Program, information processing method, information processing apparatus, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide document data output from an apparatus to another application unit that operates under the management of an operating system unit.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises: a processor; and a communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from an apparatus that outputs document data through a communication path. The processor functions as a workflow execution unit that executes a workflow including one or more types of processing on the document data acquired from the apparatus, one or more application units that can acquire the document data, and an operating system unit that manages the workflow execution unit and the one or more application units. The workflow execution unit has an instruction generation unit that, when application calling processing is included in the workflow, generates a calling instruction for calling an application unit that can acquire document data, and a calling unit that provides the generated calling instruction to the operating system unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known multifunction devices having functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. The multifunction device has a function of executing a workflow including one or more processes on document data captured by a scanner. By executing a workflow, the multifunction device can perform predetermined processes such as noise removal on the captured document data, and then automatically transmit the document data to a specified file server device or the like.

[0003] Also known is a multifunction device that can realize the functions of an operation panel on a portable information processing device such as a smartphone. The information processing device that realizes the functions of the operation panel of the multifunction device executes a dedicated application to connect to the multifunction device via a wireless communication line and exchange information with the multifunction device. The information processing device that realizes the functions of the operation panel of the multifunction device can also receive document data scanned and imported by the multifunction device from the multifunction device and execute a workflow for the received document data. As a result, the information processing device executes the workflow on behalf of the multifunction device, thereby reducing the processing load on the multifunction device.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile terminal device installed with a linking application for linking an application with a job execution device that communicates with the application via a communication means. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Generally, a portable information processing device runs a general-purpose operating system such as Android (registered trademark). A large number of applications can run on the general-purpose operating system. Some of these applications can handle document data captured by a multifunction device.

[0006] However, a dedicated application capable of performing a predetermined process on document data received from a multifunction device executes a pre-registered workflow, and therefore, although such a dedicated application can transmit data to a pre-registered server device on a network, it cannot automatically cause other applications running on the operating system to obtain the document data.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a program, an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing system that can provide document data output by an apparatus to another application unit that operates under the management of an operating system unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the program of the present invention is a program installed in an information processing device capable of communicating with a device that outputs document data, and causes the information processing device to function as an acquisition unit that acquires the document data transmitted from the device, and an execution control unit that determines the execution of either a process of calling an application capable of distributing the acquired document data, or a process of sending the acquired document data to a specified destination, and is characterized in that the execution control unit gives a call instruction to an operating system unit possessed by the information processing device to call the application when executing the process of distributing the acquired document data. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, document data output by the device can be provided to another application section that operates under the control of the operating system section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a document processing system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus together with the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the application calling process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the document processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a workflow execution unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an information processing device displaying a workflow generation screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when application invocation processing is selected. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing in the document processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a document processing system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a document processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The document processing system 10 includes an image forming device 20, an information processing device 30, an information providing server device 32, a file server device 34, and a mail server device 36.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 20 scans the surface of a sheet of paper and outputs document data representing the image on the surface of the sheet of paper. The image forming apparatus 20 is, for example, a multifunction machine having functions of a printer, a scanner, a facsimile, and the like.

[0014] Note that the image forming device 20 is an example of a device that outputs document data. Instead of the image forming device 20, the document processing system 10 may include a device that outputs document data other than the image forming device 20. For example, the document processing system 10 may include an electronic camera device or a facsimile device as a device that outputs document data. Furthermore, the document data may include text data or video data.

[0015] The information processing device 30 is a portable computer that can be carried by a user. The information processing device 30 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, a mobile phone device, or a notebook computer. The information processing device 30 can transmit and receive information to and from the image forming device 20 via a communication path. The communication path may be, for example, a radio wave wireless communication path or an infrared wireless communication path. The communication path may also be a wired communication path using a cable or the like. The communication path may also be a path that connects the information processing device 30 and the image forming device 20 one-to-one, a path that connects them via a bus or a network, or a path that connects them via a public line such as the Internet.

[0016] The information processing device 30 can also access an information providing server device 32, a file server device 34, and a mail server device 36 via a network such as the Internet.

[0017] The information providing server device 32 provides information to the information processing device 30 via a network. For example, the information providing server device 32 provides a program to be executed by the information processing device 30. In this case, the information processing device 30 downloads the program from the information providing server device 32 and executes it.

[0018] The file server device 34 stores document data transmitted via the network from the information processing device 30. The information processing device 30 transmits document data via the network to the file server device 34 for storage.

[0019] The mail server device 36 stores document data transmitted in the form of mail from the information processing device 30 via the network. The information processing device 30 transmits the document data to the mail server device 36 via the network for storage.

[0020] 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 30. The information processing apparatus 30 includes a processor 201 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 202 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage device 203 such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a display unit 204 such as a display, an input unit 205 such as a touch sensor formed on the display, a communication unit 206, and a network I / F 207. The communication unit 206 transmits and receives information to and from the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path. The network I / F 207 transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as an information providing server device 32, a file server device 34, and a mail server device 36 via a network. In such an information processing apparatus 30, the processor 201 such as a CPU executes an operating system program and an application program previously stored in the storage device 203.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 20 includes a processor 211 such as a CPU, a memory 212 such as a RAM and a ROM, a storage device 213 such as a HDD, a printer 214, a scanner 215, and a communication unit 216. The printer 214 prints characters and images corresponding to data on paper or the like. The scanner 215 reads characters and images printed on paper or the like and converts them into data. The image forming apparatus 20 may include only one of the printer 214 and the scanner 215. The communication unit 216 transmits and receives information to and from the information processing apparatus 30 via a communication path.

[0022] 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 30 together with the image forming device 20. The information processing device 30 has an operation unit 42, a workflow execution unit 44, at least one application unit 46 (46-1 to 46-N) (N is an arbitrary natural number), and an OS unit 48 (operating system unit).

[0023] The operation unit 42 functions by the processor 201 executing a dedicated application program installed in the storage device 203. Alternatively, the operation unit 42 may function by the processor 201 executing a script program downloaded from the information providing server device 32 on a browser program.

[0024] The operation unit 42 provides the user with a user interface for operating the image forming apparatus 20. The operation unit 42 provides operation instructions corresponding to operations on the user interface to the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path. The image forming apparatus 20 executes various operations in response to the operation instructions provided by the operation unit 42. Such an operation unit 42 can function as an operation panel for the image forming apparatus 20. This allows the operation unit 42 to provide the user with a scan start button, buttons for inputting various setting values ​​for scanning, and the like.

[0025] The workflow execution unit 44 functions by the processor 201 executing a dedicated application program installed in the storage device 203. The workflow execution unit 44 acquires document data generated by scanning with the image forming device 20 via a communication path. The workflow execution unit 44 executes a workflow including one or more processes on the document data acquired from the image forming device 20.

[0026] The workflow execution unit 44 stores workflow information that defines a workflow. The workflow execution unit 44 executes the workflow by sequentially executing processes according to the workflow information selected by the user.

[0027] When the workflow includes a server distribution process, the workflow execution unit 44 transmits the document data to be processed to, for example, the file server device 34 or the mail server device 36 via the network. When the workflow includes an application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 calls one of the application units 46 via the OS unit 48 and provides the document data to be processed to the called application unit 46.

[0028] The application unit 46 functions by the processor 201 executing an application program installed in the storage device 203. The application program may be, for example, a business program or a game program, and may be free or paid. The information processing device 30 also has at least one application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data output by the image forming device 20. The application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data may have a function of managing the document data, may have a function of editing the document data, or may have a function of transmitting the document data to a server on a network.

[0029] The OS unit 48 functions by the processor 201 executing an operating system program installed in the storage device 203. The operating system program is a basic program for operating a computer. The OS unit 48 manages the operation unit 42, the workflow execution unit 44, and at least one application unit 46. That is, the operation unit 42, the workflow execution unit 44, and at least one application unit 46 function under the management of the OS unit 48. The OS unit 48 functions by executing Android (registered trademark), as one example.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit 44. A plurality of pieces of workflow information generated by an administrator are registered in the workflow execution unit 44. The workflow information is described in a data format that can be interpreted by a computer. The workflow information is described in, for example, XML (Extensible Markup Language). The workflow execution unit 44 interprets the contents described in the workflow information and executes the workflow.

[0031] The workflow information defines a workflow (at least one process and the execution sequence of the processes) to be executed by the workflow execution unit 44. The workflow shown in Fig. 4 indicates that the processes are performed in the order of noise removal process → character recognition process → format conversion process → delivery process.

[0032] For example, in a noise removal process, the workflow execution unit 44 removes noise from an image. In a character recognition process, the workflow execution unit 44 recognizes characters contained in an image and generates text data. In a format conversion process, the workflow execution unit 44 converts document data into a specified file format (e.g., PDF (Portable Document Format)).

[0033] 4, the workflow execution unit 44 executes a server delivery process and an application call process. Note that the workflow execution unit 44 may determine whether to execute the server delivery process or the application call process, depending on a setting value input by the user before executing the workflow.

[0034] In the server delivery process, the workflow execution unit 44 transmits the document data to a specified server (for example, the file server device 34 or the mail server device 36). In addition, in the application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 calls and starts another application unit 46 that functions under the management of the OS unit 48, and provides the document data to be processed. In the application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 may call and start, for example, a Dropbox (registered trademark) application, which is an example of the application unit 46, and upload the document data to a specific folder managed by Dropbox (registered trademark). In addition, in the application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 may start, for example, a LINE (registered trademark) application, which is an example of the application unit 46, and send the document data to a destination managed by LINE (registered trademark).

[0035] 5 is a diagram for explaining the application call process. The workflow execution unit 44 can execute the application call process as one process in the workflow.

[0036] The OS unit 48 includes a call manager 52. The call manager 52 provides the workflow execution unit 44 with a function of calling the application unit 46 (application calling function).

[0037] When the workflow includes an application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 issues a call instruction to the call manager 52 of the OS unit 48 in executing the application call process. The call instruction includes document data to be processed. When the call manager 52 receives the call instruction, it calls and starts the corresponding application unit 46. The call manager 52 then provides the document data included in the call instruction. The called application unit 46 receives the document data from the call manager 52.

[0038] In this case, the workflow execution unit 44 can also specify an operation to be executed by the called application unit 46. The specified operation is, for example, a startup method and behavior of the application unit 46. When an operation is specified, the called application unit 46 executes the specified operation after startup.

[0039] In this way, in the application calling process, the workflow execution unit 44 can call and start another application unit 46 that functions under the management of the OS unit 48, and can provide the document data to be processed. This allows the called application unit 46 to obtain the document data to be processed from the workflow execution unit 44. For example, in Android (registered trademark), such a function is called an intent.

[0040] The workflow execution unit 44 may provide the OS unit 48 with a call instruction that specifies the application unit 46 to be called, or may provide the OS unit 48 with a call instruction that does not specify the application unit 46 to be called. Here, a call instruction in which the workflow execution unit 44 specifies the application unit 46 to be called is called an explicit call instruction. For example, in Android (registered trademark), such a call instruction is called an explicit intent. Also, a call instruction in which the workflow execution unit 44 does not specify the application unit 46 to be called is called an implicit call instruction. For example, in Android (registered trademark), such a call instruction is called an implicit intent.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the workflow execution unit 44 gives an explicit call instruction to the OS unit 48.

[0042] 6 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit 44 according to the first embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 has a receiving unit 61, a workflow information storage unit 62, a plug-in execution unit 64, a flow control unit 65, a delivery destination information storage unit 66, a delivery unit 67, a user information storage unit 68, a call information storage unit 69, an instruction generation unit 70, and a call unit 71.

[0043] The receiving unit 61 receives document data generated by scanning by the image forming apparatus 20 from the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path. Furthermore, the receiving unit 61 receives from the image forming apparatus 20 a workflow ID for identifying a workflow to be executed, and setting values ​​required to execute the workflow.

[0044] The workflow information storage unit 62 stores workflow information. For example, as shown in Table 1, the workflow information storage unit 62 stores workflow information represented in XML data in association with a workflow ID. The workflow information storage unit 62 may store multiple pieces of workflow information.

[0045] [Table 1]

[0046] The plug-in execution unit 64 is provided with document data to be processed and setting values ​​from the flow control unit 65, and is also specified with a process to be executed. The plug-in execution unit 64 executes the specified process on the provided document data in accordance with the setting values. More specifically, the plug-in execution unit 64 has a plurality of different plug-in programs 81 (81-1 to 81-n). The plug-in execution unit 64 executes the plug-in program 81 corresponding to the specified process, thereby executing the specified process on the provided document data. After completing the execution of the specified process, the plug-in execution unit 64 returns the document data after the process to the flow control unit 65.

[0047] The flow control unit 65 reads out the workflow information associated with the received workflow ID. The flow control unit 65 analyzes the workflow information to identify each process and the processing order included in the workflow to be executed. Then, the flow control unit 65 specifies a process to the plug-in execution unit 64 in executing each process in the workflow to be executed. Furthermore, the flow control unit 65 specifies the process, and also provides the plug-in execution unit 64 with document data to be processed and setting values ​​for executing the process. After the plug-in execution unit 64 executes the process specified by the flow control unit 65, the flow control unit 65 receives the document data after the process from the plug-in execution unit 64. Then, when one process included in the workflow is completed, the flow control unit 65 specifies the next process to the plug-in execution unit 64. This allows the flow control unit 65 to cause the plug-in execution unit 64 to execute one or more processes specified by the workflow in sequence.

[0048] Furthermore, when the workflow to be executed includes server distribution processing, the flow control unit 65 provides the document data to be processed and setting values ​​required to execute the distribution processing to the distribution unit 67 during the execution of the server distribution processing. Furthermore, when the workflow to be executed includes application invocation processing, the flow control unit 65 provides the document data to be processed and setting values ​​required to execute the distribution processing to the instruction generation unit 70 during the execution of the application invocation processing.

[0049] The destination information storage unit 66 stores destination information indicating the destination of document data. For example, as shown in Table 2, the destination information storage unit 66 stores the address of the destination server for each type of delivery, such as folder delivery or email delivery.

[0050] [Table 2]

[0051] When the workflow includes a server distribution process, the distribution unit 67 receives document data and setting values ​​from the flow control unit 65. The distribution unit 67 identifies a distribution type based on the received setting values, and reads out distribution destination information corresponding to the identified distribution type from the distribution destination information storage unit 66. Then, in executing the server distribution process, the distribution unit 67 transmits document data in a data format corresponding to the identified distribution type to an address indicated in the distribution destination information. The distribution unit 67 may transmit document data to a printer device or the like on a network.

[0052] The user information storage unit 68 stores user information necessary for starting the application unit 46. The user information storage unit 68 stores user information including a user name, a password, and the like, in association with a login ID for starting the workflow execution unit 44, as shown in Table 3, for example.

[0053] [Table 3]

[0054] It should be noted that different user information (for example, a user name and a password) may be set for each application unit 46. In this case, the user information storage unit 68 stores the user information for each application unit 46.

[0055] As shown in Table 4, the call information storage unit 69 stores the call information required to generate a call instruction in association with a call ID that identifies the call instruction. The call information stores information for identifying the application unit 46 to be called and an operation to be performed by the called application unit 46. The call information storage unit 69 may store, for example, one or more pieces of call information previously set by an administrator, and the user may select from among the one or more pieces of call information. Also, for example, the user may set the call information each time a workflow is executed, and the set call information may be registered in the call information storage unit 69. The call ID associated with the call information selected or set by the user is included in the setting value set by the user. When an implicit call instruction is generated, the call information does not need to include the application unit 46 to be called.

[0056] [Table 4]

[0057] When an application call process is included in a workflow, the instruction generating unit 70 generates a call instruction to call an application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data. In this embodiment, the instruction generating unit 70 generates an explicit call instruction that specifies the application unit 46 to be called.

[0058] Specifically, the instruction generation unit 70 receives document data and setting values ​​to be provided to the application unit 46 from the flow control unit 65. The setting values ​​include a call ID. The instruction generation unit 70 reads out call information (application, operation, etc.) corresponding to the received call ID from the call information storage unit 69. Furthermore, the instruction generation unit 70 reads out user information (user name, password, etc.) required to start the application unit 46 from the user information storage unit 68. Then, based on this information, the instruction generation unit 70 generates a call instruction as shown in Table 5.

[0059] [Table 5]

[0060] That is, the call instruction includes information for identifying the application unit 46 to be called, an operation to be executed by the called application unit 46, document data to be given to the called application unit 46, and additional information. The operation indicates the startup method and behavior of the application unit 46. The additional information includes user information (user name, password, etc.) required to start the application unit 46. Note that the instruction generating unit 70 may generate the call instruction based on login information such as a login ID and password for starting the workflow executing unit 44, instead of the user information read from the user information storage unit 68.

[0061] For example, when the OS unit 48 is running Android (registered trademark), the instruction generating unit 70 generates an intent including a component, an action, data, a category, an extra, and a flag as a call instruction. In this case, the instruction generating unit 70 specifies the application unit 46 to be called as the component. The instruction generating unit 70 specifies a general-purpose startup method for passing data to the application unit 46 as the action. The instruction generating unit 70 also includes, in the data, document data obtained by executing one or more processes up to the application call process in the workflow. The instruction generating unit 70 also specifies the behavior of the application unit 46 as the category and flag. The instruction generating unit 70 also includes user information in the extra. For example, when the instruction generating unit 70 causes document data to be uploaded to a specific folder managed by Dropbox (registered trademark), the instruction generating unit 70 causes login information for logging in to Dropbox (registered trademark) to be included in the extra. Also, for example, when the instruction generating unit 70 causes document data to be sent to a destination managed by LINE (registered trademark), the instruction generating unit 70 causes information indicating a sending destination managed by LINE (registered trademark) to be included in the extra.

[0062] The instruction generating unit 70 provides the call instruction thus generated to the calling unit 71. The calling unit 71 provides the call instruction generated by the instruction generating unit 70 to the OS unit 48 in executing the application calling process.

[0063] When the OS unit 48 receives a call instruction from the call unit 71, it calls the corresponding application unit 46, starts the called application unit 46, and provides the document data. In this embodiment, the OS unit 48 receives an explicit call instruction. When the OS unit 48 receives an explicit call instruction, it calls the application unit 46 specified by the call instruction. In addition, the OS unit 48 starts the application unit 46 based on user information included in the call instruction.

[0064] 7 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing by the document processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The document processing system 10 executes processing, for example, according to the sequence shown in FIG.

[0065] First, the operation unit 42 displays a login information input screen for prompting the user to input login information. The user inputs login information (e.g., a login ID and a password) into the login information input screen. Then, the operation unit 42 acquires the login information input by the user (S11).

[0066] Next, the operation unit 42 transmits the login information to the image forming apparatus 20 (S12). Next, the image forming apparatus 20 receives the login information and authenticates whether or not the received login information is correct (S13). The image forming apparatus 20 may transmit the login information to an external authentication server or the like via a network to authenticate whether or not the login information is correct. Next, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the authentication result to the operation unit 42 (S14). If the operation unit 42 receives the authentication result that the login information is correct, it can execute the function as an operation panel of the image forming apparatus 20.

[0067] The operation unit 42 displays a workflow selection screen for allowing the user to select a workflow to be executed. The user selects one of the workflows on the workflow selection screen. Then, the operation unit 42 acquires a workflow ID that identifies the workflow selected by the user (S15).

[0068] Next, operation unit 42 displays a setting value input screen for inputting setting values ​​necessary for executing the selected workflow. The user inputs the necessary setting values ​​into the setting value input screen. Operation unit 42 then acquires the setting values ​​input by the user (S16). For example, if the workflow selected by the user includes an application call process, operation unit 42 displays a setting value input screen for inputting setting values ​​related to the application call process, and acquires the setting values ​​via this setting value input screen.

[0069] Next, the operation unit 42 accepts a scan start operation by the user (S17). When the scan start operation is accepted, the operation unit 42 transmits a scan start instruction, a workflow ID, and setting values ​​to the image forming apparatus 20 (S18).

[0070] When the image forming device 20 receives a scan start instruction from the operation unit 42, it scans a paper sheet that has been set in advance (S19). Then, the image forming device 20 generates document data representing an image on the front side of the paper sheet. When the scan is completed, the image forming device 20 transmits the generated document data, the workflow ID, and the setting value to the workflow execution unit 44 (S20).

[0071] Workflow execution unit 44 receives document data, a workflow ID, and setting values ​​from image forming apparatus 20. Workflow execution unit 44 executes one or more processes on the document data according to the workflow information specified by the workflow ID (S21-1 to S21-M).

[0072] Furthermore, the workflow execution unit 44 determines whether or not the workflow defined by the workflow information includes an application call process (S22). If the application call process is included in the workflow, the workflow execution unit 44 generates an explicit call instruction to call the application unit 46 specified by the workflow information (S23). For example, if the OS unit 48 is running and functioning as Android (registered trademark), the workflow execution unit 44 generates an explicit intent.

[0073] Then, the workflow execution unit 44 provides the generated call instruction to the OS unit 48 in executing the application call process in the workflow (S24). When the OS unit 48 receives the call instruction from the workflow execution unit 44, it calls and starts the application unit 46 indicated in the call instruction (S25). In this case, the OS unit 48 provides the document data and user information included in the call instruction to the application unit 46. The called application unit 46 starts up using the user information provided by the OS unit 48, and obtains the document data provided by the OS unit 48 (S26).

[0074] As described above, according to the document processing system 10 of this embodiment, by executing a workflow, document data output by the image forming device 20 can be automatically provided to another application unit 46 operating under the management of the OS unit 48. As a result, according to the document processing system 10, it is possible to eliminate cumbersome operations such as manually saving document data output by the image forming device 20 and then manually starting up the application unit 46 to import the saved document data, thereby reducing the workload of the user.

[0075] Second embodiment Next, a document processing system 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. The document processing system 10 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same functions and configuration as the document processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the parts in the second embodiment that have substantially the same functions and configuration as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted except for the differences. The same applies to the third embodiment.

[0076] 8 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit 44 according to the second embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 according to the second embodiment further includes a workflow information generation unit 91.

[0077] The workflow information generating unit 91 generates workflow information in response to an operation by an administrator prior to execution of a workflow. The workflow information generating unit 91 stores the generated workflow information in the workflow information storage unit 62 in association with a workflow ID.

[0078] Furthermore, if the workflow defined by the generated workflow information includes application call processing, the workflow information generating unit 91 also generates call information. The call information is information required to generate a call instruction to be generated in the application call processing. The workflow information generating unit 91 then includes a call ID that identifies the generated call information in the setting value of the workflow information, and stores the generated call information in the call information storage unit 69 in association with the call ID.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the instruction generating unit 70 may generate an implicit call instruction, not limited to an explicit call instruction. When an implicit call instruction is generated in the application call process, the workflow information generating unit 91 does not need to include information for identifying the application unit 46 to be called in the corresponding call information to be referred to in order to generate the call instruction.

[0080] Furthermore, when generating an implicit call instruction, the instruction generating unit 70 includes in the call instruction a plurality of pieces of user information required to call a plurality of application units 46. This allows the instruction generating unit 70 to start up the selected application unit 46, regardless of which application unit 46 is selected.

[0081] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the information processing device 30 displaying a workflow generation screen 92. A workflow information generating unit 91 displays the workflow generation screen 92 as shown in Fig. 9, for example, to allow an administrator to generate workflow information.

[0082] The workflow generation screen 92 includes a selection area 93 and a creation area 94. In the selection area 93, a plurality of icons 95 are displayed, which indicate processes that can be included in the workflow.

[0083] The administrator selects any one of icons 95 indicating processes to be included in the workflow in the selection area 93, and drags and drops the selected icon 95 into the creation area 94. Then, in the creation area 94, the administrator connects the two dropped icons 95 with an arrow 96 indicating the processing order.

[0084] The administrator drops all icons 95 representing processes to be included in the workflow into the creation area 94, connects the icons 95 with arrows 96 according to the order in which they should be executed, and then presses the Complete button 97. When the Complete button 97 is pressed, the workflow information generation unit 91 generates workflow information that causes the processes to be executed in the order according to the arrangement of the icons 95 displayed on the creation area 94.

[0085] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when application call processing is selected. Furthermore, when the generated workflow information includes application call processing, the workflow information generating unit 91 generates setting values ​​and the like for generating a call instruction according to the flow of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0086] First, the workflow information generating unit 91 receives, from the administrator, information to be included in the call instruction, other than the information that identifies the application unit 46 to be called (S31). For example, when generating an intent, the workflow information generating unit 91 receives information other than components and data.

[0087] Next, the workflow information generating unit 91 prompts the administrator to select whether or not to specify the application unit 46 to be called (S32). If the administrator selects not to specify the application unit 46 to be called (No in S32), the workflow information generating unit 91 registers the information received in step S31 in the workflow information (S33) and ends this flow. This enables the workflow executing unit 44 to generate a call instruction (implicit call instruction) that does not specify the application unit 46 to be called.

[0088] On the other hand, if the administrator selects to specify the application unit 46 to be called (Yes in S32), the workflow information generation unit 91 queries the OS unit 48 for an application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data (S34). In this case, the workflow information generation unit 91 provisionally issues an implicit call instruction to the OS unit 48, thereby querying the OS unit 48 for an application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data.

[0089] When the OS unit 48 receives an inquiry from the workflow information generation unit 91, it notifies the workflow information generation unit 91 of a list of application units 46 that can acquire document data. When the workflow information generation unit 91 receives the list notification from the OS unit 48, it displays the received list (S35) and allows the user to select one of the application units 46 from the list (S36).

[0090] Then, the workflow information generating unit 91 registers the information for identifying the selected application unit 46 and the information received in step S31 in the workflow information (S33), and ends this flow. This enables the workflow executing unit 44 to generate a call instruction (explicit call instruction) that specifies the application unit 46 to be called.

[0091] In this way, the workflow information generating unit 91 allows the administrator to select whether or not to specify in advance the application unit 46 to be called. If the application unit 46 to be called is not specified, the workflow information generating unit 91 can receive information for generating an implicit call instruction.

[0092] Furthermore, when the workflow information generating unit 91 specifies the application unit 46 to be called, it inquires of the OS unit 48 about the application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data, for example, by providing an implicit call instruction to the OS unit 48. Then, the workflow information generating unit 91 can have the administrator select any one of the application units 46 capable of acquiring document data. This allows the workflow information generating unit 91 to receive information for generating an explicit call instruction.

[0093] 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process flow of the document processing system 10 according to the second embodiment. In the application call process, when a call instruction that does not specify the application unit 46 to be called (an implicit call instruction) is given, the document processing system 10 executes the process according to the sequence shown in FIG.

[0094] First, document processing system 10 executes steps S11 to S20 in the same manner as the sequence shown in Fig. 7. Then, workflow execution unit 44 receives document data, a workflow ID, and setting values ​​from image forming apparatus 20. Then, workflow execution unit 44 executes one or more processes on the document data according to the workflow information specified by the workflow ID (S51-1 to S51-M).

[0095] Furthermore, the workflow execution unit 44 determines whether or not the workflow includes an application call process (S52). If the workflow includes an application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 generates an implicit call instruction to call the application unit 46 specified by the workflow information (S53). For example, if the OS unit 48 is running and functioning as Android (registered trademark), the workflow execution unit 44 generates an implicit intent.

[0096] Then, the workflow execution section 44 gives the generated implicit call instruction to the OS section 48 in executing the application call process in the workflow (S54).

[0097] When the OS unit 48 receives an implicit call instruction from the workflow execution unit 44, it displays a list of application units 46 that can acquire document data among the application units 46 operating under the management of the OS unit 48 (S55), and allows the user to select one application unit 46. Next, the OS unit 48 accepts the selection of one application unit 46 from the displayed application units 46 (S56).

[0098] Next, the OS unit 48 calls and starts the application unit 46 selected by the user (S57). In this case, the OS unit 48 provides the document data and user information included in the call instruction to the application unit 46. The called application unit 46 starts up using the user information provided by the OS unit 48, and obtains the document data provided by the OS unit 48 (S58).

[0099] As described above, according to the document processing system 10 of this embodiment, even if the application unit 46 to be called is not specified in advance, an implicit call instruction is generated, so that the application unit 46 can be specified when the application call process is executed. As a result, according to the document processing system 10 of this embodiment, even when the same workflow is executed, document data can be obtained by a different application unit 46 for each execution of the workflow.

[0100] Third embodiment 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a document processing system 10 according to the third embodiment. In the document processing system 10 according to the third embodiment, an information processing device 30 is provided integrally with an image forming device 20. In the third embodiment, inside the housing of the image forming device 20, the information processing device 30 is connected to a main control unit of the image forming device 20 via a communication path.

[0101] The document processing system 10 according to this embodiment can provide the operation panel function and the workflow execution processing function by an application program that runs on a general-purpose operating system such as Android (registered trademark). Therefore, the document processing system 10 according to this embodiment can easily develop a program for executing the operation panel function and the workflow.

[0102] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10 Document Processing System 20 Image forming device 30 Information processing device 32 Information providing server device 34 File Server Device 36 Mail server device 42 Operation section 44 Workflow Execution Unit 46 Application Section 48 OS Department 52 Call Manager 61 Receiving section 62 Workflow information storage unit 64 Plug-in execution unit 65 Flow Control Section 66 Delivery destination information storage unit 67 Distribution Department 68 User information storage unit 69 Call information storage unit 70 Instruction generation section 71 Calling section 81 Plug-in Programs 91 Workflow information generation unit 92 Workflow generation screen 93 Selection Area 94 Creation Area 95 Icons 96 Arrow 97 Finish button [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0104] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-215927 A

Claims

1. A program installed in an information processing device capable of communicating with a device for outputting document data, The information processing device, an acquisition unit that acquires the document data transmitted from the device; an execution control unit that determines whether to execute a process of calling an application capable of distributing the acquired document data or a process of transmitting the acquired document data to a designated destination; and make it work. the execution control unit issues a call instruction for calling the application to an operating system unit of the information processing device in executing a process for distributing the acquired document data; A program characterized by:

2. The execution control unit is In executing the process of distributing the acquired document data, the calling instruction for calling the application is given to the operating system unit, thereby causing the application to execute the distribution of the document data.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

3. The execution control unit is In executing the process of distributing the acquired document data, the calling instruction for calling the application is given to the operating system unit, thereby uploading the document data to a specific folder managed by the application.

3. The program according to claim 2 .

4. The execution control unit is By providing the call instruction to the operating system unit, the process of distributing the document data is executed by an application selected from a list of applications displayed by the call instruction.

4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

5. The execution control unit is The call instruction, which does not specify an application to be called, is provided to the operating system unit.

5. The program according to claim 4.

6. the device is an image forming apparatus, The acquisition unit is The document data generated by the scan process in the image forming device and transmitted from the image forming device is acquired.

6. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

7. The program further comprises: The image forming apparatus is operated as a reception unit that receives a user instruction to start a scan process.

7. The program according to claim 6 .

8. The execution control unit is Controlling execution of a workflow including at least a process for distributing the document data, and when the application is to be called in the execution of the process for distributing the document data in the workflow, providing the calling instruction to the operating system unit.

5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing the program.

9. The execution control unit is transmitting the document data to be processed to an address indicated in delivery destination information indicating a destination of the document data; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

10. the execution control unit includes a distribution unit that provides document data to be processed and setting values ​​required for executing the distribution process; The delivery destination information is stored in a delivery destination information storage unit for each delivery type, the delivery unit identifies a delivery type based on the received setting value, reads out delivery destination information corresponding to the identified type from the delivery destination information storage unit, and transmits the document data to be processed in a data format corresponding to the identified delivery type to an address indicated in the delivery destination information.

10. The program according to claim 9 .

11. a destination of the document data is a device that stores the document data; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

12. the execution control unit determines, in response to a user's input, whether to execute a process of calling an application capable of processing the acquired document data or a process of transmitting the acquired document data to a designated destination; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

13. 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device capable of communicating with a device that outputs document data, comprising: an acquisition unit of the information processing device acquires the document data transmitted from the device; an execution control unit of the information processing device determines whether to execute a process of calling an application capable of distributing the acquired document data or a process of transmitting the acquired document data to a specified destination; the execution control unit issues a call instruction for calling the application to an operating system unit of the information processing device in executing a process for distributing the acquired document data; 23. An information processing method comprising:

14. An information processing device capable of communicating with a device for outputting document data, an acquisition unit that acquires the document data transmitted from the device; an execution control unit that determines whether to execute a process of calling an application capable of distributing the acquired document data or a process of transmitting the acquired document data to a designated destination; Equipped with the execution control unit issues a call instruction for calling the application to an operating system unit of the information processing device in executing a process for distributing the acquired document data; 23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

15. An information processing system including a device for outputting document data and a program installed in an information processing device capable of communicating with the device, The device comprises: a transmission unit that transmits the output document data to the information processing device; The program causes the information processing device to an acquisition unit that acquires the document data transmitted from the device; an execution control unit that determines whether to execute a process of calling an application capable of distributing the acquired document data or a process of transmitting the acquired document data to a designated destination; and make it work. the execution control unit issues a call instruction for calling the application to an operating system unit of the information processing device in executing a process for distributing the acquired document data; An information processing system comprising:

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