Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and non

Abstract

To prevent execution of an unnecessary workflow.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: In one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a reading unit, a comparison unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a target file. The reading unit reads information on the target file from the target file. The comparison unit compares information on an executed file for each executed file for which a workflow stored in a storage unit has been executed with information on the target file. The controller controls a workflow for the target file based on a comparison result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Workflows are known for automatically executing a series of processes, such as tasks, on electronic files. A workflow can be executed in the following manner. For example, a multifunction peripheral scans a form using its scanning function and saves an electronic file representing the form in a predetermined storage location. When the electronic file is saved in the predetermined storage location, a system detects the electronic file. The system selects an appropriate workflow from multiple preset workflows based on information accompanying the detected electronic file. The system then executes the selected workflow on the electronic file.

[0003] After the system executes a workflow on an electronic file representing a certain form, the user may accidentally scan the same form again using a multifunction device. In this case, the multifunction device saves an electronic file with the same content as the electronic file for which the workflow was executed in a specified storage location. When an electronic file representing the same form is saved in the specified storage location, the system executes a workflow on the electronic file representing the same form.

[0004] If a workflow with the same content is executed multiple times for an electronic file representing the same form, there is a possibility that unnecessary effort or cost will be incurred. For example, if a certain cost is incurred for each workflow execution, multiple payments will be incurred instead of a single payment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-049506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it possible to prevent unnecessary workflow execution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a reading unit, a comparison unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a target file. The reading unit reads information about the target file from the target file. The comparison unit compares information about the executed file for each executed file for which a workflow has been executed, which is stored in a storage unit, with information about the target file. The control unit controls the workflow for the target file based on the comparison result. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a configuration example of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of data stored in the execution information storage area according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a storage location registration process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control of a workflow according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0010] [Embodiment] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of an information processing system S. The information processing system S is a system for controlling the workflow of electronic files.

[0011] An electronic file is any file that has been digitized. The electronic file will be described as an electronic file representing a form, but is not limited to this. For example, the form may be an invoice or a purchase order, but is not limited to these.

[0012] The electronic file will be described as image data generated by scanning a medium such as paper with the multifunction device 3, but is not limited to this. The electronic file may also be data including text data created by a word processing application on the terminal 4.

[0013] A workflow is a series of processes that follow a defined flow. For example, a workflow is a series of processes that are executed automatically. The series of processes includes one or more tasks and / or one or more processes. If the electronic file is an electronic file representing an invoice, the workflow may be a series of processes for providing one or both of the electronic file and information read from the electronic file to a system that processes the invoice. If the electronic file is an electronic file representing a purchase order, the workflow may be a series of processes for providing one or both of the electronic file and information read from the electronic file to a system that processes the purchase order.

[0014] The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1, a plurality of storage devices 2, a plurality of multifunction devices 3, and a plurality of terminals 4. The information processing device 1, the plurality of storage devices 2, the plurality of multifunction devices 3, and the plurality of terminals 4 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes one or more networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The information processing system S may include one storage device 2 instead of multiple devices. The information processing system S may include one multifunction device 3 instead of multiple devices. The information processing system S may include one terminal 4 instead of multiple devices. The information processing system S is an example of an information processing system including at least two devices.

[0015] The information processing device 1 is a device for controlling a workflow. For example, the information processing device 1 is a server. The information processing device 1 will be described as a server on a cloud, but is not limited to this. The information processing device 1 may also be a server installed in a company.

[0016] The storage device 2 is a device for storing data. The storage device 2 includes an auxiliary storage device for storing data. For example, the auxiliary storage device includes a hard disk drive (HDD). The auxiliary storage device may include a semiconductor storage medium such as a solid state drive (SSD) in addition to or instead of the HDD. The storage device 2 will be described as a server on the cloud, but is not limited to this. The storage device 2 may also be a server installed within a company. The auxiliary storage device of the storage device 2 stores one or more electronic files that are to be the targets of workflow control. Hereinafter, electronic files that are to be the targets of workflow control will also be referred to as target files.

[0017] The multifunction device 3 is a digital multifunction device that comprehensively utilizes the functions of various office devices. The multifunction device 3 has a scanning function that generates image data of a medium by scanning the medium. The multifunction device 3 has a function that saves the image data generated by the scanning function in the storage device 2 as a target file. The multifunction device 3 has a function that prints based on the image data generated by the scanning function or data sent from the terminal 4. For example, the multifunction device 3 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral).

[0018] The terminal 4 is a device that processes information. The terminal 4 can create an electronic file containing text data using an application such as a word processor. For example, the terminal 4 is a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, but is not limited to these.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example configuration of the information processing device 1. As shown in FIG. The information processing device 1 includes a processing circuit 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, and a communication circuit 14. The processing circuit 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the communication circuit 14 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0020] The processing circuit 11 corresponds to the central part of the information processing device 1. The processing circuit 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the information processing device 1. The processing circuit 11 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit is, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor is, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 11 loads a program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The processing circuit 11 executes the program loaded into the main memory 12, thereby enabling various processes to be performed.

[0021] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the information processing device 1. The main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of the information processing device 1. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the information processing device 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 includes one or more storage devices. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 11 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processing circuit 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an example of a storage unit of the information processing device 1.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a storage location information storage area 131 that stores storage location information for each storage location. The storage location information storage area 131 is an example of a database that stores storage location information for each storage location. The database that stores storage location information for each storage location is an example of a storage unit that stores storage location information for each storage location. Storing storage location information implies that the storage location information is registered.

[0024] The storage location is a storage location set in the auxiliary storage device of any one of the multiple storage devices 2. For example, the storage location is a folder. The storage location information is information indicating the storage location of the target file.

[0025] The storage location may vary depending on the type of document. For example, the storage location of a target file representing an invoice is different from the storage location of a target file representing a purchase order. The storage location may also vary depending on the issuer of the document. For example, the storage location of a target file representing an invoice issued by Company A is different from the storage location of a target file representing an invoice issued by Company B.

[0026] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes an execution information storage area 132 that stores execution information for each target file for which a workflow has been executed. Hereinafter, a target file for which a workflow has been executed is also referred to as an executed file. The execution information storage area 132 is an example of a database that stores execution information for each executed file. A database that stores execution information for each executed file is an example of a storage unit that stores execution information for each executed file. Storing execution information implies that the execution information has been registered.

[0027] The execution information is information about the workflow executed for the target file. The execution information can include file name information for the executed file. It is information indicating the file name of the electronic file. The execution information can include execution date and time information for the executed file. The execution date and time information is information indicating the execution date and time of the workflow.

[0028] The execution information may include execution result information for the executed file. The execution result information is information indicating the execution result of the workflow. The execution result includes whether the execution was successful or not. The execution success or failure means whether the execution was successful or not. The workflow executed for the target file may either succeed or fail.

[0029] The execution information may include information about the executed file. The information about the executed file is information that can identify the executed file. For example, the information that can identify the executed file is information that indicates the contents of the executed file.

[0030] The communication circuit 14 is an interface for inputting or outputting information or data. The communication circuit 14 connects the information processing device 1 to other devices via a network NW so that the information processing device 1 can communicate with each other. The communication circuit 14 is an example of a communication unit of the information processing device 1.

[0031] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and the information processing device 1 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0032] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 11 will be described. The processing circuit 11 realizes a first registration unit 111, a monitoring unit 112, an acquisition unit 113, a reading unit 114, a second registration unit 115, a reading unit 116, a comparison unit 117, and a control unit 118. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 11 can also be said to be a function.

[0033] The first registration unit 111 registers the storage location information in the storage location information storage area 131. The storage location indicated by the storage location information is a monitoring destination for monitoring the existence of the target file. Registering the storage location information in the storage location information storage area 131 implies storing the storage location information in the storage location information storage area 131. The first registration unit 111 is an example of a registration unit that registers storage location information.

[0034] The monitoring unit 112 monitors the storage location indicated by the storage location information to confirm the presence of the target file in the storage location. For example, when the monitoring unit 112 confirms the presence of the target file in the storage location, it notifies the acquisition unit 113 that the target file exists in the storage location.

[0035] The acquisition unit 113 acquires the target file. For example, the acquisition unit 113 receives a notification from the monitoring unit 112 that the target file exists in a storage location. Based on the notification, the acquisition unit 113 acquires the target file from the storage location where the monitoring unit 112 has confirmed that the target file exists. The acquisition unit 113 passes the acquired target file to the reading unit 114.

[0036] The reading unit 114 reads information about the target file from the target file. For example, the reading unit 114 receives the target file from the acquisition unit 113. The reading unit 114 reads information about the target file from the target file acquired by the acquisition unit 113. The reading unit 114 reads file name information about the target file from the target file. The processing circuit 11 passes the read information about the target file to the comparison unit 117. The processing circuit 11 passes the read file name information about the target file to the comparison unit 117.

[0037] The reading unit 114 can read information about the target file by any process such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) or OCR (Optical Character Recognition). If the target file is an electronic file representing an invoice, the information about the target file may be information indicating the name of the invoicing company, etc., similar to the information about the executed file described above. If the target file is an electronic file representing a purchase order, the information about the target file may be information indicating the name of the ordering company, etc., similar to the information about the executed file described above.

[0038] When a workflow for a target file is executed, the second registration unit 115 registers the execution information in the execution information storage area 132. Registering the execution information in the execution information storage area 132 includes the meaning of saving the execution information in the execution information storage area 132. The second registration unit 115 is an example of a registration unit that registers the execution information.

[0039] For example, the second registration unit 115 receives execution result information about the target file from the control unit 118. The second registration unit 115 receives execution date and time information about the target file from the control unit 118. The second registration unit 115 receives information about the target file from the control unit 118. The second registration unit 115 receives file name information about the target file from the control unit 118.

[0040] When a workflow for a target file is executed, the second registration unit 115 can register the following information in the execution information storage area 132. The second registration unit 115 registers file name information for the target file in the execution information storage area 132 as file name information for an executed file. The second registration unit 115 registers execution date and time information for the target file in the execution information storage area 132 as execution date and time information for the executed file. The second registration unit 115 registers execution result information for the target file in the execution information storage area 132 as execution result information for the executed file. The second registration unit 115 registers information about the target file read by the reading unit 114 in the execution information storage area 132 as information about the executed file.

[0041] The reading unit 116 reads information about the executed file for each executed file stored in the execution information storage area 132 from the execution information storage area 132. For example, based on a read request from the comparison unit 117, the reading unit 116 reads information about the executed file for each executed file from the execution information storage area 132. The reading unit 116 passes the read information about the executed file for each executed file to the comparison unit 117.

[0042] The comparison unit 117 compares information about the executed file for each executed file stored in the execution information storage area 132 with information about the target file. For example, the comparison unit 117 receives information about the target file from the reading unit 114. The comparison unit 117 receives file name information about the target file from the reading unit 114. Upon receiving the information about the target file, the comparison unit 117 notifies the reading unit 116 of a read request. The comparison unit 117 receives information about the executed file for each executed file from the reading unit 116. The comparison unit 117 compares the information about the executed file for each executed file read by the reading unit 116 with the information about the target file read by the reading unit 114. The comparison unit 117 passes the comparison result to the control unit 118. The comparison unit 117 passes information about the target file to the control unit 118. The comparison unit 117 passes file name information about the target file to the control unit 118.

[0043] The comparison result is whether or not information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the execution information storage area 132. Information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file will be described as information about an executed file that completely matches the information about the target file, but is not limited to this. Information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file may also be information about an executed file that matches the information about the target file at a threshold or above. The threshold may be a number or a percentage.

[0044] If the information about the target file is the same as the information about the executed file for any of the executed files, the information about the executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the execution information storage area 132. If the information about the target file is different from the information about the executed file for any of the executed files, the information about the executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is not stored in the execution information storage area 132.

[0045] The control unit 118 controls the workflow for the target file based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 117. Controlling the workflow for the target file includes determining to execute the workflow for the target file based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 117. Determining to execute the workflow means determining to execute the workflow or determining not to execute the workflow. For example, the control unit 118 determines based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 117 whether information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the execution information storage area 132. If information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the execution information storage area 132, the control unit 118 determines not to execute the workflow for the target file. If information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is not stored in the execution information storage area 132, the control unit 118 determines to execute the workflow for the target file.

[0046] Controlling the workflow for the target file includes executing the workflow based on the determination result. The determination result is that it has been determined that the workflow for the target file is to be executed, or that it has been determined that the workflow for the target file is not to be executed. For example, when it has been determined that the workflow for the target file is to be executed, the control unit 118 executes the workflow for the target file. When it has been determined that the workflow for the target file is not to be executed, the control unit 118 does not execute the workflow for the target file.

[0047] The control unit 118 can execute any workflow for the target file. The control unit 118 may select a workflow based on information accompanying the target file and execute the workflow for the target file. The control unit 118 may select a workflow set according to the storage location and execute the workflow for the target file.

[0048] After executing a workflow for a target file, the control unit 118 can pass the following information to the second registration unit 115. The control unit 118 passes execution result information for the target file to the second registration unit 115. The control unit 118 passes execution date and time information for the target file to the second registration unit 115. The control unit 118 passes information about the target file to the second registration unit 115. The control unit 118 passes file name information for the target file to the second registration unit 115.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 3. As shown in FIG. The multifunction device 3 includes a control unit 31, a control panel 32, a scanner unit 33, a communication circuit 34, an input / output interface 35, an audio output device 36, and a printer unit 37. The control unit 31, the control panel 32, the scanner unit 33, the communication circuit 34, the input / output interface 35, the audio output device 36, and the printer unit 37 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0050] The control unit 31 controls the operation of each part of the multifunction device 3. The control unit 31 includes a processing circuit 311, a main memory 312, and an auxiliary storage device 313.

[0051] The processing circuitry 311 corresponds to the central part of the multifunction device 3. The processing circuitry 311 is an element that constitutes the computer of the multifunction device 3. The processing circuitry 311 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes based on multiple functions. The processing circuitry 311 loads programs stored in the main memory 312 or the auxiliary storage device 313 into the main memory 312. The processing circuitry 311 executes the programs loaded into the main memory 312, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0052] The main memory 312 corresponds to the main storage portion of the multifunction peripheral 3. The main memory 312 is an element that constitutes the computer of the multifunction peripheral 3. The main memory 312 may be configured in the same manner as the main memory 12.

[0053] The auxiliary storage device 313 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the multifunction device 3. The auxiliary storage device 313 may be configured similarly to the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 313 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 311 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processing of the processing circuit 311.

[0054] The control panel 32 includes a display device 321 and an input device 322 . The display device 321 is a device capable of displaying an image, and is, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display.

[0055] The input device 322 is a device that can input instructions based on user operations. The input device 322 may include a button that can be pressed. The input device 322 may be a touch panel that is integrated with the display device 321.

[0056] The scanner unit 33 is a device that reads images such as characters, figures, and photographs drawn on a medium placed at a predetermined position by scanning the medium. The scanner unit 33 includes a line sensor. The line sensor may be of the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or the CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type. The scanner unit 33 generates image data based on the image read using the line sensor.

[0057] The communication circuit 34 is an interface for inputting or outputting information or data, and connects the multifunction peripheral 3 to other devices via the network NW so that they can communicate with each other.

[0058] The input / output interface 35 is an interface for connecting the multifunction device 3 to an external device. The input / output interface 35 includes a connector for a wired cable.

[0059] The audio output device 36 is a device that can output audio under the control of the processing circuit 311. For example, the audio output device 36 is a speaker.

[0060] The printer unit 37 is a unit for printing. The printer unit 37 includes a storage section 371, a transport section 372, an image forming section 373, and a fixing device 374. The storage section 371 stores paper. The transport section 372 transports paper in the printer unit 37. The image forming section 373 forms a toner image on the paper. The image forming section 373 includes an intermediate transfer belt, multiple developing sections, an exposure device, a transfer section, etc. The fixing device 374 applies heat and pressure to the paper on which the toner image supplied from the image forming section 373 has been formed. The fixing device 374 forms an image on the paper by fixing the toner image formed on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure.

[0061] The hardware configuration of the multifunction device 3 is not limited to the above configuration. The multifunction device 3 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the data stored in the execution information storage area 132. As shown in FIG. Here, the executed file is assumed to be an electronic file representing an invoice.

[0063] The execution information stored in the execution information storage area 132 may include, for example, file name information, execution date and time information, execution result information, and information about the executed file. The information about the executed file may include, for example, information indicating some or all of the following: the name of the billing company, the billing contact information, the name of the billed company, the billing contact information, the billing content, the billing amount, and the payment due date.

[0064] If the executed file is an electronic file indicating an invoice, the information about the executed file may include, for example, the following information: The information about the executed file may include information indicating some or all of the following: the name of the ordering company, the contact information of the ordering company, the name of the ordered company, the contact information of the ordered company, the name of the ordered item, the unit price of the ordered item, the ordered quantity, the total amount, the delivery location, and the delivery time.

[0065] (Processing example) The processing of the information processing system S will be described. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of registering a storage location.

[0067] The terminal 4 transmits a storage location registration instruction based on a user operation (ACT 1). The storage location registration instruction includes storage location information.

[0068] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives an instruction to register a storage location from the terminal 4 (ACT2).

[0069] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 registers the storage location information based on the instruction to register the storage location (ACT3). ACT3 may be processing by the first registration unit 111. In ACT3, for example, the processing circuit 11 registers the storage location information in the storage location information storage area 131.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating workflow control by the processing circuitry 11 of the information processing device 1. Here, an example will be described in which the processing circuitry 11 controls the workflow for a target file that exists in an arbitrary storage location.

[0071] The processing circuit 11 monitors the storage location indicated by the storage location information to confirm the existence of the target file in the storage location (ACT 11). ACT 11 may be processing by the monitoring unit 112.

[0072] The processing circuit 11 acquires the target file (ACT12). ACT12 may be processing by the acquisition unit 113. In ACT12, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires the target file from a storage location where the existence of the target file has been confirmed.

[0073] The processing circuit 11 reads information about the target file from the target file (ACT13). ACT13 may be processing by the reading unit 114.

[0074] The processing circuit 11 reads information about each executed file stored in the execution information storage area 132 from the execution information storage area 132 (ACT14). ACT14 may be processing by the reading unit 116.

[0075] The processing circuit 11 compares the information about the executed file for each executed file stored in the execution information storage area 132 with the information about the target file (ACT15). ACT15 may be processing by the comparison unit 117.

[0076] The processing circuit 11 controls the workflow for the target file based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 117 as follows. The workflow control may be a process by the control unit 118.

[0077] Based on the comparison result, the processing circuit 11 determines whether information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the execution information storage area 132 (ACT16). ACT16 may be processing by the control unit 118.

[0078] If the information about the executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the execution information storage area 132 (ACT16, YES), the process transitions from ACT16 to ACT 17. If the information about the executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is not stored in the execution information storage area 132 (ACT16, NO), the process transitions from ACT16 to ACT18.

[0079] The processing circuit 11 determines not to execute the workflow for the target file (ACT 17). ACT 17 may be processing by the control unit 118.

[0080] The processing circuit 11 determines to execute the workflow for the target file (ACT18). ACT18 may be processing by the control unit 118. In ACT18, for example, if it is determined to execute the workflow for the target file, the processing circuit 11 executes the workflow for the target file. The workflow for the target file executed by the processing circuit 11 may succeed or fail.

[0081] The processing circuit 11 registers the execution information in the execution information storage area 132 (ACT19). ACT19 may be processing by the second registration unit 115. In ACT19, for example, when a workflow for a target file is executed, the processing circuit 11 registers the execution information in the execution information storage area 132 as follows. The processing circuit 11 can register file name information for the target file in the execution information storage area 132 as file name information for an executed file. The processing circuit 11 can register execution date and time information for the target file in the execution information storage area 132 as execution date and time information for the executed file. The processing circuit 11 can register execution result information for the target file in the execution information storage area 132 as execution result information for the executed file. The processing circuit 11 can register information about the target file read by the reading unit 114 in the execution information storage area 132 as information about the executed file.

[0082] In ACT17, when information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the execution information storage area 132, the processing circuit 11 determines not to execute the workflow for the target file, but this is not limited to this. When information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the execution information storage area 132, the processing circuit 11 may process as follows. For example, the processing circuit 11 determines to execute the workflow for the target file based on the execution result of the workflow for the executed file. This process may be performed by the control unit 118.

[0083] In this example, the processing circuit 11 acquires execution result information for an executed file related to information about the same executed file as the information about the target file from the execution information storage area 132. The processing circuit 11 determines whether to execute the workflow for the target file based on the execution result indicated by the execution result information. If the execution result is successful, the processing circuit 11 determines not to execute the workflow for the target file. If the execution result is unsuccessful, the processing circuit 11 determines to execute the workflow for the target file. The processing circuit 11 executes the workflow based on this determination result.

[0084] As described above, the information processing device 1 compares information about each executed file with information about the target file. Based on the comparison result, the information processing device 1 controls the workflow for the target file. For example, based on the comparison result, the information processing device 1 determines whether to execute the workflow for the target file. As a result, even if an electronic file with the same content as an electronic file for which a workflow has been executed is saved again in a predetermined storage location, the information processing device 1 will not execute the workflow for this electronic file. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can execute necessary workflows and prevent unnecessary workflows from being executed.

[0085] As described above, the information processing device 1 determines whether to execute a workflow for a target file based on the execution result of a workflow for an executed file. This allows the information processing device 1 to execute a workflow for an electronic file with the same content as the electronic file for which the executed workflow failed. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can execute necessary workflows and prevent the execution of unnecessary workflows.

[0086] As described above, the information processing device 1 registers information about the target file in the execution information storage area 132 as information about an executed file. This allows the information processing device 1 to accumulate information about executed files that is used for comparison with information about target files each time a workflow is executed. Therefore, by using the accumulated information about executed files, the information processing device 1 can execute necessary workflows and prevent unnecessary workflows from being executed.

[0087] As described above, the information processing device 1 registers the execution result information for the target file in the execution information storage area 132 as execution result information for the executed file. This allows the information processing device 1 to accumulate execution result information used to determine whether or not a workflow should be executed for a target file each time the information processing device 1 executes a workflow. Therefore, by using the accumulated execution result information, the information processing device 1 can execute necessary workflows and prevent unnecessary workflows from being executed.

[0088] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the storage location is described as being set in the auxiliary storage device of the storage device 2, but this is not limiting. The storage location may be set in the auxiliary storage device 13 of the information processing device 1. The storage location may be set in the auxiliary storage device 313 of the multifunction peripheral 3.

[0089] The units realized by the processing circuit 11 described in the above embodiment are not limited to being realized by one device such as the information processing device 1. The units may be distributed among multiple devices and realized in the information processing system S. When the units are distributed among multiple servers, the processing system S may include multiple servers.

[0090] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by one or more devices. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a program that can cause a computer of one or more devices to execute each function. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0091] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0092] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or may be transferred in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0093] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0094] Some of the above-described embodiments may be expressed as follows. (1) an acquisition unit that acquires a target file; a reading unit that reads information about the target file from the target file; a comparison unit that compares information about each executed file for which a workflow has been executed, which is stored in a storage unit, with information about the target file; a control unit that controls a workflow for the target file based on the comparison result; An information processing device comprising: (2) the comparison result is whether or not information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the storage unit; the control unit determines whether to execute a workflow for the target file based on the comparison result. The information processing device described in (1). (3) An information processing device according to (2), wherein, when information relating to an executed file that is the same as the information relating to the target file is stored in the memory unit, the control unit determines whether to execute the workflow for the target file based on the execution result of the workflow for the executed file. (4) The information processing device according to (1), further comprising: a registration unit that, when a workflow for the target file is executed, registers information about the target file in the storage unit as information about an executed file. (5) an acquisition unit that acquires the target file; a reading unit that reads information about the target file from the target file; a comparison unit that compares information about each executed file for which a workflow has been executed, which is stored in a storage unit, with information about the target file; a control unit that controls a workflow for the target file based on the comparison result; An information processing system comprising: (6) To the computer: The function to obtain the target file, reading information about the target file from the target file; a function of comparing information about each executed file for which a workflow has been executed, which is stored in a storage unit, with information about the target file; a function of controlling a workflow for the target file based on the comparison result; A program that can be executed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...information processing device, 2...storage device, 3...multifunction device, 4...terminal, 11...processing circuit, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...communication circuit, 31...control unit, 32...control panel, 33...scanner unit, 34...communication circuit, 35...input / output interface, 36...audio output device, 37...printer unit, 111...first registration unit, 112...monitoring unit, 113...acquisition unit, 114...reading unit, 115...second registration unit, 116...reading unit, 117...comparison unit, 118...control unit, 131...storage location information storage area, 132...execution information storage area, 311...processing circuit, 312...main memory, 313...auxiliary storage device, 321...display device, 322...input device, 371...storage unit, 372...conveying unit, 373...image forming unit, 374...fixing unit, NW...network, S...information processing system.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a target file; a reading unit that reads information about the target file from the target file; a comparison unit that compares information about each executed file for which a workflow has been executed, which is stored in a storage unit, with information about the target file; a control unit that controls a workflow for the target file based on the comparison result; An information processing device comprising:

2. the comparison result is whether or not information about an executed file that is the same as the information about the target file is stored in the storage unit; the control unit determines whether to execute a workflow for the target file based on the comparison result. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein, when information regarding an executed file that is the same as the information regarding the target file is stored in the storage unit, the control unit determines whether to execute the workflow for the target file based on the execution result of the workflow for the executed file.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a registration unit that, when a workflow for the target file is executed, registers information about the target file in the storage unit as information about an executed file.

5. an acquisition unit that acquires a target file; a reading unit that reads information about the target file from the target file; a comparison unit that compares information about each executed file for which a workflow has been executed, which is stored in a storage unit, with information about the target file; a control unit that controls a workflow for the target file based on the comparison result; An information processing system comprising:

6. On the computer, The function to obtain the target file, reading information about the target file from the target file; a function of comparing information about each executed file for which a workflow has been executed, which is stored in a storage unit, with information about the target file; a function of controlling a workflow for the target file based on the comparison result; A program that can be executed.

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