Workflow system and method

Abstract

To make it possible to construct a user-friendly workflow.SOLUTION: A workflow system for executing a workflow includes a workflow platform, which is a service enabling a user to construct the workflow, and a chat service, which is a service for receiving input by the user and notifying the user. The workflow platform includes workflow construction means for constructing the workflow in coordination with the chat service and work flow execution means for executing the workflow constructed by the workflow construction means. The workflow construction means can construct a workflow using the input received by the chat service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, the use of chat services and cloud services has been increasing. For example, there are workflow platforms that allow users to build workflows that combine various in-house services or various external online services from a chat service and automate tasks. The workflow platforms also provide a means for users or third-party developers to add external online services.

[0003] On the other hand, printing with a printer in cooperation with a workflow is also performed. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for providing a user interface for process settings and process parameter settings that can be easily set by a user when generating a workflow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-042436 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the workflow system in Patent Document 1 is premised on operating a printer, and does not take into consideration a workflow platform that allows a workflow to be created by combining various online services. In addition, it does not take into consideration the construction of a workflow that uses scanning as a means of inputting image data or posting from a chat application as a component. For this reason, there has been room for improvement in the construction of user-friendly workflows.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to enable the construction of an easy-to-use workflow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A workflow system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a workflow system that executes workflows, and includes a workflow platform, which is a service that allows a user to build a workflow, and a chat service, which is a service that accepts input from the user and notifies the user, wherein the workflow platform includes a workflow construction means that cooperates with the chat service to build a workflow, and a workflow execution means that executes the workflow built by the workflow construction means, and the workflow construction means is capable of building a workflow using input accepted by the chat service. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to construct an easy-to-use workflow. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a client PC, a workflow platform, and a print service according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a workflow list screen displayed on a chat service in the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for setting a workflow trigger displayed on a chat service in the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen for setting an action of a workflow displayed on a chat service in the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 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 first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a profile setting screen in a print service according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a profile setting process of a print service according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart of a workflow platform illustrating an example of processing a file creation trigger according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart of a workflow platform illustrating an example of processing a file creation action according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart of a workflow platform showing an example of processing of a redaction rule list acquisition action according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart of a workflow platform showing an example of processing an action of posting a message and waiting for a response according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart of a workflow platform illustrating an example of processing a redaction action according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 18]11 is a flowchart of a workflow platform showing an example of processing a file creation action according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 19] 4 is a flowchart of the workflow platform during workflow execution according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a redaction process of a print service during execution of a workflow according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10 is a flow chart of a workflow platform illustrating an example of processing a scan trigger according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart of a workflow platform illustrating an example of processing a request to add a profile to a print service according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart of a workflow platform illustrating an example of processing a scan image data acquisition action according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart of the workflow platform during workflow execution according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a scan process of a print service during execution of a workflow according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart of a workflow platform illustrating an example of processing a message addition trigger according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart of the workflow platform during workflow execution according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0011] [First embodiment] <Overall composition> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The workflow system 10 has a workflow platform 130, a print service 120, a chat service 140, a cloud storage 150, a printer 110, and a client PC 111. PC is an abbreviation for Personal Computer. The workflow platform 130, the print service 120, and the chat service 140 may be separate computers, or at least any of them may be the same computer. The workflow system 10 is an example of a print system. The workflow system 10 is an example of a scan system. The print service 120 and the chat service 140 are examples of online services.

[0012] The printer 110 and the client PC 111 are communicably connected to a server that provides various services on the Internet via a LAN (LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network).

[0013] The workflow platform 130 is a service that allows users to build workflows. The workflow platform 130 is a service provided by OS development companies, etc., and allows users to build workflows in conjunction with services such as cloud storage and chat services provided by the OS development companies, etc. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

[0014] A workflow is data for executing actions, which are individual processes, in a determined order. Examples of actions are a process of printing with the printer 110 or the like, a process of reservation printing with the printer 110 or the like, and a process of scanning with the printer 110 or the like. A process of scanning with the printer 110 or the like is an example of a scan function. A process related to printing, such as a process of printing with the printer 110 or the like and a process of reservation printing with the printer 110 or the like, may be called a print action. A process related to scanning, such as a process of scanning with the printer 110 or the like, may be called a scan action. An action is not limited to a process related to printing or scanning, and may be a process that does not involve an image processing device such as the printer 110, such as an approval request, a notification request, file storage, conditional branching, and repeated processing.

[0015] Furthermore, the workflow platform 130 has a customization function that allows it to be linked to online services provided by other companies, making it possible to create workflows that are linked to many services.

[0016] The print service 120 connects to the printer 110 and provides a service of receiving image data generated by scanning with the printer 110. The print service 120 provides a service of transferring files to a service capable of storing files, such as a storage service. The print service 120 provides a service of transmitting files from the storage service or the like, and files and print jobs from the client PC 111 to the printer 110 and printing them with the printer 110. The print service 120 is an online service.

[0017] The chat service 140 is a communication service for chatting. The chat service 140 cooperates with the workflow platform 130 and can notify users by chat. The chat service 140 is not limited to a service for chatting, and may have a function for notifying users of email, an approval system, a task management system, or the like. Furthermore, each of these services that provide a function for notifying users may be an independent service.

[0018] Cloud storage 150 is a service that allows users to store files over the Internet and retrieve files using a web browser.

[0019] The client PC 111 is a client PC for displaying and operating each service provided by the workflow platform 130. A user can use each service through a web browser or application running on the client PC 111.

[0020] The printer 110 is a multifunction device having multiple functions such as a scanner and a printer, and is an example of an image processing device.

[0021] Although the workflow system 10 of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned services, the present invention is not limited to this, and may have other configurations.

[0022] <Printer hardware configuration> 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer 110. The printer 110 includes a control unit 210, an operation unit 220, a printer unit 221, a scanner unit 222, and an authentication device 223.

[0023] The control unit 210 controls the overall operation of the printer 110. The control unit 210 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a HDD 214, 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.

[0024] The CPU 211 realizes and controls various functions provided by the printer 110, such as reading, printing, and communication, by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 212 and the HDD 214. The ROM 212 is a non-volatile memory and stores programs and data executed by the CPU 211. The ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. The RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area such as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 211. The RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. The HDD 214 is a large-capacity storage unit that stores programs and data executed by the CPU 211. The HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. In this embodiment, one CPU 211 uses one memory (RAM 213 or HDD 214) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described below, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each process may be executed by cooperating multiple CPUs and multiple RAMs or HDDs.

[0025] The operation unit I / F 215 is an interface that connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. I / F is an abbreviation of interface. The operation unit 220 has a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like, and accepts operations, inputs, and instructions from a user.

[0026] The printer I / F 216 is an interface that connects the printer unit 221 and the control unit 210. Image data to be printed is transferred from the control unit 210 to the printer unit 221 via the printer I / F 216, and is printed on a recording medium.

[0027] 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 or ADF (not shown) to generate image data, and outputs the generated image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. ADF is an abbreviation for Auto Document Feeder.

[0028] The printer 110 can print out (copy) image data generated by a scanner unit 222 from a printer unit 221, and can also transmit the image data as a file or by email.

[0029] 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 or a fingerprint authentication device that reads a fingerprint, and is used for authentication for a user to use the printer 110.

[0030] The network I / F 219 is an interface that connects the control unit 210, i.e., the printer 110, to a LAN. The printer 110 uses the network I / F 219 to transmit and receive various information such as image data and other information to and from each service on the Internet.

[0031] <Hardware configuration of client PC, workflow platform and print service> 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of each of the client PC 111, the print service 120, and the workflow platform 130. Each of the client PC 111, the print service 120, and the workflow platform 130 includes a control unit 310. The control unit 310 includes a CPU 311, a ROM 312, a RAM 313, a HDD 314, and a network I / F 315.

[0032] The CPU 311 realizes various functions by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 312 and the HDD 314, and controls the overall operation. The ROM 312 is a non-volatile memory, and stores programs and data executed by the CPU 311. 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 unit that stores programs and data executed by the CPU 311. The HDD 314 of the client PC 111 stores application programs for using each service, for example, a chat application for using functions provided by the chat service 140. The network I / F 315 is an interface that connects the client PC 111, the print service 120, and the workflow platform 130 to the Internet. The client PC 111, the print service 120, and the workflow platform 130 receive processing requests and transmit and receive various information between them and other devices and services via the network I / F 315.

[0033] <Workflow system software configuration> Figures 4, 5 and 6 are software configuration diagrams of the workflow system 10 according to this embodiment. The circled letters shown in Figure 4 are connected to the same letters in the circled letters shown in Figure 6. Also, the circled letters shown in Figure 5 are connected to the same letters in the circled letters shown in Figure 6.

[0034] 4, 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. The request control unit 431 is in a standby state in which it can receive requests from the print service 120, the chat service 140, the cloud storage 150, the printer 110, and the client PC 111.

[0035] The account management unit 432 manages account information for logging in to the workflow platform 130. In this embodiment, the workflow platform 130 and the other services each have different account information. The present invention is not limited to this, and a common account management service may be separately provided for each service, allowing single sign-on to each service using the same account. For example, the accounts for the workflow platform 130 and the chat service 140 may be managed as the same account by the same account management unit.

[0036] The display control unit 433 receives a request from a web browser running on the client PC 111 connected via the Internet and returns screen configuration information required for screen display. The screen configuration information is HTML, CSS, or the like. HTML is an abbreviation for HyperText Markup Language. CSS is an abbreviation for Cascading Style Sheets. The display control unit 433 can also receive a request from a web browser running on another terminal device such as a mobile terminal device and return the screen configuration information.

[0037] The workflow management unit 434 creates workflows in the workflow platform 130 and manages them by editing, saving, etc. The workflow control unit 435 controls the execution and stop of workflows stored in the workflow management unit 434 in response to workflow execution requests from the request control unit 431. This execution of a workflow is an example of a workflow execution means.

[0038] 4, 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, a job management unit 425, and a profile management unit 426. The request control unit 421 waits in a state in which it can receive requests from the printer 110 and the workflow platform 130.

[0039] The account management unit 422 manages account information for logging in to the print service 120. In addition, the account information for logging in to the print service 120 may be linked to user information used to log in to the printer 110.

[0040] The display control unit 423 receives a request from a web browser running on the client PC 111 connected via the Internet and returns screen configuration information required for screen display. The display control unit 423 can also receive a request from a web browser running on another terminal device such as a mobile terminal device and return screen configuration information.

[0041] The printer management unit 424 manages the printers registered in the print service 424. In addition, the printer management unit 424 can acquire the status, printing performance, scanning performance, and various settings of the registered printers.

[0042] 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. The job management unit 425 transmits the jobs it manages to a printer registered in the print service 120 in response to a request, and causes the printer to execute the job.

[0043] The profile management unit 426 manages, as profile information, the read settings for the document when scanning is performed and the save destination of the image file generated by scanning. The profile information can be created, edited, or deleted in response to a request from the client PC 111 or the workflow platform 130.

[0044] 5, the chat service 140 has 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. The request control unit 441 waits in a state in which it can receive requests from the client PC 111, the print service 120, and the workflow platform 130.

[0045] The account management unit 442 manages account information for logging in to the chat service 140. As described in the explanation of the account management unit 432, the accounts for the workflow platform 130 and the chat service 140 may be managed as the same account by the same account management unit.

[0046] The display control unit 443 receives a request from a chat application or a web browser running on the client PC 111 connected via the Internet and returns screen configuration information required for screen display. The display control unit 443 can also receive a request from a web browser running on another terminal device such as a mobile terminal device and return the screen configuration information.

[0047] The approval management unit 444 receives approval requests from external services such as the chat service 140, the workflow platform 130, or the print service 120, and manages the approval requests and the approval status for accounts on the chat service 140. For example, a user of the chat service 140 can issue an approval request for a quote on the chat service 140 to another user who has an account on the chat service 140, and the account that receives the approval request can process the approval or denial.

[0048] The notification control unit 445 receives a notification request from an external service such as the chat service 140 , the workflow platform 130 or the print service 120 , and sends a notification to an account on the chat service 140 .

[0049] 5, 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. The request control unit 451 is in a standby state in which it can receive requests from the client PC 111, the print service 120, and the workflow platform 130.

[0050] The account management unit 452 manages account information for logging in to the cloud storage 150. Furthermore, the accounts for the workflow platform 130 and the cloud storage 150 may be managed as the same account by the same account management unit.

[0051] The display control unit 453 receives a request from a web browser running on the client PC 111 connected via the Internet and returns screen configuration information necessary for screen display. The display control unit 453 can also receive a request from a web browser running on another terminal device such as a mobile terminal device and return screen configuration information.

[0052] The file management unit 454 manages files stored on the cloud storage 150, and stores, modifies, deletes, transmits, etc., files upon request.

[0053] 6, the printer 110 has a request control unit 411, a data management unit 412, and a display control unit 413. The request control unit 411 stands by in a state in which it can receive a processing request from the print service 120. When the printer 110 receives a processing request, it instructs the display control unit 413 and the workflow management unit 434 to perform the processing as appropriate in response to the request.

[0054] A data management unit 412 manages user information, connection information with the print service 120, and the like. A display control unit 413 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 220 of the printer 110. Although only one printer 110 connected to the print service 120 is shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, the workflow system 10 may have multiple printers connected to the print service 120. Furthermore, when the printer 110 has been registered with the print service 120, the printer 110 communicates with the print service 120 constantly or periodically so as to be able to receive requests from the print service 120.

[0055] 6, 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, and the cloud storage 150 via the request control unit 414. A user operates the workflow platform 130 and various online services via a screen displayed in a web browser by the display control unit 415 of the client PC 111.

[0056] <Processing flow> First, a description will be given of a procedure for constructing a workflow on the workflow platform 130. This procedure is an example of a workflow construction means for constructing a workflow.

[0057] 7 is a diagram showing a workflow list screen displayed on a chat service in a system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The chat service 140 cooperates with the workflow platform 130 by being authenticated with an account for the workflow platform 130. The client PC 111 obtains configuration information for the workflow list screen 500 from the display control unit 443 of the chat service 140, and displays this on the display control unit 415 via a chat application. As described above, the account for the chat service 140 may be the same account as that for the workflow platform 130, in which case authentication for cooperation is not required.

[0058] The workflow list screen 500 is divided into two parts: a sidebar and a main screen. The workflow list screen 500 displays a button 501 for transitioning to a chat screen, a button 502 for transitioning to a notification screen, a button 503 for transitioning to a workflow list screen, and a button 504 for transitioning to an approval screen in the sidebar. The workflow list screen 500 displays a button 505 for creating a new workflow, a field 506 for displaying the titles of workflows that have already been created, a button 507 for editing a workflow, and a button 508 for executing a workflow in the main screen.

[0059] When transitioning from workflow list screen 500 to a chat screen, a notification screen, or an approval screen, the sidebar display does not change, and only the main screen display changes. Workflow list screen 500 is displayed when the user presses button 503. Workflows can be created, edited, and executed from workflow list screen 500. Note that, depending on the workflow, the start condition for the workflow may be created so that it is executed by, for example, a specific date and time or a specific action. In that case, when button 508 is pressed, the content of the specific action that serves as the condition can be manually set and executed.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow editing screen 600 that is displayed when a button 505 for creating a new workflow is pressed. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a screen for setting a trigger for a workflow that is displayed on a chat service in a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The workflow editing screen 600 is an example of a screen for setting a trigger for a workflow.

[0061] The workflow editing screen 600 is configured to be divided into two parts, a sidebar and a main screen, similar to the workflow list screen 500. The main screen of the workflow editing screen 600 has a box 601 for editing the workflow name, a workflow trigger list screen 602, and a button 603 for selecting a workflow trigger. The main screen of the workflow editing screen 600 has a button 604 for searching for workflow triggers, a button 605 for adding a workflow action, and a button 606 for saving the workflow.

[0062] A workflow in the workflow platform 130 is constructed by combining a trigger, which is a workflow execution condition, and an action, which is the processing content of the workflow. Since a workflow must be started with a trigger, a trigger is set before an action on the workflow editing screen 600.

[0063] The 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 is updated, a scan trigger that is executed when scanning is started with a printer, etc. These are merely examples, and the actions provided by the workflow platform 130 and other external services are not limited to these examples.

[0064] When the button 603 is pressed, a trigger setting screen is displayed if the external service that provides the trigger and the account logged in to the workflow platform 130 are already linked. If there is no linkage, an authentication screen for linking is displayed, and the trigger setting screen is displayed after authentication.

[0065] The button 604 is for searching for workflow triggers displayed on the workflow trigger list screen 602, and allows the user to search for triggers using an input character string. This searches for triggers for the workflow platform 130 itself, triggers for other external services, and triggers for the print service. For example, if the user enters the character string "save" and searches, a list of triggers related to saving, such as actions triggered when data is saved in the cloud storage 150, is displayed. Similarly, if the user searches for "scan", a list of triggers that start a workflow when the print service 120 performs a scan is displayed. The trigger that starts the execution of the workflow is determined by the user selecting an action to be used in the workflow from these search results.

[0066] When a button 605 is pressed, a workflow action addition screen is displayed, and when a button 606 is pressed, the created workflow is saved.

[0067] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a workflow editing screen 700 displayed when the button 605 is pressed. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a screen for setting an action of a workflow displayed on a chat service in the system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] A workflow action is a process of a workflow, and performs some kind of transmission or reception to or from an external service, or performs control processing of the workflow itself, such as waiting, branching, or repeating the workflow.

[0069] The main screen of the workflow editing screen 700 has a workflow action list screen 701, a button 702 for selecting a workflow action, and a button 703 for searching for a workflow action. The main screen of the workflow editing screen 700 displays the name of a trigger that has already been set, and has a button 704 that displays a trigger editing screen when pressed. The main screen of the workflow editing screen 700 has a button 705 for adding a workflow action, and a button 706 for saving the workflow.

[0070] The workflow action list screen 701 displays a list of actions available on the workflow platform 130. The actions are, for example, a print action that starts printing on a printer, a reservation print action that reserves and prints on a printer, and a scan action that starts scanning on a printer. These are merely examples, and the actions may not involve a printer, and include, for example, approval requests, notification requests, redaction processing of image data, saving of files, and conditional branching and repetitive processing. Redaction processing is processing that makes a character string unreadable, for example, by filling the corresponding character string in a file with black. Furthermore, the actions provided by the workflow platform 130 and other external services are not limited to these examples.

[0071] When the button 702 is pressed, an action setting screen is displayed if the external service that provides the action is already linked to the account logged in to the workflow platform 130. If there is no linkage, an authentication screen for linking is displayed, and the action setting screen is displayed after authentication.

[0072] The 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. This searches for actions of the workflow platform 130 itself, actions of other external services, and actions of the print service 120. For example, if the user inputs the character string "notify" and searches, actions for the chat service 140 to notify any user or group are displayed. Alternatively, if the user inputs the character string "save" and searches, a list of actions related to saving, such as saving data to the cloud storage 150, is displayed. Similarly, if the user searches for "print", a list of actions of the connector that the print service 120 uses to print is displayed. The action of the workflow is determined by the user selecting an action to be used in the workflow from the search results.

[0073] A button 704 displays the name of a trigger that has already been set. When the button 704 is pressed, a trigger editing screen is displayed.

[0074] When the button 705 is pressed, a new workflow action list screen 701 is displayed below the already displayed workflow action list screen 701. This makes it possible to create a workflow that combines multiple workflow actions. When the button 706 is pressed, the created workflow is saved.

[0075] Fig. 10 illustrates a screen for setting workflow actions and workflow triggers. Fig. 10 illustrates a screen for setting details of workflow triggers or actions displayed on a chat service in a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a workflow action setting screen 800 for performing a redaction process on image data is shown as an example.

[0076] A workflow action setting screen 800 has a field 801 that displays the action name, and an action setting list 802. The action setting list 802 has action settings 803, 804, and 805. Action settings 803, 804, and 805 are examples of settings for a redaction action. This action setting accepts input by a method such as freely entering a character string, selecting from options, and using values ​​obtained in previous or next workflows. Also, option candidates in the action setting can be obtained from an external service and displayed. Also, these settings are not limited to action settings, but are similar to trigger settings.

[0077] A field 801 displays the name of the action. The name displayed in the field 801 may be freely changeable by the user. The workflow action setting screen 800 sets a workflow action with the action name in the field 801 according to the contents specified in each action setting in the action setting list 802.

[0078] The action setting 803 accepts the specification of a target file for the redaction process. The specification method here is to specify a file acquired by a workflow trigger or workflow action executed prior to the redaction action, or a URL or identifier indicating the file. The specification method in the action setting 803 is, for example, to specify a file acquired from the cloud storage 150. URL is an abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator.

[0079] The action setting 804 accepts the selection of a method for specifying the redaction rule to be applied to the target image data. The redaction rule here defines the portion of the image data to be redacted. The redaction rule may be, for example, a rule predefined by an external service that provides redaction processing. The redaction rule may be, for example, a keyword such as "email address", "phone number" or "address". The redaction rule may be, for example, a character string or format to be redacted that is specifically input by the user. The redaction rule may be, for example, specified by an identifier of the redaction rule acquired by a trigger or action executed before this action. The action setting 804 is a component that accepts the user's selection of a method for specifying the redaction rule, and is selected from a specification method such as "user definition", "keyword" or "free description".

[0080] The action settings 805 display components according to the method of specifying the redaction rule selected in the action settings 804. For example, when "user defined" is selected in the action settings 804, the workflow platform 130 displays, as the action settings 805, a list of redaction rules already defined in an external service that provides redaction processing. Also, when "keywords" or "free description" is selected in the action settings 804, the workflow platform 130 displays, as the action settings 805, a text box in which the user can freely enter information. Note that what is shown here is merely an example, and the method of specifying the area to be redacted is not limited to these examples.

[0081] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a profile setting screen 900 in the print service 120. Here, a profile is a rule for scanning defined by the print service 120, and by defining this rule, the printer 110 under the management of the print service 120 can select a profile and perform scanning.

[0082] The profile setting screen 900 has a title display area 901 and a profile setting area 902. The profile setting area 902 has a profile name setting 903, a destination folder setting 904, a file naming rule setting 905, a double-sided setting 906, a file format setting 907, a save button 908, and a cancel button 909.

[0083] A profile name setting 903 accepts input of the profile name currently being set.

[0084] The destination folder setting 904 accepts a designation of a destination for saving image data generated by scanning with a printer. The destination folder setting 904 can designate a folder in the cloud storage 150, for example.

[0085] A file naming rule setting 905 accepts the specification of a naming rule for file names of image data generated by scanning. The naming rule can be configured from static character strings and dynamic character strings such as the date and time of scanning and the name of the user who performed the scan.

[0086] In the double-sided setting 906, a double-sided setting for scanning in the printer 110 is specified.

[0087] A file format setting 907 accepts the specification of the file format of image data generated by scanning.

[0088] The setting items shown in Fig. 11 are just an example, and other settings related to the scan process may be included, such as whether or not to perform character extraction processing using OCR, access restrictions to the save destination folder, etc. OCR is an abbreviation for Optical Character Recognition.

[0089] The user can select whether or not to save the profile by using a save button 908 or a cancel button 909. When the save button 908 is pressed, the set profile information is managed by a profile management unit 426 in the print service 120. The profiles managed by the profile management unit 426 can be displayed in a list on a profile list screen (not shown), a profile to be edited can be selected, and a profile can be deleted.

[0090] Next, the procedure for actually connecting to and setting up each service in order to construct a workflow will be described with reference to respective flowcharts. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the print service 120 in this system to construct a profile for storing image data generated by scanning with the printer 110 in the cloud storage 150. The print service 120 executes the processing in Fig. 12 in cooperation with the cloud storage 150. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a profile setting process of the print service according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] In step S1001, the print service 120 detects a request to add a profile whose destination is the cloud storage 150. The request to add a profile is sent to the print service 120, for example, by the user operating an application or web browser dedicated to the print service on the client PC 111.

[0092] In step S1002, the print service 120 checks whether or not cooperation with the cloud storage 150 has been set, and determines whether or not it is necessary to log in to the cloud storage 150. If the print service 120 determines that it is necessary to log in to the cloud storage 150, the process of step S1003 is executed. If the print service 120 determines that it is not necessary to log in to the cloud storage 150, the process of step S1005 is executed.

[0093] In step S1003 , the print service 120 transmits a login request to the cloud storage 150 .

[0094] In step S1004, the print service 120 receives the login result from the cloud storage 150, and thereafter, can communicate with the cloud storage 150 as having been linked with the cloud storage 150.

[0095] In step S1005, the print service 120 displays the profile setting screen 900 and accepts profile setting input by the user.

[0096] In step S1006, the print service 120 determines whether or not the selection of a destination folder by the user has been detected. If the print service 120 determines that the selection of a destination folder has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1007. If the print service 120 determines that the selection of a destination folder has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S1010.

[0097] In step S1007, the print service 120 transmits to the cloud storage 150 a request to acquire a list of folders in the cloud storage selected by the user.

[0098] In step S1008 , the print service 120 receives the folder list of the cloud storage 150 .

[0099] In step S1009, the print service 120 displays the folder list received in step S1008 in the destination folder setting 904. At this time, if a folder selection is detected for the first time, information under the highest folder that can be selected by the logged-in user is obtained. Then, the process of step S1006 is executed.

[0100] In step S1010, the print service 120 determines whether or not pressing of the Save button 908 has been detected. If the print service 120 determines that pressing of the Save button 908 has been detected, the process of step S1011 is executed. If the print service 120 determines that pressing of the Save button 908 has not been detected, the process ends.

[0101] In step S 1011 , the print service 120 stores the setting information in the profile management unit 426 .

[0102] In step S 1012 , the print service 120 transmits the profile information to the printer 110 connected to the print service 120 .

[0103] As described above, the processes in steps S1001 to S1012 make it possible to select a profile on operation unit 220 of printer 110. In addition, by subsequently selecting a profile and performing a scan operation, the scanned image data can be stored in a predetermined folder in cloud storage 150.

[0104] Next, the procedure for actually connecting to and setting up each service in order to construct a workflow will be described with reference to respective flowcharts. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing details of constructing a workflow in cooperation with cloud storage 150 in the workflow platform 130 in this system. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of file creation trigger processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As an example, in this embodiment, a file creation trigger that starts a workflow when a file is created is constructed as a workflow trigger.

[0105] In step S1101, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a file creation trigger.

[0106] In step S1102, the workflow platform 130 checks whether collaboration with the cloud storage 150 that provides a file creation trigger has been set, and determines whether 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, the process of step S1103 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that it is not necessary to log in to the cloud storage 150, the process of step S1105 is executed.

[0107] In step S1103, the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the cloud storage 150.

[0108] In step S1104, the workflow platform 130 receives the login result from the cloud storage 150. After that, the workflow platform 130 can communicate with the cloud storage 150, assuming that the workflow platform 130 and the cloud storage 150 have been linked.

[0109] In step S1105, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of file creation trigger settings.

[0110] In step S1106, the workflow platform 130 displays a list of file creation trigger settings acquired in step S1105. Note that options for each setting can be displayed as options acquired from an external service, in this case, the linked cloud storage 150.

[0111] In the file creation trigger, it is necessary to set in which folder the trigger should be executed when a file is created. In step S1107, the workflow platform 130 first displays a list of root folders in the cloud storage 150.

[0112] In step S1108, the workflow platform 130 determines whether it has detected that any folder has been selected from the list. If the workflow platform 130 determines that a folder has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1109. If the workflow platform 130 determines that a folder has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S1113.

[0113] In step S1109, the workflow platform 130 transmits a request to acquire a list of folders in the selected folder.

[0114] In step S1110, the workflow platform 130 receives the folder list acquisition result.

[0115] In step S1111, the workflow platform 130 displays the folder list received in step S1110.

[0116] In step S1112, the workflow platform 130 determines whether or not a selection of a folder to be triggered has been detected. If the workflow platform 130 determines that a selection of a folder to be triggered has been detected, the process of step S1113 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that a selection of a folder to be triggered has not been detected, the process of step S1108 is executed.

[0117] In step S1113, the workflow platform 130 saves the file creation trigger settings.

[0118] The workflow platform 130 can incorporate a file creation trigger into any workflow using the procedure in Fig. 13. The file creation trigger provides for the acquisition of metadata related to the created file, such as the name, ID, time, and folder path of the file, in a workflow action executed subsequently. If the folder targeted by the trigger matches the save destination of the profile in the print service 120, the trigger incorporated using the procedure in Fig. 14 is activated when the user performs a scan operation on the printer 110.

[0119] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing details of constructing a workflow in cooperation with cloud storage 150 in the workflow platform 130 in this system. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of processing of a file creation action according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, as an example, a file acquisition action for acquiring a file in cloud storage 150 is constructed 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.

[0120] In step S1201, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a file acquisition action.

[0121] In step S1202, the workflow platform 130 checks whether collaboration with the cloud storage 150 that provides the file acquisition action has been set, and determines whether 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 process of step S1203 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the cloud storage 150 is not necessary, the process of step S1205 is executed. For example, if the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 11 has already been executed, collaboration has been completed and therefore logging in is not necessary.

[0122] In step S1203, the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the cloud storage 150.

[0123] In step S1204, the workflow platform 130 receives the login result from the cloud storage 150. After that, the workflow platform 130 can communicate with the cloud storage 150, assuming that the workflow platform 130 and the cloud storage 150 have been linked.

[0124] In step S1205, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of settings for the file acquisition action.

[0125] In step S1206, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the file acquisition action acquired in step S1205. In the file acquisition action, it is necessary to set the target file to be acquired. For example, a workflow is constructed so that the target file to be acquired can be specified from the file path that can be acquired as a result of executing the file creation trigger in Fig. 11 and values ​​that can be acquired from other triggers and actions.

[0126] In step S1207, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings of the set file acquisition action.

[0127] The procedure of FIG. 14 allows the workflow platform 130 to incorporate a get file action into any workflow.

[0128] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the workflow platform 130 in this system when constructing a workflow in cooperation with the print service 120. Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of processing of an action for obtaining a list of redaction rules according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] As an example of this embodiment, the redaction process is provided by the print service 120, and a process for acquiring a list of redaction rules already defined in the print service 120 is constructed as a workflow action. This workflow action is an action for acquiring list information composed of names, identifiers, etc. of the redaction rules defined in the print service 120.

[0130] In step S1301, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add an action for obtaining a list of redaction rules.

[0131] In step S1302, the workflow platform 130 checks whether cooperation with the print service 120 that provides the redaction rule list acquisition action has been set, and determines whether logging in to the print service 120 is required. If the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the print service 120 is required, the process of step S1303 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the print service 120 is not required, the process of step S1305 is executed.

[0132] In step S 1303 , the workflow platform 130 transmits a login request to the print service 120 .

[0133] In step S1304, the workflow platform 130 receives a login result from the print service 120. After that, the workflow platform 130 can communicate with the print service 120, assuming that the workflow platform 130 and the print service 120 have been linked.

[0134] In step S1305, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of settings for this workflow action.

[0135] In step S1306, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the workflow action acquired in step S1305.

[0136] In step S1307, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings of the redaction rule list acquisition action that has been set.

[0137] The procedure of FIG. 15 allows the workflow platform 130 to incorporate a redaction rule list acquisition action into any workflow.

[0138] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing details of constructing a workflow in the workflow platform 130 in this system in cooperation with the chat service 140. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of processing of an action of posting a message and waiting for a response according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] In this embodiment, as an example, a process of posting a message on the chat screen of the chat service 140 and acquiring a user's response to the message is constructed as a workflow action. The elements of the message posted by the action of posting a message and waiting for a response are not limited, but may be composed of components such as a character string, a button, and a drop-down list. Furthermore, this action displays the posted message on the screen of the chat application. The response acquired by this action is, for example, a message posted by a user via the chat application or detection of a button press.

[0140] In step S1401, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add an action of posting a message and waiting for a response.

[0141] In step S1402, the workflow platform 130 checks whether collaboration with a chat service 140 that provides an action for posting a message and waiting for a response has been set, and determines whether logging in to the chat service 140 is required. If the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the chat service 140 is required, the process of step S1403 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the chat service 140 is not required, the process of step S1405 is executed. As described above, the account for the chat service 140 may be the same account as the workflow platform 130, in which case logging in for collaboration is not required.

[0142] In step S 1403 , the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the chat service 140 .

[0143] In step S1404, the workflow platform 130 receives the login result from the chat service 140, and thereafter, is able to communicate with the chat service 140 as having been linked with the chat service 140.

[0144] In step S1405, the workflow platform 130 obtains a list of settings for an action to post a message and wait for a response.

[0145] In step S1406, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the action of posting the message acquired in step S1405 and waiting for a response.

[0146] In step S1407, the workflow platform 130 transmits a request to the chat service 140 to obtain a list of message destinations.

[0147] In step S1408, the workflow platform 130 receives a list of message destinations from the chat service 140. The settings of this action include the specification of the message poster and the user, group, or channel of the chat service 140 to which the message is posted, the content of the message to be posted, and the deadline for replying to the message. These are only examples, and do not have to be included. Other items may be included. The content of the message is not limited to being composed of simple character strings only, and may be in the form of a card described in JSON. JSON is an abbreviation for JavaScript Object Notation. Note that an action can be constructed that prompts the user to select an arbitrary redaction rule by displaying a list of redaction rules acquired by the redaction rule list acquisition action described above as the message content. In step S1408, the workflow platform 130 may display the received list of message destinations.

[0148] In step S1409, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings for the action of posting a message and waiting for a response.

[0149] 16, the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the chat service 140, and can incorporate an action for sending a message to the chat service 140 and acquiring a response from a user into any workflow. In this embodiment, a process for posting a message to the chat service 140 and acquiring a response from the user is constructed as one action. These may be divided into an action for posting a message and an action for acquiring a response from the user, and then incorporated into a workflow.

[0150] Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the print service 120 showing details of the workflow platform 130 in this system cooperating with the print service 120 to construct a workflow. Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of processing of a redaction action according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0151] As an example of this embodiment, a redaction action is constructed as a workflow action, which transmits scanned image file image data to the print service 120, executes a specified redaction process, and receives the redacted image data.

[0152] In step S1501, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a redaction action. Steps S1502 to S1504 are for coordinating with the print service 120, and are similar to steps S1302 to S1304 in FIG. 15, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] In step S1505, the workflow platform 130 obtains a list of settings for the redaction action.

[0154] In step S1506, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the redaction action acquired in step S1505. In the redaction action, it is necessary to input image data to be subjected to redaction processing and to set the portion to be redacted in the image data.

[0155] In step S1507, the workflow platform 130 detects the selection state of the action setting 804 on the workflow action setting screen 800 for the redaction action, and determines whether or not the redaction rule selection has been selected by the user. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the redaction rule selection has been selected, the process proceeds to step S1508. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the redaction rule selection has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S1511.

[0156] In step S1508, the workflow platform 130 transmits a request to the print service 120 to obtain the redaction rules.

[0157] In step S1509, the workflow platform 130 receives a list of predefined redaction rules from the print service 120.

[0158] In step S1510, the workflow platform 130 displays the redaction action in the action setting 805 on the workflow action setting screen 800.

[0159] On the other hand, if the workflow platform 130 determines in step S1507 that the redaction rule selection is not selected, the process is as follows. In this case, for example, if the redaction rule is to be specified by the identifier of the redaction rule acquired by a trigger or action executed earlier, the action setting 805 displays the identifier as a component that can be input, and performs the process of step S1511. This means that by using the above-mentioned redaction rule list acquisition action together with the action of posting a message and acquiring a response, a workflow can be constructed in which the user can select a redaction rule and execute the redaction process accordingly. Here, the user can select an arbitrary redaction rule from the redaction rules defined in the print service 120 via a chat application.

[0160] In step S1511, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings of the redaction action.

[0161] According to the procedure of FIG. 17, the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the print service 120, transmits image data to the print service 120, and can incorporate the redaction action provided by the print service 120 into any workflow.

[0162] Fig. 18 is a flowchart of the workflow platform 130 showing details of constructing a workflow in the workflow platform 130 in this system in cooperation with the cloud storage 150. Fig. 18 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of processing of a file creation action according to the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0163] As an example of this embodiment, an action for creating a file in a specified folder in cloud storage 150 is constructed as a workflow action. The file creation action is an action for giving a file name to specified image data and storing it as a file in a specified folder in cloud storage 150.

[0164] In step S1601, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a file creation action. The processes in steps S1602 to S1604 are processes for linking with the cloud storage 150, and are similar to the processes in steps S1102 to S1104 in Fig. 13, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0165] In step S1605, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of settings for the file acquisition action.

[0166] In step S1606, the workflow platform 130 displays the setting screen for the file acquisition action acquired in step S1605.

[0167] In the file creation action, it is necessary to specify the site URL, folder path, file name, and file contents of the file creation destination. At this time, the file contents may be image data generated by an action executed prior to the file creation action. For example, the workflow is constructed by selecting the image data after the redaction process generated by the redaction action in FIG. 17.

[0168] In step S1607, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings of the set file acquisition action.

[0169] The procedure of FIG. 18 enables the workflow platform 130 to incorporate a file creation action into any workflow.

[0170] As described above, by the procedures in FIGS. 12 to 18, the workflow platform 130 can realize a workflow configuration procedure that allows the selection of scanning with the printer 110 as a means for inputting image data.

[0171] Next, a flowchart for executing a workflow configured by the procedures described in FIG. 12 to FIG. 18 will be described. The following describes the operation when the following workflow is executed. In the following, a specification is scanned by the printer 110, and a redaction rule is selected according to a message posted to a chat application, thereby specifying the redaction rule. In the following, image data that has been subjected to redaction processing based on the specified redaction rule is stored in the cloud storage 150. Note that this workflow is merely an example, and the services to be combined and the order of the services are not limited to this. The workflow may be triggered by saving a file in the cloud storage 150. The workflow may be triggered by scanning with the printer 110. In addition, a list of workflows already constructed in the workflow platform 130 may be displayed on the chat service 140, so that a workflow selected from the chat service 140 can be executed. Note that an example in which scanning with the printer 110 is used as a workflow trigger will be described in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation when the workflow is executed in the workflow platform 130 in this system. Fig. 19 is a flowchart of the workflow platform when a workflow is executed, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] In this embodiment, the profile created in the print service 120 in the procedure of Fig. 12 is selected by the display control unit 413 of the printer 110, and a document is scanned. When the scanned document is thereby saved in a specified folder in the cloud storage 150, in step S1701 the workflow platform 130 receives a notification thereof from the cloud storage 150. The file is, for example, a document file of a specification.

[0174] In step S1702, the workflow platform 130 receives the notification and starts the corresponding workflow.

[0175] In step S1703, the workflow platform 130 acquires file information from the notification received in step S1701. The acquired file information is, for example, the contents of the file itself, or the URL and file name from which the file can be downloaded.

[0176] In step S1704, the workflow platform 130 obtains a list of the redaction rules defined in the print service 120 from the print service 120.

[0177] In step S1704, the workflow platform 130 transmits to the chat service 140 a message incorporating the redaction rule acquired in step S1704 in a format selectable by the user. Also, in step S1704, the workflow platform 130 acquires a response from the user who selects the redaction rule in the chat application. Note that, as described in the explanation of Fig. 16, the transmission of the message prompting the selection of the redaction rule and the acquisition of the user's response may be constructed as separate steps on the workflow. Also, in addition to the redaction rules already defined in the print service 120, keywords such as "email address" may be acquired from the chat service 140 as the part to be redacted.

[0178] In step S1706, the workflow platform 130 transmits the identifier of the redaction rule acquired from the chat service 140 in step S1705 and the file information to be redacted acquired in S1703 to the print service 120. As a result, the workflow platform 130 requests the print service 120 to execute the redaction process.

[0179] In step S1707, the workflow platform 130 receives the execution result of the redaction process from the print service 120.

[0180] In step S1708, the workflow platform 130 determines whether the execution result of the redaction process is successful. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the redaction process is successful, the process of step S1709 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the redaction process is not successful, the process of step S1712 is executed.

[0181] In step S1709, the workflow platform 130 obtains the redacted file from the print service 120.

[0182] In step S1710, the workflow platform 130 saves the redacted file in a specified folder in the cloud storage 150 by the file creation action set in the procedure of FIG.

[0183] In step S1711, the workflow platform 130 sends a notification of successful redaction to the chat service 140, and the process ends.

[0184] In step S1712, the workflow platform 130 transmits a redaction failure notification to the chat service 140. Note that, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the workflow platform 130 notifies the success or failure of the redaction processing result through the chat service 140, but the print service 120 may perform a similar process instead of the workflow platform 130. Also, when the notification in step S1712 is transmitted to the chat service by an action that can be configured in the procedure of Fig. 16, the user may be prompted to select whether or not to re-execute the redaction processing.

[0185] In step S1713, the workflow platform 130 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to re-execute the redaction process from the chat service 140. If the workflow platform 130 determines that it has received an instruction to re-execute, the process of step S1706 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that it has not received an instruction to re-execute, the process is terminated.

[0186] If the redaction process fails, an instruction to skip the redaction process and store the scanned image data as is in the cloud storage 150 may be received from a message to the chat service 140. In this case, the process of step S1710 is executed and the flow ends.

[0187] 19, the workflow platform 130 executes a workflow in cooperation with the print service 120, the cloud storage 150, and the chat service 140. Also, according to the procedure in Fig. 19, the workflow platform 130 can execute a redaction process on a scanned document and store a redaction file in a predetermined storage.

[0188] Fig. 20 is a flowchart of the print service 120 showing the operation when the workflow is executed in the workflow platform 130 in this system. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the redaction process of the print service when a workflow is executed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] In this embodiment, a process in which the print service 120 detects a character string related to an email address in a scanned document and erases the corresponding coordinates will be described as an example of the redaction rule.

[0190] In step S1801, the print service 120 receives a request to execute the redaction process from the workflow platform 130. At this time, the print service 120 acquires from the workflow platform 130 an identifier of the redaction rule and a file of the scanned document to be subjected to the redaction process.

[0191] In step S1802, the print service 120 refers to the corresponding predefined redaction rule from the redaction rule identifier acquired in step S1801.

[0192] In step S1803, the print service 120 performs character string extraction processing by OCR processing on the scanned document file received from the workflow platform 130 in step S1801.

[0193] In step S1804, the print service 120 searches the character string extracted in step S1803 for a character string that matches the keyword of the selected redaction rule. For example, if "email address" is specified as the keyword for the part to be redacted, the print service 120 searches the character string in the specification for a part that matches the format of an email address, such as "XXXX@XXX.co.jp." This is one example in this embodiment, and the search part in the present invention is not limited to this.

[0194] In step S1805, the print service 120 performs a redaction process on the corresponding character string in the file.

[0195] In step S1806, the print service 120 transmits the redacted file to the workflow platform 130, and the process ends.

[0196] 20, the print service 120 can perform the redaction process on the received file. Note that, here, in step S1803, character strings in the file are extracted, and in step S1804, character strings are searched for among the extracted character strings according to keywords defined in the redaction rule, but the means for selecting the part to be redacted is not limited to this. For example, the part to be redacted may be specified in advance by coordinates in the image data.

[0197] As described above, according to this embodiment, the workflow platform 130 cooperates with a plurality of services and the print service 120 to construct a workflow system that includes scanning by the printer 110 as a component of image data input means.

[0198] In this embodiment, the redaction process is taken as an example of a means for processing input image data, but the workflow process that can be constructed is not limited to this. For example, it may be image processing such as masking, stamping, file format conversion, file merging, etc., or it may be constructed in combination with actions that are not image processing, such as approval and notification. In addition, it is also possible to construct a workflow system by combining a plurality of these, or without including these.

[0199] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, the workflow constructed by the workflow platform 130 is started by selecting a profile constructed by the print service 120 on the printer 110, scanning, and storing the scanned image data in the cloud storage 150. Furthermore, an example is shown in which a file is stored in the cloud storage 150 after performing an erasure process. In the second embodiment, a workflow system is provided in which scanning by the printer 110 can be selected as a trigger or action of the workflow platform 130.

[0200] <Processing flow> First, the procedure for constructing a workflow on the workflow platform 130 in this embodiment will be described. The workflow list screen 500, workflow editing screen 600, and workflow editing screen 700 are similar to those in Fig. 7 to Fig. 9 in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted here. Here, the procedure for actually connecting to and setting up each service in order to construct a workflow will be described with reference to respective flowcharts.

[0201] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing details of a process in which the workflow platform 130 in this system cooperates with the print service 120 to construct a workflow. Fig. 21 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of scan trigger processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] As an example of this embodiment, a scan trigger that starts a workflow by scanning a document with the printer 110 connected to the print service 120 is constructed as a workflow trigger.

[0203] In step S1901, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a scan trigger.

[0204] In step S1902, the workflow platform 130 checks whether cooperation with the print service 120 that provides the scan trigger has been set, and determines whether logging in to the print service 120 is required. If the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the print service 120 is required, the process of step S1903 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that logging in to the print service 120 is not required, the process of step S1905 is executed.

[0205] In step S 1903 , the workflow platform 130 sends a login request to the print service 120 .

[0206] In step S1904, the workflow platform 130 receives a login result from the print service 120, and thereafter, is able to communicate with the print service 120, assuming that cooperation with the print service 120 has been completed.

[0207] In step S1905, the workflow platform 130 obtains a list of scan trigger settings.

[0208] In step S1906, the workflow platform 130 displays the setting screen of the scan trigger acquired in step S1905. In the scan trigger, for example, the scan profile name, the file naming rule, the color setting when scanning is performed, the double-sided setting, and the file format are displayed. Note that these setting items are only examples, and settings related to OCR processing may also be included.

[0209] In step S1907, the workflow platform 130 transmits a profile addition request to the print service 120 based on the scan trigger setting information input by the user.

[0210] In step S1908, the workflow platform 130 receives the result of adding the profile from the print service 120. At this time, if the print service 120 succeeds in adding the profile, the workflow platform 130 also receives an identifier for tracking the added profile.

[0211] In step S1909, the workflow platform 130 determines whether the print service 120 has succeeded in adding the profile based on the result of the reception in step S1908. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the addition was successful, the process proceeds to step S1910. If the workflow platform 130 determines that the addition was not successful, the process proceeds to step S1911.

[0212] In step S1910, the workflow platform 130 saves the scan trigger settings.

[0213] In step S1910, the workflow platform 130 displays on the workflow editing screen 600 a message indicating that creation of the scan trigger has failed.

[0214] According to the procedure of FIG. 21, the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the print service 120, and can incorporate the added profile in the printer 110 into any workflow using the executed scan as a trigger.

[0215] In addition, the scan trigger provides for subsequent workflow actions to obtain metadata related to the generated scanned image data, such as the name and identifier of the scanned image data.

[0216] Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing details of processing in the print service 120 in this system to add a profile indicating a definition of scan processing upon receiving a request from the workflow platform 130. Fig. 22 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of processing of a request to add a profile to a print service according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] As an example of this embodiment, the print service 120 publishes an API for accepting a profile addition request from outside. The workflow platform 130 calls the published API to realize profile addition in the print service 120 linked to the construction of a workflow. API is an abbreviation for Application Programming Interface.

[0218] In step S2001, the print service 120 receives a request to add a profile. The command received by the print service 120 is an API published by the print service 120, and includes information necessary for adding a profile. In this case, the information necessary for adding a profile includes, for example, a scan profile name, a file naming rule, color settings when scanning, double-sided settings, and a file format.

[0219] In step S2002, the print service 120 adds a profile based on the information received in step S2001. The added profile is managed by the profile management unit 426.

[0220] In step S2003, the print service 120 determines whether the profile addition has been completed normally by the process of step S2002. If the print service 120 determines that the profile addition has been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S2004. If the print service 120 determines that the profile addition has not been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S2006.

[0221] In step S2004, the print service 120 transmits information about the added profile to the printer.

[0222] In step S2005, the print service 120 returns a response to the workflow platform 130 indicating that the profile addition was successful, and ends the process. This response includes a profile identifier required for the workflow platform 130 to identify the added profile.

[0223] In this embodiment, the print service 120 returns a response to the workflow platform 130 after transmitting the profile information to the printer 110, but the timing of transmitting the profile information to the printer 110 is not limited to this. For example, the print service 120 may transmit the result to the workflow platform 130 when the profile addition is completed, and may transmit the profile information to the printer 110 periodically after the procedure in FIG.

[0224] In step S2006, the print service 120 returns a response to the workflow platform 130 indicating that the profile addition has failed, and ends the process.

[0225] 22, the print service 120 can add a profile in response to a command received from outside. Also, the workflow platform 130 incorporates the sending process of this command into the construction process of a trigger or action. This makes it possible to add a profile to the print service 120 in conjunction with the creation of a trigger or action, and makes it possible to track the execution of a scan using this profile.

[0226] Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing details of the workflow platform 130 in this system when constructing a workflow in cooperation with the print service 120. Fig. 23 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of processing of a scan image data acquisition action according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0227] As an example of this embodiment, a scanned image data acquisition action for acquiring image data generated by scanning with the printer 110 is constructed as a workflow action. The scanned image data acquisition action is an action for acquiring the contents of image data generated by a specified scan, a public URL, or a restricted URL.

[0228] In step S2101, the workflow platform 130 detects a request to add a scan image data acquisition action.

[0229] The workflow platform 130 executes a cooperative process with the print service 120 that provides a scanned image data acquisition action by the processes of steps S2102 to S2104. The processes of steps S2102 to S2104 are similar to the processes of steps S1902 to S1904 in Fig. 21, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0230] In step S2105, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of settings for the scan image data acquisition action.

[0231] In step S2106, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the scan image data acquisition action acquired in step S2105. In the scan image data acquisition action, it is necessary to specify the file to be acquired. For example, the identifier of the scan image data that can be acquired from the scan trigger in FIG. 21 is specified here.

[0232] In step S2107, the workflow platform 130 saves the settings of the set scan image data acquisition action (S2107).

[0233] The workflow platform 130 can incorporate a scan image data acquisition action into any workflow by the procedure in Fig. 23. In this embodiment, a workflow capable of acquiring scan image data can be constructed by specifying the identifier of the scan image data acquired by the scan trigger described in Fig. 21 as an element of this action.

[0234] It is also possible to acquire scanned image data even in a workflow in which a scan trigger does not exist. In that case, in addition to the items in this action setting, the setting items of the scan trigger, such as the scan profile name, file naming rules, color settings when scanning is performed, double-sided settings, and file format, are saved. By saving these, an action can be created that waits for scanning by the printer 110 and acquires scanned image data.

[0235] As described above, by the procedures in FIGS. 21 to 23, the workflow platform 130 can realize a workflow configuration procedure that allows the selection of scanning with the printer 110 as a means for inputting image data.

[0236] Next, a flowchart for executing a workflow configured by the procedures described in Figs. 15 to 18 and Figs. 21 to 23 will be described. In this embodiment, the operation during execution of the following workflow similar to that in the first embodiment will be described. In the following, a redaction rule is specified by scanning a specification with the printer 110 and selecting an erasure rule according to a message posted to a chat application. In the following, image data that has been subjected to redaction processing based on the specified redaction rule is stored in the cloud storage 150.

[0237] In the first embodiment, the trigger is the storage of scanned image data in cloud storage, but in this embodiment, the workflow starts as a trigger of a scan operation on the printer 110. Note that this embodiment is merely an example, and the services to be combined and the order of the services are not limited to this.

[0238] Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation when the workflow is executed in the workflow platform 130 in this system. Fig. 22 is a flowchart of the workflow platform showing an example of processing a request to add a profile to a print service according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0239] In step S2201, the workflow platform 130 receives from the print service 120 information that the statement has been scanned using a specified profile in the printer 110. At this time, the workflow platform 130 also acquires from the print service 120 an identifier for specifying the scanned image data.

[0240] In step S2202, the workflow platform 130 receives the notification and starts the corresponding workflow.

[0241] In step S2203, the workflow platform 130 acquires the scanned image data from the print service based on the identifier of the scanned image data received in step S2201.

[0242] Thereafter, in steps S2204 to S2213, the process obtains the rules for the redaction process provided by the print service 120, accepts the specification of the redaction rules via the chat service 140, performs the redaction process, and stores the redacted file in the cloud storage 150. These processes are similar to steps S1704 to S1713 in Fig. 19, and therefore will not be described here.

[0243] 24, the workflow platform 130 can cooperate with the print service 120, the chat service 140, and the cloud storage 150 to execute a workflow triggered by the execution of a scan on the printer 110.

[0244] Fig. 25 is a flowchart of the print service 120 showing operations related to scan processing when the workflow is executed in the workflow platform 130 in this system. Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of scan processing of the print service when a workflow is executed according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0245] In step S2301, when a document is scanned in the printer 110 using the profile added in the procedure of FIG.

[0246] In step S2302, the print service 120 temporarily stores the scanned image data received in step S2301 in the job management unit 425 of the print service 120. At this time, an identifier for specifying the scanned image data is issued and managed at the same time.

[0247] In step S2303, the print service 120 transmits to the workflow platform a notification indicating that scanning has been performed by the printer 110. By executing these processes, a scan trigger established in the workflow platform is fired.

[0248] In step S2304, the print service 120 receives a request to obtain scanned image data from the workflow platform 130.

[0249] In step S2305, the print service 120 transmits the scanned image data to the workflow platform 130 in response to the acquisition request received in step S2304. At this time, the request received from the workflow platform 130 includes an identifier of the scanned image data, and in step S2305, the print service 120 transmits the corresponding image data, the URL of the published file, or the restricted URL.

[0250] As described above, according to this embodiment, the workflow platform 130 can start a workflow by executing a scan and obtain scanned image data via the print service 120.

[0251] [Third embodiment] In this embodiment, a workflow construction means is provided in the workflow platform 130 that allows a user to select image data posted to a chat application as a workflow trigger.

[0252] <Processing flow> First, the procedure for constructing a workflow on the workflow platform 130 in this embodiment will be described. Note that the workflow list screen 500, workflow editing screen 600, and workflow editing screen 700 are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, and therefore their explanation will be omitted here. Here, the procedure for actually connecting to and setting up each service in order to construct a workflow will be described with reference to respective flowcharts.

[0253] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the workflow platform 130 showing the details of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the chat service 140 in the workflow platform 130 of this system.

[0254] As an example of this embodiment, a message addition trigger is created in which the addition of a message to the chat service 140 by a user via a chat application is used as a workflow trigger.

[0255] In step S2401, the workflow platform 130 detects an addition request for a message addition trigger.

[0256] The workflow platform 130 executes a linkage process with the chat service 140 that provides a message addition trigger in steps S2402 to S2404. These processes are similar to the processes in steps S1402 to S1404 in Fig. 16, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0257] In step S2405, the workflow platform 130 acquires a list of message addition trigger settings.

[0258] In step S2406, the workflow platform 130 displays a setting screen for the message addition trigger acquired in step S2405. In the message addition trigger, setting items for specifying a group or channel for monitoring the posting of messages by users are displayed.

[0259] In step S2407, the workflow platform 130 transmits a request to acquire a list of groups / channels for which the chat service 140 can monitor message additions.

[0260] In step S2408, the workflow platform 130 receives the list of groups / channels from the chat service 140.

[0261] In step S2409, the workflow platform 130 saves the setting of the message addition trigger.

[0262] According to the procedure of FIG. 24, the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the chat service 140, and a trigger that starts a workflow when a message is added in the chat service 140 can be incorporated into any workflow.

[0263] The workflow platform 130 manages the information of the message acquired by the execution of this trigger. In addition, the workflow platform 130 provides the acquisition of information related to the message, such as the text constituting the message and the identifiers of the attached files, for the workflow action executed after this trigger.

[0264] As described above, by the procedures in FIG. 14 and FIG. 26, the workflow platform 130 can realize a workflow configuration procedure that allows the posting of image data in a chat application to be selected as a means for inputting image data.

[0265] Next, a flowchart for executing a workflow configured by the procedures described in FIG. 13 to FIG. 18 and FIG. 26 will be described. In this embodiment, a specification file posted by a user to a chat application is acquired, a redaction rule selected by the user in the chat application is acquired, and redaction processing is performed based on the redaction rule. Then, the operation at the time of execution of the workflow for storing the image data after the redaction processing in the cloud storage 150 is shown. This embodiment is merely an example, and the services to be combined and the order of the services are not limited to this. Note that in this embodiment, an example is shown in which a file attached to a message posted to the chat service 140 is managed by the cloud storage 150 linked to the chat service 140. In the present invention, the chat service 140 itself may manage the posted files.

[0266] Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation when the workflow is executed in the workflow platform 130 in this system. Fig. 27 is a flowchart of the workflow platform when a workflow is executed, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0267] In step S2501, the workflow platform 130 receives from the chat service 140 a notification that a statement file has been posted by a user to the chat service 140. At this time, the workflow platform 130 also obtains information related to the posted message from the chat service 140.

[0268] In step S2502, the workflow platform 130 receives the notification and starts the corresponding workflow in response to the message addition trigger created in the procedure of FIG.

[0269] In step S2503, the workflow platform 130 determines whether or not a file (image data) is attached to the message based on the message information acquired in step S2501. If the workflow platform 130 determines that a file is attached to the message, the process of step S2504 is executed. If the workflow platform 130 determines that a file is not attached to the message, the process is terminated.

[0270] In step S2504, the workflow platform 130 obtains the attachment of the message posted to the chat service 140 by the file acquisition action created in the procedure of Fig. 14. This can be configured by specifying the message information generated by the message addition trigger in the setting items of the file acquisition action described in Fig. 14.

[0271] After the specification file is acquired by the process of step S2504, the processes of steps S2505 to S2514 are the same as those of steps S1704 to S1713 in Fig. 19. This realizes acquisition of the rules for the redaction process provided by the print service 120, acceptance of the designated redaction rule via the chat service 140, the redaction process, and storage of the redacted file in the cloud storage 150.

[0272] 25, the workflow platform 130 cooperates with the print service 120, the chat service 140, and the cloud storage 150. Furthermore, the workflow platform 130 provides the realization of a workflow system in which file posting in the chat service 140 serves as an input means for image data.

[0273] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-mentioned 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. Also, the present invention can be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for realizing one or more functions.

[0274] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0275] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A workflow system for executing a workflow, comprising: a workflow platform, which is a service that enables users to build workflows; a chat service that accepts input from a user and notifies the user; having the workflow platform comprises a workflow construction means for constructing a workflow in cooperation with the chat service, and a workflow execution means for executing the workflow constructed by the workflow construction means; The workflow construction means is capable of constructing a workflow using an input received through the chat service. A workflow system comprising: (Configuration 2) a print service that is a service for managing an image processing device having an image scanning function and receiving image data scanned by the image processing device; The workflow construction means is capable of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the print service and constructing a workflow using image data scanned by the image processing device in the print service. 2. The workflow system according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The workflow construction means has a means for requesting the print service to add a profile related to scanning in the image processing apparatus. 3. The workflow system according to configuration 2. (Configuration 4) The workflow execution means has a means for starting a workflow by a scan operation in the image processing device. 4. The workflow system according to configuration 2 or 3. (Configuration 5) The workflow execution means has a means for acquiring image data scanned by the image processing device from the print service. 5. The workflow system according to any one of configurations 2 to 4. (Configuration 6) The workflow execution means has a means for acquiring a list of rules defined for the operation of the functions provided by the print service. 6. The workflow system according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, (Configuration 7) The workflow execution means has a means for accepting, in the chat service, a selection of a rule defined for the operation of a function provided by the print service. 7. The workflow system according to any one of configurations 2 to 6, (Configuration 8) The workflow execution means has a means capable of changing the process of the workflow in accordance with the rule accepted and selected by the chat service. 8. The workflow system according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) The workflow execution means has a means for detecting that a message has been posted to the chat service. 9. The workflow system according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, (Configuration 10) The workflow execution means has a means for designating an arbitrary channel for monitoring message posting to the chat service. 10. The workflow system according to configuration 9. (Configuration 11) The workflow execution means includes a means for starting a workflow when a message is posted to the chat service. 11. The workflow system according to configuration 9 or 10. (Configuration 12) The workflow execution means has a means for determining whether image data is attached to a message posted to the chat service. 12. The workflow system according to any one of configurations 9 to 11. (Configuration 13) The workflow execution means includes a means for acquiring image data attached to a message posted to the chat service. 13. The workflow system according to any one of configurations 9 to 12. (Configuration 14) the workflow construction means constructs a workflow in response to an input to the chat service; The workflow execution means executes the workflow constructed by the workflow construction means in response to an input to the chat service. 14. The workflow system according to any one of configurations 1 to 13. (Configuration 15) It has cloud storage where you can save files, the workflow construction means is capable of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the cloud storage, The print service has a means for creating a profile for storing image data in the cloud storage. 3. The workflow system according to configuration 2. (Configuration 16) It has cloud storage where you can save files, the workflow construction means is capable of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the cloud storage, The workflow execution unit includes a unit that starts a workflow when image data generated by scanning with the image processing device is transmitted to the cloud storage. 16. The workflow system according to configuration 2 or 15, (Method 1) A method for controlling a workflow system that executes a workflow, comprising the steps of: The workflow system includes a workflow platform that is a service that enables a user to construct a workflow, and a chat service that is a service that accepts input from a user and notifies the user, the workflow platform includes a workflow construction step of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the chat service, and a workflow execution step of executing the workflow constructed by the workflow construction means; The workflow construction step is capable of constructing a workflow using an input received through the chat service. A method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0276] 10: Workflow system 110: Printer 120: Print service 130: Workflow Platform 140: Chat service

Claims

1. A workflow system for executing a workflow, comprising: a workflow platform, which is a service that enables users to build workflows; a chat service that accepts input from a user and notifies the user; having the workflow platform comprises a workflow construction means for constructing a workflow in cooperation with the chat service, and a workflow execution means for executing the workflow constructed by the workflow construction means; The workflow construction means is capable of constructing a workflow using an input received through the chat service. A workflow system comprising:

2. a print service that is a service for managing an image processing device having an image scanning function and receiving image data scanned by the image processing device; The workflow construction means is capable of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the print service and constructing a workflow using image data scanned by the image processing device in the print service.

2. The workflow system according to claim 1.

3. The workflow construction means has a means for requesting the print service to add a profile related to scanning in the image processing apparatus.

3. The workflow system according to claim 2.

4. The workflow execution means has a means for starting a workflow by a scan operation in the image processing device.

3. The workflow system according to claim 2.

5. The workflow execution means has a means for acquiring image data scanned by the image processing device from the print service.

3. The workflow system according to claim 2.

6. The workflow execution means has a means for acquiring a list of rules defined for the operation of the functions provided by the print service.

3. The workflow system according to claim 2.

7. The workflow execution means has a means for accepting, in the chat service, a selection of a rule defined for the operation of a function provided by the print service.

3. The workflow system according to claim 2.

8. The workflow execution means has a means capable of changing the process of the workflow in accordance with the rule accepted and selected by the chat service.

8. The workflow system according to claim 7.

9. The workflow execution means has a means for detecting that a message has been posted to the chat service.

2. The workflow system according to claim 1.

10. The workflow execution means has a means for designating an arbitrary channel for monitoring message posting to the chat service.

10. The workflow system according to claim 9.

11. The workflow execution means includes a means for starting a workflow when a message is posted to the chat service.

10. The workflow system according to claim 9.

12. The workflow execution means has a means for determining whether image data is attached to a message posted to the chat service.

10. The workflow system according to claim 9.

13. The workflow execution means includes a means for acquiring image data attached to a message posted to the chat service.

10. The workflow system according to claim 9.

14. the workflow construction means constructs a workflow in response to an input to the chat service; The workflow execution means executes the workflow constructed by the workflow construction means in response to an input to the chat service.

2. The workflow system according to claim 1.

15. It has cloud storage where you can save files, the workflow construction means is capable of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the cloud storage, The print service has a means for creating a profile for storing image data in the cloud storage.

3. The workflow system according to claim 2.

16. It has cloud storage where you can save files, the workflow construction means is capable of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the cloud storage, The workflow execution unit includes a unit that starts a workflow when image data generated by scanning with the image processing device is transmitted to the cloud storage.

3. The workflow system according to claim 2.

17. A method for controlling a workflow system that executes a workflow, comprising the steps of: The workflow system includes a workflow platform that is a service that enables a user to construct a workflow, and a chat service that is a service that accepts input from a user and notifies the user, the workflow platform includes a workflow construction step of constructing a workflow in cooperation with the chat service, and a workflow execution step of executing the workflow constructed by the workflow construction means; The workflow construction step is capable of constructing a workflow using an input received through the chat service. A method comprising:

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