Workflow control apparatus

Abstract

To allow users to execute an additional process without re-entering data after a workflow is executed.SOLUTION: A workflow control apparatus comprises: first display control means for performing control so as to display a workflow selection screen to a client; workflow control means for performing control so as to execute a first workflow selected via the workflow selection screen; second display control means for performing control so as to display a first process selection screen that can be additionally applied to the client after the first workflow is executed; and first process control means for performing control so as to execute a first process selected via the first process selection screen on data after the first workflow is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Services that provide workflows that automatically execute processes in sequence for data scanned by a device or data sent from an information processing device are known. Some multifunction device vendors provide such services as cloud services (hereinafter referred to as workflow-providing cloud services).

[0003] Some workflow processes perform conversion operations on data. For example, a workflow pattern may involve combining three document data sets, translating them into English, and outputting the combined data set to the user as a single document data set.

[0004] When executing such a workflow, it is common to use a default workflow stored in a workflow-providing cloud service, but there may be situations where you want to modify or add processes depending on the usage case.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that enables a workflow to be executed continuously when the workflow is completed by setting a continuous execution setting before the workflow is executed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-164207 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned example of the workflow, when the workflow is completed and data is output to the user, the user may find that personal information is included when checking the data. The user may need to further sanitize the data, but since the workflow has ended, the user may need to re-enter the data into the workflow-providing cloud service. In that case, if the technology of Patent Document 1 is used, continuous execution settings are made before the workflow is executed, so that when additional processing is required after referring to the data after the workflow is executed, the corresponding processing cannot be added, which is an issue in terms of efficiency.

[0008] It is an objective of the present disclosure to allow additional processing to be performed after a workflow has been executed without having to re-enter data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The workflow control device has a first display control means for controlling a workflow selection screen to be displayed on a client, a workflow control means for controlling a first workflow selected via the workflow selection screen to be executed, a second display control means for controlling a first processing selection screen that can be additionally applied after the first workflow is executed, and a first processing control means for controlling the first processing selected via the first processing selection screen to be executed on data after the first workflow is executed. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, after a workflow is executed, additional processing can be performed without re-entering data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a device. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device and a cloud service. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a workflow providing cloud service. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transition of a UI displayed on a client. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart of a sub-process. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a workflow providing cloud service. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transition of a UI displayed on a client. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a workflow providing cloud service. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transition of a UI displayed on a client. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the scope of the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the solution.

[0013] [System Configuration] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 100 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes a device 101, an information processing device 102, a workflow providing cloud service 103, and a data conversion cloud service 104. The device 101, the information processing device 102, the workflow providing cloud service 103, and the data conversion cloud service 104 are connected to each other via a network 105.

[0014] The device 101 is a device having a scanner and printer function. The device 101 can also upload data to a workflow providing cloud service 103 and print processed data received from the workflow providing cloud service 103. The device 101 may have a single function or multiple functions.

[0015] The information processing device 102 can upload data to the workflow providing cloud service 103 and receive processed data from the workflow providing cloud service 103. The information processing device 102 is, for example, a personal computer or a smartphone.

[0016] The workflow providing cloud service 103 is an example of a workflow control device, and has a function of controlling data received from the device 101 or the information processing device 102 in accordance with a set workflow. The workflow providing cloud service 103 also transmits a processing request to a data conversion cloud service 104 that corresponds to processing related to data conversion. The workflow providing cloud service 103 also manages the workflow itself.

[0017] The data conversion cloud service 104 has a function of receiving a request from the workflow providing cloud service 103, performing data conversion processing, and sending back the data after the data conversion processing to the workflow providing cloud service 103. The data conversion processing is, for example, language translation, document merging, voice conversion, etc. Note that a data conversion cloud service 104 may exist for each type of data conversion processing, or the workflow providing cloud service 103 may have a function for data conversion processing.

[0018] 1, the device 101 and the information processing device 102 send data to the workflow providing cloud service 103, which in turn can control the data in accordance with the workflow. Furthermore, the workflow providing cloud service 103 can perform data conversion processing by sending a data conversion request to the data conversion cloud service 104. In the following description, the device 101 and the information processing device 102 are collectively defined as a "client" that sends and receives data to the workflow providing cloud service 103.

[0019] In this embodiment, the client utilizes an authentication and authorization mechanism such as OAuth to realize cooperation with the workflow providing cloud service 103. The same applies to cooperation between the workflow providing cloud service 103 and the data conversion cloud service 104.

[0020] The above components are communicatively connected via a network 105. For example, the network 105 is a communication network realized by any one of a LAN such as the Internet, a WAN, a telephone line, or a combination of these. The network 105 may be any network capable of transmitting and receiving data.

[0021] [Device hardware configuration] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device 101 in Fig. 1. The device 101 has a control unit 200, an operation unit 210, a printer unit 211, a scanner unit 212, and a modem 213. The control unit 200 has a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a HDD 204, an operation unit I / F 205, a printer I / F 206, a scanner I / F 207, a modem I / F 208, and a network I / F 209.

[0022] The control unit 200 controls the operation of the device 101. The CPU 201 reads out a control program stored in the ROM 202, and executes and controls various functions of the device 101, such as reading, printing, and communication. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 201.

[0023] In this embodiment, one CPU 201 executes each process shown in the flowchart described later using one memory (RAM 203 or HDD 204), but is not limited to this. For example, each process may be executed by cooperating with multiple CPUs, RAMs, or HDDs.

[0024] The HDD 204 is a large-capacity storage unit that stores image data and various programs. The operation unit I / F 205 is an interface that connects the operation unit 210 and the control unit 200. The operation unit 210 is equipped with a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like, and accepts operations / inputs / instructions from a user.

[0025] The printer I / F 206 is an interface that connects the printer unit 211 and the control unit 200. Image data to be printed is transferred from the control unit 200 to the printer unit 211 via the printer I / F 206, and is printed on a recording medium.

[0026] The scanner I / F 207 is an interface that connects the scanner unit 212 and the control unit 200. The scanner unit 212 reads an original placed on an original platen or an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), not shown, generates image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit 200 via the scanner I / F 207.

[0027] The device 101 can print (copy) image data generated by a scanner unit 212 using a printer unit 211, and can also transmit the image data as a file or by email.

[0028] The modem I / F 208 is an interface that connects the modem 213 and the control unit 200. The modem 213 communicates image data by facsimile with a facsimile device on the PSTN.

[0029] The network I / F 209 is an interface that connects the control unit 200 (the device 101) to a LAN. The device 101 uses the network I / F 209 to transmit image data and information to each service on the network 105 and to receive various information.

[0030] [Hardware configuration of information processing devices and various cloud services] Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 102. Fig. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the workflow providing cloud service 103 and the data conversion cloud service 104.

[0031] The information processing apparatus 102, the workflow providing cloud service 103, and the data conversion cloud service 104 each include a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a HDD 304, and a network I / F 307. The information processing apparatus 102 further includes a display 305 and an input device 306.

[0032] The CPU 301 controls the overall operation by reading out a control program stored in the ROM 302 and executing various processes. The RAM 303 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory and a work area for the CPU 301. The HDD 304 is a large-capacity storage unit that stores image data and various programs.

[0033] The network I / F 307 is an interface that connects the information processing device 102 , the workflow providing cloud service 103 , or the data conversion cloud service 104 to the network 105 .

[0034] The information processing device 102, the workflow providing cloud service 103, and the data conversion cloud service 104 receive processing requests from one another via the network I / F 307, and transmit and receive various types of information.

[0035] The display 305 displays various information. The input device 306 is a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and is used to input various information.

[0036] [System-wide functional configuration] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the information processing system 100 according to this embodiment. The CPU 301 in Figs. 3(a) and (b) executes a control program stored in the HDD 304 to realize the functional configuration units in Fig. 4.

[0037] The device 101 includes a data management unit 401 , a display control unit 402 , and a request control unit 403 .

[0038] The data management unit 401 saves the processed data downloaded from the workflow providing cloud service 103 in the HDD 204 .

[0039] The display control unit 402 displays the progress of each process in the print process or workflow, and displays a UI screen for receiving operations by a user, on a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function of the operation unit 210 of the device 101. For example, the display control unit 402 displays print settings, a menu of workflows managed by the workflow providing cloud service 103, and the like.

[0040] A request control unit 403 issues a login request to the workflow providing cloud service 103 and requests various processes in accordance with the selected workflow.

[0041] The information processing device 102 includes a data management unit 411 , a display control unit 412 , and a request control unit 413 .

[0042] A data management unit 411 holds data to be transmitted to the workflow providing cloud service 103 and the like.

[0043] The display control unit 412 returns screen configuration information required for screen display upon receiving a request from an application running on the information processing device 102. For example, the screen configuration information is information such as a menu of data to be subjected to workflow processing, a menu of workflows managed by the workflow providing cloud service 103, and the like.

[0044] A request control unit 413 issues to the workflow providing cloud service 103 a request to log in to the service and requests various processes in accordance with the selected workflow.

[0045] The workflow providing cloud service 103 includes a data management unit 421 , a display control unit 422 , a request control unit 423 , and a workflow control unit 424 .

[0046] The data management unit 421 holds data transmitted from a client. The data management unit 421 also manages executable processes and workflows. The data management unit 421 also manages the status of data currently being processed on the RAM 303.

[0047] The display control unit 422 receives a request from a web browser running on the device 101 or the information processing device 102 and returns screen configuration information (HTML, CSS, etc.) required for screen display. The user can refer to the progress of the workflow and the status of processed data via the screen displayed on the web browser.

[0048] The request control unit 423 receives a processing request based on a workflow from the device 101 or the information processing device 102, and returns a processing result to the device 101 or the information processing device 102. The processing result is, for example, the processed data itself, the end result of the processing (success / failure), etc. The request control unit 423 also requests processing from the data conversion cloud service 104, and receives the processing result.

[0049] The workflow control unit 424 executes processes in sequence according to the workflow requested by the request control unit 423. The processes executed by the workflow control unit 424 refer to processes other than those executed by the data conversion cloud service 104, such as approval processes, notifications by e-mail, and the like.

[0050] The data conversion cloud service 104 includes a data management unit 431 , a request control unit 432 , and a data conversion process control unit 433 .

[0051] The data management unit 431 holds the data transmitted from the workflow providing cloud service 103 .

[0052] The request control unit 432 receives a data conversion processing request from the workflow providing cloud service 103 and returns the processing result to the workflow providing cloud service 103 .

[0053] The data conversion process control unit 433 executes the data conversion process. Note that the processes performed by the workflow control unit 424 and the data conversion process control unit 433 may both be provided by the workflow providing cloud service 103 alone.

[0054] Next, a method for solving the above-mentioned problem of having to re-enter data when additional processing becomes necessary after the end of a workflow will be described.

[0055] [flowchart] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a control method of the workflow providing cloud service 103. A series of processes in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 301 executing a control program stored in the HDD 304. A detailed explanation will be given below. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the transition of the UI displayed on the client.

[0056] In step S501, the request control unit 423 receives a request in response to a user operation from a client.

[0057] In step S502, the display control unit 422 transmits information for displaying a list of existing workflows managed in the HDD 304 to the client, and controls the client to display a workflow selection screen 600 of Fig. 6. A list of existing workflows managed in the HDD 304 is displayed on the workflow selection screen 600. When a workflow button 601 is pressed, a workflow corresponding to the workflow button 601 is selected, and if the client is the device 101, the screen transitions to a scan reception screen 610, and if the client is the information processing device 102, the screen transitions to a data selection screen 612.

[0058] In step S503, the request control unit 423 accepts input of data to be processed by the workflow selected in step S502. A scan acceptance screen 610 is displayed on the device 101. A document to be scanned is set in the scanner unit 212, and the document is read by pressing the scan button 611, and the screen transitions to a setting screen 620. The number of pages to be scanned depends on the type of processing that exists in the selected workflow. For example, if a document merging process exists in the workflow, a request is made to scan two or more documents.

[0059] A data selection screen 612 is displayed on the information processing device 102. Any method of data selection may be used, such as pressing a document button 613 or dragging and dropping data onto a web browser. After data selection, a setting screen 620 relating to the first process in the workflow is displayed on the information processing device 102.

[0060] When a next button 621 is pressed after input on the setting screen 620, a setting screen 630 for the next process is displayed on the client. When a start process button 631 is pressed after selection on the setting screen 630, workflow processing is started. Note that the setting screens are not limited to the setting screens 620 and 630, and there are as many setting screens as there are workflows.

[0061] In step S504, the workflow providing cloud service 103 controls the input data so as to execute the workflow selected in step S502. A detailed flow of step S504 is shown in FIG.

[0062] In step S721, the data management unit 421 determines whether the process is related to data conversion. This applies only when the data conversion process is performed by the data conversion cloud service 104. If the process is related to data conversion, the process proceeds to step S722, and if the process is not related to data conversion, the process proceeds to step S724.

[0063] In step S722, the request control unit 423 requests processing from the data conversion cloud service 104. After that, the process proceeds to step S723.

[0064] In step S723, the request control unit 423 receives the result of the processing from the data conversion cloud service 104. After that, the processing proceeds to step S725.

[0065] In step S724, the workflow control unit 424 executes processing on the input data, after which the process proceeds to step S725.

[0066] In step S725, the workflow control unit 424 advances the workflow by one. At this time, the workflow control unit 424 writes to the RAM 303 the last executed process (last executed process) and status information of the processed data.

[0067] In step S726, the workflow control unit 424 determines whether or not there is a subsequent process. If there is a subsequent process, the process returns to step S721, and if there is no subsequent process, step S504 ends.

[0068] 6 is displayed on the client. The progress of the workflow can be confirmed on the progress screen 640. When a "List" button 641 is pressed, a transition to a list screen 642 of workflows being executed is made. Furthermore, when a workflow button 643 on the workflow list screen 642 is pressed, a transition to the progress screen 640 is made.

[0069] In step S505 in Fig. 5, the display control unit 422 transmits information for displaying the processing end screen 650 in Fig. 6 to the client, and when a Next button 651 is pressed, transitions to a processing addition confirmation screen 660. Note that the workflow providing cloud service 103 may notify the user by email or a message app when a series of processes in the workflow is completed.

[0070] In step S506, request control unit 423 determines which of the three buttons 661 to 663 has been pressed on process addition confirmation screen 660. If preview button 661 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S507, if yes button 662 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S508, and if no button 663 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S516.

[0071] In step S507, the display control unit 422 transmits information to the client for displaying a preview 664. In the preview 664, the state of the data after a series of processes in the workflow are executed is displayed on a preview screen 665. When a back button 666 is pressed, the display control unit 422 returns the process to step S505 and transitions to a process addition confirmation screen 660.

[0072] In step S508, the data management unit 421 sequentially reads processes that can be executed by the workflow providing cloud service 103 or the data conversion cloud service 104. The processes to be read are limited to those that have not yet been read.

[0073] In step S509, data management unit 421 determines whether the process read in step S508 matches the information on the last executed process written in step S504 to RAM 303. If they match, the process proceeds to step S511, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step S510.

[0074] In step S510, data management unit 421 determines whether the execution condition read in step S508 is satisfied by the status information of the data after the last execution process, which was written to RAM 303 in step S504. For example, if the execution condition for the voice conversion process is "data not redacted," and the data after the last execution process contains information that "redacted," the status information does not satisfy the execution condition, and the voice conversion process cannot be executed. If the status information satisfies the execution condition, processing proceeds to step S512, and if the status information does not satisfy the execution condition, processing proceeds to step S511.

[0075] In step S511, data management unit 421 disables (grays out) the process that has been loaded by CPU 301 so that it cannot be selected as an additional process. After that, the process proceeds to step S512.

[0076] In step S512, the data management unit 421 determines whether or not there is any processing in the HDD 304 that has not yet been read by the CPU 301. If there is, the process returns to step S508, and if there is not, the process proceeds to step S513.

[0077] In step S513, the display control unit 422 transmits information to the client for displaying a process selection screen 670 that can be executed by the workflow providing cloud service 103 or the data conversion cloud service 104. As a result, the display control unit 422 controls the client to display the process selection screen 670 that can be additionally applied. On the process selection screen 670, processes that are made unselectable as additional processes in step S511 are displayed in a grayed-out state. The process selection screen 670 is a screen where only processes that are different from the last executed process and for which the data after the last executed process satisfies the execution conditions can be selected.

[0078] In step S514, the request control unit 423 determines whether or not a process button 671 that is not grayed out has been pressed. If the process button 671 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S515, and if the cancel button 672 has been pressed instead of the process button 671, the process proceeds to step S516. Note that a preview button 661 may be added to the executable process selection screen 670, and after step S504 is completed, the screen may transition directly to the executable process selection screen 670, rather than to the process addition confirmation screen 660. In this case, the process button 671 replaces the "Yes" button 662, and the cancel button 672 replaces the "No" button 663.

[0079] In step S515, the workflow control unit 424 functions as a process control unit, and performs control so that the additional process corresponding to the process button 671 selected in step S514 is executed on the data after the execution of the final execution process, based on the setting value in the setting screen 680. When the process start button 681 is pressed, the workflow control unit 424 starts the additional process. When the additional process is completed, the workflow control unit 424 displays a process end screen 690 on the client, and when the next button 691 is pressed, the process returns to step S505, and transitions to a process addition confirmation screen 660. At this time, the final execution process is updated to the additional process, and the status information of the data is also updated in accordance with the additional process.

[0080] In step S516, the request control unit 423 functions as an output unit, and outputs the data after the execution of the final execution process in response to the instruction in step S506 or S514. The output method may be printing on the device 101, sending an e-mail to the user, downloading on a web browser, etc.

[0081] As described above, according to this embodiment, when additional processing becomes necessary after the end of a workflow, the additional processing can be performed without re-entering data. This allows the user to refer to data that has already been processed by the workflow, and efficiently set and execute only the additional processing that can be performed.

[0082] The user can refer to the data output after the workflow is completed, and even if additional processing is required, the user can efficiently perform the additional processing since there is no need to re-input the data into the workflow providing cloud service 103.

[0083] Second embodiment In the first embodiment described above, a method for executing additional processing after a series of processing in a workflow without re-entering data has been described. However, with this method, if a series of processing including the additional processing is to be used regularly, it is necessary to create it as a new workflow.

[0084] Therefore, in the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, a method is described in which, when a process addition operation is performed, the series of workflows is saved as a new workflow as is. In this embodiment, the same explanation as in the first embodiment, such as the system configuration and the UI of the application, is omitted.

[0085] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a control method of the workflow providing cloud service 103 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the transition of the UI displayed on the client, which is the transition of the UI in an additional flow of the second embodiment. Fig. 8 adds steps S801 to S804 to Fig. 5. Below, the points in which this embodiment differs from the first embodiment will be described.

[0086] If the No button 663 is pressed in step S506, or if the Cancel button 672 is pressed in step S514, the process proceeds to step S801 instead of step S516.

[0087] In step S801, the data management unit 421 determines whether the additional process of step S515 has been performed one or more times. To make this determination, when the workflow control unit 424 executes the additional process in step S515, it records in the RAM 303 that the additional process has been executed. The CPU 301 reads the information in the RAM 303, and determines whether this record exists. If the additional process has been executed, the process proceeds to step S802, and if the additional process has not been executed, the process proceeds to step S516.

[0088] In step S802, the display control unit 422 transmits information for displaying the workflow save confirmation screen 910 of Fig. 9 to the client. The workflow save confirmation screen 910 displays the process of the existing workflow that was executed first and a new workflow in which the additional process is linked.

[0089] In step S803, the request control unit 423 determines whether or not the Yes button 911 has been pressed on the workflow save confirmation screen 910. If the Yes button 911 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S804, and if the No button 912 has been pressed instead of the Yes button 911, the process proceeds to step S516.

[0090] In step S804, the data management unit 421 creates a new workflow by linking the processing of the existing workflow executed in step S504 and the additional processing executed in step S515 in response to the instruction in step S803. Then, the data management unit 421 functions as a storage unit and stores the new workflow in the HDD 304. At this time, a storage completion screen 920 is displayed on the client. When the Next button 921 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S516, and the processing result is output.

[0091] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a process is added, the series of workflows can be saved as a new workflow. This allows the user to use the workflow with the added process from the next time onwards after the process result is output without having to create a new workflow again.

[0092] (Third embodiment) In the second embodiment described above, a method was described in which, when a process addition operation is performed, the series of workflows is saved as a new workflow. However, with this method, even if a workflow identical to the series of workflows to which processes have been added already exists, the user may not realize this and save it as a new workflow. This may result in the same workflows being scattered all over the HDD 304, causing confusion.

[0093] Therefore, in the third embodiment, in addition to the second embodiment, a method for preventing a save operation from being performed when a workflow identical to a series of workflows to which processing has been added already exists will be described. In this embodiment, the same explanation as in the second embodiment, such as the system configuration and the UI of the application, will be omitted.

[0094] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a control method of a workflow providing cloud service 103 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the transition of a UI displayed on a client, which is the transition of the UI in an additional flow of the third embodiment. Fig. 10 adds steps S1001 and S1002 to Fig. 8. The following describes the points in which this embodiment differs from the second embodiment.

[0095] In step S801, if an addition process has been performed, the process proceeds to step S1001 instead of step S802.

[0096] In step S1001, data management unit 421 determines whether or not a workflow identical to the series of workflows linking the workflow executed in step S504 and the additional processing executed in step S515 already exists. When the additional processing is completed, the series of workflows is written to RAM 303. CPU 301 searches HDD 304 for a workflow identical to the flow written to RAM 303. Also, if the existing workflow includes setting value data, CPU 301 searches for whether the workflow is identical including the setting values. If an identical workflow already exists, processing proceeds to step S1002, and if an identical workflow does not already exist, processing proceeds to step S802.

[0097] In step S1002, the display control unit 422 transmits information for displaying the existing workflow presentation screen 1100 in Fig. 11 to the client, and controls so as to display the existing workflow presentation screen 1100 on the client. The existing workflow presentation screen 1100 is a screen that displays the existing identical workflow of step S1001. When the Next button 1101 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S516, and the process result is output.

[0098] As described above, according to this embodiment, if a workflow identical to the series of workflows to which processing has been added already exists, the save operation is not performed. This prevents a workflow identical to an existing workflow from being saved even if the user is not aware of it, and eliminates the risk of a proliferation of identical workflows. Furthermore, the user can know that they can use the existing workflow from the next time onwards.

[0099] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0100] Furthermore, the present disclosure also includes systems and their functions configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments.

[0101] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) a first display control means for controlling a workflow selection screen to be displayed on a client; a workflow control means for controlling execution of a first workflow selected via the workflow selection screen; a second display control means for controlling a client to display a first process selection screen that can be additionally applied after the first workflow is executed; a first process control means for controlling execution of a first process selected via the first process selection screen on data after execution of the first workflow; A workflow control device comprising: (Configuration 2) 2. The workflow control device according to configuration 1, wherein the first process selection screen is a screen on which only processes different from the process executed last in the first workflow can be selected. (Configuration 3) 2. The workflow control device according to configuration 1, wherein the first process selection screen is a screen on which only processes for which execution conditions are satisfied by data after execution of the first workflow can be selected. (Configuration 4) The workflow control device according to configuration 1, wherein the first process selection screen is a screen from which only processes that are different from the process executed last in the first workflow and for which data after execution of the first workflow satisfies execution conditions can be selected. (Configuration 5) a third display control means for controlling a client to display a second process selection screen that can be additionally applied after the first process is executed; The workflow control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a second process control means for controlling execution of a second process selected via the second process selection screen on data after execution of the first process. (Configuration 6) 6. The workflow control device according to configuration 5, wherein the second process selection screen is a screen on which only processes different from the first process can be selected. (Configuration 7) 6. The workflow control device according to configuration 5, wherein the second process selection screen is a screen that allows selection of only a process for which data after execution of the first process satisfies an execution condition. (Configuration 8) The workflow control device according to configuration 5, wherein the second process selection screen is a screen from which only processes that are different from the first process and for which data after execution of the first process satisfies an execution condition can be selected. (Configuration 9) 5. The workflow control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a storage means for storing a new workflow that links the first workflow and the first process after the first process is executed. (Configuration 10) 10. The workflow control device according to configuration 9, wherein the saving means saves the new workflow in response to an instruction. (Configuration 11) The workflow control device according to any one of configurations 5 to 8, further comprising a storage means for storing, after execution of the second process, the first workflow and a new workflow that links the first process and the second process. (Configuration 12) 12. The workflow control device according to configuration 11, wherein the saving means saves the new workflow in response to an instruction. (Configuration 13) 11. The workflow control device according to configuration 9 or 10, wherein the saving means saves the new workflow when a workflow linking the first workflow and the first process does not already exist. (Configuration 14) The workflow control device according to any one of configurations 9, 10, and 13, further comprising a fourth display control means for controlling, after execution of the first process, if a workflow linking the first workflow and the first process already exists, to display the existing workflow on a client. (Configuration 15) 13. The workflow control device according to configuration 11 or 12, characterized in that the saving means saves the new workflow when a workflow linking the first workflow, the first process, and the second process does not already exist. (Configuration 16) The workflow control device according to any one of configurations 11, 12, and 15, further comprising a fifth display control means for controlling, after execution of the second process, if a workflow linking the first workflow and the first process and the second process exists, to display the existing workflow on a client. (Configuration 17) 5. The workflow control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising an output means for outputting data after the first process has been executed in response to an instruction after the first process has been executed. (Configuration 18) 18. The workflow control device according to claim 17, wherein the output means outputs data after execution of the first workflow when no process is selected via the first process selection screen. (Configuration 19) 19. The workflow control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 18, wherein the first display control means controls the workflow selection screen to be displayed on the client when a request is received from the client. (Configuration 20) A workflow control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 19, a client that displays the workflow selection screen and the first process selection screen; An information processing system comprising: (Method 1) a first display control step of controlling a workflow selection screen to be displayed on a client; a workflow control step of controlling execution of a first workflow selected via the workflow selection screen; a second display control step of controlling a client to display a first process selection screen that can be additionally applied after the first workflow is executed; a first process control step of controlling execution of a first process selected via the first process selection screen on data after execution of the first workflow; A control method for a workflow control device comprising the steps of: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as the workflow control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 19. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 421 data management unit, 422 display control unit, 423 request control unit, 424 workflow control unit

Claims

1. a first display control means for controlling a workflow selection screen to be displayed on a client; a workflow control means for controlling execution of a first workflow selected via the workflow selection screen; a second display control means for controlling a client to display a first process selection screen that can be additionally applied after the first workflow is executed; a first process control means for controlling execution of a first process selected via the first process selection screen on data after execution of the first workflow; A workflow control device comprising:

2. 2. The workflow control device according to claim 1, wherein the first process selection screen is a screen on which only processes different from the process executed last in the first workflow can be selected.

3. 2. The workflow control device according to claim 1, wherein the first process selection screen is a screen that allows selection of only processes for which execution conditions are satisfied by data after execution of the first workflow.

4. 2. The workflow control device according to claim 1, wherein the first process selection screen is a screen from which only processes that are different from the last process executed in the first workflow and for which data after execution of the first workflow satisfies execution conditions can be selected.

5. a third display control means for controlling a client to display a second process selection screen that can be additionally applied after the first process is executed; 2. The workflow control device according to claim 1, further comprising a second process control means for controlling execution of a second process selected via the second process selection screen on the data after execution of the first process.

6. 6. The workflow control device according to claim 5, wherein the second process selection screen is a screen on which only processes different from the first process can be selected.

7. 6. The workflow control device according to claim 5, wherein the second process selection screen is a screen that allows selection of only processes for which data after execution of the first process satisfies an execution condition.

8. 6. The workflow control device according to claim 5, wherein the second process selection screen is a screen from which only a process that is different from the first process and for which data after execution of the first process satisfies an execution condition can be selected.

9. 2. The workflow control device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing a new workflow in which the first workflow and the first process are linked together after the first process is executed.

10. 10. The workflow control device according to claim 9, wherein said saving means saves said new workflow in response to an instruction.

11. 6. The workflow control device according to claim 5, further comprising a storage unit for storing, after the second process is executed, the first workflow and a new workflow in which the first process and the second process are linked together.

12. 12. The workflow control device according to claim 11, wherein said saving means saves said new workflow in response to an instruction.

13. 10. The workflow control device according to claim 9, wherein said saving means saves the new workflow when a workflow linking said first workflow and said first process does not already exist.

14. 10. The workflow control device according to claim 9, further comprising a fourth display control means for controlling, after execution of the first process, if a workflow linking the first workflow and the first process already exists, to display the existing workflow on a client.

15. 12. The workflow control device according to claim 11, wherein the saving means saves the new workflow when a workflow linking the first workflow, the first process, and the second process does not already exist.

16. 12. The workflow control device according to claim 11, further comprising a fifth display control means for controlling, after execution of the second process, if a workflow linking the first workflow and the first process and the second process exists, to display the existing workflow on a client.

17. 2. The workflow control device according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs data obtained after the first process is executed in response to an instruction after the first process is executed.

18. 18. The workflow control device according to claim 17, wherein said output means outputs data after execution of said first workflow when no process is selected via said first process selection screen.

19. 2. The workflow control device according to claim 1, wherein said first display control means controls so that said workflow selection screen is displayed on a client when a request is received from the client.

20. A workflow control device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, a client that displays the workflow selection screen and the first process selection screen; An information processing system comprising:

21. a first display control step of controlling a workflow selection screen to be displayed on a client; a workflow control step of controlling execution of a first workflow selected via the workflow selection screen; a second display control step of controlling a client to display a first process selection screen that can be additionally applied after the first workflow is executed; a first process control step of controlling execution of a first process selected via the first process selection screen on data after execution of the first workflow; A control method for a workflow control device comprising the steps of:

22. A program for causing a computer to function as the workflow control device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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