 that is the output source of the call instruction in the upper portion. Further, the display control unit 73 can display a list including the workflow indicated in the selection history corresponding to the type of document data designated by the call instruction in the upper portion. Furthermore, the display control unit 73 can display a list in which the workflow selected most recently is ranked higher.

By displaying such a list, the display control unit 73 can make it easier for the user to select an appropriate workflow. For example, the display control unit 73 can facilitate selection of the same workflow as when it was called from the same application unit 46 in the past. Further, for example, when the workflow has been performed on the same type of document data in the past, the display control unit 73 can easily select the same workflow as that time.

Subsequently, the selection receiving unit 74 receives the selection of one of the workflows shown in the displayed list from the user (S328). The selection accepting unit 74 gives the workflow management unit 75 a workflow ID for identifying the selected workflow (S329).

Subsequently, when the history management unit 75 receives the workflow ID from the selection receiving unit 74, the history management unit 75 updates the selection history stored in the history storage unit 72 (S330). For example, when the selection history is managed for each of the application units 46 that output the call instruction, the history management unit 75 identifies the application unit 46 that outputs the call instruction and corresponds to the identified application unit 46. Add the selected workflow to the selection history. Further, for example, when the selection history is managed for each of the types of document data designated by the call instruction, the history management unit 75 identifies the type of document data to be processed and identifies the identified document data. Add the selected workflow to the selection history corresponding to the type. Note that the history management unit 75 may rearrange the corresponding selection history so that the workflow selected most recently is ranked higher.

When the selection of the workflow is received from the user, the selection receiving unit 74 gives a workflow execution instruction and a workflow ID for identifying the selected workflow to the flow control unit 64 (S331).

When the flow control unit 64 receives the workflow execution instruction and the workflow ID from the selection receiving unit 74, the flow control unit 64 starts execution of the workflow identified by the workflow ID (S332). When the execution of the workflow is started, the flow control unit 64 gives an execution instruction to the application reception unit 62 to acquire the processing target document data managed by the calling application unit 46 (S333). Then, the flow control unit 64 subsequently sequentially supplies the plug-in execution unit 65, the distribution unit 67, and the like with the document data to be processed and the execution instruction to sequentially execute the processes indicated by the workflow (S334). ..

If an error occurs during the execution of the workflow, the flow control unit 64 displays that the error has occurred (S335) and executes the interruption process (S336). If no error occurs in the workflow and all processes are normally completed, the flow control unit 64 outputs a completion notification indicating that the workflow has been normally completed to the user (S337).

As described above, the workflow execution unit 44 according to the present embodiment can apply a workflow to document data handled by another application unit 46 without incorporating a special API or the like into the workflow execution unit 44. As a result, according to the document processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the development load on the workflow execution unit 44 can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the document processing system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. The document processing system 10 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same function and configuration as the document processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, parts having substantially the same functions and configurations as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted except for differences. The same applies to the third and subsequent embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the workflow execution unit 44 according to the second embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 according to the second embodiment further includes a workflow information generation unit 91.

The workflow information generation unit 91 generates workflow information according to an operation by the administrator before executing the workflow. The workflow information generation unit 91 stores the generated workflow information in the workflow information storage unit 63 in association with the workflow ID.

Further, when the workflow defined by the generated workflow information includes the application reception process, the workflow information generation unit 91 also updates the list stored in the workflow list storage unit 71. Specifically, the workflow information generation unit 91 adds the workflow ID corresponding to the generated workflow information to the list.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the information processing device 30 displaying the workflow generation screen 92. The workflow information generation unit 91 displays a workflow generation screen 92 as shown in FIG. 14, for example, and causes the administrator to generate the workflow information.

The workflow generation screen 92 includes a selection area 93 and a creation area 94. In the selection area 93, a plurality of icons 95 indicating processes that can be included in the workflow are displayed.

The administrator selects one of the icons 95 indicating the process to be included in the workflow in the selection area 93, and drags and drops the selected icon 95 to the creation area 94. Then, the administrator connects the two dropped icons 95 in the creation area 94 with an arrow 96 indicating the processing order.

The administrator drops all the icons 95 indicating the processes to be included in the workflow in the creation area 94, connects the icons 95 with the arrow 96 in the order to be executed, and then presses the completion button 97. When the completion button 97 is pressed, the workflow information generation unit 91 generates workflow information that causes processes to be executed in the order in which the icons 95 displayed in the creation area 94 are arranged. Further, when the generated workflow information includes the application reception process, the workflow information generation unit 91 adds the workflow ID corresponding to the generated workflow information to the list stored in the workflow list storage unit 71. to add.

As described above, the workflow execution unit 44 according to this embodiment can generate workflow information. Further, according to the workflow execution unit 44 according to the present embodiment, when the generated workflow information includes the application reception process, the list displayed at the time of calling from the OS unit 48 can be updated.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the workflow execution unit 44 according to the third embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 according to the third embodiment further includes a specific information detection unit 101 and a specific information list storage unit 102.

When the OS execution unit 48 calls the workflow execution unit 44 in response to a call instruction output from the application unit 46, the specific information detection unit 101 includes specific information of a specific type in the document data designated by the call instruction. It detects whether or not it is included. For example, the specific information detection unit 101 detects whether or not a mail address is included in a predetermined position in the document data. For example, the specific information detection unit 101 may detect whether or not the email address is included in a predetermined position of the metadata in the document data, or the email information is included in a predetermined position in the body of the document data. It may be detected whether or not.

The specific information list storage unit 102 stores the specific information list. The specific information list indicates a workflow that executes a process using the specific information. For example, when the specific information is a mail address, the specific information list indicates a workflow including a process of extracting a mail address from document data or a process of setting the extracted mail address as a delivery destination. The specific information list may be updated, for example, when the administrator creates a new workflow.

When the document data designated as a processing target by the call instruction includes specific information of a specific type, the display control unit 73 displays a list including a workflow associated with the specific information in the upper part. For example, when the document data designated as the processing target by the call instruction includes the specific information, the display control unit 73 is displayed in the specific information list stored in the specific information list storage unit 102 at the top of the list. The list stored in the workflow list storage unit 71 is modified so as to include the workflow. Then, the display control unit 73 displays the corrected list.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit 44 according to the third embodiment. The workflow for executing the process using the specific information is, for example, the workflow shown in FIG. The workflow shown in FIG. 16 indicates that processing is performed in the order of application reception processing→address extraction processing→address setting processing.

The address extraction process is a process of extracting a mail address from document data. The address setting process is a process of setting a mail address as a delivery destination address. In the address extraction process, the workflow execution unit 44 extracts a mail address from the document data to be processed. In the address setting process, the workflow execution unit 44 rewrites the mail address stored in the delivery destination information storage unit 66 with the extracted mail address, for example.

As described above, the workflow execution unit 44 according to the present embodiment can facilitate the user to select an appropriate workflow when the document data includes the specific information.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit 44 according to the fourth embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 according to the fourth embodiment can execute the application calling process as one process in the workflow.

In the application calling process, the workflow execution unit 44 calls and activates another application unit 46 that functions under the control of the OS unit 48, and gives the document data to be processed. In the application calling process, the workflow execution unit 44 calls, for example, a Dropbox (registered trademark) application, which is an example of the application unit 46, to be activated and uploads document data to a specific folder managed by the Dropbox (registered trademark). May be. In addition, in the application calling process, the workflow execution unit 44 may, for example, activate a LINE (registered trademark) application that is an example of the application unit 46 and transmit document data to a destination managed by LINE (registered trademark). Good.

The workflow shown in FIG. 17 indicates that processing is performed in the order of application reception processing→noise removal processing→character recognition processing→format conversion processing→delivery processing.

When executing the distribution process shown in FIG. 17, the workflow execution unit 44 executes the distribution process including the server distribution process and the application calling process. The workflow execution unit 44 executes, for example, either the server distribution process or the application calling process in the distribution process. The workflow execution unit 44 may determine which of the server distribution process and the application call process is to be executed, according to the setting value input by the user before the execution of the workflow.

As described above, when the workflow includes application calling processing, the workflow execution unit 44 calls any one of the application units 46 via the OS unit 48 and gives the processing target document data to the calling application unit 46. You can

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit 44 according to the fourth embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 according to the fourth embodiment further includes an application calling unit 111.

In the present embodiment, when the workflow to be executed includes the application calling process, the flow control unit 64 instructs the application calling unit 111 to execute the execution instruction, the document data to be processed, and the required data when executing the application calling process. Give a set value.

The application calling unit 111 receives an execution instruction from the flow control unit 64 when the application calling process is included in the workflow. When receiving the execution instruction, the application calling unit 111 generates a calling instruction that calls another application unit 46. Then, the application calling unit 111 outputs the generated explicit call instruction to the OS unit 48.

Here, the application calling unit 111 specifies the document data processed by the selected workflow in the application calling process as a processing target. Furthermore, the application calling unit 111 generates an explicit call instruction in which the application unit 46 that is the output source of the call instruction that calls the workflow execution unit 44 is designated as the call destination. For example, when the OS unit 48 executes Android (registered trademark) and functions, the application calling unit 111 generates an explicit intent as a calling instruction.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing of the document processing system 10 according to the fourth embodiment. When the workflow executing unit 44 executes the workflow including the application calling process, the document processing system 10 executes the process as shown in FIG.

When executing the workflow including the application calling process, the document processing system 10 executes the processes from S311 to 318 in the same manner as the sequence shown in FIG. The workflow execution unit 44 generates an explicit call instruction for calling the first application unit 46-1 that is the call source of the workflow execution unit 44 in the final stage of the workflow (S351). This call instruction specifies the document data processed by the selected workflow as a processing target.

Subsequently, the workflow execution unit 44 gives the generated explicit call instruction to the OS unit 48 (S352). Subsequently, the OS unit 48 calls the first application unit 46-1 in response to the reception of the explicit call instruction (S353). When the first application unit 46-1 is called by the OS unit 48, the first application unit 46-1 receives the document data to be processed and executes some processing (S354).

As described above, in the document processing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the application unit 46 calls the workflow execution unit 44 to provide the document data to the workflow execution unit 44, and the document data after the application unit 46 performs the workflow. Can be acquired from the workflow execution unit 44.

Although a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, each embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms.

10 document processing system 20 image forming apparatus 30 information processing apparatus 32 information providing server apparatus 34 file server apparatus 36 mail server apparatus 42 operation section 44 workflow execution section 46 application section 48 OS section 52 call manager 61 document acquisition section 62 application reception section 63 Workflow information storage unit 64 Flow control unit 65 Plug-in execution unit 66 Delivery destination information storage unit 67 Delivery unit 71 Workflow list storage unit 72 History storage unit 73 Display control unit 74 Selection acceptance unit 75 History management unit 81 Plug-in program 91 Workflow information Generation unit 92 Workflow generation screen 93 Selection region 94 Creation region 95 Icon 96 Arrow 97 Finish button 101 Specific information detection unit 102 Specific information list storage unit 111 Application calling unit 201 Processor 202 Memory 203 Storage device 204 Display unit 205 Input unit 206 Communication unit 206 211 Processor 212 Memory 213 Storage Device 214 Printer 215 Scanner 216 Communication Unit

JP, 2012-212348, A

Claims (15)

An information processing apparatus including a processor,
The processor is
A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow including one or more processes,
An application unit that executes the processing that handles document data,
Functions as an operating system unit that manages the workflow execution unit and at least one of the application units ,
The operating system unit has an intent function,
The workflow execution unit,
If the operating system portion in response to the call instruction output from the application portion by the intent function calls the workflow execution unit, a display control unit for displaying a list indicating at least one of said work flow executable,
A selection receiving unit that receives a selection of any one of the workflows including an application reception process among at least one of the workflows shown in the list;
In the application reception process, an application reception unit that acquires document data designated as a processing target by the call instruction,
A flow control unit that applies the selected workflow to the acquired document data,
Information processing device having a. The processor further functions as a history management unit that manages a selection history indicating the workflow selected in the past,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the list showing the workflows arranged in an order according to the selection history. The history management unit manages the selection history for each of the application units that output the call instruction,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the list including, in an upper portion, the workflow indicated in the selection history corresponding to the application unit that is the output source of the call instruction. The history management unit manages the selection history for each type of the document data specified by the call instruction,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit displays the list including, as an upper part, the workflow indicated in the selection history corresponding to the type of the document data designated by the calling instruction. The history management unit sorts the workflows shown in the selection history so that the workflows selected recently are ranked higher.
The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit displays the list including the workflows arranged in the order shown in the selection history in an upper portion. The display controller, said workflow including the application reception processing, to include in said list
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The display control unit includes the workflow including application calling processing in the list,
In the application calling process, the workflow execution unit specifies the document data processed by the selected workflow and also explicitly calls the application unit that is the output source of the calling instruction as a call destination. Further comprising an application calling unit that generates an instruction and outputs the generated explicit call instruction to the operating system unit,
When the operating system unit receives the explicit call instruction from the workflow execution unit, the operating system unit calls the designated application unit and gives the called application unit the document data processed by the workflow. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the document data designated as a processing target by the call instruction includes specific information of a specific type, the display control unit includes the workflow associated with the specific information in an upper portion. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, which displays a list. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the specific information is a mail address. The flow control unit sequentially identifies processes according to the workflow information that defines the selected workflow,
The workflow execution unit,
A process to be executed is specified from the flow control unit, the document data to be processed is given, and by executing the plug-in program corresponding to the specified process, the given document data is added. The plug-in execution unit that returns the processed document data to the flow control unit when the specified process is performed and the execution of the specified process is finished. The information processing device according to item. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the workflow execution unit further includes a workflow information generation unit that generates the workflow information prior to executing the workflow. An information processing apparatus including a processor,
The processor is
A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow including one or more processes by executing the workflow program;
At least one application unit that executes processing for handling document data by executing an application program;
An operating system unit that manages the workflow executing unit and at least one of the application units by executing an operating system program;
And then work,
The operating system unit has an intent function,
Any one of the application units gives a calling instruction designating the document data as a processing target to the operating system unit,
The operating system unit, when receiving the call instruction, calls the workflow execution unit by the intent function ,
The workflow execution unit,
A display control unit that displays a list showing at least one workflow that can be executed when the operating system unit calls the workflow execution unit in response to the call instruction output from the application unit by the intent function. ,
A selection receiving unit that receives a selection of any one of the workflows including an application reception process among at least one of the workflows shown in the list;
In the application reception process, an application reception unit that acquires the document data designated as a processing target by the call instruction,
A flow control unit that applies the selected workflow to the acquired document data,
Information processing device having a. Any one of the application units gives the operating system unit an implicit call instruction that does not specify the application unit to be called,
When the operating system unit receives the implicit call instruction, the operating system unit displays a list of the application units that can acquire the document data, and allows the user to specify one of the displayed application units. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the application unit designated by the user is called. A program for causing a computer to function as the workflow execution unit in the information processing apparatus according to claim 1. An information processing method executed in an information processing device including a processor,
The processor is
A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow including one or more processes ,
An application unit that executes the processing that handles document data,
Functions as an operating system unit that manages the workflow execution unit and at least one of the application units ,
The operating system unit has an intent function,
The workflow execution unit, the case where the operating system portion in accordance with the intent function call instruction output from the application unit invokes the workflow execution unit, displays a list showing at least one of said work flow executable The workflow execution unit receives a selection of any one of the workflows including an application reception process from the at least one workflow shown in the list,
The workflow execution unit acquires document data specified as a processing target by the call instruction in the application reception process ,
An information processing method, wherein the workflow execution unit applies the selected workflow to the acquired document data.

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