Information processing device, recording medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device, a recording medium, and a computer program product. A user can select a workflow for processing object data before or after the information processing device accepts the object data. When an execution instruction for selecting a workflow for processing an electronic document is accepted from the user, a display control unit (28) causes a first workflow selection screen (50) including a workflow button (52) and a retain button (54) to be displayed on a display (14). When the workflow button (52) is selected, the workflow selection unit (30) selects the workflow corresponding to the selected workflow button (52), and the information processing device (10) accepts the electronic document as the object data. When the retain button (54) is selected, the information processing device (10) accepts the electronic document and sets it as a retained document, and the workflow selection unit (30) selects a workflow for processing the retained document.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a recording medium. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an information processing apparatus that processes target data according to predetermined processing contents, which are called a workflow.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a document processing device that, after a user selects a workflow, acquires an electronic document as target data through scanning processing and processes the electronic document in accordance with the selected workflow. The document processing device notifies the user if insufficient information related to the electronic document is available for processing the electronic document in accordance with the selected workflow.

[0004] Furthermore, conventionally, there is known an information processing device that classifies a plurality of object data based on attribute information related to the object data.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a document management system that allocates and stores multiple electronic documents into multiple storage destination folders based on information indicating the source of the electronic document, or a fax number, etc., indicating the destination. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a document allocation system that allocates and stores multiple electronic documents into multiple folders based on character strings extracted from the electronic documents.

[0006] [Prior art literature]

[0007] [Patent Document]

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-82775

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-88912

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-072941 Summary of the Invention

[0011] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0012] To process target data according to a workflow, the user must select a workflow. However, conventionally, each information processing device has a fixed time for selecting a workflow, specifically, either before or after the information processing device receives the target data.

[0013] The workflow selection may also occur after the information processing device accepts the target data. For example, there are cases where, while multiple workflows are being prepared, the user is unclear about the workflow that best suits the target data they wish to process. The user then accepts the target data and wishes to select a workflow after processing has progressed to a certain point. Alternatively, the user may already have a clear workflow for processing the target data, but may wish to select a workflow before the information processing device accepts the target data.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to enable a user to select a workflow for processing target data, both before and after an information processing apparatus accepts the target data.

[0015] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0016] The invention of technical solution 1 is an information processing device, including a processor, which can select either a first mode or a second mode according to the user's instructions. The first mode is to accept the selection of a workflow for processing the object data before accepting the object data, and the second mode is to accept the selection of a workflow for processing the object data after accepting the object data.

[0017] The invention according to claim 2 is the information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processor displays the object data before the workflow is selected and the workflow available to the user on the display in the second mode.

[0018] The invention of Technical Solution 3 is an information processing device according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the processor displays the workflow that can process the object data on the display based on the attributes of the object data, namely the data attributes, and the attributes of the workflow, namely the flow attributes.

[0019] The invention of Technical Solution 4 is an information processing device according to Technical Solution 3, wherein the processor identifiably displays a workflow whose flow attributes are consistent with the data attributes and a workflow whose flow attributes are different from the data attributes but can process the object data.

[0020] The invention of Technical Solution 5 is an information processing device according to Technical Solution 3 or 4, wherein the data attributes and the flow attributes respectively have multiple attribute items, and for each attribute item of the flow attribute, it is set whether the workflow can process the object data when the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute is different from the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item of the data attribute. When the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute set to be processable is different from the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item of the data attribute, the processor displays the workflow as a workflow that can process the object data.

[0021] The invention of Technical Solution 6 is an information processing device according to Technical Solution 3, wherein when the processor selects a workflow for processing the object data in the second mode and the data attributes are different from the flow attributes of the selected workflow, the processor confirms with the user whether the selected workflow can be used to process the object data.

[0022] The invention of Technical Solution 7 is an information processing device according to Technical Solution 6, wherein the data attributes and the flow attributes respectively have multiple attribute items, and for each attribute item of the flow attribute, a setting is set: when the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute is different from the attribute value of the corresponding data attribute, whether to confirm with the user. When the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute that is set to be confirmed with the user is different from the attribute value of the corresponding data attribute item, the processor confirms with the user whether the selected workflow can be used to process the object data.

[0023] The invention of technical solution 8 is a recording medium that stores an information processing program, which enables a computer to select either a first mode or a second mode according to the user's instructions. The first mode is to accept the selection of a workflow for processing the object data before accepting the object data, and the second mode is to accept the selection of a workflow for processing the object data after accepting the object data.

[0024] [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the invention of claim 1 or 8, the user can select a workflow for processing the target data both before and after the information processing device accepts the target data.

[0026] According to the invention of claim 2, the user can grasp the object data before selecting the workflow and the workflow available to the user.

[0027] According to the invention of claim 3, the user can understand the workflow of processable target data.

[0028] According to the invention of claim 4, the user can distinguish and grasp the workflow whose flow attributes match the data attributes and the workflow whose flow attributes differ from the data attributes but can process the target data.

[0029] According to the invention of claim 5 , it is possible to set for each attribute item of the flow attribute whether the object data can be processed using the workflow when the attribute value of the attribute item differs between the flow attribute and the data attribute.

[0030] According to the invention of claim 6, the user can understand that the flow attributes and data attributes of the selected workflow are different.

[0031] According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to set for each attribute item of the flow attribute whether to ask the user for confirmation when the attribute value of the attribute item differs between the flow attribute and the data attribute. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the information processing device according to this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a stream attribute setting screen.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the content of workflow information.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a first workflow selection screen.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a first example of the second workflow selection screen.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a second example of the second workflow selection screen.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a first example of a screen displaying a message to a user.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a second example of a screen displaying a message to the user.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the flow of the information processing device according to this embodiment.

[0041] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 10: Information processing device

[0043] 12: Communication interface

[0044] 14: Display

[0045] 16: Scanner

[0046] 18: Input interface

[0047] 20: Memory

[0048] 22: Workflow information

[0049] 24: Processor

[0050] 26: Workflow Generation Department

[0051] 28: Display control unit

[0052] 30: Workflow selection section

[0053] 32: Processing Execution Department DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the information processing device 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 is an image processing device having the following functions, namely: a scanning function for optically reading a recording medium to generate image data; a copying function for printing the scanned image data; a printing function for printing the image data specified by a user (i.e., the user, in the following description, the so-called user refers to the terminal user of the information processing device 10) on a recording medium; and a fax function for sending the image data specified by the user to a specified destination. The information processing device 10 can also further perform a process of saving the data specified by the user to a specific folder inside or outside the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 is not limited to an image processing device, and any device can be used as long as it can perform workflow-based processing on the object data as described below.

[0055] A workflow, as used herein, refers to a predetermined set of processing. For example, a workflow may include multiple processes that perform specific processing (such as conversion or processing) on ​​object data, save it to a specific folder, and then send it to a specific destination. In this case, a workflow may process a series of processes sequentially, or at least a portion of the multiple processes may be executed in parallel (simultaneously). Furthermore, a workflow may include a single process, such as saving object data to a specific folder.

[0056] In this embodiment, the data to be processed according to the workflow, namely the object data, is an electronic document containing one or more image data generated by optically reading a paper document, but the object data is not limited to this. For example, the object data may also be an electronic document prepared in advance by the user. Furthermore, the object data may not be an electronic document but may instead be image data representing a photograph or drawing, program source code, or a program executable file (exe file). Furthermore, in this specification, the operation of processing object data according to a workflow may sometimes be expressed as "introducing the object data into the workflow."

[0057] The communication interface 12 is comprised of, for example, a wired or wireless local area network (LAN) adapter. The communication interface 12 facilitates communication with other devices via a communication line such as a LAN or the Internet. Electronic documents serving as target data can be received or transmitted to other devices via the communication interface 12.

[0058] The display 14 is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc. Various information for the user of the information processing device 10 is displayed on the display 14 .

[0059] The scanner 16 is composed of, for example, a transparent document table, a light source, and an image sensor. The scanner 16 optically reads a paper document placed on the document table by the user and generates an electronic document corresponding to the paper document as target data. The information processing device 10 may also include a printer for printing image data onto a recording medium.

[0060] The input interface 18 includes, for example, a touch panel and various buttons, etc. The input interface 18 is used to input user instructions to the information processing device 10 .

[0061] The memory 20 may be composed of, for example, a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM). The memory 20 may be provided independently of the processor 24 described later, or at least a portion thereof may be provided within the processor 24. The memory 20 stores information processing programs for operating various components of the information processing device 10. Figure 1As shown, the memory 20 stores workflow information 22. The workflow information 22 is information related to workflows available in the information processing device 10. The details of the workflow information 22 will be described together with the processing of the workflow generation unit 26 described later.

[0062] The processor 24 refers to a processing device in a broad sense, and is composed of at least one of a general-purpose processing device (such as a central processing unit (CPU)) and a special-purpose processing device (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic device). The processor 24 may not include only one processing device, but may be composed of the cooperation of multiple processing devices located in physically separate locations. The processor 24 cooperates with the information processing program stored in the memory 20, thereby Figure 1 As shown, the functions of the workflow generating unit 26 , the display controlling unit 28 , the workflow selecting unit 30 , and the processing executing unit 32 are fulfilled.

[0063] The workflow generation unit 26 generates a workflow based on instructions from a user or administrator of the information processing device 10. In the following description, the user or administrator uses the information processing device 10 to generate a workflow. However, the user or administrator can also use a terminal other than the information processing device 10 (e.g., a personal computer) to generate a workflow. In this case, the other terminal will function as the workflow generation unit 26. By transmitting information related to the workflow generated by the other terminal to the information processing device 10, the workflow can be utilized within the information processing device 10.

[0064] First, the user or administrator uses input interface 18 to input the required information, thereby setting the name of the newly created workflow, the type of processing to be performed using the workflow, and the order of the processing. The types of processing include, but are not limited to, saving the target electronic document in a specific folder, sending the electronic document to a specific destination, printing the electronic document, or performing specific processing on the electronic document (changing the file format or resolution, etc.).

[0065] Next, the user or administrator sets the attributes of the newly created workflow (referred to as "flow attributes" in this specification). Figure 2FIG. 4 shows an example of a flow attribute setting screen 40 displayed on the display 14 . When a user or an administrator inputs an instruction to start attribute setting of a newly created workflow through the input interface 18 , the flow attribute setting screen 40 is displayed on the display 14 .

[0066] Flow attributes represent attributes of object data (in this embodiment, electronic documents) that are suitable for the workflow. Flow attributes include one or more attribute items, attribute values ​​for each attribute item, and configuration information for each attribute item (described in detail later). When the attribute values ​​of the flow attribute items match the attribute values ​​of the corresponding attribute items of the electronic document, the electronic document can be included in the workflow. Furthermore, as described later, even if the attribute values ​​of the flow attribute items do not match or differ from the attribute values ​​of the corresponding attribute items of the electronic document, the electronic document can be included in the workflow as long as certain conditions are met.

[0067] As a property item of the stream property, such as Figure 2 As shown, the stream attributes include "Document Type" indicating the type of electronic document content, "File Format" indicating the file format of the electronic document, "Color Mode" indicating the color mode of the electronic document, and "Read Resolution" indicating the resolution of the electronic document. Of course, the stream attributes are not limited to these, and may include other attribute items such as document orientation (values ​​include Left) and read size (values ​​include A4).

[0068] The user or administrator enters the attribute value for each attribute item in the value input field 42 on the flow attribute setting screen 40. Alternatively, the user or administrator selects the attribute value from a plurality of options prepared in advance. For example, Figure 4 In the example, "Quotation" is set as the attribute value for the attribute item "Document Type", "PDF" is set as the attribute value for the attribute item "File Format", "Color" is set as the attribute value for the attribute item "Color Mode", and "300dpi" is set as the attribute value for the attribute item "Read Resolution".

[0069] In this embodiment, the configuration information for each attribute item allows you to set a response to inconsistencies. This response refers to the behavior when the attribute value of an attribute item representing a flow attribute differs from the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item in the electronic document to be included in the workflow. The response to inconsistencies can be set for each attribute item. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the selectable response varies depending on the attribute item, with options for "Reject," "Reject if less than specified," "Ignore," and "Overwrite" available.

[0070] If "Reject" is selected, the workflow will not accept the electronic document if the attribute value of the attribute item in the flow attribute does not match the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item in the electronic document. For example, if "Reject" is selected for a mismatch in the attribute item "Document Type" with the attribute value "Quotation," an electronic document of the document type "Invoice" cannot be accepted into the workflow.

[0071] If "Reject if less than specified" is selected, the workflow will reject the electronic document if the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item is less than the attribute value of the stream attribute. For example, if the response to an inconsistency in the attribute item "Reading Resolution" with an attribute value of "300 dpi" is "Reject if less than specified," electronic documents with a reading resolution less than 300 dpi (e.g., 200 dpi) cannot be submitted to the workflow. On the other hand, if the response to an inconsistency in the attribute item "Reading Resolution" with an attribute value of "300 dpi" is "Reject if less than specified," electronic documents with a reading resolution greater than 300 dpi (e.g., 400 dpi) can be submitted to the workflow. "Reject if less than specified" is selectable for attribute items whose attribute values ​​are expressed as numeric values.

[0072] If "Ignore" is selected, the workflow can accept the electronic document even if the attribute value of the attribute item in the stream attributes does not match the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item in the electronic document. For example, if "Ignore" is selected for the inconsistency of the attribute item "Color Mode" with the attribute value "Color," an electronic document in black and white color mode can be accepted into the workflow.

[0073] If "Overwrite" is selected, if the attribute value of the attribute item in the stream attribute does not match the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item in the electronic document, the attribute value of the electronic document will be changed to the attribute value of the attribute item in the stream attribute, and the workflow will then accept the electronic document. For example, if "Overwrite" is selected for a mismatch in the attribute item "File Format" of the stream attribute with the attribute value "PDF," an electronic document in XDW format can be accepted into the workflow after its file format is converted to PDF.

[0074] Furthermore, as additional configuration information for each attribute item, it is possible to configure whether or not to provide confirmation to the user who selected the workflow. Confirmation here refers to providing confirmation to the user who wishes to submit the electronic document to the workflow when the attribute values ​​of the flow attribute items do not match the corresponding attribute values ​​of the electronic document. Whether or not to provide confirmation can be configured for each attribute item.

[0075] When a user or administrator inputs flow attributes on the flow attribute setting screen 40, the workflow generation unit 26 assigns a workflow ID as identification information to the generated workflow, and stores the workflow ID, the name of the workflow, the type of processing executed by the workflow, and the order of processing in association with the flow attributes in the memory 20 as workflow information 22. Thus, the workflow becomes selectable in the information processing device 10.

[0076] A plurality of workflows can be generated by the workflow generation unit 26. When a plurality of workflows are generated, information related to the plurality of workflows is stored as the workflow information 22. Figure 3 An example of the content of the workflow information 22 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, in the workflow information 22, the name of the workflow, the attribute value of each attribute item, the response to inconsistency, and the presence or absence of confirmation are stored in association with each workflow (each workflow ID). Figure 3 Although not shown in the figure, the workflow information 22 also associates the type of processing and the order of processing to be executed in the workflow with each workflow ID.

[0077] return Figure 1 The display control unit 28 performs processing to display various screens on the display 14. In particular, the display control unit 28 displays a screen on the display 14 for the user to select a workflow to which an electronic document is to be input.

[0078] The workflow selection unit 30 performs processing for selecting a workflow for processing an electronic document from among the plurality of workflows generated by the workflow generation unit 26 in accordance with a user instruction.

[0079] The process execution unit 32 executes a process for the electronic document designated by the user in accordance with the workflow selected by the workflow selection unit 30 .

[0080] Below, refer to Figures 4 to 8 The details of the processing of the display control unit 28, the workflow selection unit 30, and the processing execution unit 32 will be described together with the method of selecting the workflow for processing the electronic document.

[0081] When the user inputs an instruction to execute the following processing to the information processing device 10, the display control unit 28 Figure 4The first workflow selection screen 50 shown is displayed on the display 14. This process involves selecting a workflow for processing an electronic document using the input interface 18 before inputting the electronic document as target data into the information processing device 10. The first workflow selection screen 50 includes a workflow button 52 corresponding to a workflow generated by the workflow generation unit 26 and stored in the workflow information 22; in other words, corresponding to a workflow available to the user on the information processing device 10. For convenience, in this specification, displaying the workflow button 52 corresponding to a workflow on the display 14 may sometimes be referred to as "displaying the workflow on the display 14."

[0082] By selecting any of the workflow buttons 52, the user can select a workflow for processing an electronic document before inputting it into the information processing device 10, in other words, before the information processing device 10 accepts the electronic document. When the user selects a workflow button 52 on the first workflow selection screen 50, the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow corresponding to the selected workflow button 52 as the workflow for processing the electronic document. The user then uses the scanner 16 to convert the paper document into an electronic document, and the process execution unit 32 executes the processing on the electronic document in accordance with the selected workflow.

[0083] The operation mode of the information processing apparatus 10 when the workflow button 52 is selected on the first workflow selection screen 50 , that is, the operation mode in which the information processing apparatus 10 accepts selection of a workflow for processing an electronic document before accepting the electronic document, is referred to as a first mode.

[0084] Furthermore, the first workflow selection screen 50 includes a Hold button 54. When the user selects Hold button 54, the user can select a workflow to process the electronic document after inputting the electronic document into the information processing device 10, in other words, after the information processing device 10 accepts the electronic document. When the user selects Hold button 54 on the first workflow selection screen 50, at this point, the workflow selection unit 30 does not select a workflow to process the electronic document. After selecting Hold button 54, the user uses the scanner 16 to convert the paper document into an electronic document. In other words, the information processing device 10 accepts the electronic document as target data. At this point, the electronic document is stored in the memory 20 as a held document for which no workflow has yet been selected. As will be described later, the workflow selection unit 30 selects a workflow to process the electronic document after the information processing device 10 accepts the electronic document.

[0085] The operation mode of the information processing apparatus 10 when the hold button 54 is selected on the first workflow selection screen 50 , that is, the operation mode in which the information processing apparatus 10 accepts selection of a workflow for processing an electronic document after accepting the electronic document, is referred to as the second mode.

[0086] As described above, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment can select a first mode and a second mode. The first mode accepts the selection of a workflow for processing an electronic document before the information processing device 10 accepts the electronic document, and the second mode accepts the selection of a workflow for processing the electronic document after the information processing device 10 accepts the electronic document. Therefore, the user can appropriately select the timing of selecting a workflow for processing the electronic document.

[0087] After the reserved document is stored in the memory 20, when the user uses the input interface 18 to input an execution instruction for selecting a process for processing the workflow of the reserved document to the information processing apparatus 10, the display control unit 28 causes the display control unit 28 to execute the process. Figure 5 The second workflow selection screen 56 is shown displayed on the display 14 .

[0088] Second workflow selection screen 56 includes a retained document icon 58 corresponding to a retained document, i.e., an electronic document before a workflow is selected, and workflow icons 60 corresponding to workflows available to the user on information processing device 10. Note that, for convenience, in this specification, displaying retained document icon 58 corresponding to a retained document on display 14 may sometimes be described as "displaying the retained document on display 14," and displaying workflow icon 60 corresponding to a workflow on display 14 may sometimes be described as "displaying the workflow on display 14," and for convenience, displaying workflow icon 60 corresponding to a workflow on display 14 may sometimes be described as "displaying the workflow on display 14."

[0089] In the case where a plurality of reserved documents are stored in the memory 20, Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of retained documents are displayed on the second workflow selection screen 56. Furthermore, when the information processing device 10 authenticates the user and the user is able to operate the information processing device 10 (for example, when the user logs in to the information processing device 10 and operates the information processing device 10), the user ID, which is a user identifier for identifying the user, may be associated with the retained documents input by the user and stored in the memory 20, so that only the retained documents input by the user to the information processing device 10 are displayed on the second workflow selection screen 56.

[0090] On the second workflow selection screen 56, when the user selects the retained document icon 58 and then selects the workflow icon 60, the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow corresponding to the selected workflow icon 60 as the workflow for processing the retained document corresponding to the selected retained document icon 58. For example, by dragging the retained document icon 58 onto the workflow icon 60 on the second workflow selection screen 56, the workflow icon 60 can be selected after the retained document icon 58 is selected. After the workflow for processing the retained document is selected, the process execution unit 32 executes the process on the retained document in accordance with the selected workflow.

[0091] Furthermore, the display control unit 28 may display a workflow creation button 62 on the second workflow selection screen 56. This button is used to input an instruction to create a new workflow. This allows the user to create a new workflow for a retained document, for example, if no workflow exists for the retained document. Displaying the workflow creation button 62 on the second workflow selection screen 56 allows the information processing device 10 to create a new workflow for processing an electronic document after receiving the electronic document as target data.

[0092] Ideally, in the second mode, attributes of the retained document (referred to herein as "data attributes") can be stored in memory 20 in association with the retained document. Data attributes consist of attribute items similar to those of the stream attributes, as well as attribute values ​​corresponding to these attribute items. Data attributes are acquired by processor 24 by analyzing the retained document or based on the scan settings set by scanner 16 when the retained document was created. For example, the attribute value corresponding to the attribute item "document type" can be acquired by analyzing a character string contained in a specific area of ​​the retained document or by analyzing the format of the retained document. Furthermore, the document type of the retained document can be input by the user when the scanner 16 creates the retained document. Furthermore, attribute values ​​corresponding to attribute items such as "file format," "color mode," "reading resolution," "document orientation," or "reading size" are acquired based on the scan settings set by scanner 16 when the retained document was created.

[0093] The display control unit 28 may also display only workflows that can process the held document on the second workflow selection screen 56 based on the data attributes of the held document and the flow attributes of the workflows available to the user on the information processing device 10. If multiple held documents are stored in the memory 20 and displayed on the second workflow selection screen 56, the display control unit 28 displays only workflows that can process the selected held document when the user selects any of the held documents.

[0094] Here, the workflow that can process the retained document first includes workflows whose flow attributes are consistent with the data attributes of the retained document. The so-called flow attributes being consistent with the data attributes of the retained document means that the attribute values ​​of the multiple attribute items contained in the flow attributes and the attribute values ​​corresponding to the attribute items of the data attributes are all the same. For example, when the content of the workflow information 22 is Figure 3 The content shown in the figure, and the attribute value of the attribute item "Document Type" of the data attribute of the retained document is "Bill", the attribute value of the attribute item "File Format" is "XDW", and the attribute value of the attribute item "Color Mode" is "Color", the workflow that can process the retained document includes "Workflow 1" with consistent flow attributes.

[0095] Furthermore, if the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute differs from the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item of the data attribute of the retained document, but the response to the inconsistency of the attribute item in the flow attribute is "ignore" or "overwrite", the workflow can also process the retained document. For example, when the content of the workflow information 22 is Figure 3 As shown in the content, and the attribute value of the attribute item "Document Type" of the data attributes of the retained document is "Bill", the attribute value of the attribute item "File Format" is "XDW", and the attribute value of the attribute item "Color Mode" is "Color", if the data attributes of the retained document are compared with the flow attributes of "Workflow 4", the attribute values ​​of the attribute items "File Format" and "Color Mode" are different from each other, but in the workflow information 22, the response to inconsistencies in the attribute items "File Format" and "Color Mode" of "Workflow 4" is "Ignore", so the workflow that can process the retained document includes "Workflow 4".

[0096] Furthermore, if there are attribute items with different values ​​between the stream attributes and the data attributes of a retained document, and the inconsistency response for these attribute items in the stream attributes is set to "Reject if less than specified," the workflow may be able to process the retained document depending on the attribute value of these attribute items in the data attributes. For example, if the only attribute item that differs between a data attribute and a stream attribute is "Read Resolution," and the attribute value of the stream attribute's "Read Resolution" is "300 dpi," and the inconsistency response is set to "Reject if less than specified," the workflow may be able to process the retained document if the attribute value of the data attribute's "Read Resolution" is "300 dpi" or greater. On the other hand, if the attribute value of the data attribute's "Read Resolution" is less than "300 dpi," the workflow may not be able to process the retained document.

[0097] When the content of the workflow information 22 is Figure 3 As shown in the figure, if the user selects a retained document A with the attribute value "Bill" for the attribute item "Document Type", the attribute value "XDW" for the attribute item "File Format", and the attribute value "Color" for the attribute item "Color Mode", the workflows that can process retained document A are "Workflow 1" and "Workflow 4". Figure 6 As shown, the display control unit 28 displays “Workflow 1” and “Workflow 4” on the second workflow selection screen 56 .

[0098] This allows the user to understand the workflow that can process the selected held document and prevent the user from selecting a workflow that cannot process the selected held document.

[0099] Ideally, the display control unit 28 may distinguishably display a workflow whose flow attributes match the data attributes of the retained document and a workflow whose flow attributes do not match the data attributes of the retained document but can process the retained document.

[0100] In the example described above, the flow attribute of "Workflow 1" is consistent with the data attribute of the retained document A. On the other hand, although the flow attribute of "Workflow 4" is different from the data attribute of the retained document A, "Workflow 4" is a workflow that can process the retained document A. Therefore, the display control unit 28 Figure 6 As shown, the workflow icon 60a corresponding to "workflow 1" and the workflow icon 60b corresponding to "workflow 4" are displayed in different forms. Figure 6 In the example, the workflow icon 60a corresponding to "Workflow 1" is displayed without a shadow, and the workflow icon 60b corresponding to "Workflow 4" is displayed with a shadow, but the workflow icon 60a and the workflow icon 60b can also be displayed in other display forms as long as the display forms of the two are different.

[0101] Thus, the user can identify whether the workflow displayed on the second workflow selection screen 56 is a workflow whose flow attributes match the data attributes of the selected retained document, or a workflow whose flow attributes differ from the data attributes of the selected retained document but can process the retained document.

[0102] When the user selects a workflow (eg, Figure 6 In the case of "Workflow 4" in FIG. 1 , before the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow as the workflow for processing the retained document, the workflow selection unit 30 may select the workflow as the workflow for processing the retained document. Figure 7As shown, the display control unit 28 displays a message 64 on the display 14 , the message 64 being used to confirm to the user whether the reserved document can be processed using the workflow.

[0103] Ideally, message 64 not only displays the fact that the data attributes of the selected retained document are different from the flow attributes of the selected workflow, but also displays which attribute item has a different attribute value, as well as the attribute value of the attribute item of the data attribute and the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute.

[0104] If the user selects the OK button included in the message 64, the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow selected by the user as the workflow for processing the retained document, and the process execution unit 32 executes the process according to the selected workflow on the retained document. On the other hand, if the user selects the CANCEL button included in the message 64, the workflow selection unit 30 does not select the workflow for processing the retained document, and the display control unit 28 uses the [Confirmed Workflow] button again. Figure 5 or Figure 6 The second workflow selection screen 56 is shown displayed on the display 14 .

[0105] In addition, in this embodiment, the display control unit 28 displays a message 64 on the display 14 to confirm whether the retained document can be processed using the selected workflow. However, a speaker and a microphone can also be provided in the information processing device 10, and the processor 24 can output voice from the speaker to inquire the user whether the retained document can be processed using the selected workflow, and the user can use the microphone to input a response (permission or rejection) to the inquiry by voice.

[0106] Furthermore, when the user selects a workflow on the second workflow selection screen 56 whose flow attributes are inconsistent with the data attributes of the retained document, that is, when there is an attribute item whose attribute value is inconsistent between the flow attributes and the data attributes, and the display control unit 28 has set the attribute item in the workflow information 22 to require user confirmation (i.e., "confirmation is provided"), the display control unit 28 may display a message 64 on the display 14 before the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow as the workflow for processing the retained document. The message 64 confirms with the user whether the retained document can be processed using the workflow. In other words, when the attribute value of an attribute item set in the workflow information 22 not to require user confirmation (i.e., "no confirmation") differs between the flow attributes and the data attributes, the display control unit 28 may not display the message 64 on the display 14.

[0107] Furthermore, when the user selects a workflow whose flow attributes are inconsistent with the data attributes of the retained document on the second workflow selection screen 56, that is, when there is an attribute item whose attribute value is inconsistent between the flow attributes and the data attributes, and the response to the inconsistency of the attribute item is set to "overwrite" in the workflow information 22, before the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow as the workflow for processing the retained document, the display control unit 28 may also select the workflow as the workflow for processing the retained document as shown in the following example. Figure 8 As shown, after the reserved document is overwritten (ie, converted), a message 66 is displayed on the display 14. The message 66 is used to confirm to the user whether the reserved document can be processed using the workflow.

[0108] If the user selects the OK button included in the message 66, the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow selected by the user as the workflow for processing the retained document, and the process execution unit 32 overwrites (i.e., converts) the retained document according to the workflow information 22, and then executes the process according to the selected workflow on the converted retained document. On the other hand, if the user selects the Cancel button included in the message 66, the workflow selection unit 30 does not select the workflow for processing the retained document, and the process execution unit 32 does not overwrite the retained document, and the display control unit 28 uses the [Confirmation] button again. Figure 5 or Figure 6 The second workflow selection screen 56 is shown displayed on the display 14 .

[0109] In addition, when the user selects a workflow whose flow attributes are inconsistent with the data attributes of the retained document on the second workflow selection screen 56, that is, when there are attribute items with inconsistent attribute values ​​between the flow attributes and the data attributes, and the response to the inconsistency of the attribute items in the workflow information 22 is set to "overwrite", and it is set to require confirmation from the user (that is, "yes" confirmation), the display control unit 28 may also display a message 66.

[0110] The following, according to Figure 9 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the processing flow of the information processing device 10. Figure 9 At the beginning of the flowchart, a plurality of workflows are generated by the workflow generation unit 26 , that is, a plurality of workflows are available in the information processing apparatus 10 .

[0111] In step S10, when the user inputs an instruction to select a workflow process to the information processing apparatus 10 using the input interface 18, the display control unit 28 displays the first workflow selection screen 50 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ) is displayed on the display 14.

[0112] In step S12 , the processor 24 determines the button selected by the user on the first workflow selection screen 50 .

[0113] When the workflow button 52 is selected, the operation mode of the information processing apparatus 10 changes to the first mode, and the process proceeds to step S14 .

[0114] In step S14 , the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow corresponding to the workflow button 52 selected by the user in step S12 .

[0115] In step S16, the user converts the paper document into an electronic document using the scanner 16. That is, the information processing apparatus 10 accepts the electronic document as target data.

[0116] In step S18 , the process execution unit 32 executes the process according to the workflow selected in step S14 on the electronic document received in step S16 .

[0117] As described above, in the first mode, before the information processing apparatus 10 accepts an electronic document, a workflow for processing the electronic document is selected.

[0118] When the hold button 54 is selected in step S12 , the operation mode of the information processing device 10 is changed to the second mode, and the process proceeds to step S20 .

[0119] In step S20, the user uses scanner 16 to convert a paper document into an electronic document. Specifically, information processing device 10 accepts the electronic document as target data. At this point, processor 24 obtains the data attributes of the electronic document. Since a workflow for the electronic document has not yet been selected, the electronic document is stored in memory 20 as a retained document, associated with the data attributes.

[0120] In step S22 , the processor 24 waits until receiving an instruction from the user to execute a process selected from a workflow for processing a pending document. When receiving an instruction to execute a process selected from a workflow for processing a pending document, the process proceeds to step S24 .

[0121] In step S24, the display control unit 28 displays the second workflow selection screen 56 on the display 14. Here, it is assumed that if a retain document is selected on the second workflow selection screen 56, Figure 6 As shown, the display control unit 28 displays only the workflows that can process the selected held document.

[0122] In step S26, the display control unit 28 determines whether the data attributes of the retained document selected on the second workflow selection screen 56 match the flow attributes of the selected workflow. If they match, the process bypasses steps S28 through S32 and proceeds to step S34. If they do not match, that is, if the attribute value of any attribute item between the data attributes and the flow attributes differs, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0123] In step S28, the display control unit 28 determines whether user confirmation is required based on the workflow information 22. Specifically, it determines whether a "yes" confirmation is associated with the workflow information 22 for the attribute items determined in step S26 to have different attribute values ​​between the data attributes and the flow attributes. If a "yes" confirmation is associated with any of the attribute items determined to have different attribute values ​​between the data attributes and the flow attributes, it is determined that user confirmation is required and the process proceeds to step S30. If a "no" confirmation is associated with all of the attribute items determined to have different attribute values ​​between the data attributes and the flow attributes, it is determined that user confirmation is not required, and the process bypasses steps S30 and S32, and the process proceeds to step S34.

[0124] In step S30, the display control unit 28 displays the message 64 (see Figure 7 ) is displayed on the display 14.

[0125] In step S32, the workflow selection unit 30 determines whether the user has input a confirmation instruction in response to the message 64. Specifically, if the user has pressed the OK button included in the message 64, the user is determined to have input a confirmation instruction, and the process proceeds to step S34. If the user has pressed the Cancel button included in the message 64, the user is determined not to have input a confirmation instruction, and the process returns to step S24, where the display control unit 28 displays the second workflow selection screen 56 on the display 14 again.

[0126] In step S34 , the workflow selection unit 30 selects the workflow selected in step S26 as a workflow for processing the electronic document received in step S20 .

[0127] In step S36 , the process execution unit 32 executes the process according to the workflow selected in step S34 on the electronic document received in step S20 .

[0128] As described above, in the second mode, after the information processing apparatus 10 accepts an electronic document, it selects a workflow for processing the electronic document.

[0129] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, Various changes are possible as long as they do not deviate from the summary of this invention.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that Including processor, The processor can select either the first mode or the second mode according to the user's instruction. The first mode is to accept the selection of a workflow for processing the object data before accepting the object data, and the second mode is to accept the selection of a workflow for processing the object data after accepting the object data. When the second mode is selected, a first screen including the accepted object data and a plurality of workflows is displayed. When an execution instruction for selecting a workflow for processing the object data is received, a second screen is displayed, which displays the workflows that can process the object data among the multiple workflows, and does not display the workflows that cannot process the object data among the multiple workflows.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein In the second mode, the processor displays the object data before a workflow is selected and the workflows available to the user on a display.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein The processor displays a workflow capable of processing the object data on the display based on a data attribute that is an attribute of the object data and a flow attribute that is an attribute of the workflow.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein The processor displays a workflow in which the flow attribute and the data attribute are consistent and a workflow in which the flow attribute and the data attribute are different but which can process the object data in a distinguishable manner.

5. The information processing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The data attribute and the stream attribute each have a plurality of attribute items. For each attribute item of the flow attribute, it is set whether the workflow can process the object data when the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute is different from the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item of the data attribute. The processor displays the workflow as a workflow capable of processing the object data when an attribute value of an attribute item of the flow attribute set to be processable is different from an attribute value of a corresponding attribute item of the data attribute.

6. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein The processor confirms with a user whether the target data can be processed using the selected workflow when a workflow for processing the target data is selected in the second mode and the data attribute is different from the flow attribute of the selected workflow.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein The data attribute and the stream attribute each have a plurality of attribute items. For each attribute item of the flow attribute, whether to confirm with the user when the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute is different from the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item of the data attribute is set. When the attribute value of the attribute item of the flow attribute set to be confirmed by the user is different from the attribute value of the corresponding attribute item of the data attribute, the processor confirms with the user whether the object data can be processed using the selected workflow.

8. A recording medium storing an information processing program, characterized in that: The computer is configured to select one of a first mode and a second mode according to a user's instruction, wherein the first mode accepts selection of a workflow for processing the object data before accepting the object data, and the second mode accepts selection of a workflow for processing the object data after accepting the object data. When the second mode is selected, a first screen including the accepted object data and a plurality of workflows is displayed. When an execution instruction for selecting a workflow for processing the object data is received, a second screen is displayed, which displays the workflows that can process the object data among the multiple workflows, and does not display the workflows that cannot process the object data among the multiple workflows.

9. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the processor performs the following operations: According to the user's instruction, either the first mode or the second mode is selected. The first mode is to accept the selection of a workflow for processing the object data before accepting the object data, and the second mode is to accept the selection of a workflow for processing the object data after accepting the object data. When the second mode is selected, a first screen including the accepted object data and a plurality of workflows is displayed. When an execution instruction for selecting a workflow for processing the object data is received, a second screen is displayed, which displays the workflows that can process the object data among the multiple workflows, and does not display the workflows that cannot process the object data among the multiple workflows.

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