JP6926860B2 - Information processing equipment, information processing system, execution equipment - Google Patents

Description

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

An information processing system is known in which a plurality of execution devices share processing and perform various processing (for example, image processing, distribution processing, etc.) on the data to be processed according to a workflow that defines the flow of business and procedures. .. A workflow has a plurality of processes, and it is general that each executing device that executes the process executes the process in order.

For this reason, in the conventional information processing system, an execution management server that manages the execution of the workflow is often provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a system that manages the entire execution of a printing workflow based on the scheduling results of each process of manuscript editing, proofing, printing, and post-processing.

However, the conventional information processing system has a problem that it is necessary to monitor the progress of each process. That is, the execution management server inputs the job of each process to the corresponding execution device, monitors whether or not this process is completed, and when it is completed, acquires the processing target data from the execution device of the previous process and the next process. It is necessary to repeat inputting as a job to the execution device corresponding to the above for the number of processes. An execution management server is required to monitor each process, and even if some execution device also serves as the execution management server, the communication load between the execution management server and each execution device may increase.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus in which the need for monitoring the progress of each process is reduced.

The present invention is an information processing apparatus that causes an execution device connected via a network to execute one or more of a plurality of processes of the processing information, and each execution device spontaneously performs each process of the processing information. The process conversion means for converting into one or more execution processes to be executed, and each execution device for executing the execution process are subjected to the execution without waiting for the execution device of the previous process to complete the execution of the execution process. It has a process transmission means for transmitting a process, and the process conversion means sets an execution process for reading the processing target data processed by the process before the execution process for executing the processing of the original process. , An execution process for executing the processing of the original process is set, and further, the processing target data processed by the execution process for executing the processing of the original process is transmitted to the execution device of the next process. The process is set after the execution process that executes the processing of the original process, and the process conversion means sets the initial value of the preparation information set as to whether or not the execution process can be executed to be non-executable. , The preparation information is updated executably when the executing device receives the processing target data .

It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus in which the need for monitoring the progress of each process is reduced.

This is an example of a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation of the information processing system. This is an example of a system configuration diagram of an information processing system. This is an example of a schematic hardware configuration diagram of an information processing device. This is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of a multifunction device. This is an example of a functional block diagram showing the functions of the information processing device and the executing device in a block shape. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing the operation of an information processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the workflow definition screen. It is an example of the figure explaining the workflow and the workflow for execution. This is an example of a flowchart for explaining a procedure for the WF management unit to generate an execution workflow according to an execution workflow generation rule. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure for executing a job submitted by an execution device. The queue structure in which jobs are stored and the information held in the queue structure are schematically shown. This is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure in which the job execution management unit acquires a job from a queue. This is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not the job execution determination unit is ready to execute a job. This is an example of a flowchart for explaining a procedure for the document receiving unit to update the preparation information of the job information. This is an example of a flowchart in which the job execution determination unit updates the preparation information of the job information. This is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for determining a job to be executed by the job execution management unit. It is a figure explaining the queue which the storage part of the execution apparatus has. This is an example of the priority control setting screen using the priority queue. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the information processing device notifies each executing device of the contents set on the priority control setting screen. This is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for determining a job to be executed by the job execution management unit. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the executing device rejects the priority control setting. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure for displaying that the execution device is executing the workflow. This is an example of an execution screen that indicates that the workflow is being executed. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which an information processing device distributes jobs. This is an example of the job distribution setting screen displayed on the LCD by the information processing device. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the information processing device distributes jobs according to the settings on the job distribution setting screen. This is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the execution device of the previous process notifies the execution device of the next process of an error. This is an example of a flowchart in which the job execution determination unit updates the preparation information of the job information.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Outline of operation of information processing system>
The information processing system of the present embodiment converts each process of the workflow set by the user into each process of the execution workflow that the execution device can voluntarily execute. Hereinafter, the reverse of the operation will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation of the information processing system.
(1) First, the user operates the information processing device 10 to define a workflow. In FIG. 1, a workflow including step 1 and step 2 is defined.
(2) The information processing device 10 converts this workflow into an execution workflow. Details will be described later, but in principle, one process includes a pre-process for reading a document, an execution process for processing a document according to the settings of the original process, and a transmission process for transmitting a document to the next execution device 40. It is converted into the three steps of. However, in the case of the final step of the workflow as in step 2, the transmission step is not generated.
(3) The information processing device 10 inputs each job of the execution workflow to the execution device 40. A job is an execution unit of processing of the execution device 40. One job corresponds to one step of the workflow or the workflow for execution. The pre-process, execution process, and transmission process generated from step 1 are transmitted to the PC 30, and the pre-process and execution process generated from step 2 are transmitted to the multifunction device 50.
(4) Each execution device 40 waits until it receives a document to be processed, and executes the job when the document is received. While the PC 30 is executing the step 1, the multifunction device 50 is on standby. However, when the PC 30 executes the transmission step of step 1 and the multifunction device 50 receives the document, the multifunction device 50 voluntarily starts the execution of step 2.

In this way, the information processing apparatus 10 inputs each job of the pre-process, the execution process, and the transmission process generated from each process of the workflow to the corresponding execution device 40 without waiting for the completion of the execution of the previous process. The input execution device 40 voluntarily executes after confirming the existence of a job in the execution workflow and determining whether or not it can be processed. Therefore, a server or the like that manages the entire workflow becomes unnecessary, communication between each process can be reduced, and the equipment required for managing the entire workflow and the cost required for communication can be reduced.

It should be noted that the monitoring server does not deny that the minimum monitoring is performed, and the monitoring server may detect the start and end of the job from each execution device.

<Terminology>
The process refers to each stage when the entire process is divided into stages and the division of labor is carried out. Alternatively, the execution of one or more steps in order or in an appropriate order is called a workflow.

Spontaneous means that the executing device voluntarily performs without any opportunity from the outside. The data to be processed refers to data that is subjected to various processes such as processing, conversion, and calculation in a workflow.

<System configuration example>
FIG. 2 is an example of a system configuration diagram of the information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 includes an information processing device 10 that is in charge of generating and managing a workflow, and an execution device 40 that executes each process of the workflow. The information processing device 10 and the execution device 40 have a function of connecting to the network N, and can communicate with each other as needed. The network N will be described as a network mainly constructed in a facility such as a LAN, a WAN having a plurality of LANs, or a wide area Ethernet (registered trademark). However, one or more of the execution devices 40 may be connected to a network outside the facility called the Internet or the cloud. Further, the network is not limited to wired, and may be constructed wirelessly, or may be connected by a dedicated line such as USB.

The information processing device 10 performs calculation, classification, collation, or other processing on information represented by numbers or characters. The information processing device 10 is in charge of processing such as acceptance of workflow definitions, allocation of execution devices 40 that execute each process of workflow, and monitoring of errors in each process. Examples of the information processing device 10 include a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, and a wearable PC (sunglass type, watch type, etc.). In addition, the information processing device 10 can be a device having information processing and communication functions in a game machine or a car navigation device.

The execution device 40 is an electronic device that executes each process of the workflow. The execution device 40 is, for example, a PC 30 and a multifunction device 50, but can be the execution device 40 if it has a function as an information processing device 10. The PC 30 can be said to be a kind of information processing device. Multiple execution devices 40 are linked by having at least two execution devices 40 (either two or more PC30s, two or more multifunction devices 50, or one or more PC30 and one or more multifunction devices 50). You can execute the workflow.

The PC 30 is in charge of processing such as image format conversion, information setting in an image (embedding of a digital watermark), image recognition, and information extraction from an image. The multifunction device 50 may be in charge of processing the PC 30. Therefore, the PC 30 may not be present.

The multifunction device 50 has a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like. However, the multifunction device 50 only needs to have an output function such as a printer function and a facsimile function, and is not required to have a plurality of functions. Further, it is preferable that the multifunction device 50 has a mail transmission function. In addition, it is possible to accept image input by the scanner function. The multifunction device 50 may be referred to as an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral), an image forming apparatus, a multi-function printer, a copier, an office device, or the like. Although a plurality of multifunction devices 50 are shown in FIG. 2, if there is a PC 30, one or more multifunction devices 50 may be sufficient.

The execution device 40 may be an electronic blackboard in addition to the multifunction device 50. The electronic blackboard has a large display with a touch panel, detects the coordinates of the board surface instructed by the user, connects the coordinates, and displays the stroke. In addition, it is possible to display the image of the connected PC 30 and capture (capture) the image. The electronic blackboard is sometimes called an electronic information board or an electronic whiteboard.

Further, the execution device 40 may be a video conferencing terminal. A video conferencing terminal is a terminal that enables a conference with a remote location by transmitting and receiving video and audio to and from a video conferencing terminal at another base. The video conferencing terminal also has functions such as capturing video.

<Hardware configuration example>
<< Hardware configuration diagram of information processing device >>
FIG. 3 is an example of a schematic hardware configuration diagram of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 includes a CPU 201 and a memory 202 that enables high-speed access to data used by the CPU 201. The CPU 201 and the memory 202 are connected to other devices or drivers of the information processing device 10, such as the graphics driver 204 and the network driver (NIC) 205, via the system bus 203.

The graphics driver 204 is connected to the LCD (display device) 206 via a bus to monitor the processing result by the CPU 201. Further, the network driver 205 connects the information processing device 10 to the network N at the transport layer level and the physical layer level to establish a session with the execution device 40.

An I / O bus bridge 207 is further connected to the system bus 203. On the downstream side of the I / O bus bridge 207, a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) 209 is used by IDE, ATA, ATAPI, serial ATA, SCSI, USB, etc. via an I / O bus 208 such as PC30I. Is connected. The HDD 209 stores a program 209p that controls the entire information processing apparatus 10. HDD 209 may be SSD (Solid State Drive). The program 209p may be distributed in a state of being stored in a storage medium, or may be distributed from a server for program distribution.

Further, an input device 210 such as a keyboard and a mouse (called a pointing device) is connected to the I / O bus 208 via a bus such as USB, and receives inputs and commands by an operator such as a system administrator. There is.

The hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 shown in the figure merely indicates a hardware element that the information processing device 10 preferably includes, and may have other hardware elements. , Some elements may not be present in the description of this embodiment.

It is assumed that the hardware configuration diagram of the PC 30 of the execution device 40 is the same as or different from that of the information processing device 10 but does not hinder the description of the information processing system 100 of the present embodiment.

<< Hardware configuration diagram of multifunction device >>
FIG. 4 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the multifunction device 50. The multifunction device 50 is realized by, for example, a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. The multifunction device 50 includes a controller 300, an operation panel 306, an external I / F 307, a communication I / F 308, a printer 309, a scanner 310, a short-range wireless communication device 311 and the like.

The controller 300 has a CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, an NVRAM 304, and an HDD 305. The ROM 303 stores various programs and data. The RAM 302 temporarily holds programs and data. The NVRAM 304 stores, for example, setting information and the like. Further, the HDD 305 stores the program 305p and data.

The CPU 301 realizes the control and functions of the entire multifunction device 50 by reading the program 305p, data, setting information, etc. from the ROM 303, NVRAM 304, HDD 305, etc. onto the 302 and executing the processing.

The operation panel 306 has an input unit for receiving input from the user and a display unit (providing a touch panel) for displaying. The external I / F 307 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 312 and the like. The recording medium 312 includes a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, a USB memory, and the like.

The communication I / F 308 is an interface for performing communication via the network N.

The printer 309 is a printing device for printing and outputting data to be printed. The scanner 310 is a scanning device that optically reads a document and converts it into electronic data.

The short-range wireless communication device 311 is, for example, a communication device according to communication standards of NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, in the case of NFC, it may be called a reader / writer or the like.

The multifunction device 50 according to this embodiment can realize various processes as described later by the hardware configuration described above.

<About functions>
FIG. 5 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the functions of the information processing device 10 and the execution device 40 in a block shape.

<< Information processing device 10 >>
The information processing device 10 includes a WF setting unit 11, a WF management unit 12, and a job transfer unit 14. Each of these functional units included in the information processing device 10 is realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 3 by an instruction from the CPU 201 according to the program 209p expanded from the HDD 209 to the memory 202. Function or means. This program 209p is distributed from a server for program distribution or in a state of being stored in a storage medium.

Further, the information processing device 10 has a storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 is realized by the memory 202 and the HDD 209 of FIG. The storage unit 13 stores the workflow information and the workflow information for execution.

The WF setting unit 11 receives various operations on the information processing device 10, displays a workflow setting screen, and transitions necessary screens. The user makes settings related to document input, editing, and output. The document input means that the document is input to the information processing apparatus 10 by scanning the original by a scanner, receiving the document by FAX, receiving the document from the outside, or the like. Editing refers to various types of image processing on a document, such as character recognition, conversion of the recognized text together with the original document into a PDF format, and digital watermarking. Output refers to extracting a document electronically or physically. The workflow defined by the user in this way is converted into the workflow for execution. Depending on the workflow, the user may set the execution device 40 for each process. In this case, it is not necessary for the information processing device 10 to determine the execution device 40 for each process. The WF setting unit 11 is realized by the CPU 201 of FIG. 3 executing the program 209p to control the input device 210 and the like.

The WF management unit 12 determines an execution device 40 that executes each process of the workflow generated by the WF setting unit 11 with reference to the execution device correspondence table as shown in Table 1, and converts the execution device 40 into an execution workflow. In addition, jobs corresponding to each process of the execution workflow are input to each execution device 40. The WF management unit 12 is realized by the CPU 201 of FIG. 3 executing the program 209p or the like.

The job transfer unit 14 transmits a job to the execution device 40 determined by the WF management unit 12. In the present embodiment, it is possible to send (submit) a job to all the execution devices 40 immediately after the execution workflow is generated. The job transfer unit 14 is realized by the CPU 201 of FIG. 3 executing the program 209p to control the network driver 205 and the like.

表１は実行機器対応テーブルの一例を示す。実行機器対応テーブルでは工程の処理内容と実行機器４０が対応付けられている。したがって、ＷＦ管理部１２はユーザが設定したワークフローの各工程の処理内容に応じて実行機器４０を決定できる。なお、実行機器対応テーブルは記憶部１３に記憶されている。

Table 1 shows an example of an execution device correspondence table. In the execution device correspondence table, the processing content of the process and the execution device 40 are associated with each other. Therefore, the WF management unit 12 can determine the execution device 40 according to the processing content of each process of the workflow set by the user. The execution device correspondence table is stored in the storage unit 13.

<< Multifunction device 50 >>
The multifunction device 50 includes a job receiving unit 51, a job setting unit 52, a setting limiting unit 53, a job execution management unit 54, a job execution determination unit 55, a job transfer unit 14, a job control unit 57, a data input system means 58, and the like. It has a data output system means 59. Each of these functional units included in the multifunction device 50 is a function realized by operating any of the components shown in FIG. 4 by an instruction from the CPU 301 according to the program 305p expanded from the HDD 305 to the RAM 302. Or a means. The program 305p is distributed from a server for program distribution or stored in a storage medium.

Further, the multifunction device 50 has a storage unit 68. The storage unit 68 is realized by the RAM 302, the HDD 305, and the like shown in FIG. The storage unit 68 stores the job information of the job including the process in charge of the multifunction device 50 among the workflow information for execution.

The job receiving unit 51 creates a job based on the job information received from the job transfer unit 14 of the information processing apparatus 10, and inputs the job to the job execution management unit 54. The job receiving unit 51 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p to control the communication I / F 308.

The job setting unit 52 receives the key press information of the operation panel 306, displays the screen, and transitions the screen. That is, when the user directly operates the execution device 40, the operation is accepted. When the user instructs the execution, the execution control instruction is transmitted to the job execution management unit 54. The job setting unit 52 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p or the like.

The setting restriction unit 53 determines whether or not to prohibit the job setting operation using the operation panel 306 according to the state of the job execution management unit 54, and if it prohibits, ignores the key press of the operation panel 306. In addition, the operation panel 306 displays that the input is rejected. The setting limiting unit 53 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p or the like.

The job execution management unit 54 manages the execution order when a plurality of jobs are executed by using the job execution determination unit 55. In addition, a job execution instruction is sent to the job control unit 57. The job execution management unit 54 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p or the like.

The job execution determination unit 55 determines whether or not the job execution can be started depending on whether or not the predetermined conditions are satisfied. One example of a predetermined condition is to receive a document. As a result of the determination, the job that can be executed is executed by the job control unit 57. The job execution determination unit 55 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p or the like.

The job control unit 57 controls the execution of a job that combines input and output. Job execution control including editing is performed in addition to input and output according to the job setting contents created by the job setting unit 52.

The data input system means 58 includes a reading unit 61, a fax receiving unit 62, and a document receiving unit 63. The scanning unit 61 reads the document reading by controlling the scanner 310 of the multifunction device 50 and generates image data.

The FAX receiving unit 62 captures image data sent by using a telephone line, an IP network, or the like. The FAX receiving unit 62 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p and controlling the communication I / F.

The document receiving unit 63 receives image data transmitted by another device on the network via the network. It also includes receiving image data by e-mail. The document receiving unit 63 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p and controlling the communication I / F.

The data output system means 59 includes a fax transmission unit 64, a printing unit 65, a document storage unit 66, and a document transmission unit 67. The FAX transmission unit 64 transmits image data to another device designated by a FAX number using a telephone line or the like. The FAX transmission unit 64 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p and controlling the communication I / F.

By controlling the printer 309 of the multifunction device 50, the printing unit 65 outputs the printed matter by forming the image data held by the multifunction device 50 on the paper. The printing unit 65 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p to control the printer 309 and the like.

The document transmission unit 67 transmits image data to other devices on the network via the network. It also includes the transmission of image data by e-mail. The document transmission unit 67 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p and controlling the communication I / F.

The document storage unit 66 stores image data in the storage unit 68 of the multifunction device 50. The document storage unit 66 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p to control the HDD 305.

At least one data input system means 58 and one data output system means 59 may be used. Further, the job transfer unit 14 is the same as the information processing device 10. The job transfer unit 14 of the multifunction device 50 transmits job information to the job reception unit 51 of another machine.

The storage unit 68 of the multifunction device 50 is a storage means or a memory for storing various information. In the present embodiment, the workflow information set by the user (defined by the user directly operating the multifunction device 50) is temporarily stored, or the job information of the execution workflow is stored. Specifically, it is realized by RAM 302, HDD 305, and the like.

<< PC >>
The PC 30 includes a job receiving unit 51, a job setting unit 52, a setting limiting unit 53, a job execution management unit 54, a job execution determination unit 55, a job transfer unit 14, a job control unit 57, a data output system means 59, and data editing. It has a system means 69. Therefore, it has the same functions as the multifunction device 50 except for the data editing means 69. These functions are the same as those of the multifunction device 50. By doing the same, the execution device 40 can execute the submitted job regardless of the difference in the execution device 40.

The data editing means 69 includes an image conversion unit 71, an image generation unit 72, and an image recognition unit 73. The image conversion unit 71 converts the input image data into a different image format. For example, image data such as an application file or JPEG is converted to PDF. The image conversion unit 71 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p or the like.

The image recognition unit 73 recognizes the shape included in the image by extracting the feature amount from the image data and comparing it with the learned feature amount. As a result, it provides a function of extracting other information such as character information. The image recognition unit 73 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p or the like.

The image generation unit 72 is formed by superimposing a digital watermark or the like on the image. Digital watermarking refers to embedding invisible information in image data by arranging minute points. The image generation unit 72 is realized by the CPU 301 of FIG. 4 executing the program 305p or the like. It is sufficient that there is at least one data editing means 69.

The storage unit 74 of the PC 30 is a storage means or a memory for storing various information. In the present embodiment, the workflow information set by the user (defined by the user directly operating the PC 30) is temporarily stored, or the job information of the execution workflow is stored. Specifically, it is realized by RAM 302, HDD 305, and the like.

<Submit job from workflow definition>
Job submission from the workflow definition will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG. 6 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the operation of the information processing system 100.

S1: The user defines the workflow. The screen used for the definition by the user is shown in FIG. The WF setting unit 11 generates workflow information according to a user definition.

S2: The user inputs an operation for executing the workflow to the information processing device 10. The WF setting unit 11 accepts the operation.

S2.1: The WF setting unit 11 sends workflow information to the WF management unit 12 in order to convert it into an execution workflow.

S2.1.1: The WF management unit 12 first determines the execution device 40 of each process of the workflow with reference to the execution device correspondence table in Table 1.

S2.1.1.1: Next, the WF management unit 12 creates an execution workflow. The execution workflow is shown in FIG. 8, and the procedure for creating the execution workflow is shown in FIG.

S2.1.2: When the WF management unit 12 creates an execution workflow, it stores it in the storage unit 13.

Subsequent processing is performed for the number of execution devices 40.

S2.1.3: The WF management unit 12 requests the job transfer unit 14 to submit a job to the execution device 40 in charge of each process.

S2.1.3.1: The job transfer unit 14 inputs jobs corresponding to each process of the execution workflow to the execution device 40. That is, the job of the next process is transmitted to the execution device 40 without waiting for the completion of the previous process.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the workflow definition screen. The workflow definition screen has a process list column 401 and a workflow definition column 402. In the process list column 401, a list of processes that can be selected for each of the input-related process, the intermediate process-related process, and the output-related process is displayed. In the workflow definition field 402, the process names to be included in the workflow by the user are displayed in the order of the processes. In the figure, the arrow line 404 indicates the order of the steps. The user drags and drops the process of the process list column 401 to the workflow definition column 402 with a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel. The user performs this operation several times and displays a plurality of processes in the workflow definition field 402. The user can appropriately edit the order of processing by dragging the steps in the workflow definition field 402 with the pointing device.

FIG. 8 is an example of a diagram illustrating a workflow and a workflow for execution. FIG. 8A shows a workflow, and FIG. 8B shows an execution workflow. The workflow defined by the user is two steps, step 1 and step 2. The information that the process 2 is executed following the process 1 becomes the workflow information (an example of the processing information). Step 1 is format conversion, and step 2 is printing. What kind of process is set in the process name column 411. A document is set in the target column 412. "Document A" is identification information of a document to be processed. The document data is the workflow processing target data. It can also be regarded as workflow identification information. Each execution device 40 determines the job to be applied based on the document name transmitted from the execution device 40 in the previous process. In the execution device column 413, the execution device 40 determined by the information processing device 10 or the execution device 40 set by the user is set. The processing content column 414 is a processing condition necessary for executing the process. In step 1 (format conversion), the converted format (for example, PDF) is specified. In step 2 (printing), paper size, color / monochrome, single-sided / double-sided, number of copies, aggregation, etc. are set.

The generation rules of the workflow for execution are predetermined and are as follows.
(i) Set a pre-process for reading stored documents as the first process for the execution device.
(ii) If it is the last of the output system process and the next process exists, set the transmission process to transmit the document.

For the sake of distinction, the original steps (steps 1 and 2 in FIG. 8A) are referred to as execution steps. According to such a production rule, as shown in FIG. 8B, step 1 is converted into three steps of a pre-step, an execution step, and a transmission step. On the other hand, since step 2 is the final step of the workflow (there is no next step), a pre-step and an execution step are generated.

These five steps (pre-process, execution process, transmission process, pre-process, execution process) are included in the execution workflow (an example of the execution process within the scope of claims). Of each process of the execution workflow, "read document storage" is set as the process name of the pre-process, and "document transmission" is set as the process name of the transmission process. In addition, a destination column 415 is added to the transmission process. The execution device 40 (IP address, computer name, etc.) of the next process is set in the destination field 415. Therefore, each execution device 40 can transmit the document to the execution device 40 of the next process.

When there is an input process such as scanning, when the document is generated, it is stored in the storage unit, so that the execution device 40 can execute the document storage / reading process.

FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the WF management unit 12 generates an execution workflow according to an execution workflow generation rule.

The WF management unit 12 generates empty workflow information for constructing an execution workflow (S1).

Next, one of each process is extracted from the workflow information defined by the user (S2).

The WF management unit 12 sets the variable N to "1" (S3). Then, the Nth step is referred to (S4).

The WF management unit 12 reads the execution device 40 from the temporary storage (S5). In the state of N = 1, the execution device 40 is not stored in the temporary storage. Next, the execution device 40 of the workflow process is referred to (S6).

The WF management unit 12 determines whether or not the execution device 40 read from the temporary storage and the execution device 40 of the workflow process are equal (S7).

It is determined that they are different in the state of N = 1. The WF management unit 12 temporarily stores the execution device 40 of the workflow process in the temporary storage (S8).

When the execution device 40 of the previous process and the execution device 40 of the Nth process are different, the WF management unit 12 adds a pre-process to the execution workflow (S9). That is, "(i) a pre-process for reading the stored document is set as the first process for the execution device 40" is performed.

Next, the WF management unit 12 adds the Nth process as an execution process to the execution workflow (S10).

Next, the WF management unit 12 refers to the Nth process type (S11). The type means any of input, execution, and output. The type is determined from the process column of the workflow information.

The WF management unit 12 determines whether or not the type is output (S12).

In the case of output, the WF management unit 12 determines whether or not it is the final process of the workflow (S13). If it is not the last (No in S13), the WF management unit 12 adds a transmission process to the execution workflow (S14).

Then, it is determined whether or not the next step exists (S15). If it does not exist, the process of FIG. 9 ends.

If the next step exists, the WF management unit 12 increases N by one and the process returns to step S4 (S16).

<Job execution>
Subsequently, the operation when each execution device 40 into which the job is input executes the job will be described.

FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure for executing the submitted job by the execution device 40. In FIG. 10, it is assumed that the PC 30 executes the step 1 and the multifunction device 50 executes the step 2.
S1: The job receiving unit 51 receives job information. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart showing the job acquisition procedure. Since the job is generated for each process, up to three job information of the pre-process, the execution process, and the transmission process are received.
S1.1: The job receiving unit 51 sends these jobs to the job execution management unit 54.
S1.1.1: The job is stored in the execution workflow queue. FIG. 11 shows a queue structure in which jobs are stored and information held by the queue structure.
S2: The job execution management unit 54 determines the execution job. The execution job is determined when a new job is registered in the queue or when the execution of some job is completed in the execution device 40. The procedure for determining the execution job will be described with reference to FIG. In this way, if there is a job to be executed, the next job to be executed is determined (dotted arrow in the figure). That is, there may be no next job to execute.

If there is a job to be executed next, the following processing is executed. If there is no next job to run, continue the currently running job.
S3: The job execution management unit 54 requests the job control unit 57 to execute the determined execution job. Here, it is assumed that the process of converting the document format is executed.
S3.1: The job control unit 57 notifies the information processing device 10 that the job execution has started. Information that identifies the job may be notified.
S3.2: The job control unit 57 executes the execution job of the pre-process and requests the acquisition of the document stored in the document storage unit 66.
S3.2.1: The document storage unit 66 reads the document specified by the document name from the storage unit 74. As a result, the job control unit 57 acquires the document.
S3.3: The job control unit 57 executes an execution job of the execution process and requests the image conversion unit 71 to convert the document. As a result, the job control unit 57 acquires the converted document.
S3.4: The job control unit 57 executes an execution job of the transmission process and requests the document transmission unit 67 to transmit the converted document.
S3.4.1: The document transmission unit 67 transmits a document to the execution device 40 (for example, the multifunction device 50) of the next process.
S3.4.2: The document transmission unit 67 notifies the information processing device 10 that the job execution has been completed. Information that identifies the job may be notified.

The notification to the information processing apparatus 10 is not limited to the start time and the end time, and can be notified at any time other than this timing. For example, the information processing device 10 may notify the inquiry.

As described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the job execution determination unit 55 determines whether or not the job execution determination unit 55 is ready for execution based on whether or not the document for the next job has been received.

If the execution is ready, the job execution management unit 54 issues a job execution instruction to the job control unit 57 as it is. If it is not ready to be executed, the next job after the next job is acquired and executed. By doing so, the job that is ready to be executed can be executed with priority, and the execution time of the job can be shortened.

FIG. 11 schematically shows a queue structure in which jobs are stored and information held in the queue structure. The queue contains one or more job information (which can be zero). First, the queue has resources used, types, and one or more job information. In this embodiment, the resource used is the execution device 40. However, queues may be prepared separately for each resource for which execution order is to be managed.

The type takes either priority or normal value. In this embodiment, whether it is normal or priority is determined for each queue. Multiple levels of priority may be set. In this embodiment, it is assumed that only the normal setting is set, and the processing when the priority is set will be described in the second and subsequent embodiments. Therefore, since there is only a type of "normal", the job execution management unit 54 may acquire the job from the beginning of the queue when determining the job to be executed next.

If two types of queues, "priority" and "normal", are prepared, jobs that are set to "priority execution = do" in the workflow settings are set to "priority execution = not" in the priority queue. Job information is usually added to the queue for jobs that have been executed.

Preparation information and status are set in the job information. Either OK or NG is set in the preparation information. OK indicates that the job can be executed (executable), and NG indicates that the job cannot be executed (executable). The initial value when the information processing device 10 is generated is NG.

The state is set to either waiting, running, or an error. A state in which the execution device 40 is executed while being stored in the queue during standby, a state in which the execution device 40 is executing during execution, and a state in which an error has occurred for some reason (paper jam, etc.) are indicated.

The job information includes the process information of FIG. The job information may be one in one process or one in a plurality of processes.

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure in which the job execution management unit 54 acquires a job from the queue.

The job receiving unit 51 adds the submitted job information to the queue (S10). In the case of a queue structure, it is added at the end.

The job execution management unit 54 acquires job information from the beginning of the queue structure (S11).

The job execution management unit 54 returns the acquired job information to a necessary function such as the job execution determination unit 55 (S12).

FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure in which the job execution determination unit 55 determines whether or not the job is ready for execution.

The job execution determination unit 55 refers to the preparation information of the job information (S21). The initial value of the preparation information is NG, and when the execution device 40 receives the document processed by the workflow, it is OK.

The job execution determination unit 55 determines whether or not the preparation information is OK (S22).

When the preparation information is NG, the job execution determination unit 55 returns the FALSE to the job execution management unit 54 (S23).

If the preparation information is OK, the job execution determination unit 55 returns TRUE to the job execution management unit 54 (S24).

In this way, the job execution management unit 54 can determine whether or not each job is ready for execution.

<Update of preparation information by receiving documents>
FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a procedure in which the document receiving unit 63 updates the preparation information of the job information.

S1: The document receiving unit 63 receives a document from the execution device 40 in the previous process. The execution device 40 of the previous process (because the final job of the previous process is always the transmission process) transmits the document to the device of the next process.

S1.1: The document receiving unit 63 stores the document in the storage unit 68.

S1.2: The document receiving unit 63 causes the job execution determination unit 55 to update the preparation information of the job information. The details of the process related to the update will be described with reference to FIG. In this way, the preparation information of the job that has already been submitted can be updated when the document is received.

FIG. 15 is an example of a flowchart in which the job execution determination unit 55 updates the preparation information of the job information. As an overall flow, the job execution determination unit 55 checks all the job information registered in the queue and updates the preparation information of each job.

The job execution determination unit 55 retrieves job information from the queue (S31). The job execution determination unit 55 sets the variable N to "1" (S32).

Next, the job execution determination unit 55 refers to the job information of the Nth job (S33).

Next, the job execution determination unit 55 refers to the preparation information of the job information and determines whether the preparation information of the job information is OK or NG (S34).

If the preparation information is already OK, it is not necessary to update the preparation information, so the job execution determination unit 55 determines whether or not the next job information exists (S35).

If present, N is increased by one and the process returns to step S33 (S36). If it does not exist, the process ends.

When the preparation information is NG, the job execution determination unit 55 determines whether or not the document exists in the execution device 40 (S37). If the document does not exist, the process proceeds to step S36.

When the document exists, the job execution determination unit 55 sets the preparation information of the job information to OK (S38).

In this way, by receiving the document, the preparation information of the job information can be updated from NG to OK.

<Job execution control>
FIG. 16 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for determining a job to be executed by the job execution management unit 54. The process of FIG. 16 is executed when a new job is submitted.

First, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not a job exists in the priority queue (S41).

If it exists in the priority queue, it is determined whether or not there is a job currently being executed (S42).

If there is a job being executed, the job execution management unit 54 determines that there is no job to be executed next (S43).

If there is no job being executed, the job in the priority queue can be executed. Therefore, the job execution management unit 54 sets the job at the head of the priority queue as the next execution job (S44).

Next, the job execution management unit 54 refers to the preparation information of the job information (S45). Then, it is determined whether the preparation information is OK or NG (S46).

When the preparation information is OK, the job execution management unit 54 sets the job at the head of the priority queue for the next execution job (S47).

If the preparation information is NG, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not there is the next job information in the queue (S48).

If there is no next job information in the queue, the job execution management unit 54 determines that there is no next job to be executed (S49).

When the queue has the next job information, the job execution management unit 54 acquires the next job information from the queue (S50). After that, the process returns to step S45 and the processes after S45 are executed.

Returning to step S41, if the job does not exist in the priority queue, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not the job exists in the normal queue (S52).

If there is no job in the normal queue, the job execution management unit 54 determines that there is no next execution job (S53).

When a job exists in the normal queue, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not there is a job being executed (S54).

If there is no job being executed, the job in the normal queue can be executed, so the job execution management unit 54 sets the job at the head of the normal queue as the next execution job (S55).

If there is a job being executed, the job execution management unit 54 determines that the executing job will be continued (S58).

Finally, the job determined as described above is returned as the next job to be executed (S59). By doing so, the job to be executed in step S2 of FIG. 10 is determined.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 10 generates a pre-process, an execution process, and a transmission process from each process of the workflow, and executes the previous process on the corresponding execution device 40 for each job. Put it in without waiting for the completion. The preparation information is OK because the document processed by the workflow exists, and if the preparation information is OK, it is determined that the job can be executed. Therefore, even if each job information of the execution workflow is transmitted to each execution device 40 in advance separately from the document, each execution device 40 can voluntarily start processing when the document is received.

In this embodiment, the information processing system 100 capable of priority control of jobs will be described.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a queue included in the storage units 68 and 74 of the execution device 40. Each execution device 40 has a normal queue 82 and a priority queue 81. Jobs that the execution device 40 independently processes (mainly jobs that the user directly operates and executes the execution device 40) are registered in the normal queue 82. Jobs corresponding to each process of the execution workflow are registered in the priority queue 81. Since the execution device 40 executes the job in the priority queue 81 before the job in the normal queue 82, the execution device 40 can execute the workflow job with priority. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given based on the flowchart.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the priority control setting screen 431 using the priority queue 81. The priority control setting screen 431 is displayed on the LCD 206 of the information processing device 10. The priority control setting screen 431 is a screen for the user to set whether or not the execution device 40 interrupts the execution of the job when the job in the normal queue 82 is being executed. The priority control setting screen 431 has a button 432 to do, a button 433 not to do, an OK button 434, and a cancel button 435.

When the button 432 is pressed, the job in the priority queue 81 is interrupted and preferentially executed even while the job in the normal queue 82 is being executed. When the No button 433 is pressed, the job in the normal queue 82 whose execution has been started is not interrupted.

FIG. 19 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the information processing device 10 notifies each executing device 40 of the contents set on the priority control setting screen 431.
S1: The user sets "Yes or No" for the priority control setting screen 431.
S1.1: The WF setting unit 11 accepts whether to do or not, and the job transfer unit 14 notifies the execution device 40 of the setting contents.
S1.1.1 S1,1,2: The job transfer unit 14 transmits the setting contents to the execution device 40.
S1.1.1.1 S1.1.2.1: The job receiving unit 51 of each execution device 40 receives the setting contents and saves the setting contents in the storage units 68 and 74.

In this way, the user can reflect the set contents in each execution device 40 only by setting in one information processing device 10.

FIG. 20 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for determining a job to be executed by the job execution management unit 54. The process of FIG. 20 is executed when a new job is submitted. In the process of FIG. 20, basically, the execution of the workflow job is prioritized.

First, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not a job exists in the priority queue 81 (S41).

If it exists in the priority queue 81, it is determined whether or not there is a job currently being executed (S42).

If there is no job being executed, the job in the priority queue 81 can be executed, so the job execution management unit 54 sets the job at the head of the priority queue 81 as the next execution job (S43).

When there is a job being executed, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not the job being executed is a job in the priority queue 81 (S44). That is, it is determined whether or not the job is an execution workflow job.

If the job being executed is a job in the priority queue 81, the execution of this job may be prioritized, so the job execution management unit 54 continues the execution of the job being executed (S45).

If the job being executed is not a job in the priority queue 81, the execution of the job in the priority queue 81 should be prioritized, so the job execution management unit 54 refers to the priority setting for job execution (S46).

Next, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not the priority setting is the setting that gives priority to the job in the priority queue 81 (S47).

If it is not set to give priority, the job execution management unit 54 continues executing the running job (S48).

In the case of the setting of priority, the job execution management unit 54 interrupts the running job (S49). The job execution management unit 54 saves the job information and the data that has been created halfway in the temporary storage (S50). At the time of interruption, the time at which the job is interrupted is appropriately determined by each job. For example, a print job is interrupted on a page-by-page basis (the paper that has been fed is ejected).

Then, the job execution management unit 54 sets the job at the head of the priority queue 81 as the next execution job (S51).

Returning to step S41, when the job does not exist in the priority queue 81, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not the job exists in the normal queue 82 (S52).

If there is no job in the normal queue 82, the job execution management unit 54 determines that there is no next execution job (S53).

When a job exists in the normal queue 82, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not there is a running job (S54).

If there is no job being executed, the job in the normal queue 82 can be executed. Therefore, the job execution management unit 54 sets the job at the head of the normal queue 82 as the next execution job (S55).

Next, the job execution management unit 54 determines whether or not there is an interrupted job (S56).

If there is an interrupted job, the interrupted job was executed first, so the job execution management unit 54 sets the interrupted job as the next job to be executed (S57).

If there is a job being executed, the job execution management unit 54 determines that the executing job will be continued (S58).

Finally, the job determined as described above is returned as the next job to be executed (S59).

In this way, because there are the priority queue 81 and the normal queue 82, when a job is registered in the priority queue 81, and if the job in the normal queue 82 is running, the execution is interrupted, so the job of the execution workflow is executed. Can be prioritized. When the execution of the job in the priority queue 81 is completed, the saved job in the normal queue 82 can be restored and the job can be restarted.

If the job taken out from the priority queue 81 is not ready to be executed and cannot be executed, the same processing is performed for the job in the priority queue 81 next to the job, and it is determined whether or not to execute the job.

In this embodiment, the information processing system 100 in which each execution device 40 refuses to directly change the priority setting by the user will be described.

The user cannot change the settings related to job priority control on each execution device 40. As described with reference to FIG. 19, each execution device 40 has an interface for changing settings for the information processing device 10, but does not have an interface for accepting setting changes from the operation panel of the execution device 40.

FIG. 21 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the execution device 40 rejects the priority control setting. Note that FIG. 21 mainly describes the difference from FIG. 19. The processing of steps S1 to S1.1.2.1 is the same as in FIG.

S2: The user displays the priority control setting screen 431 on the operation panel 306 and sets "Yes or No".
S2.1: The job setting unit 52 rejects the setting change from the operation panel 306.

Therefore, since the user cannot give priority to the job set by himself / herself even if he / she operates the execution device 40, it is possible to suppress a long time until the job of the execution workflow is completed.

In this embodiment, the information processing system 100 that notifies the user who intends to set the job that the execution workflow is being executed will be described.

FIG. 22 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure for displaying that the execution device 40 is executing the workflow.
S1: When the job of the execution workflow is being executed on the execution device 40, the user sets the job using the operation panel 306 of the execution device 40.
S1.1: The job setting unit 52 accepts the user's operation and confirms the job execution status. Thereby, whether or not the job of the execution workflow is executed and the setting related to the priority control can be detected.
S1.2: When the priority control is set to "Yes" and the job of the execution workflow is executed, the job of the user who operates the execution device 40 may not be executed for a long time. Therefore, the job setting unit 52 limits the acceptance of job settings.

FIG. 23 is an example of the execution screen 441 indicating that the workflow is being executed. On the executing screen, the message 442 "Currently, the job that affects WF execution cannot be executed. Do you want to continue the setting?", The continuation button 443, and the cancel button 444 are displayed. The user grasps the message 442 and presses the continuation button 443 or the cancel button 444. The continuation button 443 is a button for continuing the job setting, and the cancel button 444 is a button for ending the job setting.

It is preferable to display that the job cannot be executed. For example, the job setting unit 52 reduces the brightness of the start key (soft key). Alternatively, the LED of the start key (hard key) is turned on in red.

When the user presses the continuation button 443 and the job of the execution workflow ends, the following processing is executed. When the continuation button 443 is pressed, the set value remains (remembered) but cannot be executed. When the cancel button 444 is pressed, the values input up to that point are initialized.

S2: The user instructs the execution device 40 to execute the job. It is assumed that the submitted job is a copy.
S2.1: The job setting unit 52 submits a job in the normal queue 82 to the job execution management unit 54.
S2.1.2: The job execution management unit 54 determines the job to be executed as described in Examples 1 and 2.

S2.1.1: The job execution management unit 54 requests the job control unit 57 to execute the job.
S2.1.1.1: The job control unit 57 instructs the scanning unit 61 to read the document, for example, in order to read the document.
S2.1.1.2: The job control unit 57 sends the image data generated by reading to the printing unit 65 for printing.

As described above, in the information processing system 100 of the present embodiment, when the user tries to use the execution device 40 while the job of the execution workflow is being executed by the execution device 40, the processing of the job being set is completed. You can tell that it will be late. Also, it is not possible to execute a job that steals resources from the running job (execution order is broken), such as interrupt printing. Therefore, the user can move to another execution device 40 and take an action such as using it for executing a job.

In this embodiment, an information processing system 100 capable of allocating jobs executed by each execution device 40 to other execution devices 40 will be described.

The information processing device 10 generates an execution workflow from the set workflow, and when instructing each execution device 40 to execute, the information processing device 10 acquires a standby job from the instruction destination execution device 40. By transferring the job acquired from each execution device 40 to another execution device 40, a state in which the instruction destination execution device 40 is vacant (a state in which there is no job to process anything) is created. As a result, the execution device 40 at the instruction destination can concentrate on the processing of the job corresponding to the process of the execution workflow, and can execute the job at the fastest speed.

FIG. 24 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the information processing apparatus 10 distributes jobs.
S1: The user defines the workflow.
S2: The user instructs the information processing device 10 to execute the workflow.
S2.1: The WF setting unit 11 receives an instruction, and the WF management unit 12 inputs a workflow.
S2.1.1: The WF management unit 12 determines the execution device 40 for each process of the workflow as described in the first embodiment.

S2.1.1.2: The WF management unit 12 generates an execution workflow from the workflow as described in the first embodiment.
S2.1.2: The WF management unit 12 stores the execution workflow in the storage unit 13.
S2.1.3: The WF management unit 12 requests the job transfer unit 14 to acquire a standby job. The standby job is a job that exists in the priority queue 81 but has not yet been executed. Since the job in the normal queue 82 is not prioritized, the job may exist in the normal queue 82. However, the jobs in the normal queue 82 may be saved.
S2.1.3.1: The job transfer unit 14 acquires a standby job from the execution device 40 to which the process of the execution workflow is assigned.

Subsequent processing is repeatedly executed for all acquired standby jobs.

S2.1.4: The WF management unit 12 determines the execution device 40 (substitute machine) to be executed instead of the standby job. The alternative machine is the execution device 40 to which the process of the execution workflow is not assigned among the execution devices 40 capable of executing the process.
S2.1.5: The WF management unit 12 requests the job transfer unit 14 to submit a job to the substitute machine.
S2.1.5.1: The job transfer unit 14 submits a job to an alternative machine.

Subsequent processing is repeatedly executed for all jobs.

S2.1.6: The WF management unit 12 requests the job transfer unit 14 to input a job corresponding to the process of the execution workflow to the execution device 40 to which the process of the execution workflow is assigned.
S2.1.6.1: The job transfer unit 14 submits a job to the execution device 40 to which the process of the execution workflow is assigned.

Therefore, according to the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the workflow job can be processed with the highest priority.

In this embodiment, the information processing system 100 capable of setting the distribution of jobs will be described. The information processing device 10 is set in advance whether or not to distribute jobs. In the case of the distribution setting, it is processed as in the fifth embodiment, and in the case of the non-distribution setting, it is set as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 25 is an example of the job distribution setting screen 451 displayed on the LCD 206 by the information processing device 10. On the job distribution setting screen 451, a button 452 that does, a button 453 that does not do, an OK button 454, and a cancel button 455 are displayed. The information processing apparatus 10 executes job distribution as in the sixth embodiment only when the button 452 is pressed.

FIG. 26 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the information processing apparatus 10 distributes jobs according to the setting contents of the job distribution setting screen 451.
S1: The user sets "Yes or No" from the job distribution setting screen 451.
S1.1: The WF setting unit 11 stores in the storage unit 13 whether or not to set the job distribution.

Steps S2 to S3.1.2 are the same as those in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.
S3.1.3: The WF management unit 12 acquires the setting contents related to the distribution setting from the storage unit 13.

When the standby job is distributed =, the following processing is executed. S3.1.4 to S3.1.6.1 are repeatedly executed for the acquired wait job.
S3.1.4: The WF management unit 12 causes the job transfer unit 14 to acquire a standby job.
S3.1.4.1: The job transfer unit 14 acquires a standby job from the execution device 40 determined by the execution device 40.
S3.1.5: The WF management unit 12 decides an alternative machine. The ability of another execution device 40 capable of executing the workflow is confirmed, and an alternative machine is determined. The determination method may be the same as in Example 5.
S3.1.6: The WF management unit 12 transfers the job to the job transfer unit 14.
S3.1.6.1: The job transfer unit 14 submits a job to an alternative machine.

S3.1.7 and S3.1.7.1 are repeated for all steps.
S3.1.7: The WF management unit 12 requests the job transfer unit 14 to transfer the job instructed to be executed by the user.
S3.1.7.1: The job transfer unit 14 submits a job to the execution device 40.

If the standby job is not distributed, the following processing is executed.
S3.1.8: The WF management unit 12 requests the job transfer unit 14 to transfer the job instructed to be executed by the user.
S3.1.8.1: The job transfer unit 14 submits a job to the execution device 40.

In this way, since the distribution can be set by the user, it is possible to arbitrarily select whether to execute the job in a short time or prioritize other jobs depending on the workflow.

In this embodiment, the information processing system 100 in which the execution device 40 that caused the error can notify the execution device 40 of the next process of the error will be described. The execution device 40 of the next process notified of the error has already received the job, but the execution of the job can be stopped (deleted) by the error notification.

FIG. 27 is an example of a sequence diagram showing a procedure in which the execution device 40 of the previous process notifies the execution device 40 of the next process of an error. Here, a case where an error occurs in the document conversion process will be described as an example.
S1: The image conversion unit 71 of the execution device 40 in the previous process is required to convert the document.
S1.1: The image conversion unit 71 generates an uncontinuable error.
S1.2: The image conversion unit 71 notifies the information processing device 10 of the execution status. Conventionally, the information processing device 10 that has received this notification has transmitted a stop instruction to each execution device 40.

S1.3: The image conversion unit 71 notifies the job control unit 57 of an error.

S1.3.1: The job control unit 57 causes the document transmission unit 67 to notify the execution device 40 of the next process of an error. The execution device 40 for the next process is included in the process information. You only need to be notified of an error if it is a workflow job.

S1.3.1.1: The document transmission unit 67 transmits the document to the execution device 40 of the next process. The document has the following information:
When the process in the previous process is completed normally ・ Instruction: Job execution ・ Target data: Document data When the process is canceled due to an error in the process in the previous process ・ Instruction: Job canceled ・ Target data: None
S1.3.1.1.1: The document receiving unit 63 of the execution device 40 of the next process receives the document and stores it in the storage units 68 and 74.

S1.3.1.1.2: The document receiving unit 63 requests the job execution determination unit 55 to update the preparation information. The update process of the preparation information has been described in the first embodiment.

If the instruction is job cancellation, the following processing is executed.
S1.3.1.1.2.1: The job execution determination unit 55 requests the job execution management unit 54 to delete the job.
S1.3.1.1.2.1.1: The job execution management unit 54 requests the job control unit 57 to cancel the job.
S1.3.1.1.2.1.1.1: The job control unit 57 notifies the document transmission unit 67 of an error.

In this way, since the error is propagated to the execution device 40 of the next process one after another, each execution device 40 can cancel (or delete) the job without the information processing device 10 monitoring the workflow.

FIG. 28 is an example of a flowchart in which the job execution determination unit 55 updates the preparation information of the job information in this embodiment. In the description of FIG. 28, the difference from FIG. 15 will be mainly described. The processing of steps S31 to S37 is the same as in FIG.

If the document exists, the job execution determination unit 55 confirms the content of the document (S38). That is, it is determined whether the instruction is job execution or job cancellation.

When the instruction is job execution, the job execution determination unit 55 updates the preparation information of the job information to OK (S39).

When the instruction is job cancellation, the job execution determination unit 55 requests the job execution management unit 54 to delete the Nth job information (S40).

In this way, each execution device 40 can voluntarily delete a job by the error notification mechanism.

<Other application examples>
Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to examples, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. And substitutions can be made.

For example, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the information processing device 10 generates an execution workflow from the workflow, but the execution device 40 may have the function of the information processing device 10. Further, the information processing device 10 may acquire the workflow definition from the outside instead of receiving the workflow definition by the information processing device 10.

A server communicating with the information processing apparatus 10 may execute the generation of the execution workflow and transmit it to the information processing apparatus 10. Any execution device 40 may generate an execution workflow.

Further, the configuration examples such as FIG. 5 shown in the above examples are divided according to the main functions in order to facilitate the understanding of the processing of the information processing system 100. However, the present invention is not limited by the method and name of division of each processing unit. The information processing system 100 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. It is also possible to divide one processing unit so as to include more processing.

The WF management unit 12 is an example of process conversion means, the job transfer unit 14 is an example of process transmission means, the WF setting unit 11 is an example of setting reception means, and the job reception unit 51 is an example of process reception means. As an example, the job execution determination unit 55 is an example of determination means, the job execution management unit 54 is an example of process execution means, the storage units 68 and 74 are examples of storage means, and the priority queue 81 is the first. The queue 82 is an example of a second storage means, the job setting unit 52 is an example of a job reception means, and the job control unit 57 is an example of an execution unit.

10 Information processing device 30 PC
40 Execution device 50 Multifunction device 100 Information processing system

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-310746

Claims (12)

An information processing device that causes an execution device connected via a network to execute one or more of a plurality of processes possessed by processing information.
A process conversion means for converting each process of the processing information into one or more execution processes voluntarily executed by each execution device.
Each execution device that executes the execution process has a process transmission means for transmitting the execution process without waiting for the execution device of the previous process to complete the execution of the execution process .
The process conversion means sets an execution process for reading the processing target data processed by the process before the execution process for executing the processing of the original process, and sets the execution process for executing the processing of the original process. Further, the execution process of transmitting the processing target data processed by the execution process of executing the processing of the original process to the execution device of the next process is the execution process of executing the processing of the original process. Set after
The process conversion means sets the initial value of the preparation information set as to whether or not the execution process can be executed to be non-executable.
The preparation information is an information processing device that is executably updated when the execution device receives the processing target data. When the next process does not exist, the process conversion means uses the execution process of transmitting the processing target data, which has been processed by the execution process for executing the processing of the original process, to the execution device of the next process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , which is not set after the execution process for executing the process of the process. The process conversion means acquires a standby job held by an execution device that executes the execution process, and distributes the standby job to an execution device that does not execute the execution process but can execute the standby job.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the execution process converted from the process is transmitted to the execution device that executes the execution process. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising a setting receiving means for receiving a setting of whether or not to distribute the standby job. An information processing system including an information processing device for causing an execution device connected via a network to execute one or more of a plurality of processes of processing information, and the execution device.
The information processing device
A process conversion means for converting each process of the processing information into one or more execution processes voluntarily executed by each execution device.
Each execution device that executes the execution process has a process transmission means for transmitting the execution process without waiting for the execution device of the previous process to complete the execution of the execution process.
The process conversion means sets an execution process for reading the processing target data processed by the process before the execution process for executing the processing of the original process, and sets the execution process for executing the processing of the original process. Further, the execution process of transmitting the processing target data processed by the execution process of executing the processing of the original process to the execution device of the next process is the execution process of executing the processing of the original process. Set after
The process conversion means sets the initial value of the preparation information set as to whether or not the execution process can be executed to be non-executable.
The preparation information is updated so that it can be executed when the execution device receives the data to be processed.
The execution device is
A process receiving means for receiving the execution process and
A determination means for determining whether or not the execution process is feasible, and
An information processing system including a process execution means for causing an execution unit to execute the execution process when it is determined that the determination means is feasible. An execution device that acquires one or more execution processes that the execution device voluntarily executes from an information processing device connected via a network.
A storage means for storing the execution process and
A determination means for determining whether or not the execution process is feasible, and
When it is determined that the determination means is feasible, the process execution means for causing the execution unit to execute the execution process is provided.
The execution process has an initial value that cannot be executed, and has preparatory information set as to whether or not the execution process can be executed.
The determination means is an execution device that determines whether or not the execution process has become executable by referring to the preparation information that is executably updated depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. The execution device according to claim 6 , wherein the determination means updates the preparation information executably when the execution device receives the processing target data processed by the process. One or more of the execution steps are converted from the steps possessed by the processing information.
It has a first storage means for holding a job corresponding to the execution process and a second storage means for holding a job set from the operation panel of the execution device.
When the job of the first storage means becomes executable while the job of the second storage means is being executed, the process execution means saves the job of the second storage means and said the first. The execution device according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the execution of the job of the storage means of the above is started. The execution device according to claim 8 , wherein the setting of whether or not to prioritize the execution of the job of the second storage means is acquired from an external information processing device. It has a job receiving means for accepting a user's operation as to whether or not to prioritize the processing of the execution process.
The execution device according to claim 9 , wherein the job receiving means rejects the user's setting that the job execution of the first storage means is not prioritized. When the process execution means is executing the execution process,
The execution device according to claim 10 , wherein when the job reception means accepts a job setting by a user operation, the execution of the job is restricted. If an error occurs during the execution of the execution process, the execution device of the next process is notified that the error has occurred together with the empty data to be processed.
The execution device according to claim 7 , wherein when the determination means updates the preparation information by receiving the processing target data, the job in which the error has occurred is deleted based on the fact that the error has occurred.

Images