System, method and program

Abstract

To include print action which is processing related to print in workflow.SOLUTION: A system comprises: workflow construction means which constructs workflow which executes action being each processing in a determined sequence, that is the workflow including print action being the processing related to print, by using the system cooperating with a workflow platform; workflow execution means which executes the workflow; and print data transmission means which transmits print data indicating a printed matter printed by the print action to an image forming device, when the print action is executed by the workflow execution means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, the use of chat applications, cloud services, and the like has been increasing. For example, there exists a workflow platform that enables users to build workflows by combining various in-house services or various external online services on a chat service. Such workflows are data for executing actions, which are individual processes, in a predetermined order, and enable tasks to be automated. In addition, such workflow platforms may provide a means for users, developers, and other third parties to add functions provided by external online services to the workflow. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that provides a user interface for process settings and process parameter settings that can be easily set by users when generating a workflow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-42436 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 forces the user to operate a printer or the like separately from the execution of the workflow, even if the user wishes to include printing in the above-mentioned tasks.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS An object of the present invention is to provide a system, method, and program that can include a print action, which is a process related to printing, in a workflow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a workflow construction means for constructing a workflow, which is a workflow in which individual actions, which are individual processes, are executed in a predetermined order, including a print action, which is a process related to printing, using a system that is linked to a workflow platform, a workflow execution means for executing the workflow, and a print data transmission means for transmitting print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action to an image forming device when the print action is executed by the workflow execution means. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a print action, which is a process related to printing, can be included in a workflow. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a client PC, a workflow platform, and a print service according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a workflow list screen displayed on a chat service in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for setting a workflow trigger displayed on a chat service in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for setting a workflow action displayed on a chat service in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for setting details of a workflow trigger or action displayed on a chat service in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a file trigger setting process in the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a setting process of a file acquisition action in the embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a workflow platform showing a print action in an embodiment. [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a print service showing a print action in an embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by a workflow platform illustrating a reserve print action in an embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a workflow platform showing a notification action in an embodiment. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the workflow platform when executing a workflow in an embodiment. [Figure 16] 6 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a print service during execution of a workflow in the embodiment. [Figure 17] 6 is a flowchart showing a printing process performed by a printer when a workflow is executed in an embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for reservation printing by a printer during execution of a workflow in an embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in which a chat service transmits and receives a notification request during execution of a workflow in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims. Also, not all of the features described in the embodiments below are necessarily essential to the present invention.

[0010] <Embodiment> The system according to the embodiment includes a workflow construction means, a workflow execution means, and a print data transmission means. The workflow construction means is a workflow that executes actions, which are individual processes, in a predetermined order, and constructs a workflow including a print action, which is a process related to printing, by using a system linked to a workflow platform. The workflow execution means executes the workflow. The print data transmission means, when the print action is executed by the workflow execution means, transmits print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action to an image forming device.

[0011] The workflow execution means executes a workflow by executing a plurality of actions in a predetermined order.

[0012] In addition, the system according to the embodiment may further include a list acquisition means for acquiring a list of image forming devices that can be used in conjunction with the print data transmission means when a workflow including a print action is constructed by the workflow construction means.

[0013] Furthermore, the list acquisition means may acquire the list of image forming devices from the print data transmission means after confirming that the workflow platform and the print data transmission means have been linked.

[0014] In addition, the system according to the embodiment may further include a print setting acquisition means that acquires data regarding print settings for a print action from the list acquisition means in accordance with an image forming device selected from the list acquired by the list acquisition means.

[0015] The print setting acquisition means may acquire data on print settings related to the print action by transmitting a print setting acquisition request to the print data transmission means.

[0016] The workflow execution means may be provided to the client terminal by a chat service, and may execute the workflow when a workflow execution button displayed on the client terminal is pressed.

[0017] The workflow construction means may construct a workflow including a print action based on data provided to the client terminal by a chat service and inputted into a workflow editing screen displayed by the client terminal.

[0018] The workflow construction means may determine the contents of the print action based on data entered into a print action setting screen provided to the client terminal by a chat service and displayed on the client terminal.

[0019] The workflow execution means may also use a chat service to notify when printing is successful or when printing has failed.

[0020] The workflow execution means may also use the print execution means to notify when printing is successful or when printing has failed.

[0021] The workflow execution means may also use a chat service to notify when the approval process is to be executed.

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] <Overall composition> 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The workflow system includes a workflow platform 130, a print service 120, a chat service 140, a cloud storage 150, an image forming apparatus 110, and a client PC 111.

[0024] The workflow platform 130 is a server that provides a workflow construction means for constructing a workflow using a system that cooperates with the workflow platform 130. A workflow is data for executing actions, which are individual processes, in a determined order. The actions are, for example, a process of printing with the image forming apparatus 110 or the like, a process of reservation printing with the image forming apparatus 110 or the like, and a process of scanning with the image forming apparatus 110 or the like. Furthermore, processes related to printing, such as a process of printing with the image forming apparatus 110 or the like and a process of reservation printing with the image forming apparatus 110 or the like, may be called print actions. Furthermore, processes related to scanning, such as a process of scanning with the image forming apparatus 110 or the like, may be called scan actions. Furthermore, the actions are not limited to processes related to printing or scanning, and may be processes that do not involve the image forming apparatus 110 or the like, such as approval requests, notification requests, file storage, conditional branching, and repeated processes.

[0025] Furthermore, a system that cooperates with the workflow platform 130 is provided by, for example, an OS (Operating System) development company. Furthermore, it is preferable that a trigger, which is a condition for starting execution, is set for the workflow. Furthermore, the workflow is executed by a workflow execution means.

[0026] The workflow platform 130 may also have a customization function for linking with online services provided by companies other than the OS development company. The online services include, for example, cloud storage and chat services. By having the customization function, the workflow platform 130 can create workflows that link with even more services.

[0027] The print service 120 is a server that provides a print data transmission means for transmitting print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action to the image forming apparatus 110 when a print action, which is a process related to printing, is executed by a workflow execution means. The print service 120 is connected to the client PC 111 and the image forming apparatus 110. When a print action is executed by a workflow execution means included in the client PC 111, the print service 120 receives data indicating that the print action will be executed and the print data from the client PC 111. Then, the print service 120 transmits the data indicating that the print action will be executed and the print data to the image forming apparatus 110, and causes the image forming apparatus 110 to execute printing.

[0028] Chat service 140 is a server that provides a communication service for providing a chat function to client PC 111. Chat service 140 is connected to the Internet as shown in Fig. 1. Chat service 140 may also have functions for notifying users other than the chat function, such as an email function, an approval function, and a task management function.

[0029] Cloud storage 150 is a service that allows users to store files over the Internet and retrieve files using a web browser.

[0030] The client PC 111 includes the workflow execution means described above. The client PC 111 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone, and is connected to the Internet as shown in Fig. 1. The client PC 111 displays a user interface required for using functions such as the workflow platform 130, the print service 120, the chat service 140, and the cloud storage 150 on a display. The display may be mounted on the client PC 111, or may be independent from the client PC 111 and connected to the client PC 111. The image forming apparatus 110 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral or a printer.

[0031] Note that, although the system according to the embodiment has been described as including the workflow platform 130, the print service 120, the chat service 140, the cloud storage 150, the image forming apparatus 110, and the client PC 111, the system is not limited to this.

[0032] <Printer hardware configuration> 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 110 includes a control unit 210, an operation unit 220, a printer unit 221, a scanner unit 222, and an authentication device 223.

[0033] 2, the control unit 210 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 211, a read only memory (ROM) 212, a random access memory (RAM) 213, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 214. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 210 includes an operation unit I / F 215, a printer I / F 216, a scanner I / F 217, an authentication device I / F 218, and a network I / F 219. The control unit 210 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 110.

[0034] The CPU 211 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 212 and executes and controls various functions of the image forming apparatus 110, such as reading, printing, and communication. The ROM 212 stores the control program. The RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area for the CPU 211. The HDD 214 is a large-capacity storage device that stores image data, various programs, and the like.

[0035] In this embodiment, one CPU 211 executes each process shown in a flowchart described later using one RAM 213 or one HDD 214, but is not limited to this. For example, each process may be executed by multiple CPUs in cooperation with multiple RAMs or multiple HDDs.

[0036] The operation unit I / F 215 is an interface that connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 is a touch panel, a keyboard, or the like, and accepts operations, inputs, instructions, and the like from a user.

[0037] The printer I / F 216 is an interface that connects the printer unit 221 and the control unit 210. The printer unit 221 receives image data for printing included in the above-mentioned print data via the printer I / F 216 and executes printing.

[0038] The scanner I / F 217 is an interface that connects the scanner unit 222 and the control unit 210. The scanner unit 222 reads an original placed on a platen, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), or the like (not shown) and generates image data. The scanner unit 222 then transmits the image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217.

[0039] The image forming apparatus 110 transmits image data generated by the scanner unit 222 to the printer unit 221. Then, the image forming apparatus 110 executes printing based on the image data. Note that the image forming apparatus 110 may have a function of transmitting a file or an email to the outside.

[0040] The authentication device I / F 218 is an interface that connects the authentication device 223 to the control unit 210. The authentication device 223 is, for example, a card reader that reads an IC card, a fingerprint authentication device that reads a fingerprint, or the like, and is used when a user is authenticated to use the image forming apparatus 110.

[0041] The network I / F 219 is an interface that connects the control unit 210 to a LAN. The image forming apparatus 110 uses the network I / F 219 to transmit image data and information to each service on the Internet and to receive various information.

[0042] <Hardware configuration of client PC, workflow platform, and print service> 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a client PC, a workflow platform, and a print service according to an embodiment of the present invention. The client PC, the workflow platform, and the print service include a CPU 311, a ROM 312, a RAM 313, a HDD 314, and a network I / F 315.

[0043] The CPU 311 controls the overall operation by reading out a control program stored in the ROM 312 and executing various processes. The ROM 312 stores the control program. The RAM 313 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 311. The HDD 314 is a large-capacity storage device that stores image data, various programs, etc. The network I / F 315 is an interface connected to the Internet. The network I / F 315 receives processing requests, etc. from devices external to the control unit 310, and transmits and receives various information to and from devices external to the control unit 310.

[0044] <Workflow system software configuration> 4 is a diagram showing the software configuration of the system according to the embodiment. The workflow platform 130 includes a request control unit 431, an account management unit 432, a display control unit 433, a workflow management unit 434, and a workflow control unit 435.

[0045] The request control unit 431 waits in a state in which it can receive requests from the print service 120, the chat service 140, the cloud storage 150, the image forming apparatus 110, and the client PC 111. When a request is transmitted, the request control unit 431 receives the request.

[0046] The account management unit 432 manages account information for logging in to the workflow platform 130. In this embodiment, the workflow platform 130 and services other than the workflow platform 130 have different account information. However, the account management unit 432 may separately use a common account management service for the workflow platform 130 and services other than the workflow platform 130 to enable single sign-on using the same account. For example, the account management unit 432 may manage the account for the workflow platform 130 and the account for the chat service 140 as the same account.

[0047] The display control unit 433 receives a request from a web browser running on a terminal such as the client PC 111 connected via the Internet or a mobile terminal (not shown). Based on the request, the display control unit 433 transmits screen configuration information required for screen display to the client PC 111 or the terminal. The screen configuration information is written in, for example, HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) or CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).

[0048] The workflow management unit 434 manages the construction of workflows, the editing of workflows, the storage of workflows, etc. The workflow control unit 435 controls the execution of workflows stored in the workflow management unit 434 and the stopping of workflows in response to workflow execution requests received by the request control unit 431.

[0049] The print service 120 includes a request control unit 421 , an account management unit 422 , a display control unit 423 , a printer management unit 424 , and a job management unit 425 .

[0050] The request control unit 421 waits in a state in which it can receive a request from the image forming apparatus 110 and the workflow platform 130. Furthermore, when the request is transmitted, the request control unit 421 receives the request.

[0051] The account management unit 422 manages account information for logging in to the print service 120. In addition, the account information may be linked to user information used to log in to the image forming apparatus 110.

[0052] The display control unit 423 receives a request from a web browser running on a terminal such as the client PC 111 connected via the Internet or a mobile terminal (not shown). Then, the display control unit 423 and the display control unit 433 transmit screen configuration information required for screen display to the client PC 111 or the terminal based on the request. The screen configuration information is written in, for example, HTML or CSS.

[0053] The printer management unit 424 manages image forming apparatuses, such as the image forming apparatus 110, registered in the print service 120. In addition, the printer management unit 424 can acquire information indicating the status, printing performance, scanning performance, various settings, and the like of the image forming apparatuses, such as the image forming apparatus 110, registered in the print service 120.

[0054] The job management unit 425 receives and manages print and scan jobs from the workflow platform 130, the client PC 111, and the chat service 140. In response to a request, the job management unit 425 transmits the job it manages to a printer registered in the print service 120 and executes the job.

[0055] The chat service 140 includes a request control unit 441 , an account management unit 442 , a display control unit 443 , an approval management unit 444 , and a notification control unit 445 .

[0056] The request control unit 441 waits in a state in which it can receive a request from the client PC 110, the print service 120, or the workflow platform 130. Furthermore, when a request is transmitted, the request control unit 441 receives the request.

[0057] Account management unit 442 manages account information for logging in to chat service 140. Also, account management unit 442 may separately use an account management service common to chat service 140 and services other than chat service 140, enabling single sign-on with the same account.

[0058] The display control unit 443 receives a request from a web browser operating on a terminal such as the client PC 111 connected via the Internet or a mobile terminal (not shown). Then, based on the request, the display control unit 443 transmits screen configuration information required for screen display to the client PC 111 or the terminal. The screen configuration information is written in, for example, HTML or CSS.

[0059] The approval management unit 444 receives approval requests from services other than the chat service 140, such as the workflow system 130 and the print service 120. Then, the approval management unit 444 sends an approval request to an account registered in the chat service 140, and manages the approval status related to the approval request. The client PC 111 accepts an operation by a user of the chat service 140, and sends an approval request to an account of another user registered in the chat service 140. In this case, the account that receives the approval request can execute the approval or denial process.

[0060] The notification control unit 445 receives notification requests from services other than the chat service 140 , such as the workflow system 130 and the print service 120 , and executes notification to an account registered in the chat service 140 .

[0061] The cloud storage 150 includes a request control unit 451 , an account management unit 452 , a display control unit 453 , and a file management unit 454 .

[0062] The request control unit 451 waits in a state in which it can receive requests from the client PC 110, the print service 120, and the workflow platform 130. Furthermore, when a request is transmitted, the request control unit 451 receives the request.

[0063] The account management unit 452 manages account information for logging in to the cloud storage 150. Furthermore, the account management unit 452 may manage the cloud storage 150 and services other than the cloud storage 150 as the same account.

[0064] The display control unit 453 receives a request from a web browser running on the client PC 111 connected via the Internet or another terminal such as a mobile terminal (not shown). Then, based on the request, the display control unit 453 transmits screen configuration information required for screen display to the client PC 111, the terminal, etc. The screen configuration information is written in, for example, HTML or CSS.

[0065] The file management unit 454 manages files stored in the cloud storage 150. In addition, the file management unit 454 executes operations such as saving, changing, deleting, and transmitting files in response to requests.

[0066] The image forming apparatus 110 includes a request control unit 411 , a data management unit 412 , and a display control unit 413 .

[0067] The request control unit 411 waits in a state in which it can receive a request from the print service 120. Furthermore, when the request is transmitted, the request control unit 411 receives the request. For example, when the request control unit 411 receives a processing request, it appropriately instructs at least one of the display control unit 413 and the data management unit 434 to execute processing corresponding to the processing request. The data management unit 412 manages user information, connection information with the print service 120, and the like. The display control unit 413 causes a touch panel display mounted on the operation unit 220 of the image forming apparatus 110 to display a user interface for receiving operations by the user.

[0068] In the above explanation, an example was given of a case where the only image forming device connected to the print service 120 is the image forming device 110, but multiple image forming devices may be connected to the print service 120.

[0069] When the image forming apparatus 110 is registered with the print service 120 , the image forming apparatus 110 communicates with the print service 120 constantly or periodically so as to be able to receive requests from the print service 120 .

[0070] The client PC 111 has a request control unit 414 and a display control unit 415. The client PC 111 accesses the print service 120, the workflow platform 130, the chat service 140, or the cloud storage 150 via the request control unit 414. The display control unit 415 displays a user interface required for operating the workflow platform 130, the print service 120, the chat service 140, etc.

[0071] <Processing flow> First, the procedure by which the workflow platform 130 constructs a workflow will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a workflow list screen displayed on a chat service in the system according to the embodiment. The chat service 140 cooperates with the workflow platform 130 by being authenticated with an account of the workflow platform 130. The client PC 111 displays the workflow list screen 500 provided by the chat service 140 on the display. As described above, the account of the chat service 140 may be the same as the account of the workflow platform 130. In such a case, authentication for cooperation is not required.

[0072] The workflow list screen 500 is divided into two sections: a side bar and a main screen.

[0073] The sidebar includes transition buttons 501, 502, 503, and 504. When the user presses transition button 501, the screen displayed on the display transitions to a chat screen. When the user presses transition button 502, the screen displayed on the display transitions to a notification screen. When the user presses transition button 503, the screen displayed on the display transitions to a workflow list screen 500. When the user presses transition button 504, the screen displayed on the display transitions to an approval screen. In addition, the sidebar continues to be displayed even if the screen displayed on the display transitions to a chat screen, a notification screen, or the workflow list screen 500.

[0074] The main screen includes a create new workflow button 505, a title display field 506, an edit button 507, and an execute button 508. The create new workflow button 505 is pressed when creating a workflow. The title display field 506 is a field in which the title of a workflow that has already been created is displayed. The edit button 507 is pressed when editing a workflow. The execute button 508 is pressed when executing a workflow. Furthermore, the main screen displays the chat screen, notification screen, or workflow list screen 500 described above.

[0075] The workflow list screen 500 is used to create workflows, edit workflows, and execute workflows. Note that workflows are created so that the start conditions for the workflow are, for example, a specific date and time and a specific action. In such cases, the content of the specific action that is the start condition for the workflow may be set manually or automatically in advance, and the workflow may be executed when the workflow execution button 508 is pressed.

[0076] The notification badge 509 is a badge indicating the number of unread notifications that have arrived at the chat service 140. The notification badge 509 is not displayed when there are zero unread notifications. The acknowledgement notification badge 510 is a badge indicating the number of unprocessed acknowledgement notifications that have arrived at the chat service 140. The acknowledgement notification badge 510 is not displayed when there are zero unprocessed acknowledgement notifications.

[0077] 6 is a diagram showing a screen for setting a workflow trigger displayed on a chat service in the system according to the embodiment. The client PC 111 displays a workflow editing screen 600 provided by the chat service 140 on the display.

[0078] The workflow editing screen 600, like the workflow list screen 500, is divided into two sections: a sidebar and a main screen.

[0079] The sidebar of the workflow editing screen 600 is similar to the sidebar of the workflow list screen 500. The main screen of the workflow editing screen 600 includes a workflow name edit box 601, a workflow trigger list screen 602, a workflow trigger selection button 603, a workflow trigger search button 604, an add workflow action button 605, and a save workflow button 606.

[0080] A workflow name edit box 601 is used to input the workflow name when editing the workflow name.

[0081] As described above, it is preferable that a trigger, which is a condition for starting execution, is set for a workflow. For this reason, the workflow editing screen 600 is configured so that triggers are set before actions. A workflow trigger list screen 602 displays a list of triggers available in the workflow platform 130. Examples of triggers include a schedule trigger that periodically starts a workflow, a file trigger that is executed when any cloud storage 150 is updated, and a scan trigger that is executed when scanning is started with the image forming device 110.

[0082] The workflow trigger selection button 603 is a button that is pressed to select a workflow trigger. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the workflow editing screen 600 displays the workflow trigger selection button 603 for selecting execution of a schedule as a trigger. Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, the workflow editing screen 600 displays the workflow trigger selection button 603 for selecting detection of file creation as a trigger.

[0083] When the workflow trigger selection button 603 is pressed and the external service that provides the trigger corresponding to the button is already linked to the account logged in to the workflow platform 130, a trigger setting screen is displayed. On the other hand, if the external service that provides the trigger corresponding to the button is not already linked to the account logged in to the workflow platform 130, an authentication screen for linking the two is displayed, and after authentication, the trigger setting screen is displayed.

[0084] The workflow trigger search button 604 is for searching for triggers displayed on the workflow trigger list screen 602, and makes it possible to search for triggers with an input character string. For example, the target of the search is a trigger related to the workflow platform 130. Alternatively, the target of the search is a trigger related to a service other than the workflow platform 130, such as a trigger related to the print service 120. For example, when the character string "save" is input and a search is performed, a list of triggers related to saving, such as an action triggered when data is saved in the cloud storage 150, is displayed. Also, for example, when the character string "scan" is input and a search is performed, a list of triggers that start a workflow by the print service 120 executing a scan is displayed. The trigger is determined by selecting a trigger through such a search.

[0085] An add workflow action button 605 is pressed to display a workflow action addition screen, and a save workflow button 606 is pressed to save the edited workflow.

[0086] 7 is a diagram showing a screen for setting a workflow action displayed on a chat service in the system according to the embodiment. As described above, an action corresponds to an individual process. An action also executes transmission and reception of some data with a service other than the workflow platform 130, or controls the workflow itself, such as waiting, branching, and repetition during the workflow.

[0087] The sidebar of the workflow editing screen 700 is similar to the sidebar of the workflow list screen 500. The main screen of the workflow editing screen 700 includes a workflow action list screen 701, a workflow action selection button 702, and a workflow action search button 703. The main screen of the workflow editing screen 700 also includes a workflow trigger button 704, an add workflow action button 705, and a save workflow button 706.

[0088] The workflow action list screen 701 displays a list of actions available on the workflow platform 130. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the workflow action list screen 701 displays a plurality of workflow action selection buttons 702 corresponding to individual actions. When the workflow action selection button 702 is pressed and an external service that provides the corresponding action and an account logged in to the workflow platform 130 are already linked, an action setting screen is displayed. On the other hand, when the workflow action selection button 702 is pressed but the two are not already linked, an authentication screen for linking is displayed, and the action setting screen is displayed after both are authenticated.

[0089] The workflow action search button 703 is for searching for workflow actions displayed on the workflow action list screen 701, and allows the user to search for an action using an input character string. The search targets are, for example, actions related to the workflow platform 130, actions related to services other than the workflow platform 130, and actions related to the print service 120. For example, if the character string "notification" is input and searched, a list of actions for the chat service 140 to notify any user, group, or the like is displayed. Also, for example, if the character string "save" is input and searched, a list of actions related to saving, such as saving data in cloud storage, is displayed. Also, for example, if the character string "print" is input and searched, a list of actions related to printing by the print service 120 is displayed. The actions to be included in the workflow are determined by selecting an action that the user wants to include in the workflow through the above-mentioned search.

[0090] The workflow trigger button 704 is a button that displays the name of a trigger that has already been set. When the workflow trigger button 704 is pressed, a trigger editing screen is displayed.

[0091] When the add workflow action button 705 is pressed, a new workflow action list screen 701 is displayed below the already displayed workflow action list screen 701. This allows a workflow that combines multiple actions to be created. The save workflow button 706 is pressed to save the created workflow.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen for setting details of a workflow trigger or action displayed on a chat service in the system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 shows an example of a workflow action setting screen 800 for setting a print action. The workflow action setting screen 800 includes an action name display field 801 and an action setting list 802. The action setting list 802 includes an action setting 803, an action setting 804, an action setting 805, an action setting 806, and an action setting 807. These action settings are user interfaces for accepting settings related to actions, and accept, for example, input of a free character string or an input of a value acquired by an action before or after, or provide options. The options may be acquired and displayed from a service other than the workflow platform 130. The above description of the print action settings also applies to the trigger settings.

[0093] The name of the action is displayed as an action name 801. The name of the action may be freely changeable by the user.

[0094] The action setting 803 is used to specify an image forming apparatus that will execute printing. The image forming apparatuses that can be selected here are those registered in the print service 120.

[0095] The action setting 804 is used to specify a file to be printed. For example, the action setting 804 specifies a trigger to be executed prior to the print action, a file to be acquired by the action, a URL indicating the file, etc. In addition, an example of such a file is a file acquired from the cloud storage 150.

[0096] Action setting 805 is used to provide an option for specifying paper size. Action setting 806 is used to provide an option for specifying print color settings. These two are examples of print settings, and more detailed print settings may be specified. Print settings depend on the performance of the printer used for printing. For this reason, action setting 805 and action setting 806 receive selectable print settings from print service 120 after an image forming device is specified in action setting 803, and display the print settings as options. In addition, values ​​obtained by a trigger or action executed prior to the print action may also be used for the print settings. In addition, when multiple print settings are mutually contradictory, measures such as graying out or disabling print settings that cannot be selected at the same time may be taken.

[0097] The action setting 807 is used to set whether or not to notify about printing, the content of the notification, and the destination of the notification. The destination of the notification can be selected from an account or group of the workflow platform 130, or any account or group of the linked chat service 140 or the print service 120. Alternatively, the workflow platform 130 or the print service 120 may determine the destination from among the client PC 111 that instructs the execution of the workflow, the client PC 111 that performs post-workflow tasks such as execution of printing, etc., depending on the content of the error.

[0098] In the above description, an example was given of a case where a notification was set as a workflow setting including a print action, but the workflow platform 130 may construct a workflow to obtain and notify the result of the print action. Also, only a specific notification among various types of notifications may be an independent action, and other notifications may be included in the print action. For example, only a notification indicating successful printing may be an independent action, and a notification indicating unsuccessful printing may be included in the print action. This eliminates the need for a notification indicating unsuccessful printing to be incorporated into the workflow as an independent action.

[0099] Next, a procedure for actually connecting to and setting up each service in order to build a workflow will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a file trigger setting process in an embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 9 shows details of a procedure in which the workflow platform 130 builds a workflow in cooperation with the cloud storage 150. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a workflow is built using a file creation trigger that executes a workflow when a file is created as the workflow trigger.

[0100] In step S1001, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a file creation trigger.

[0101] In step S1002, the workflow platform 130 checks whether or not cooperation with the cloud storage 150 that provides a file creation trigger is set, and verifies whether or not it is necessary to log in to the cloud storage 150. If the workflow platform 130 determines that it is necessary to log in to the cloud storage 150, it proceeds to step S1003. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that it is not necessary to log in to the cloud storage 150, it proceeds to step S1005.

[0102] In step S1003, the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the cloud storage 150.

[0103] In step S1004, the workflow platform 130 receives a login result from the cloud storage 150. After executing the process of step S1004, the workflow platform 130 can communicate with the cloud storage 150 since it has already been linked with the cloud storage 150.

[0104] In step S1005, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of file creation trigger settings.

[0105] In step S1006, the workflow platform 130 displays a list of file creation trigger settings. Note that the options for each setting are options acquired from a service other than the workflow platform 130. Also, it is assumed here that the options for each setting are options acquired from the cloud storage 150 linked to the workflow platform 130.

[0106] In step S1007, the workflow platform 130 displays a list of root folders in the cloud storage 150. The reason why the process in step S1007 is executed is that when a file creation trigger is adopted as the trigger, it is necessary to specify a folder in which a file is to be created and in which the file creation trigger is to be executed.

[0107] In step S1008, the workflow platform 130 determines whether or not it has detected that an arbitrary folder has been selected from the list. If the workflow platform 130 determines that it has detected that an arbitrary folder has been selected from the list, it proceeds to step S1009. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that it has not detected that an arbitrary folder has been selected from the list, it proceeds to step S1013.

[0108] In step S1009, the workflow platform 130 transmits a request to acquire a list of folders in the selected folder.

[0109] In step S1010, the workflow platform 130 receives a list of folders in the selected folder.

[0110] In step S1011, the workflow platform 130 displays a list of folders in the selected folder.

[0111] In step S1012, the workflow platform 130 determines whether or not the selection of the folder to be triggered is detected. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the selection of the folder to be triggered is detected, the workflow platform 130 advances the process to step S1013. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that the selection of the folder to be triggered is not detected, the workflow platform 130 returns the process to step S1008.

[0112] The workflow platform 130 can incorporate a file creation trigger into any workflow by executing the process shown in Fig. 9. The file creation trigger provides for the acquisition of metadata related to a file, such as the name, ID, time, and folder path of a created file, in an action executed after the file creation trigger.

[0113] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a setting process of a file acquisition action in an embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 10 shows details of a process in which the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the cloud storage 150 to construct a workflow. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the workflow platform 130 constructs a workflow by including a file acquisition action for acquiring a file in the cloud storage 150 as a workflow action. The file acquisition action is an action for acquiring the contents of a specified file, a public URL, or a restricted URL.

[0114] In step S1101, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a file acquisition action.

[0115] In step S1102, the workflow platform 130 checks whether or not cooperation with the cloud storage 150 that provides the file acquisition action has been set, and determines whether or not logging in to the cloud storage 150 is necessary. If the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the cloud storage 150 is necessary, the workflow platform 130 proceeds to the process at step S1103. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the cloud storage 150 is not necessary, the workflow platform 130 proceeds to the process at step S1105. For example, when the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is being executed, the workflow platform 130 determines that cooperation with the cloud storage 150 has been set, and therefore that logging in to the cloud storage 150 is not necessary.

[0116] In step S1103, the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the cloud storage 150.

[0117] In step S1104, the workflow platform 130 receives a login result from the cloud storage 150. After the process of step S1104 is completed, the workflow platform 130 can communicate with the cloud storage 150, assuming that the workflow platform 130 has already been linked with the cloud storage 150.

[0118] In step S1105, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of settings for the file acquisition action.

[0119] In step S1106, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the print action. In the file acquisition action, the target file to be acquired must be set. For example, the workflow platform 130 constructs a workflow so that the target file that can be acquired can be specified from the file path acquired by executing the file creation trigger.

[0120] In step S1107, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings of the print action.

[0121] The workflow platform 130 can incorporate a file acquisition action into any workflow by the process shown in FIG.

[0122] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the workflow platform showing a print action in the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 11 shows details of a process in which the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the print service 120 to construct a workflow. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an action for printing a file on a printer specified by the print service 120 is constructed as an action of a workflow.

[0123] In step S1201, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a print action.

[0124] In step S1202, the workflow platform 130 checks whether or not cooperation with the print service 120 that provides the print action has been set, and determines whether or not it is necessary to log in to the print service 120. If the workflow platform 130 determines that it is necessary to log in to the print service 120, the process proceeds to step S1203. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that it is not necessary to log in to the print service 120, the process proceeds to step S1205.

[0125] In step S1203, the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the print service 120.

[0126] In step S1204, the workflow platform 130 receives a login result from the print service 140. After executing the process of step S1204, the workflow platform 130 can communicate with the print service 120, assuming that cooperation with the print service 120 has been completed.

[0127] In step S1205, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of print action settings.

[0128] In step S1206, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the print action. When the print action is executed, for example, as shown in Fig. 8, an action setting list 803 for specifying a printer to execute printing is displayed. Also, when the print action is executed, for example, as shown in Fig. 8, action setting lists 804, 805, 806, and 807 for specifying print settings and a file to execute printing are displayed.

[0129] In step S1207, the workflow platform 130 transmits to the print service 120 a request to obtain the image forming apparatus that will perform printing.

[0130] In step S1208, the workflow platform 130 receives from the print service 120 a list of image forming devices that are candidates for executing printing.

[0131] In step S1209, the workflow platform 130 displays a list of image forming devices that are candidates for executing printing.

[0132] In step S1210, the workflow platform 130 detects that an image forming device has been selected by the user.

[0133] In step S1211, the workflow platform 130 transmits a print setting acquisition request to the print service 120. The print setting acquisition request also includes information for identifying the image forming apparatus.

[0134] In step S1212, the workflow platform 130 receives the print settings from the print service 120.

[0135] In step S1213, the workflow platform 130 displays the print settings.

[0136] In step S1214, the workflow platform 130 detects a change in print settings by the user.

[0137] In step S1215, the workflow platform 130 detects a change in the file to be printed by the user.

[0138] In step S1216, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings of the print action.

[0139] The workflow platform 130 executes the process shown in FIG. 11 to cooperate with the print service 120 and incorporate a print action for performing printing into any workflow.

[0140] 12 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a print service showing a print action in an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows details of a process in which the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the print service 120 to construct a workflow.

[0141] In step S1301, the print service 120 receives a login request from the workflow platform .

[0142] In step S1302, the print service 120 verifies the login request.

[0143] In step S1303, the print service 120 transmits a login result to the workflow platform 130. As a result, the workflow platform 130 and the print service 120 enter a linked state and are able to communicate with each other.

[0144] In step S1304, the print service 120 receives a request to obtain a list of image forming devices from the workflow platform .

[0145] In step S1305, the print service 120 acquires a list of image forming devices available for use in the workflow platform 130 from each image forming device managed by the print service 120. Note that the administrator of the print service 120 may individually set whether or not at least one image forming device available to the account of the print service 120 logged in by the processes of steps S1301 to S1303 is available for use in the list.

[0146] In step S1306, the print service 120 transmits the obtained list of image forming devices to the workflow platform .

[0147] In step S1307, the print service 120 receives a request to obtain print settings from the workflow platform 130. This request includes information for identifying the image forming device.

[0148] In step S1308, the print service 120 identifies a target image forming device from the information identifying the image forming device, and acquires print settings for the image forming device. The print setting items that can be set at this time are linked to the account of the print service 120 logged in in steps S1301 to S1303, and may be restricted as appropriate by an administrator of the print service 120. For example, even if the image forming device is capable of double-sided printing and single-sided printing, if the administrator of the print service 120 has limited the image forming device to double-sided printing only, the image forming device transmits only double-sided printing as a print setting item to the print service 120.

[0149] In step S1309, the print service 120 transmits the acquired print settings to the workflow platform .

[0150] The print service 120 executes the process shown in FIG. 12 to cooperate with the workflow platform 130 and set a print action for performing printing.

[0151] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the workflow platform showing a reservation printing action in an embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 13 shows details of a process in which the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the print service 120 to construct a workflow. In this embodiment, an example of an action for reservation printing of a file on any printer managed by the print service 120 will be described.

[0152] In step S1401, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a print action.

[0153] In step S1402, the workflow platform 130 checks whether or not cooperation with the print service 120 that provides the print action has been set, and determines whether or not it is necessary to log in to the print service 120. If the workflow platform 130 determines that it is necessary to log in to the print service 120, it proceeds to step S1403. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that it is not necessary to log in to the print service 120, it proceeds to step S1405.

[0154] In step S1403, the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the print service 120.

[0155] In step S1404, the workflow platform 130 receives a login result from the print service 140. After executing the process of step S1404, the workflow platform 130 can communicate with the print service 120, assuming that cooperation with the print service 120 has been completed.

[0156] In step S1405, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of print action settings.

[0157] In step S1406, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the print action.

[0158] In the reservation printing action, the setting items are different from the printing described with reference to FIG. 12. For example, if reservation printing is possible from any image forming device, it is not necessary to specify the image forming device. Also, in the case of reservation printing, print settings are not necessary because they can also be set on the screen of the image forming device before printing. Also, in the case of reservation printing, settings can be set on the screen of the image forming device, but the default settings for reservation printing may be configurable on the workflow platform 130 in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0159] In step S1407, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings of the print action.

[0160] 13, the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the print service 120 and can incorporate a print action that executes reservation printing into any workflow. Note that a print action related to reservation printing is sometimes called a reservation printing action.

[0161] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the workflow platform showing a notification action in an embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 14 shows details of a process in which the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the chat service 140 to construct a workflow. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an action for notifying a notification destination specified by the chat service 140 is constructed as an action of a workflow.

[0162] In step S1501, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a notification action.

[0163] In step S1502, the workflow platform 130 checks whether or not cooperation with the chat service 140 that provides the notification action has been set, and determines whether or not it is necessary to log in to the chat service 140. If the workflow platform 130 determines that it is necessary to log in to the chat service 140, it proceeds to step S1503. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that it is not necessary to log in to the chat service 140, it proceeds to step S1505.

[0164] In step S1503, the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the chat service 140.

[0165] In step S1504, the workflow platform 130 receives a login result from the chat service 140. After executing the process of step S1504, the workflow platform 130 can communicate with the print service 120 after having been linked with the chat service 140. As described above, the account of the chat service 140 may be the same as that of the workflow platform 130. Furthermore, when the account of the chat service 140 and the account of the workflow platform 130 are the same, no login is required to link the two.

[0166] In step S1505, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of notification action settings.

[0167] In step S1506, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the notification action.

[0168] In step S1507, the workflow platform 130 transmits a request to the chat service 140 to obtain a list of notification destinations.

[0169] In step S1508, the workflow platform 130 receives the list of notification destinations from the chat service 140 and displays the list of notification destinations.

[0170] In step S1509, the workflow platform 130 saves the setting of the notification action.

[0171] The notification action settings are, for example, settings related to the user of the chat service 140 to be notified, the group designation, the channel designation, the type of notification, the content of the notification, and the response deadline for the notification. Note that these notification action settings are merely examples, and settings related to other matters may also be used. Notification types include normal general-purpose notifications, as well as printable notifications, print completion notifications, print error notifications, and approval request notifications. The approval request notification temporarily stops workflow processing until approval is permitted. The approval request notification can be sent not only to the approval request destination, but also when the approval request is completed, and the approval request completion notification destination can also be specified. Note that if the above-mentioned approval request completion notification destination is not specified, the notification destination will be the client PC 111 or the like used by the user who executed the workflow.

[0172] The workflow platform 130 executes the process shown in FIG. 14 to cooperate with the chat service 140, and can incorporate an action for sending a notification from the chat service 140 into any workflow.

[0173] Next, a process for executing a workflow configured by the procedures described in FIG. 9 to FIG. 14 will be described. The following description shows the operation during execution of a workflow in which approval of a quotation is received, the quotation is automatically printed upon approval, and the print result is notified. Note that the process described below is merely an example, and does not limit the services to be combined, the order of these services, etc. For example, in this embodiment, the workflow is started when a file is saved in the cloud storage 150. However, for example, the workflow may be started when a scan is performed by the image forming device 110. In addition, in the content described below, the chat service 140 may display a list of workflows constructed by the workflow platform 130.

[0174] Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing the processing executed by the workflow platform when executing a workflow in the embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 15 shows the operation when the workflow platform 130 executes the workflow.

[0175] In step S1601, the workflow platform 130 receives data indicating that a file has been saved in a specified folder from the cloud storage 150. The file in question is, for example, a document file of an estimate.

[0176] In step S1602, the workflow platform 130 receives the notification and starts the corresponding workflow.

[0177] In step S1603, the workflow platform 130 acquires file information from the data received in step S1601. The file information includes, for example, the contents of the file or a URL where the file can be downloaded, and information required for the print service 120 to print the file. The information is, for example, a file name.

[0178] In step S1604, the workflow platform 130 transmits an approval notification request to the chat service 140. The approval notification request includes information on the notification destination and the notification destination after approval that are set in advance in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0179] In step S1605, the workflow platform 130 determines whether or not the result of the approval request from the chat service 140 is successful. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the result of the approval request from the chat service 140 is successful, the process proceeds to step S1606. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that the result of the approval request from the chat service 140 is not successful, the process ends.

[0180] In step S1606, the workflow platform 130 transmits the print job to the print service 120. At this time, the workflow platform 130 transmits the file acquired in step S1603. Furthermore, printing related to the print job may be normal printing described with reference to Fig. 13, or reservation printing described with reference to Fig. 14.

[0181] In step S1607, the workflow platform 130 receives the print result from the print service 120.

[0182] In step S1608, the workflow platform 130 determines whether the print result received in step S1607 is successful. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the print result received in step S1607 is successful, the process proceeds to step S1609. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that the print result received in step S1607 is not successful, the process proceeds to step S1610.

[0183] In step S1609, the workflow platform 130 transmits a print success notification request to the chat service 140. The print success notification request includes notification destination information that is set in advance in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0184] In step S1610, the workflow platform 130 transmits a print failure notification request to the chat service 140. The print failure notification request includes notification destination information that is set in advance in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0185] In this embodiment, the workflow platform 130 notifies the user of the success or failure of printing through the chat service 140, but the print service 120 may execute a similar notification process. In this case, the notification destination is, for example, a client PC used by the user who started the workflow, the user who executed the printing included in the workflow, or multiple users including these users.

[0186] In step S1611, the workflow platform 130 determines whether or not a reprint instruction has been received from the print service 120. If the workflow platform 130 determines that a reprint instruction has been received from the print service 120, the process proceeds to step S1606. On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines that a reprint instruction has not been received from the print service 120, the process ends.

[0187] The workflow platform 130 executes the process shown in FIG. 15, thereby cooperating with the print service 120, the cloud storage 150, and the chat service 140 to execute a workflow and print a file.

[0188] 16 is a flow chart showing the process executed by the print service when executing a workflow in an embodiment. Specifically, FIG 16 shows the process in which the print service 120 executes a print action in a workflow.

[0189] In step S1701, the print service 120 receives a print job from the workflow platform .

[0190] In step S1702, the print service 120 determines whether the received print job is reserved printing. If the print service 120 determines that the received job is reserved printing, the process proceeds to step S1703. On the other hand, if the print service 120 determines that the received job is not reserved printing, the process proceeds to step S1707.

[0191] In step S1703, the print service 120 adds the received print job to the print job list.

[0192] In step S 1704 , the print service 120 receives a print job list acquisition request from the image forming apparatus 110 .

[0193] In step S1705, the print service 120 transmits the print job list to the image forming apparatus 110. The print job list includes a print job identifier that identifies the print job.

[0194] In step S1706, the print service 120 receives a print instruction from the image forming apparatus 110. The print instruction includes a print job identifier that identifies the print job.

[0195] In step S 1707 , the print service 120 identifies the print job to be sent from the print job identifier, and sends the print job to the image forming apparatus 110 .

[0196] In step S 1708 , the print service 120 receives the print result from the image forming apparatus 110 .

[0197] In step S1709, the print service 120 determines whether the printing was successful. If the print service 120 determines that the printing was successful, the process proceeds to step S1710. On the other hand, if the print service 120 determines that the printing was not successful, the process proceeds to step S1713.

[0198] In step S1710, the print service 120 notifies the workflow platform 130 that the printing was successful.

[0199] In step S1711, the print service 120 determines whether the successfully printed print job is a reserved print job.

[0200] In step S1712, the print service 120 deletes the successfully printed print job from the print job list, and ends the process.

[0201] In step S1713, the print service 120 notifies the workflow platform 130 that the printing has failed.

[0202] In step S1714, the print service 120 determines whether or not a reprint instruction has been received from the image forming apparatus 110. If the print service 120 determines that a reprint instruction has been received from the image forming apparatus 110, the process proceeds to step S1715. On the other hand, if the print service 120 determines that a reprint instruction has not been received from the image forming apparatus 110, the process ends.

[0203] In step S1715, the print service 120 transmits a reprint instruction to the workflow platform 130.

[0204] The print service 120 executes the process shown in FIG. 16, thereby cooperating with the image forming apparatus 110 and the workflow platform 130 to execute a workflow and print a file.

[0205] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a printing process performed by a printer during execution of a workflow in this embodiment.

[0206] In step S 1801 , the image forming apparatus 110 receives a print job from the print service 120 .

[0207] In step S1802, the image forming apparatus 110 executes printing related to the received print job.

[0208] In step S1803, the image forming apparatus 110 determines whether printing was successful. If the image forming apparatus 110 determines that printing was successful, the process proceeds to step S1804. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 110 determines that printing was not successful, the process proceeds to step S1805.

[0209] In step S1804, the image forming apparatus 110 notifies the print service 120 that the printing was successful.

[0210] In step S1805, the image forming apparatus 110 notifies the print service 120 that the printing has failed.

[0211] In step S1806, the image forming apparatus 110 determines whether a reprint instruction from the user has been detected. If the image forming apparatus 110 determines that a reprint instruction from the user has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1807. On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 110 determines that a reprint instruction from the user has not been detected, the process ends.

[0212] In step S1807, the image forming apparatus 110 transmits a reprint instruction to the print service 120.

[0213] The image forming apparatus 110 can print a file in cooperation with the print service 120 by executing the process shown in FIG.

[0214] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the reservation printing process performed by a printer during execution of a workflow in this embodiment.

[0215] In step S1901, the image forming apparatus 110 displays a print job list.

[0216] In step S1902, the image forming apparatus 110 detects a selection of a print job by the user. Note that print settings for the selected print job may be performed on the user interface of the image forming apparatus 110.

[0217] In step S1903, the image forming apparatus 110 transmits a print instruction for the detected print job.

[0218] Steps S1904 to S1910 are similar to steps S1801 to S1807 described above, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0219] The image forming apparatus 110 can reserve and print a file in cooperation with the print service 120 by executing the process shown in FIG.

[0220] 19 is a flowchart showing a process in which the chat service transmits and receives a notification request when a workflow is executed in the embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 19 shows the operation of approval and notification when the chat service 140 executes a workflow.

[0221] In step S2001, the chat service 140 receives a notification request from the workflow platform 130.

[0222] In step S2002, the chat service 140 acquires the notification destination included in the notification request.

[0223] In step S2003, the chat service 140 determines whether the notification request is an approval request. If the chat service 140 determines that the notification request is an approval request, the process proceeds to step S2004. On the other hand, if the chat service 140 determines that the notification request is not an approval request, the process proceeds to step S2010.

[0224] In step S2004, the chat service 140 acquires the approval requester who has made the approval request.

[0225] In step S2005, the chat service 140 acquires the post-approval notification destination of the approval request.

[0226] In step S2006, chat service 140 adds the approval request to the approval list of notification destinations, together with the requester and the post-approval notification destination. As a result, chat service 140 displays approval notification badge 510 on transition button 504 of the approval screen of client PC 111 using chat service 140. Alternatively, chat service 140 increments the count of approval notification badge 510 displayed on transition button 504 to the approval screen of client PC 111 using chat service 140. Then, by these processes, chat service 140 can notify the user that the approval request has been sent. Also, chat service 140 may display a notification of the approval request on a display linked to client PC 111 using chat service 140.

[0227] In step S2007, the chat service 140 determines whether the added approval request has been approved. If the chat service 140 determines that the added approval request has been approved, the process proceeds to step S2008. On the other hand, if the chat service 140 determines that the added approval request has not been approved, the process proceeds to step S2009.

[0228] In step S2008, the chat service 140 notifies the workflow platform 130 of approval.

[0229] In step S2009, the chat service 140 notifies the workflow platform 130 of the denial.

[0230] In step S2010, chat service 140 adds the notification content to the notification list of notification recipients. As a result, chat service 140 displays notification badge 509 on transition button 504 of the approval screen of client PC 111 using chat service 140. Alternatively, chat service 140 increases the count of notification badge 509 displayed on transition button 504 of the approval screen of client PC 111 using chat service 140. Then, by these processes, chat service 140 can make the user aware that a notification has arrived. Also, chat service 140 may display a notification of the approval request on a display linked to the client PC using chat service 140.

[0231] The chat service 140 can display a notification to the user in cooperation with the workflow platform 130 by executing the process shown in FIG.

[0232] As described above, according to this embodiment, the workflow platform 130 can print a file using the image forming apparatus 110 while cooperating with a plurality of services and the print service 120 .

[0233] The present invention includes the following inventions that appropriately combine the above-mentioned features.

[0234] (Configuration 1) A system comprising: a workflow construction means for constructing a workflow, which is a workflow in which individual actions, which are individual processes, are executed in a predetermined order, including a print action, which is a process related to printing, using a system that is linked to a workflow platform; a workflow execution means for executing the workflow; and a print data transmission means for transmitting print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action to an image forming device when the print action is executed by the workflow execution means.

[0235] (Configuration 2) 2. The system according to configuration 1, wherein the workflow execution means executes the workflow by executing a plurality of the actions in a determined order.

[0236] (Configuration 3) The system described in configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a list acquisition means for acquiring a list of the image forming devices that can be used in conjunction with the print data transmission means when the workflow construction means constructs the workflow including the print action.

[0237] (Configuration 4) The system described in configuration 3, wherein the list acquisition means acquires the list of the image forming devices from the print data transmission means after confirming that the workflow platform and the print data transmission means are linked.

[0238] (Configuration 5) The system according to configuration 3 or 4, further comprising a print setting acquisition means for acquiring data regarding print settings for the print action from the list acquisition means in accordance with the image forming device selected from the list acquired by the list acquisition means.

[0239] (Configuration 6) The system according to configuration 5, wherein the print setting acquisition means acquires data on print settings for the print action by transmitting a print setting acquisition request to the print data transmission means.

[0240] (Configuration 7) The system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the workflow execution means is provided to a client terminal by a chat service, and executes the workflow when a workflow execution button displayed on the client terminal is pressed.

[0241] (Configuration 8) The system described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the workflow construction means is provided to a client terminal by a chat service and constructs the workflow including the print action based on data entered into a workflow editing screen displayed on the client terminal.

[0242] (Configuration 9) The system described in any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the workflow construction means is provided to a client terminal by a chat service and determines the content of the print action based on data entered into a print action setting screen displayed on the client terminal.

[0243] (Configuration 10) 10. The system according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the workflow execution means notifies the user when the printing is successful or when the printing is unsuccessful, using a chat service.

[0244] (Configuration 11) 11. The system according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the workflow execution means uses the print execution means to notify when the printing is successful or when the printing has failed.

[0245] (Configuration 12) 12. The system according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the workflow execution means notifies the user by using a chat service when the approval process is to be executed.

[0246] (Method 1) A method for implementing a workflow in which individual actions, which are individual processes, are executed in a predetermined order, the workflow including a print action, which is a printing-related process, is constructed using a system that is linked to a workflow platform, the workflow is executed, and when the print action is executed by the workflow execution means, print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action is sent to an image forming device.

[0247] (Program 1) A program that uses a system that is linked to a workflow platform to construct a workflow that executes individual actions in a predetermined order, the workflow including a print action that is a printing-related process, executes the workflow, and, when the print action is executed by the workflow execution means, transmits print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action to an image forming device.

[0248] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a recording medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit for implementing one or more of the functions, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0249] The above describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, the present invention includes embodiments in which various modifications have been made based on the gist of the present invention, and these embodiments are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0250] 110 Image forming device 111 Client PC 120 Print Service 130 Workflow Platform 140 Chat Service 150 Cloud Storage

Claims

1. a workflow construction means for constructing a workflow in which actions, which are individual processes, are executed in a predetermined order, the workflow including a print action, which is a process related to printing, by using a system linked to a workflow platform; A workflow execution means for executing the workflow; a print data sending means for sending, to an image forming apparatus, print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action when the print action is executed by the workflow executing means; A system comprising:

2. the workflow execution means executes the workflow by executing a plurality of the actions in a determined order.

2. The system of claim 1 .

3. a list acquisition unit that acquires a list of the image forming apparatuses that can be used in cooperation with the print data transmission unit when the workflow construction unit constructs the workflow including the print action, 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the list acquisition means acquires the list of the image forming apparatuses from the print data transmission means after confirming that the workflow platform and the print data transmission means have been linked to each other; 4. The system of claim 3.

5. a print setting acquisition unit that acquires data on print settings for the print action from the list acquisition unit in response to the image forming device selected from the list acquired by the list acquisition unit, 4. The system of claim 3.

6. the print setting acquisition means acquires data on print settings for the print action by transmitting a print setting acquisition request to the print data transmission means; 6. The system of claim 5.

7. the workflow execution means is provided to a client terminal by a chat service, and executes the workflow when a workflow execution button displayed on the client terminal is pressed.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the workflow construction means constructs the workflow including the print action based on data inputted into a workflow editing screen provided to a client terminal by a chat service and displayed on the client terminal; 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the workflow construction means determines the content of the print action based on data inputted into a print action setting screen provided to the client terminal by a chat service and displayed on the client terminal; 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the workflow execution means notifies the user when the printing is successful or when the printing is unsuccessful, using a chat service.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the workflow execution means uses the print execution means to notify when the printing is successful or when the printing is unsuccessful.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the workflow execution means notifies, using a chat service, when the approval process is to be executed; 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. A workflow is a workflow in which individual actions, which are processes, are executed in a predetermined order, and the workflow includes a print action, which is a process related to printing, and the workflow is constructed using a system linked to a workflow platform; Executing the workflow, when the print action is executed by the workflow execution means, transmitting print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action to an image forming device; A method comprising:

14. A workflow is a workflow in which individual actions, which are processes, are executed in a predetermined order, and the workflow includes a print action, which is a process related to printing, and the workflow is constructed using a system linked to a workflow platform; Executing the workflow, when the print action is executed by the workflow execution means, transmitting print data indicating a printed matter to be printed by the print action to an image forming device; A program characterized by:

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