Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide an information processor for creating a workflow including a task to a data file capable of eliminating workflow execution interruption due to a password factor by acquiring password information to a folder or the data file and preliminarily checking it, and to provide a control method thereof and a program.SOLUTION: The method includes setting a password of a data file input by a user, analyzing presence or absence of password setting information of the data file for a task selected on a workflow creation screen, collating the data file with the set password when the password setting information of the data file is present, notifying an error when the data file cannot be unlocked by the password, and completing creation of the task when the data file can be unlocked by the password.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A workflow is a system that processes data files, such as invoices and reports, generated in daily business operations according to predetermined work tasks. Workflows are useful systems for improving business efficiency because they automate tasks that have traditionally been done manually, such as entering and sorting data files. Some data files may be encrypted with a password to prevent problems such as data leakage or unintentional tampering within the workflow. To prevent interruptions to workflows that process such data files, such as data extraction, editing, or image processing, it is necessary to obtain the password information in advance and decrypt the files. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for obtaining password information and extracting a data file attached to a received email if the data file is password protected before a workflow is executed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-70300 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 only takes into consideration cases where data files attached to emails received from outside are encrypted, and therefore has the problem of not being able to handle cases where folders or data files stored on a file server are encrypted. This invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mechanism for eliminating workflow execution interruptions due to password factors by obtaining password information for folders or data files and checking it in advance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is an information processing device that creates a workflow including a task for a data file, and is characterized by having: a setting means for setting a password for a data file entered by a user; an analysis means for analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information for the data file for a task selected on a workflow creation screen; a password check means for comparing the data file with the set password if password setting information for the data file is present; and a notification means for notifying an error if the password check means cannot unlock the data file with the password, and completing task creation if the password check means can unlock the data file with the password. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, by acquiring and pre-checking password information for a folder or data file, it is possible to eliminate interruptions in workflow execution due to password issues. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence up to the completion of workflow creation in this embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a password setting screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a password setting screen in the present embodiment. [Figure 4] Password check flow when task creation is completed in this embodiment [Figure 5] Password check flow when workflow creation is completed in this embodiment [Figure 6] Password check flow in this embodiment [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a password error notification screen in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. Overall system configuration 1 is a diagram showing the overall system configuration of this embodiment according to the present invention, and the detailed hardware configuration of an information processing device 120 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the overall system configuration will be described. The system comprises an image forming apparatus 110, a file server 130, and an information processing apparatus 120, which are interconnected via a network 100 such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network). The image forming device 110 scans and encrypts the data file. The file server 130 shares data files. The information processing device 120 executes a workflow based on folders and data files on the file server 130 . Here, the image forming apparatus 110 may be any of a multi-function printer (MFP), a single-function printer (SFP), and a laser beam printer (LBP). The image forming apparatus 110 may also be a printer other than an MFP, an SFP, or an LBP.

[0009] (Information processing device) The information processing device 120 includes a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, a network I / F 124, a storage device 125, an input I / F 126, and an output I / F 127, all of which are connected via a system bus 128. Here, CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The CPU 121 is a central processing unit for controlling the entire information processing device. The RAM 122 is a system work memory for the CPU 121 to operate. The ROM 123 is a memory that stores programs for executing the workflow. The network I / F 124 is an I / F that inputs and outputs information to and from the image forming apparatus 110, the information processing apparatus 120, and the file server 130 via the network 100. The storage device 125 is a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and is configured to store system software for various processes. The input I / F 126 is an I / F for inputting process contents and the like relating to the workflow using input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The output I / F 127 is an I / F for outputting the processing results related to the workflow to an output device such as a monitor.

[0010] The file server in this embodiment may be an in-house file server 130 constructed for in-house access, or a cloud file service using a file sharing service. It may also be a different type of file sharing service or a system that does not go through a server. While this embodiment is based on the assumption that the workflow is executed by the information processing device 120, it may also be configured to execute the workflow on another server, for example.

[0011] Workflow creation process 2 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence up to the completion of workflow creation in this embodiment according to the present invention. An example of the overall flow up to the completion of workflow creation when performing a password check will be described with reference to FIG. First, the flow before creating a workflow until the data files used in the workflow are saved in the file server will be described.

[0012] (Image forming device sends data) The sequence when the image forming apparatus 110 transmits data to the file server 130 will be described. In S201, the image forming apparatus 110 scans a data file in accordance with an instruction input by a user. In S202, the image forming apparatus 110 performs encryption. In S203, the image forming apparatus 110 transmits the data file to the file server . In S204, the file server 130 stores the data file transmitted from the image forming apparatus 110 in a predetermined folder.

[0013] (Information processing device sends data) The sequence when the information processing device 120 transmits a data file to the file server 130 will be described. In S205, the information processing device 120 encrypts the data file in accordance with the instruction input by the user. In S206, the information processing device 120 transmits the data file to the file server. In S207, the file server 130 stores the data file transmitted from the information processing device 120 in a predetermined folder.

[0014] (Create a new workflow and then complete it) Next, the sequence from creating a new workflow to completing the creation will be described. In S208, the information processing device 120 creates a new workflow in accordance with the input instructions from the user. In S209, the information processing device 120 creates a task, which is a processing unit for executing the workflow. In S210, the information processing device 120 allows the user to input and set a password for the data file in the processing of each task via the screen. In S211, the information processing device 120 checks the password of the data file in each task. Specifically, this checks whether or not there is password setting information for the data file in each task, and checks whether or not the password set in S210 can be used to unlock the data file for which a password has been set. In S212, the information processing device 120 completes the workflow creation. Note that this sequence assumes that a data file is sent from the image forming device 110 or the information processing device 120 to the file server 130, but it may also be a sequence in which the data file is sent to the file server 130 from, for example, another file sharing service. Furthermore, although this sequence assumes that the data file is saved before a new workflow is created, the sequence may also be such that the data is saved while the workflow is being executed. Furthermore, although this sequence assumes that the password check is performed during workflow creation, the sequence may be such that the password is checked during workflow execution. Finally, although this sequence assumes that the password of the data file is checked, the folder in which the data file is stored may also be checked.

[0015] <Workflow creation screen> 3A and 3B (hereinafter collectively referred to as "FIG. 3") are diagrams showing examples of workflow creation screens in this embodiment related to the present invention. (input task) 3(A) is an example of a password setting screen for an input task. Here, an input task is, for example, a task for acquiring a data file. To set a password for an input task, an input task 301 is selected from a workflow screen 300, and a setting screen 302 is displayed. The setting screen 302 is composed of an item 303 for entering the path to the folder where the data file is located, an item 304 for entering the password for the data file, and an [OK] button 305 for saving the settings. The workflow creation screen 300 is also composed of a workflow and a [Done] button 306 for saving the workflow. (Processing task) Figure 3(B) is an example of a password setting screen for a processing task. Here, a processing task is a task that performs some kind of processing on a data file, such as character string extraction or rotation. Since the workflow screen 300 is similar to Figure 3(A), only the differences will be explained below. Password setting for a processing task is performed by selecting processing task 311 from the workflow creation screen 300 and then using the settings screen 312 that appears. The settings screen 312 consists of a yes / no checkbox 313 that selects whether or not to encrypt the data file, and an item 314 for entering a password for the data file to be encrypted. (output task) 3(C) is an example of a password setting screen for an output task. Here, an output task is, for example, a task for storing a processed data file in a specified file server 130. Workflow creation screen 300 is similar to FIG. 3(A), so only the differences will be explained below. To set a password for an output folder, select output task 321 from workflow creation screen 300 and use the displayed setting screen 322. Setting screen 322 consists of an item 323 for entering the path to the output destination folder and an item 324 for entering the folder password. 3 assumes a case where a password is set for a data file, but it may also be set assuming a case where a password is set for a folder in which the data file is stored. Also, the example password setting screen in FIG. 3 is just an example, and other setting items may be present, or other setting item names may be used.

[0016] Password check process ([OK] button) 4 is a diagram showing a password check flow when task creation is completed according to the embodiment. This process is realized by the CPU 121 of the information processing device 120 executing the program according to the embodiment. In S401, the CPU 121 detects that the [OK] button 305 has been pressed. In S402, the CPU 121 acquires and analyzes task setting information temporarily stored in the RAM 122, etc. This analysis makes it possible to know what settings have been made for the task. In S403, the CPU 121 checks whether or not there is password setting information based on the analysis result of step S402. If there is password setting information (Yes in S403), the process proceeds to S211, and if there is no password setting information (No in S403), the process proceeds to S404. In S211, the CPU 121 checks the password based on the password setting information, and proceeds to S404. In S404, the CPU 121 stores the setting information in the storage device 125, the RAM 122, or the like. In S405, the CPU 121 notifies the completion of task creation via the output I / F 127. It should be noted that this check flow assumes that a password check is always performed when the [OK] button 305 is pressed, but is not limited to this timing. It is also possible to have a flow in which a password check is not performed when the [OK] button 305 is pressed, but is performed when the [Done] button 306 in Fig. 5 (described later) is pressed. Alternatively, a password check may be performed when the [Done] button 306 is pressed, but is always performed when the [OK] button 305 is pressed.

[0017] Password check process ([Finish] button) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a password check flow when workflow creation is completed according to the first embodiment. In S501, the CPU 121 detects that the [Done] button 306 has been pressed. In S502, the CPU 121 acquires and analyzes the workflow information temporarily stored in the RAM 122, etc. This analysis makes it possible to know what tasks and settings are performed in the workflow. In S503, the CPU 121 checks whether the flow requires a password based on the analysis result of S502. If a password is required (Yes in S503), the CPU 121 proceeds to S211, and if a password is not required (No in S503), the CPU 121 proceeds to S504. A flow that requires a password here refers to, for example, a workflow in which at least one password is set for each task. A flow that does not require a password refers to a workflow in which no password is set for any task. In S211, the CPU 121 checks the password based on the password setting information, and proceeds to S504. In S504, the CPU 121 stores the workflow information in the storage device 125, the RAM 122, or the like. In S505, the CPU 121 notifies the user via the output I / F 127 that the workflow has been completed. It should be noted that this check flow assumes that a password check is always performed when the [Done] button 306 is pressed, but this is not necessarily limited to this. A flow may also be such that a password check is not performed when the [Done] button 306 is pressed, but is performed only when the aforementioned [OK] button 305 is pressed. Alternatively, a flow may be such that a password check is performed when the [OK] button 305 is pressed, and then a password check is performed again when the [Done] button 306 is pressed.

[0018] Password Check Sub-Processing 6 is a diagram showing a password check flow in this embodiment according to the present invention, with reference to which the password check (S211) will be described in detail. In S601, the CPU 121 acquires the relevant data file from the file server 130 based on the setting information stored in the RAM 122 or the like. In S602, the CPU 121 analyzes the data file acquired in S601. In S603, the CPU 121 checks whether a password has been set for the data file acquired based on the analysis result of S602. If a password has been set (Yes in S603), the CPU 121 proceeds to S604, and if a password has not been set (No in S603), the CPU 121 ends this process. In S604, the CPU 121 checks whether or not password information can be acquired based on the setting information stored in the RAM 122, etc. If the password can be acquired (Yes in S604), the CPU 121 proceeds to S605, and if the password cannot be acquired (No in S604), the CPU 121 proceeds to S608. In S605, the CPU 121 extracts a password based on the setting information stored in the RAM 122 or the like. In step S606, the CPU 121 checks the password based on the password information acquired in step S605 and the data file acquired in step S601. In S607, the CPU 121 checks whether the password applied to the data file can be removed based on the result of the comparison in S606. If the password can be removed (Yes in S607), the process ends, and if the password cannot be removed (No in S607), the process proceeds to S608. In S608, the CPU 121 notifies the user via the output I / F 127 that the password error has been resolved. In this flowchart, the target of the password check is a data file, but for example, the folder in which the data file is stored may also be the target of the password check.Furthermore, after a password error notification, if the user enters a password, the password may be verified again.

[0019] <Password error notification screen> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a password error notification screen in this embodiment according to the present invention. 7A shows a password setting error screen 701 that appears when password information cannot be acquired in S604. The user enters the displayed data file name and the corresponding password in an entry 702, and then presses an [OK] button 703. 7B shows a password verification error screen 704 that appears when the password cannot be unlocked in S607. The user enters the displayed data file name and the corresponding password in an entry 705, and then presses an [OK] button 706. It should be noted that the password error notification screen in FIG. 7 is an example, and other setting items may be included, or other setting item names may be used.

[0020] (Other Examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) An information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, a setting means for setting a password for the data file input by the user; an analysis means for analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information in the data file for the task selected on the workflow creation screen; a password check means for checking, when password setting information for the data file exists, the password set in the data file against the password; a notification means for notifying an error if the password check means determines that the data file cannot be unlocked using the password; If the password check means determines that the data file can be unlocked using the password, the task creation is completed. 1. An information processing device comprising: (Configuration 2) A display means for displaying a screen prompting the user to enter a password when an error is notified by the notifying means is provided. 2. The information processing device according to configuration 1, (Configuration 3) If there is no password setting information for the data file, complete the task creation. 3. The information processing device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) An information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, a setting means for setting a password for the data file input by the user; an analysis means for analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information for data files for all tasks in the workflow; a password check means for checking, when a task has a password set for the data file, the data file against the set password; a notification means for notifying an error if the password check means determines that the data file cannot be unlocked using the password; If the password check means can unlock all of the data files with the password, the creation of the workflow is completed. 1. An information processing device comprising: (Configuration 5) If the workflow is a task that does not have a password set for the data file, the password check means does not check the password. 5. The information processing device according to configuration 4. (Configuration 6) An information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, a setting means for setting a password for a folder containing a data file input by a user; an analysis means for analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information for a folder for a task selected on a workflow creation screen; a password check means for checking, when password setting information for the folder exists, the password set for the folder against the password; a notification means for notifying an error if the password check means determines that the folder cannot be unlocked using the password; If the password check means determines that the folder can be unlocked with the password, the creation of the task is completed. 1. An information processing device comprising: (Method 1) A method for controlling an information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, comprising: a setup step for setting a password for the data file entered by the user; an analysis step of analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information in the data file for the task selected on the workflow creation screen; a password check step of checking, when password setting information for the data file exists, the data file against the set password; a notification step of notifying an error if the data file cannot be unlocked using the password in the password checking step; If the data file can be unlocked by the password in the password checking step, the task creation is controlled to be completed. 2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising: (Method 2) A method for controlling an information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, comprising: a setup step for setting a password for the data file entered by the user; an analysis step of analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information for the data file for all tasks in the workflow; a password check step of checking, when a task has a password set in the data file, the data file against the set password; a notification step of notifying an error if the data file cannot be unlocked using the password in the password checking step; If all the data files can be unlocked by the password in the password checking step, the creation of the workflow is controlled to be completed. 2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising: (Method 3) A method for controlling an information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, comprising: a setting step for setting a password for a folder containing data files entered by the user; an analyzing step of analyzing whether or not a password setting information for a folder exists for a task selected on the workflow creation screen; a password check step of checking, when password setting information for the folder exists, the password set for the folder against the password; a notification step of notifying an error if the folder cannot be unlocked using the password in the password checking step; If the folder can be unlocked by the password in the password checking step, the creation of the task is controlled to be completed. 2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an information processing device according to any one of Methods 1 to 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0021] 110 Image forming device 120 Information processing equipment 130 File Server 130

Claims

1. An information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, a setting means for setting a password for the data file input by the user; an analysis means for analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information in the data file for the task selected on the workflow creation screen; a password check means for checking, when password setting information for the data file exists, the password set in the data file against the password; a notification means for notifying an error if the password check means determines that the data file cannot be unlocked using the password; If the password check means determines that the data file can be unlocked using the password, the task creation is completed.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. A display means for displaying a screen prompting the user to enter a password when an error is notified by the notifying means is provided.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. If there is no password setting information for the data file, complete the task creation.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

4. An information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, a setting means for setting a password for the data file input by the user; an analysis means for analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information for data files for all tasks in the workflow; a password check means for checking, when a task has a password set for the data file, the data file against the set password; a notification means for notifying an error if the password check means determines that the data file cannot be unlocked using the password; If the password check means can unlock all of the data files with the password, the creation of the workflow is completed.

1. An information processing device comprising:

5. If the workflow is a task that does not have a password set for the data file, the password check means does not check the password.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,

6. An information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, a setting means for setting a password for a folder containing a data file input by a user; an analysis means for analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information for a folder for a task selected on a workflow creation screen; a password check means for checking, when password setting information for the folder exists, the password set for the folder against the password; a notification means for notifying an error if the password check means determines that the folder cannot be unlocked using the password; If the password check means determines that the folder can be unlocked with the password, the creation of the task is completed.

1. An information processing device comprising:

7. A method for controlling an information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, comprising: a setup step for setting a password for the data file entered by the user; an analysis step of analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information in the data file for the task selected on the workflow creation screen; a password check step of checking, when password setting information for the data file exists, the data file against the set password; a notification step of notifying an error if the data file cannot be unlocked using the password in the password checking step; If the data file can be unlocked by the password in the password checking step, the task creation is controlled to be completed.

2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

8. A method for controlling an information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, comprising: a setup step for setting a password for the data file entered by the user; an analysis step of analyzing the presence or absence of password setting information for the data file for all tasks in the workflow; a password check step of checking, when a task has a password set in the data file, the data file against the set password; a notification step of notifying an error if the data file cannot be unlocked using the password in the password checking step; If all the data files can be unlocked by the password in the password checking step, the creation of the workflow is controlled to be completed.

2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

9. A method for controlling an information processing device that creates a workflow including tasks for a data file, comprising: a setting step for setting a password for a folder containing data files entered by the user; an analyzing step of analyzing whether or not a password setting information for a folder exists for a task selected on the workflow creation screen; a password check step of checking, when password setting information for the folder exists, the password set for the folder against the password; a notification step of notifying an error if the folder cannot be unlocked using the password in the password checking step; If the folder can be unlocked by the password in the password checking step, the creation of the task is controlled to be completed.

2. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the method for controlling an information processing device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

Images