JP7131307B2 - system - Google Patents

Description

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

Along with the sophistication of communication technology, information distribution has also diversified, and various systems have been proposed. In particular, a technique (scan solution system) for managing and distributing data scanned by an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) has been developed.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-178480 (Patent Document 1) discloses a scan solution system that can preview scanned content on a mobile terminal and distribute a preview image from the mobile terminal. According to Patent Document 1, various workflows can be executed without directly operating the MFP.

However, the scan solution system described in Patent Literature 1 is configured to be executed in a specific environment under the control of an administrator, so the workflow cannot be executed in an environment outside the control such as outside the office. there were. Therefore, there has been a demand for further improvement in convenience for users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus, system, method, and program capable of executing a set workflow under any environment. .

That is, according to the present invention, there is provided a system including a first image processing device and a second image processing device, wherein the first image processing device reads an image with the second image processing device and setting means for setting a predetermined process to be executed on the obtained data as a workflow, the setting means for setting a distribution format including at least a data format; and a two-dimensional code for identifying the content of the process. an issuing means for issuing the two-dimensional code including information about the set distribution format; and data obtained by reading an image by the second image processing device, wherein the second image processing The data is converted to the second image processing device based on the distribution format included in the two-dimensional code read by the device, and the second image processing device stores the data in the information processing device via the network. an obtaining means for obtaining data from the information processing device by periodically communicating with the information processing device via the network; The second image processing apparatus includes execution means for executing such processing, and the second image processing apparatus includes reading means for reading the two-dimensional code, a scanner device, and data obtained by reading an image with the scanner device. and storage means for converting based on the distribution format included in the two-dimensional code and storing the converted data in the information processing device via the network .

As described above, the present invention provides an information processing device, system, method, and program that can execute a set workflow under any environment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of the entire system according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration included in the MFP of the embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of software included in the system of the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of processing executed by the system according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of an in-house MFP according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow setting screen according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code output in this embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of an external MFP according to the embodiment;

The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described later. In addition, in each figure referred to below, the same reference numerals are used for common elements, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of an entire system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which a plurality of MFPs 110 and a server device 120 are connected via a network 130 such as the Internet or LAN. The number of MFPs 110 and server devices 120 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and the number of each piece of hardware included in the system is not limited. Also, the method of connecting to network 130 from MFP 110 or server device 120 may be wired or wireless.

The MFP 110 is an image processing apparatus referred to as a multi-function device having a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a FAX function, and the like. The MFP 110 can also send scanned data as e-mail via the network 130 . The MFP 110 is installed in an office or the like, and can execute a print job transmitted from a personal computer terminal or transmit a scanned image to the personal computer terminal via an in-house LAN or the like. Moreover, the MFP 110 may be installed in a convenience store or the like, and can perform printing, scanning, and the like even when away from home. In the following description, for convenience, the MFP 110 installed in a specific environment such as an office will be referred to as an "internal MFP 110a", and the MFP 110 installed in an environment other than the office will be referred to as an "external MFP 110b".

The server device 120 is an information processing device that mainly manages network communication. The server device 120 of this embodiment functions as a so-called cloud server, and can manage various data on the cloud.

Next, the hardware configuration of the MFP 110 will be explained. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration included in the MFP 110 of this embodiment. The MFP 110 includes a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a storage device 204, a printer device 205, a scanner device 206, a communication I/F 207, a display unit 208, and an operation unit 209. connected via a bus.

A CPU 201 is a device that executes a program for controlling the operation of the MFP 110 and performs predetermined processing. A RAM 202 is a volatile storage device for providing an execution space for programs executed by the CPU 201, and is used for storing and developing programs and data. A ROM 203 is a non-volatile storage device for storing programs executed by the CPU 201, firmware, and the like.

A storage device 204 is a readable/writable non-volatile storage device that stores an OS, various software, setting information, various data, and the like that make the MFP 110 function. Examples of the storage device 204 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives).

The printer device 205 is a device configured to form an image on paper using a laser method, an inkjet method, or the like. A scanner device 206 is a device configured to read an image of a printed matter and convert it into data. Further, for example, the MFP 110 can copy printed matter through cooperation between the scanner device 206 and the printer device 205 .

Communication I/F 207 connects MFP 110 and network 130 to enable communication with other devices via network 130 . Communication via the network 130 may be wired communication or wireless communication, and various data can be transmitted and received using a predetermined communication protocol such as TCP/IP.

A display unit 208 is a device that displays various data, the setting state of the MFP 110, and the like to the user, and an example thereof is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel. An operation unit 209 is a device for the user to operate the MFP 110, and is configured by, for example, a plurality of buttons. Note that the display unit 208 and the operation unit 209 may be separate devices, or may have both functions, such as a touch panel display.

The hardware configuration included in the MFP 110 of this embodiment has been described above. Next, functional means executed by each piece of hardware in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a software block diagram included in the MFP 110 of this embodiment.

The hardware configuration included in the MFP 110 of this embodiment has been described above. Next, functional means executed by each piece of hardware in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a software block diagram included in the system 100 of this embodiment.

In-house MFP 110 a includes workflow setting section 311 , code generation section 312 , regular communication section 313 , and workflow execution section 314 . The external MFP 110 b includes a code reader 315 and a data uploader 316 . The server device 120 includes a storage unit 320 . The details of each functional unit will be described below.

First, the in-house MFP 110a will be described. Workflow setting unit 311 is means for setting, as a workflow, a process to be executed on data input in external MFP 110b. The workflow setting unit 311 can set, for example, the format of the scanned image, the presence/absence of PDF conversion, the presence/absence of OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing, the delivery destination, and the like.

The code generation unit 312 is means for generating a code unique to the workflow based on the workflow set by the workflow setting unit 311 . Examples of codes generated by the code generator 312 of this embodiment include two-dimensional codes such as QR Code (registered trademark), VeriCode, and DataMatrix, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. Therefore, a code other than a two-dimensional code may be generated, and a barcode or other code that can be identified by the scanner device 206 may be generated. In addition, below, the case where a two-dimensional code is generated will be described as an example.

Periodical communication unit 313 is means for periodically accessing server apparatus 120 via communication I/F 207 . The periodical communication unit 313 periodically accesses the server device 120, so that it is possible to monitor whether or not data has been uploaded to the server device 120, which is called "polling."

The workflow execution unit 314 is means for executing a workflow based on data uploaded to the server device 120 as a result of polling by the regular communication unit 313 .

Next, the external MFP 110b will be described. The code reading unit 315 is means for controlling the scanner device 206 and reading the code output by the in-house MFP 110a. After reading the code, the code reading unit 315 checks the authentication information included in the code and identifies the processing content of the workflow.

A data upload unit 316 is means for uploading data scanned by the scanner device 206 to the server device 120 via the communication I/F 207 . The data upload unit 316 can process the scanned data based on the contents of the two-dimensional code read by the code reading unit 315 and upload the processed data. The data upload unit 316 can also upload authentication information, scan metadata, and the like.

Next, the server device 120 will be explained. Storage unit 320 is means for storing data uploaded from external MFP 110b. The server device 120 includes, for example, an HDD, and the storage unit 320 can store uploaded data by controlling the HDD. Periodic communication unit 313 of in-house MFP 110a monitors storage unit 320 to monitor whether or not data is uploaded based on the two-dimensional code. When there is an upload, the workflow execution unit 314 acquires the data and executes a predetermined workflow.

Note that the above-described software blocks correspond to functional means realized by causing each piece of hardware to function as a result of the CPU included in each piece of hardware executing the program of the present embodiment. Moreover, the functional means shown in each embodiment may be implemented entirely in software, or part or all of them may be implemented as hardware that provides equivalent functions. Furthermore, all of the functional units described above do not necessarily have to be included in the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of processing executed by the system 100 in this embodiment. First, in step S1001, the user operates the in-house MFP 110a to set a workflow for executing desired processing. The workflow setting in step S1001 can be performed by the workflow setting unit 311, and the delivery format, delivery destination, polling time, and the like of the scanned document can be set.

Next, in step S1002, the user operates the in-house MFP 110a to request the in-house MFP 110a to issue a two-dimensional code for identifying the set workflow. Upon receiving the two-dimensional code issuance request, the code generator 312 of the in-house MFP 110a issues a two-dimensional code for identifying the workflow in step S1003. The two-dimensional code issued in step S1003 includes information indicating the delivery format and delivery destination of the document. The two-dimensional code can also include information for authenticating the user who created the workflow, information about the company or organization to which the user belongs, and the like.

In step S1004, the in-house MFP 110a sets up polling for the server device 120 along with issuing the two-dimensional code in step S1003. In step S1004, communication is established between the in-house MFP 110a and the server apparatus 120, and standby for communication at set polling time intervals is performed.

The periodical communication unit 313 of the in-house MFP 110a periodically accesses the server apparatus 120 with the issuance of the two-dimensional code, and inquires whether or not the scanned file has been uploaded. That is, in-house MFP 110a polls server device 120 in step S1005. If there is no scanned file, server device 120 responds to polling from in-house MFP 110a in step S1006 to the effect that there is no upload. Thereafter, after the set polling time has elapsed, the regular communication unit 313 returns to step S1005 and executes polling. In this manner, in-house MFP 110a can monitor whether files are uploaded to server device 120 by regular access.

On the other hand, for example, when a user who has gone out wants to execute a workflow on the go, the user takes out the issued two-dimensional code and causes the external MFP 110b installed on the go to read it. In step S1007, the user operates the external MFP 110b to scan the two-dimensional code and the document to be delivered. Here, the code reading unit 315 of the non-genuine MFP 110b analyzes the scanned two-dimensional code and extracts distribution format information, authentication information, and the like included in the two-dimensional code. Then, in step S1008, the data upload unit 316 converts the scanned document into a predetermined delivery format and uploads it to the server device 120. FIG. In addition, the external MFP 110b can notify the server device 120 of the user's authentication information together with the document. The server device 120 stores various uploaded data in the storage unit 320 .

In-house MFP 110a polls server device 120 in step S1009, as in step S1005. At this time, since the document has been uploaded to server device 120, server device 120 transmits the data stored in storage unit 320 to in-house MFP 110a in response to step S1010.

From the viewpoint of security protection, it is preferable that server device 120 performs authentication and the like when transmitting data to in-house MFP 110a. For example, the server device 120 checks whether or not the information of the company to which the user belongs, which is included in the two-dimensional code read by the external MFP 110b, matches the company, etc. to which the in-house MFP 110a that is polling is connected. do. If the two companies match, it is authenticated as being suitable as a destination, and if they do not match, processing such as returning an authentication error can improve security.

In step S1011, in-house MFP 110a executes the workflow based on the settings. For example, workflow execution unit 314 transmits data received from server device 120 to a predetermined email address. From the viewpoint of security protection, it is preferable that the data stored in storage unit 320 be deleted after being transmitted to in-house MFP 110a.

By the above-described processing, a desired workflow can be executed from outside the user's home. Note that the polling of the server apparatus 120 may be continuously performed even after the workflow is executed. Moreover, the timing of starting polling is not limited to being triggered by the issuance of the two-dimensional code as described above, and the user can set any date and time.

Next, operation screens and the like in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the in-house MFP 110a in this embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is an example of a screen displaying the main menu of the in-house MFP 110a, and FIG. 5(b) is an example of a screen for issuing a two-dimensional code.

In FIG. 5(a), when the user selects "workflow code issue", the screen shown in FIG. 5(b) is displayed. Further, the user performs a desired operation from the screen of FIG. 5(b). If the user selects "workflow setting" here, the screen display shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow setting screen according to this embodiment.

On the screen shown in FIG. 6, various settings related to the workflow can be made, for example, by using the "delivery format" setting tab, the "delivery destination" setting tab, and the like. On the screen shown in FIG. 6A, "JPEG", "bitmap", "PDF", etc. can be selected as the delivery format. You can also choose whether or not to optical character recognition (OCR) the scanned document.

On the screen shown in FIG. 6(b), it is possible to select the delivery destination of the scanned document. Destinations may be selected using check boxes, or may be selected collectively according to affiliation, position, or other attributes.

On the screen shown in FIG. 6(c), the polling time interval and polling start timing can be set. The timing of starting polling may be, for example, the issuance of a two-dimensional code, or may be started at an arbitrary date and time.

After forming a desired workflow on the setting screen shown in FIG. 6, the user returns to the screen shown in FIG. 5B to output the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code may be output by printing it on paper, or may be output to a terminal such as a mobile phone or smart phone owned by the user.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code output in this embodiment. FIG. 7(a) shows an example of a two-dimensional code printed on paper, and FIG. 7(b) shows an example of a two-dimensional code output on the terminal screen. The output two-dimensional code includes information identifying a desired workflow set by the user, authentication information of the user, and the like.

By causing the external MFP 110b installed outside the office to read the two-dimensional code output as shown in FIG. 7, the user can execute the workflow while omitting the operation on the external MFP 110b. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the external MFP 110b in this embodiment.

When the user selects "execute workflow" on the screen shown in FIG. 8(a), the screen shown in FIG. 8(b) is displayed. Here, the user sets the paper on which the two-dimensional code is printed on the scanner device 206 of the external MFP 110b, and selects "start scanning". A code reading unit 315 reads and analyzes a two-dimensional code. The external MFP 110b can also authenticate the user by inquiring whether the authentication information included in the two-dimensional code is registered. As a result, the workflow can be executed with improved security.

Note that reading of the two-dimensional code may be performed by a device other than the scanner device 206 . For example, the non-genuine MFP 110b may include a reader that reads a two-dimensional code by reflecting laser light, and the two-dimensional code may be read by the two-dimensional code reader to perform processing such as authentication.

After authenticating the user with the two-dimensional code, the external MFP 110b displays the screen shown in FIG. 8C and makes the user scan the document. After scanning the document, the data upload unit 316 uploads the data to the server device 120 in a preset format. As a result, the polling in-house MFP 110a can acquire the data uploaded to the server device 120 and execute the workflow.

In the example of the embodiment described so far, the in-house MFP 110a issues a two-dimensional code and performs polling, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As an example of another embodiment, various information processing devices such as personal computer terminals may issue two-dimensional codes and perform polling.

According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus, system, method, and program capable of executing a set workflow under any environment.

Each function of the embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized by a device-executable program written in C, C++, C#, Java (registered trademark), etc. It can be distributed by being stored in a device-readable recording medium such as ROM, MO, DVD, flexible disk, EEPROM, EPROM, etc., and can be transmitted via a network in a format compatible with other devices.

As described above, the present invention has been described with embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and within the scope of embodiments that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, as long as the actions and effects of the present invention are exhibited. , are within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... System, 110... MFP, 110a... In-house MFP, 110b... Outside MFP, 120... Server apparatus, 201... CPU, 202... RAM, 203... ROM, 204... Storage device, 205... Printer device, 206... Scanner device, 207...Communication I/F, 208...Display unit, 209...Operation unit, 311...Workflow setting unit, 312...Code generation unit, 313...Regular communication unit, 314...Workflow execution unit, 315...Code reading unit, 316...Data Upload unit, 320...storage unit

JP 2016-178480 A

Claims (10)

A system including a first image processing device and a second image processing device,
The first image processing device is
setting means for setting , as a workflow, a predetermined process to be executed on data obtained by reading an image with the second image processing apparatus, the setting means for setting a delivery format including at least a data format; ,
Issuing means for issuing a two-dimensional code identifying the content of the processing, the two-dimensional code including information on the set distribution format ;
data obtained by reading an image by the second image processing device, based on the distribution format included in the two-dimensional code read by the second image processing device; obtained from the information processing device by periodically communicating with the information processing device via the network , the data converted into the data converted to the data stored in the information processing device via the network by the second image processing device. a obtaining means for
an execution means for executing a process related to the workflow using the data when the acquisition means acquires the data;
The second image processing device is
reading means for reading the two-dimensional code ;
a scanner device;
storage means for converting data obtained by reading an image with the scanner device based on the distribution format included in the read two-dimensional code, and storing the converted data in the information processing device via the network; A system, comprising: 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said issuing means issues said two-dimensional code including authentication information for identifying a user. 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said acquiring means starts communication with said information processing device when said issuing means issues said two-dimensional code . 4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the process related to the workflow is a process of transmitting the acquired data to a predetermined e-mail address . The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the format of said data is one of JPEG, bitmap and PDF . 6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said two-dimensional code issued by said issuing means is output on a sheet of paper or on a terminal screen. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said reading means reads said two-dimensional code by controlling said scanner device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the setting means sets the predetermined process as the workflow based on an input input via a workflow setting screen displayed on the display section of the first image processing apparatus. A system according to any one of the preceding clauses. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein said workflow setting screen includes a first screen for accepting setting of said delivery format, and a second screen for accepting setting of delivery destination to which said data is delivered. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said system includes said information processing device.

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