JP6794639B2 - Information processing equipment, information processing programs, information processing systems and information processing methods - Google Patents

Description

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

Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-119947) discloses an information processing apparatus capable of improving the flexibility of the execution order of processing related to data. This information processing device assigns a priority to each workflow execution unit according to information related to the user who is the workflow execution request source. As a result, even if the workflow is based on the same flow definition data, the priority can be changed according to the user or the like, and the flexibility regarding the execution order of the workflow can be improved.

Here, if such an information processing device can support a workflow for printing data, for example, a stamp or barcode (hereinafter referred to as a stamp) is added to the scanned data, and the data is distributed to a folder and printed on paper. Workflows such as printing can be executed, and the convenience of the information processing device can be further improved.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, an information processing system, and an information processing method capable of printing data according to a workflow.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention has a workflow execution unit that executes a workflow including one or more processes on data, and a workflow execution unit that executes print processing on the data. If included in the workflow, or executes the printing process, has either a a determination unit stores the data without executing the printing process in the storage unit, a determination unit is workflow execution request When the elapsed time since then is determined whether or not the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the workflow execution unit determines that the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made does not exceed the predetermined threshold. In addition, the data is printed, and when it is determined that the elapsed time from the workflow execution request exceeds a predetermined threshold value , the data is stored in the storage device.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that data can be printed according to a workflow.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the information processing system of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining that the system processing of the information processing system can be completed by the MFP. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the hardware configurations of the distribution server, the print server, the mail server, and the storage server. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of each function realized by the CPU of the distribution server executing the distribution program stored in the HDD. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of each function realized by the CPU of the print server executing a print program stored in the HDD. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a system module configuration of the distribution server. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow formed by a plug-in selected by the administrator. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the workflow setting operation. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing operations of a workflow job of data obtained by the scanning function of the MFP. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the determination processing operation. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a flow of printing processing of the information processing system of the first embodiment, which prints by the secure print method. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of printing processing of the information processing system of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of workflow job processing operations including the determination processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of workflow job processing operations including the determination processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is for explaining an information processing system of a fourth embodiment in which printing is possible when a user is authenticated as a legitimate user by MFP1 when the generation source of a print job is a distribution server. It is a figure.

(First Embodiment)
(System configuration)
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram of the information processing system of the first embodiment. The information processing system of this embodiment includes a multifunction device (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) 1, a distribution server 2, a print server 3, a mail server 4, and a storage server 5. The MFP 1 to the print server 3 are connected to a network 6 used in a narrow range such as an intranet. The mail server 4 and the storage server 5 are connected to a wide area network 7 such as the Internet. One or a plurality of MFPs 1 to 5 may be provided.

A distribution program corresponding to a workflow for printing data obtained by, for example, scanning, a print program for printing control of the MFP 1, and the like are installed in the distribution server 2 (an example of an information processing device). The print server 3 (an example of a storage device) is a server that stores the print data scanned by the MFP 1, and a print program or the like that controls the print of the MFP 1 is installed. The mail server 4 is a server that delivers e-mails. The storage server 5 is an external server that provides a storage service.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. In the case of the information processing system of the first embodiment, the MFP 1 (an example of the printing unit and the image forming apparatus) transmits the data obtained by scanning to the distribution server 2. The distribution server performs a predetermined workflow process on the data transmitted from the MFP 1 and executes printing. Further, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the workflow-processed data is transmitted to the print server 3 without executing printing. The print server 3 temporarily stores the workflow-processed data.

Next, when the MFP 1 detects the print operation of the user who specifies the printing of the scanned data, it receives the data stored in the print server 3 and executes the printing of the workflow-processed data.

When the distribution program and the print control program are installed in the MFP 1, the distribution server 2 and the print server 3 may be excluded from the system configuration. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 1 processes the scanned data in a workflow process and executes printing. In addition, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, workflow-processed data is accumulated without printing, and when a user gives a print instruction, the print process is executed. As described above, the system operation of the first embodiment can be completed by the MFP 1, but the description will be described below based on the system configuration of FIG.

(Hardware configuration of MFP)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP1. As shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 1 includes a main body 10 having various image forming functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, and an operation unit 20 that receives an input according to a user's operation. .. The main body 10 and the operation unit 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a dedicated communication path 30. As the communication path 30, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard can be used. Further, any standard can be used regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. Further, the main body 10 may have one function among image forming functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function, or may have a plurality of functions.

As the operation unit 20, an electronic device capable of executing information processing completed independently can be used. As an example, as the operation unit 20, an information processing terminal (smart device) such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal can be used. In this case, the smart device used as the operation unit 20 functions as the operation unit of the MFP 1.

More specifically, the smart device used as the operation unit 20 is detachably connected to the MFP 1 instead of the operation panel which is conventionally fixed and installed as the operation unit dedicated to the MFP 1. That is, the smart device used as the operation unit 20 is detachably (separable) at a predetermined position such as a position where the operation panel of the MFP 1 is arranged, but is installed integrally with the MFP 1. Therefore, the smart device and the MFP1 used as the operation unit 20 may be grasped as one device. When the smart device, which is the operation unit 20, is removed from the MFP 1, wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or infrared communication is performed with the MFP 1, and the smart device becomes the operation unit of the MFP 1. Function. In the MFP 1, the operation unit 20 can be removed from the main body 10 in this way, but the operation unit 20 may be fixed to the main body 10.

The main body 10 operates according to the input received by the operation unit 20. Further, the main body 10 can communicate with the distribution server 2, the print server 3, and the like, and prints the workflow-processed image data received from the print server 3 and the like.

(Hardware configuration of the main unit)
Next, the hardware configuration of the main body 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, and an HDD (hard disk drive) 14. Further, the main body 10 includes a communication unit (interface) 15, a connection I / F 16, and an engine unit 17. Each unit 11 to 17 is connected to each other via a system bus 18.

The CPU 11 comprehensively controls the operation of the main body 10. The CPU 11 controls the operation of the entire main body 10 by executing a program stored in the ROM 12 or the HDD 14 or the like using the RAM 13 as a work area (work area), and has the above-mentioned copy function, scanner function, facsimile function, printer function, etc. Realize various functions of.

The communication unit 15 is an interface for communicating with the networks 6 and the servers 2 to 5 on the network 7. The connection I / F 16 is an interface for communicating with the operation unit 20 via the communication path 30. Although the communication path 30 is shown in a wired manner in FIG. 4, the operation unit 20 is provided so as to be attached to and detachable from the main body 10 of the MFP 1 as described above. Therefore, it is understood that when the operation unit 20 is attached to the MFP 1, the communication path 30 functions as a wired communication path, and when the operation unit 20 is removed from the MFP 1, the communication path 30 functions as a wireless communication path. I want to.

The engine unit 17 is hardware that performs general-purpose information processing and processing other than communication in order to realize a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The engine unit 17 includes, for example, a scanner (image reading unit) that scans and reads an image of a document, a plotter (image forming unit) that prints on a sheet material such as paper, a facsimile communication unit that performs facsimile communication, and the like. .. It should be noted that specific options such as a finisher for sorting the printed sheet material and an ADF (automatic document feeding device) for automatically feeding the original may be provided.

(Hardware configuration of operation unit)
Next, the hardware configuration of the operation unit 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a flash memory 24, a communication unit 25, a connection I / F 26, and an operation panel 27, which form a system bus 28. They are connected to each other via.

The CPU 21 comprehensively controls the operation of the operation unit 20. The CPU 21 controls the operation of the entire operation unit 20 by executing a program stored in the ROM 22 or the flash memory 24 or the like using the RAM 23 as a work area (work area). The connection I / F 26 is an interface for communicating with the main body 10 via the communication path 30.

The operation panel 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) provided with a touch sensor. The operation panel 27 accepts various inputs according to the user's operation, and displays various information such as information according to the received input, information indicating the operating status of the MFP 1, and information indicating the setting state. The operation panel 27 may be composed of an organic EL display device provided with a touch sensor. Further, in addition to or in place of this, an operation unit such as a hardware key and a display unit such as a lamp may be provided.

(Hardware configuration of each server device)
FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of each server 2-5. Each server 2 to 5 has a configuration similar to the configuration shown in FIG. The hardware configuration of the distribution server 2 will be described on behalf of each of the servers 2 to 5. The distribution server 2 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an HDD 34, and a communication unit 35. The CPU 31 to the communication unit 35 are connected to each other via the system bus 38. The HDD 34 (an example of a storage unit) of the distribution server 2 stores various application programs such as a distribution program and a workflow described later. Further, various application programs such as a print program are stored in the HDD 34 of the print server 3. The distribution program and the print program may be stored in another storage unit such as ROM 32 or RAM 33.

In the example of this embodiment, the OS on the main body 10 side and the OS on the operation unit 20 side are different from each other in order to maintain the independence of the functions. That is, the main body 10 and the operation unit 20 operate independently of each other in different operating systems. As an example, in the case of the first embodiment, Linux (Linux (registered trademark)) is provided as an OS on the main body 10 side, and Android (Android (registered trademark)) is provided as an OS on the operation unit 20 side. ) Is provided.

By operating the main body 10 and the operation unit 20 in different operating systems, the communication between the main body 10 and the operation unit 20 is performed not as interprocess communication in a common device but as communication between different devices. This corresponds to an operation (command communication) of transmitting the input (instruction content from the user) received by the operation unit 20 to the main body 10 and an operation of the main body 10 notifying the operation unit 20 of an event. Here, the function of the main body 10 can be used by the operation unit 20 performing command communication to the main body 10. In addition, the events notified from the main body 10 to the operation unit 20 include the execution status of the operation in the main body 10, the contents set on the main body 10 side, and the like.

(Distribution server functional block configuration)
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of each function realized by the CPU 31 of the distribution server executing the distribution program stored in the HDD 34. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 31 executes a distribution program to execute a job input unit 51, a job queue storage control unit 52, a flow execution control unit 53 (an example of a workflow execution unit), and a flow definition storage control unit 54. , It functions as a plug-in storage control unit 55, a flow creation unit 56, and a communication control unit 57.

(Print server functional block configuration)
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of each function realized by the CPU 31 of the print server 3 executing the print program stored in the HDD 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 31 functions as a document data reception unit 61, a print job generation unit 62, a print job storage control unit 63, a print job transmission unit 64, and a communication control unit 65 by executing a print program. To do.

Conventionally, the print server 3 has acquired data from the port monitor, but in the case of the example of this embodiment, the data may be acquired from the distribution server 2 via the networks 6 and 7. Further, conventionally, the port monitor generates a print job (an example of print information) by performing a rendering process of converting the data into a format so that the printer function of the MFP 1 can understand it. On the other hand, in the case of the example of the embodiment, the print server 3 performs the rendering process and generates the print job without going through the port monitor. If the data format is a format such as PDF (registered trademark) (Portable Document Format) in which the printer function can be directly understood, the rendering process may not be performed. In such a case, the print job generation unit 62 does not perform the rendering process. Further, when the print job is generated in the distribution server 2 and transmitted to the print server 3, the print job generation unit 62 does not have to perform the rendering process.

In addition, a part or all of the above-mentioned functions of the distribution program and the printing program may be realized by hardware such as an IC (semiconductor integrated circuit). Further, the distribution program and the print program may be provided by recording the files in an installable format or an executable format on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk (FD). Further, it may be recorded and provided on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD-R, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc (registered trademark), or a semiconductor memory. DVD is an abbreviation for "Digital Versatile Disk". Further, the distribution program and the printing program may be provided via a network such as the Internet. Further, the distribution program and the print program may be downloaded via the network, installed in the operation unit 20 (or the main body 10), and executed. Further, the distribution program and the printing program may be provided by incorporating them into a ROM or the like in the device in advance.

(Distribution server module configuration)
Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a module configuration of the distribution server 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the distribution server 2 has a module configuration including an input plug-in 72, a processing plug-in 73 (filter plug-in), and an output plug-in 74 on the workflow framework 71. As the input plug-in 72, for example, a scan plug-in 75, a hot folder plug-in 76, and the like are provided. Further, as the processing plug-in 73, for example, an OCR plug-in 77, an image conversion plug-in 78, an image correction plug-in 79, an image format conversion plug-in 80, a stamp plug-in 81, and the like are provided. Further, as the output plug-in 74, for example, a mail delivery plug-in 82, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) delivery plug-in 83, a folder delivery plug-in 84, a print plug-in 85, and the like are provided.

Each plug-in is an execution unit that executes the processing included in the workflow job. Each plug-in can be installed by an administrator or the like by selecting a desired plug-in. Therefore, the print plug-in 85 may not be installed. Among such plug-ins, the processing plug-in 73 performs image correction such as changing the data size by the image correction plug-in 79, and converts the data format to PDF (registered trademark) by the image format conversion plug-in 80. However, it takes time to execute, such as performing OCR processing for reading characters on an image and converting them into text data with an OCR (optical character reader) plug-in 77.

(Workflow)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow selected and set from each of the above-mentioned plug-ins by an administrator or the like. In FIG. 9, the plug-in shown by the solid line frame is a plug-in classified into the processing plug-in 73. Further, in FIG. 9, the plug-in shown by the dotted line frame is a plug-in classified into the output plug-in 74, and shows a data distribution form.

FIG. 9 shows a workflow in which the data scanned by the MFP 1 and distributed to the distribution server 2 is processed in the order of image correction plug-in 79 → image format conversion plug-in → OCR plug-in 77 → folder distribution plug-in 84. Is shown as an example in which is set. Such a workflow can also be branched. In the case of the example of FIG. 9, a branching workflow for FTP distribution of the image format conversion plug-in 80 by the FTP distribution plug-in 83 is also set.

Further, in the case of the example of FIG. 9, the workflow of transmitting the data obtained by converting the image size by the image conversion plug-in 78 to the mail server 4 by executing the mail delivery plug-in 82, and the stamp plug-in 81. A workflow is also set in which the data stamped with the above is transmitted to the MFP 1 via the print server 3 and printed by performing the processing of the print plug-in 85.

When the workflows are branched, each workflow may be executed in parallel, but in this example, the flow execution control unit 53 shown in FIG. 6 sequentially executes each branched workflow. Therefore, when the flow execution control unit 53 executes the workflow of the folder distribution 84 from the image correction plug-in 79, the process returns to the image format conversion plug-in 80, branches, and executes the FTP distribution plug-in 83. After that, the flow execution control unit 53 executes the image conversion plug-in 78 to perform data size change processing and the like, and executes the mail delivery plug-in 82 to obtain the data for which the size change processing and the like have been performed. The added e-mail is delivered to the mail server 4. Further, after that, the flow execution control unit 53 executes the print plug-in 85 that adds a stamp to the data by executing the stamp plug-in 81 and distributes it to the print server 3.

That is, in the case of this example, the processing order of the entire workflow of the flow execution control unit 53 is as follows: image correction plug-in 79 → image format conversion plug-in 80 → OCR plug-in 77 → folder distribution plug-in 84 → FTP distribution plug-in 83. → Image conversion plug-in 78 → Mail delivery plug-in 82 → Stamp plug-in 81 → Print plug-in 85. By executing each workflow in parallel in this way, it is possible to easily calculate the processing time of the workflow described later.

(Workflow setting operation for distribution server)
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram for explaining the workflow setting operation. When setting the workflow, the administrator selects a desired plug-in and instructs the workflow setting by operating the distribution server 2 in step S1. When the workflow setting instruction is detected, the plug-in storage control unit 55 shown in FIG. 6 is designated by the administrator from among the various plug-ins 77 to 85 stored in the HDD 34 of the distribution server 2 in step S2. Search for plugins that have been created. Then, the flow creation unit 56 creates a workflow of the processing order specified by the administrator by using the searched plug-in. The flow definition storage control unit 54 stores the created workflow in a storage unit such as HDD 34 of the distribution server 2.

Next, Table 1 below shows an example of bibliographic information added to the image data formed by the MFP1 scanning the paper on which the document is written.

As illustrated in Display 1, the image data formed by scanning includes "job identification number (job ID)", "time input", "user name", "IP address of MFP", and "format". Bibliographic information such as "information (format)", "workflow ID", "print size (size)", and "print type (color / monochrome)" is added.

The "job ID" is a unique identification number added to the image data obtained by scanning. The "user name" is the name of the user who performed the scan. The "IP address of the MFP" is an IP address in the network 6 of the MFP that prints the image data obtained by scanning. The "format information" is information indicating the format of the image data obtained by scanning, such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) or GIF (Graphics Interchange Format). The format can also be converted from JPEG to PDF (registered trademark) by the image format conversion plug-in 80. The "workflow ID" is an identification number indicating a workflow applied to the image data obtained by scanning. The "print type (color / monochrome)" is information for designating whether to print the image data obtained by scanning in color or monochrome.

One such format information is added to one job. Such format information is created when the workflow job is generated, and is stored by the flow creation unit 56 in a storage unit such as the HDD 34 together with the distribution data (image data) as a part of the workflow job.

Further, the workflow ID is managed by the flow definition storage control unit 54. Therefore, the job can recognize the workflow to be executed by referring to the workflow ID. This workflow ID changes according to the workflow selected by the user via the operation screen of the MFP1.

In addition, such bibliographic information is also used at the time of printing. For example, the image data obtained by scanning A4 size paper is printed on A4 size paper. If color printing is selected, it is printed in color. When the user is authenticated by the MFP 1, in the case of performing secure printing in which the printed matter is output (printed out), when the data is transmitted to the print server 3 (during scanning), the user can use the operation screen of the MFP 1. It is possible to change the print type (color / monochrome), the print surface (double-sided / single-sided), the number of copies to be printed, and the like.

(Processing operation of workflow job of data obtained by scanning)
FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing operations of a workflow job of data obtained by the scanning function of MFP1. First, in step S11, the user operates the MFP 1 so as to scan the image and / or the document described on the desired paper. The MFP 1 scans the paper placed on the mounting table, generates a workflow job in which the above-mentioned bibliographic information is added to the image data obtained by this scanning, and transmits the workflow job to the distribution server 2 (step S12).

The job queue storage control unit 52 of the distribution server 2 stores the workflow job transmitted from the MFP 1 as a queue in, for example, a FIFO (First In First Out memory) memory (step S13). The flow execution control unit 53 acquires the workflow job stored in the memory via the job queue storage control unit 52 (step S14). In steps S15 to S18, the flow execution control unit 53 performs plug-in processing corresponding to the “workflow ID” shown in Table 1 on the image data included in the workflow job.

When the mail delivery plug-in 82 is executed, the flow execution control unit 53 delivers the plug-in-processed image data to the mail server 4 in step S16. Alternatively, when the flow execution control unit 53 executes the folder distribution plug-in 84, the flow execution control unit 53 processes the plug-in in the mail server 4 and distributes the image data to the storage server 5 in step S16.

Next, in the case of this example, in step S18, the flow execution control unit 53 determines (pre-determination) whether or not the print plug-in 85 is included in the workflow of the workflow job. If the print plug-in 85 is not included, it is not necessary to print with the MFP 1, so the process proceeds to step S20, and the workflow job for which the workflow process is completed is transmitted to the print server 3 and temporarily stored.

On the other hand, when the flow execution control unit 53 determines in step S18 that the print plug-in 85 is included in the workflow of the workflow job, the flow execution control unit 53 executes the print plug-in 85 for the image data. For example, rendering processing is performed based on workflow-processed data to generate print jobs, bibliographic information, and the like. Then, in step S19, the flow execution control unit 53, which also serves as an example of the determination unit, stores the print job and bibliographic information generated by the processing of the print plug-in in the print server 3, or transmits the print to the MFP 1 and prints immediately. Whether to do or not is determined.

(Judgment processing using time difference)
The flowchart of FIG. 12 shows the flow of the determination processing operation in step S19. When performing this determination process, the flow execution control unit 53 sets the time difference between the time when the workflow job described with reference to Table 1 is input and the current time in step S31 to a time preset by the user. Whether or not it is within the threshold value (for example, whether or not it is within 1 minute) is determined. The set time threshold is stored in a storage unit such as the HDD 14 as an example.

That is, in this step S31, the flow execution control unit 53 determines whether or not much time has passed since the workflow job was submitted. If the time difference is within 1 minute, it is highly possible that the user is located near the MFP1. Therefore, when it is determined that the time difference is within 1 minute (step S31: Yes), the flow execution control unit 53 determines in step S32 that the printing job is printed by the MFP1.

On the other hand, if the time difference exceeds 1 minute, it is highly possible that the user has moved to a place away from the MFP1. Therefore, when it is determined that the time difference exceeds 1 minute (step S31: No), the flow execution control unit 53 determines in step S33 that the print job is transmitted to the print server 3.

When it is determined to be transmitted to the print server 3, the flow execution control unit 53 transmits the print job to the print server 3 in step S20 of the sequence diagram of FIG. The document data reception unit 61 of the print server 3 receives the print job and stores it in a storage unit such as the HDD 34. In this case, the print job generation unit 62 does not have to perform the rendering process. Further, in step S18, when the print plug-in 85 does not execute the rendering process and the workflow-processed data is transmitted to the print server 3, the print job generation unit 62 may perform the rendering process.

When it is determined that the MFP1 prints, the flow execution control unit 53 transmits a print job to the MFP1 via the communication control unit 57 in step S21 of the sequence diagram of FIG. 11 to print the image data. The MFP1 prints image data according to the paper size and print type (color / monochrome) indicated by the bibliographic information of the print job.

Here, when the print job is not transmitted to the print server 3, the print process corresponding to the print job is executed by the MFP 1 in this way. Therefore, the user needs to wait in front of the MFP 1 until the output (discharge) of the printed paper is completed. Therefore, it is preferable to notify the user that printing will be performed immediately. If such a notification is not given, the user thinks that the print job has been sent to the print server 3 and leaves in front of the MFP 1. Then, after the user leaves, the printed paper may be ejected. This is not a security preference. Therefore, when the print job is not transmitted to the print server 3, the communication control unit 57 of the distribution server 3 sends a message to the MFP1 that printing is started, or prints to the MFP1. Request the display of a message to the effect that it will be started.

When a message indicating that printing is started is received from the distribution server 2, the CPU 21 of the operation unit 20 of the MFP 1 operates the received message such as "printing within 1 minute" or "printing. Please wait". Display control is performed on the panel 27. As a result, the inconvenience of the user leaving in front of the MFP 1 can be prevented, and the printed matter can be safely provided to the user.

Further, when the print job is transmitted to the print server 3, it is preferable to notify the user to that effect. If such a notification is not given, the user may wait for a long time in front of the MFP 1 without knowing that the notification has been sent to the print server 3, which is not preferable for the convenience of the user.

(Printing operation)
Next, in the case of the information processing system of the first embodiment, the secure print system shown in FIG. 13 performs the print process corresponding to the print job. That is, in FIG. 13, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the print server 3 is transmitted from the print job transmitted from the distribution server 2 and from the personal computer device (PC) 90 operated by the user A. Accumulate print days.

The user A who has transmitted the print data to the print server 3 moves to the installation location of the MFP 1. When a plurality of MFP1s are installed, the user A selects a desired MFP1. User A brings the ID card close to the selected card reader of MFP1. As a result, the user authentication process is performed on the selected MFP1. After authenticating that the user is a legitimate user, the MFP 1 communicates with the print server 3 and displays a list of print data of the user A on the operation panel 27 or the like. Then, the print data selected by the user from this list is acquired from the print server 3 and the print process is executed.

In this way, when the user moves to the installation location of the MFP 1, the user is authenticated and the print data of the user is printed, so that the printed matter can be safely provided to the user A.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of such a printing process. In FIG. 14, when the user moves to the installation location of the MFP 1, the user authenticates using the ID card as described above. At this time, the MFP1 acquires the user ID from the ID card and temporarily stores it in the RAM 23 or the like. Then, the user operates the operation panel 27 of the MFP 1 to request the acquisition of the list of print jobs. When this acquisition request is detected, the MFP 1 adds a user ID to the print server 3 and makes a print job list transmission request in step S42.

In step S43, the print job transmission unit 64 of the print server 3 requests the print job storage control unit 63 to acquire the print job with the user ID transmitted from the MFP 1. The print job storage control unit 63 forms list information of print jobs corresponding to the user ID by referring to the print jobs stored in the storage unit such as the HDD 34 based on the user ID, and the communication control unit 65. Is transmitted to MFP1 via. The MFP 1 displays the list information of the print jobs transmitted from the print server 3 on the operation panel 27.

Next, in step S44, the user selects a desired print job from the list of print jobs displayed on the operation panel 27 via the operation panel 27, and specifies the print execution. The MFP1 transmits information indicating the print job selected by the user and a print request to the print server 3 in step S45. The print job transmission unit 64 of the print server 3 transmits information indicating a print job selected by the user and a print request to the print job storage control unit 63 in step S46.

The print job storage control unit 63 of the print server 3 reads the print job corresponding to the information indicating the print job selected by the user from the storage unit such as the HDD 34, and transmits the print job to the MFP 1 via the communication control unit 65. As a result, the print process corresponding to the print job selected by the user is performed.

(Effect of embodiment)
As is clear from the above description, the information processing system of the first embodiment can enable printing processing as one of the workflows. Therefore, for example, it is possible to print the stamped document data and distribute it to a desired folder. Further, by transmitting the data to be printed to the MFP 1 via the print server 3, the printed paper can be output (discharged) when the user is located near the MFP 1. As a result, the printed matter can be safely provided to the user.

Further, the distribution server 2 immediately prints with the MFP 1 when the time elapsed since the workflow job is submitted is within a predetermined time such as 1 minute or less, and when the predetermined time or more has passed, the distribution server 2 prints immediately. , The print job is sent to the print server 3 and temporarily held. Then, when the printing is instructed by the user, the printing job is transmitted from the printing server 3 to the MFP 1 to perform printing. As a result, the printed matter can be safely provided to the user.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the information processing system of the second embodiment will be described. In the information processing system of the first embodiment described above, the print job generated based on the workflow-processed data is immediately generated based on the elapsed time from the input of the workflow job transmitted from the MFP 1 to the distribution server 2. It was determined whether to print with the MFP 1 or to send to the print server 3 and hold the data (see steps S19 and 12 in FIG. 11). On the other hand, in the information processing system of the second embodiment, the distribution server 2 makes the above-mentioned determination based on the number of accumulated workflow jobs (the number of accumulated jobs). It should be noted that the first embodiment described above and the second embodiment described below differ only in this respect. Therefore, hereinafter, only the difference between the two will be explained, and the duplicate explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of workflow job processing operations including the determination processing according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 15, first, in step S51, the user operates the MFP 1 so as to scan the image and / or the document described on the desired paper. The MFP 1 scans the paper placed on the mounting table, generates a workflow job in which the above-mentioned bibliographic information is added to the image data obtained by this scanning, and transmits the workflow job to the distribution server 2 (step S52).

The distribution server 2 acquires the workflow job transmitted from the MFP 1 by the job input unit 51 and transmits it to the job queue storage control unit 52. The job queue storage control unit 52 stores the workflow job in a storage unit such as a FIFO memory (step S53).

Next, in step S54, the job queue storage control unit 52 determines whether or not the print plug-in 85 is included in the workflow of the workflow job. If the print plug-in 85 is not included, it is not necessary to perform printing in the MFP 1, so that the workflow job for which the workflow processing is completed in steps S56 to S58 is transmitted to the print server 3 in step S59.

On the other hand, when the job queue storage control unit 52 determines in step S54 that the workflow of the workflow job includes the print plug-in 85, the number of workflow jobs stored in the FIFA memory (stored jobs). Based on the number), the print job generated based on the workflow-processed data is sent to the MFP1 to print immediately, or the print job is sent to the print server 3 and temporarily held. Is determined.

When the number of stored jobs in the FIFO memory is "0 (zero)" (when the previously stored workflow job does not exist), the workflow job may not be transmitted to the print server 3 and may be printed as it is. Therefore, the job queue storage control unit 52 first sends a message such as "Printing is in progress" to the MFP1 to prevent the user from leaving in front of the MFP1 (step S55). ).

Next, the flow execution control unit 53 stores the workflow job in the FIFO memory (step S56). Then, in step S57 and step S58, the flow execution control unit 53 executes plug-in processing such as stamp plug-in 81 and print plug-in 85, which is a workflow, and transmits the generated print job to MFP1. (Step S60).

As a result, when the workflow job sent from the MFP1 is the first workflow job, by sending a message to the MFP1 that printing is started, the distribution server is waiting while the user is waiting in front of the MFP1. It is possible to generate a workflow job in which each plug-in process of the workflow is performed on the two sides, send it to the MFP 1, and print it.

On the other hand, when the number of stored jobs in the FIFO memory is "1" or more (when the workflow job stored earlier exists), the flow execution control unit 53 performs the workflow to the print server 3 via the communication control unit 57. The print job generated based on the data processed by each plug-in of the above is transmitted (step S59). The print server 3 temporarily stores this print job. The stored print job is transmitted to the MFP1 when there is a transfer request from the MFP1, and is used for printing.

Note that the workflow job may not be transmitted to the print server when the number of accumulated jobs is equal to or less than the threshold set in advance by the user, and may be transmitted to the print server when the threshold is exceeded. In this case, the set threshold value may be stored in a predetermined storage area of the HDD 14, for example.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
As described above, in the case of the information processing system of the second embodiment, the distribution server 2 transmits the workflow job to the MFP 1 with the number of accumulated workflow jobs (the number of accumulated jobs), or the print server. It is determined whether or not the data is temporarily accumulated in 3. As a result, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above, such as being able to safely provide the printed matter to the user.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the information processing system of the third embodiment will be described. The information processing system of the third embodiment is based on the workflow-processed data based on the time (predicted processing time) required to complete the workflow processing of the workflow job transmitted from the MFP 1 to the distribution server 2. It is determined whether the print job generated by the above-mentioned is immediately printed by the MFP 1 or transmitted to the print server 3 and held. It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments and the third embodiment described below differ only in this respect. Therefore, hereinafter, only the difference between the two will be explained, and the duplicate explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of workflow job processing operations including the determination processing according to the third embodiment. In the information processing system of the third embodiment, in step S75 of FIG. 16, whether to immediately print the print job generated based on the workflow-processed data on the MFP 1 based on the above-mentioned predicted processing time. Or, it is determined whether to send the data to the print server 3 and hold the data. The predicted processing time used for this determination is calculated by the processing time calculation unit 95 when the workflow job is received from the MFP1.

Specifically, the processing time calculation unit 95 calculates the estimated processing time of the entire workflow from the estimated processing time of each plug-in that forms the workflow of the workflow job. As an example, the processing time calculation unit 95 stores processing time information indicating the time required for processing each plug-in in a storage unit such as HDD 34, and adds the processing time information of the plug-in included in the workflow of the workflow job. Then, the time required for processing the entire workflow is calculated. Table 2 below shows the processing time information of each plug-in.

In the case of the example in Table 2, the image correction plug-in 79 requires a processing time of 1.0 second (sec), and the image conversion plug-in 78 requires a processing time of 2.0 seconds, and the image format conversion is performed. The plug-in 80 requires a processing time of 3.0 seconds, and the OCR plug-in 77 requires a processing time of 50.0 seconds. The HDD 34 of the distribution server 2 stores such processing time information of each plug-in. For example, when the workflow of the workflow job is formed by the image correction plug-in 78 to the OCR plug-in 77 shown in Table 2, the processing time calculation unit 95 determines that the processing time of the image correction plug-in 78 is 1.0 second + the image. By performing the calculation of "processing time of conversion plug-in 79 2.0 seconds + processing time of image format conversion plug-in 3.0 seconds + processing time of OCR plug-in 77 50.0 seconds", the estimated processing time of the entire workflow can be calculated. calculate. When the workflow job is received from the MFP 1 (at the time of inputting the workflow job), the processing time calculation unit 95 calculates such an estimated processing time and stores it in a storage unit such as the HDD 34.

As the processing time of each plug-in, the standard processing time of each plug-in may be stored, and the real time required when the plug-in is executed or the average time of a plurality of real times is used as the processing time information. May be stored in the HDD 34. Further, the processing time calculation unit 95 may update the corresponding real-time information on the HDD each time the plug-in is executed. By performing such processing time information update processing, the latest processing time can always be stored, and an accurate predicted processing time can be calculated.

In the case of the third embodiment, the above-mentioned determination is performed using such a predicted processing time calculated in advance. That is, in step S71 of the sequence diagram of FIG. 16, the user operates the MFP1 so as to scan the image and / or the document described on the desired paper. The MFP 1 scans the paper placed on the mounting table, generates a workflow job in which the above-mentioned bibliographic information is added to the image data obtained by this scanning, and transmits the workflow job to the distribution server 2 (step S72).

The distribution server 2 acquires the workflow job transmitted from the MFP 1 by the job input unit 51 and transmits it to the job queue storage control unit 52. The job queue storage control unit 52 stores the workflow job in a storage unit such as a FIFO memory (step S73).

Here, in step S74, the job queue storage control unit 52 determines whether or not the print plug-in 85 is included in the workflow of the workflow job. If the print plug-in 85 is not included, it is not necessary to print with the MFP1. Therefore, in step S80, the print server 3 generates a print job based on the data for which the workflow process is completed in steps S77 to S79. Send to.

On the other hand, when the job queue storage control unit 52 determines in step S74 that the workflow of the workflow job includes the print plug-in 85, the job queue storage control unit 52 obtains the information of the predicted processing time calculated in advance as described above. Obtained from the processing time calculation unit 95. Then, when the acquired prediction processing time is within a predetermined time, the job queue storage control unit 52 determines that the MFP1 immediately performs printing corresponding to the print job, and when the acquired prediction processing time exceeds the predetermined time. Determines to send the print job to the print server 3.

When it is determined that the print job is to be printed immediately by the MFP1, the job queue storage control unit 52 first sends a message to the MFP1 such as "Printing is in progress" to the effect that printing is started, and the user is the MFP1. Prevent the inconvenience of leaving from the front (step S76).

Next, the flow execution control unit 53 stores the workflow job in the FIFO memory (step S77). Then, in step S78 and step S79, the flow execution control unit 53 executes the plug-in processing such as the stamp plug-in 81 and the printing plug-in 85, which are workflows, and completes the plug-in processing for the workflow job. It is transmitted to MFP1 (step S81).

As a result, when the estimated processing time of the workflow of the workflow job sent from the MFP1 is within the predetermined time, the user waits in front of the MFP1 by sending a message to the MFP1 to start printing. During this time, the distribution server 2 can generate a print job generated based on the data obtained by performing each plug-in process of the workflow, and send it to the MFP 1 for printing.

On the other hand, when the estimated processing time of the workflow exceeds a predetermined time, the flow execution control unit 53 is generated on the print server 3 via the communication control unit 57 based on the data processed by each plug-in of the workflow. The print job is transmitted (step S80). The print server 3 temporarily stores this print job. The stored print job is transmitted to the MFP1 when there is a transfer request from the MFP1, and is used for printing.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
As described above, in the case of the information processing system of the third embodiment, the distribution server 2 transmits the print job to the MFP 1 or the print server 3 at the predicted processing time when the workflow processing of the workflow job is completed. It is determined whether or not the data is accumulated once. As a result, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above, such as being able to safely provide the printed matter to the user.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, the information processing system of the fourth embodiment will be described. In the information processing system of the fourth embodiment, when the generation source of the print job generated based on the workflow-processed data received by the MFP 1 is the distribution server 2, the user authenticates the user to the MFP 1. When it is completed (when you log in), the print start instruction screen is displayed so that you can start printing immediately. It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments and the fourth embodiment described below differ only in this respect. Therefore, hereinafter, only the difference between the two will be explained, and the duplicate explanation will be omitted.

First, Table 3 below shows the print jobs stored in the distribution server 2 in the information processing system of the fourth embodiment.

In the example of Table 3, the print job having the job ID of 1 is the print job of the user A (UserA), the document name is "Document1.doc", and the generation source is the personal computer (client PC) of the user A. ). Further, the print job having the job ID of 2 is a print job of the user A (UserA), the document name is "Document2.doc", and the generation source is the distribution server 2. That is, the print job whose generation source is the distribution server 2 means a print job that has been temporarily stored in the print server 3 after the workflow processing is completed by the distribution server 2.

In the information processing system of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Table 3, it is stored for each print job whether the transmission source is the client PC or the distribution server 2. When the user logs in to the MFP1, among the print jobs included in the print job list of the logged-in user acquired by the MFP1 from the print server 3, the sender identifies the print job of the distribution server 2, and the specified print job is immediately printed on the print server. Get from and start printing. If the source is a client PC, the job list is displayed as shown in FIG. 17, and the print data of the print job selected by the user is acquired and printed as usual.

Further, the print server 3 stores the identification information (for example, IP address) of the distribution server 2, and when the print job is transmitted, the document data reception unit 61 receives the IP address of the transmission source. It is determined whether the source is the distribution server 2 or the client PC. For example, if the IP address of the source matches the IP address of the stored distribution server 2, it is determined that the source is the distribution server 2, and if they do not match, the source is the client PC. to decide. The judgment result is registered in the table shown in Table 3.

(Effect of the fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, the printing process of the print job submitted from the distribution server 2 to the print server 3 can be started only by the user logging in to the MFP 1 in this way. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly convenient system for the user.

Each of the above embodiments is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Each of the novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

For example, the process of determining whether to send the workflow job to the print server 3 or to execute printing (steps S19, S54, and S75 described above) may be arbitrarily combined. That is, although it is an example, even when it is determined to execute printing based on the number of accumulated jobs (step S54) or the predicted processing time (step S75), it is based on the subsequent elapsed time (step S19). It may be controlled to send to the print server 3 without executing printing.

Each embodiment and variations of each embodiment are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Multifunction device (MFP)
2 Distribution server 3 Print server 4 Mail server 5 Storage server 6 Network 7 Network 10 Main unit 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 RAM
14 HDD
15 Communication unit 16 Connection I / F
17 Engine unit 18 System bus 20 Operation unit 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 Flash memory 25 Communication unit 26 Connection I / F
27 Operation panel 28 System bus 30 Communication path 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
34 HDD
35 Communication unit 38 System bus 51 Job input unit 52 Job queue storage control unit 53 Flow execution control unit 54 Flow definition storage control unit 55 Plug-in storage control unit 56 Flow creation unit 57 Communication control unit 61 Document data reception unit 62 Print job generation Part 63 Print job storage control unit 64 Print job transmission unit 65 Communication control unit 71 Workflow framework 72 Input plug-in 73 Processing plug-in 74 Output plug-in 75 Scan plug-in 76 Hot folder plug-in 77 OCR plug-in 78 Image conversion plug-in 79 Image correction plug-in 80 Image format conversion plug-in 81 Stamp plug-in 82 Mail delivery plug-in 83 FTP delivery plug-in 84 Folder delivery plug-in 85 Print plug-in

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-119947

Claims (10)

A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow that includes one or more processes on data,
When the print process for the data is included in the workflow executed by the workflow execution unit, it is determined whether to execute the print process or to store the data in the storage device without executing the print process. Has a judgment unit and
The determination unit
It is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The workflow execution unit
When the determination unit determines that the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed and the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made. An information processing device, characterized in that, when it is determined that the data exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data is stored in a storage device. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a print control means for controlling the workflow execution unit to execute a print process of the data stored in the storage device in response to an instruction from a user. A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow that includes one or more processes on data,
When the print process for the data is included in the workflow executed by the workflow execution unit, it is determined whether to execute the print process or to store the data in the storage device without executing the print process. Judgment unit and
It has a storage unit for storing processing time information indicating the processing time of each of the processes included in the workflow.
The determination unit
The processing time of all the processing included in the workflow is predicted based on the processing time information, and it is determined whether or not the predicted processing time exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The workflow execution unit
When the determination unit determines that the predicted processing time does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed, and when it is determined that the predicted processing time exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed. , An information processing device characterized in that the data is stored in the storage device. The workflow execution unit
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the data is transmitted to and stored in the storage device connected via a network. Computer,
A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow that includes one or more processes on data,
When the print process for the data is included in the workflow executed by the workflow execution unit, it is determined whether to execute the print process or to store the data in the storage device without executing the print process. Make it function as a judgment unit
The determination unit
It is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The workflow execution unit
If the determination unit determines that the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed and the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made. An information processing program characterized in that when it is determined that the data exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data is stored in a storage device. At least, it is an information processing system formed by connecting an image forming apparatus, a printing server apparatus, and an information processing apparatus to each other via a network.
The image forming apparatus
The formed print information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and print processing corresponding to the print information received from the print server apparatus is performed.
The print server device is
The print information is stored, and among the stored print information, the designated print information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.
The information processing device
A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow including one or more processes on the print information received from the image forming apparatus, and a workflow execution unit.
When the print process for the print information is included in the workflow executed by the workflow execution unit, the print process is executed or the print information is stored in the print server device without executing the print process. It has a determination unit for determining whether to perform
The determination unit
It is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The workflow execution unit
Wherein the determining unit, when the elapsed time from the execution request of the workflow is determined to not exceed the predetermined threshold, the print information print processing, elapsed since the execution request of the workflow If the time is determined to exceed the predetermined threshold value, the information processing system and to store processed and transmitted to the print server device. At least, it is an information processing method of an information processing system formed by connecting an image forming apparatus, a printing server apparatus, and an information processing apparatus to each other via a network.
The image forming apparatus
The formed print information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and print processing corresponding to the print information received from the print server apparatus is performed.
The print server device
The print information is stored, and among the stored print information, the designated print information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.
The information processing device
A workflow including one or more processes is executed on the print information received from the image forming apparatus.
When the print process for the print information is included in the workflow, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the execution request of the workflow exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
When it is determined that the elapsed time since the workflow execution request is made does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the print information is printed and the elapsed time after the workflow execution request is made is set to a predetermined threshold. An information processing method characterized in that, when it is determined that the information exceeds the limit, the print information is transmitted to the print server device for storage processing. Computer,
A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow that includes one or more processes on data,
When the print process for the data is included in the workflow executed by the workflow execution unit, the print process is executed, or the data is printed in the workflow without executing the print process, respectively. It functions as a determination unit to determine whether to store the processing time information indicating the processing time in the storage device.
The determination unit
The processing time of all the processing included in the workflow is predicted based on the processing time information, and it is determined whether or not the predicted processing time exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The workflow execution unit
When the determination unit determines that the predicted processing time does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed, and when it is determined that the predicted processing time exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed. , To store the data in the storage device
An information processing program featuring. At least, it is an information processing system formed by connecting an image forming apparatus, a printing server apparatus, and an information processing apparatus to each other via a network.
The image forming apparatus
The formed print information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and print processing corresponding to the print information received from the print server apparatus is performed.
The print server device is
The print information is stored, and among the stored print information, the designated print information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.
The information processing device
A workflow execution unit that executes a workflow that includes one or more processes on data,
When the print process for the data is included in the workflow executed by the workflow execution unit, it is determined whether to execute the print process or to store the data in the storage device without executing the print process. Judgment unit and
It has a storage unit for storing processing time information indicating the processing time of each of the processes included in the workflow.
The determination unit
The processing time of all the processing included in the workflow is predicted based on the processing time information, and it is determined whether or not the predicted processing time exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The workflow execution unit
When the determination unit determines that the predicted processing time does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed, and when it is determined that the predicted processing time exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed. , To store the data in the storage device
An information processing system featuring. A workflow execution step in which the workflow execution unit executes a workflow including one or more processes on the data, and
When the determination unit includes the print process for the data in the workflow executed by the workflow execution unit, the determination unit either executes the print process or includes the data in the workflow without executing the print process. A determination step for determining whether to store the processing time information indicating the processing time of each of the processes to be stored in the storage device is provided.
In the determination step
The processing time of all the processing included in the workflow is predicted based on the processing time information, and it is determined whether or not the predicted processing time exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
In the workflow execution step
When the determination unit determines that the predicted processing time does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed, and when it is determined that the predicted processing time exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data is printed. , To store the data in the storage device
An information processing method characterized by.

Images