Information processing device and program

Abstract

The metadata required for processing by the external service is sent to the external service. [Solution] The information processing device 1 comprises a receiving unit 112, a first acquisition unit 115, a second acquisition unit 116, and a transmitting unit 113. The receiving unit 112 receives the first electronic file. The first acquisition unit 115 acquires template information. The second acquisition unit acquires metadata for the second electronic file, which is an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file. The transmitting unit 113 transmits the second electronic file and the metadata for the second electronic file based on information regarding the type of metadata and its association with data defined in an external service.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, as a cloud service, file transfer services are provided by various companies. The file transfer service performs various processes on document files uploaded from a multifunction device or a smartphone. For example, the file transfer service can extract metadata, which is document information, by performing processes such as OCR (Optical Character Recognition) or barcode recognition on the document file. The file transfer service associates the document file and the metadata and stores them in an external storage service.

[0003] In addition, an iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) service that can configure a workflow in cooperation with various services in the world is provided. By registering a connector with the iPaaS service, a company's own service can cooperate with the iPaaS service. As a result, a company's own service can cooperate with thousands of services that the iPaaS service has.

[0004] By connecting the file transfer service and the iPaaS service, it is conceivable to use the document file and metadata sent from the file transfer service in the workflow on the iPaaS service. Here, it is necessary to define in advance what kind of data to send to the connector of the iPaaS service. However, the data to be sent as metadata varies depending on the customer, and it is difficult to define all the data in advance. If all typical data is registered, it is difficult for the customer to search for the necessary data from a large amount of data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-027556 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The problem that embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a technology that enables the transmission of metadata necessary for processing by an external service to an external service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the information processing device comprises a receiving unit, an acquisition unit, and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit receives a first electronic file. The acquisition unit acquires metadata for a second electronic file, which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file. The transmitting unit transmits the second electronic file and the metadata for the second electronic file based on information regarding the association of metadata types with data defined in an external service. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a multifunction printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating general-purpose data according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of data stored in the template information storage area according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is an example of a settings screen related to the linking information displayed on the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an example of a settings screen related to the processing of an information processing device, which is displayed on a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an example of an input screen for metadata displayed on a multifunction device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the template information setting process according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of an electronic file according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of the parts in the drawings used in the following description of embodiments may have been changed as appropriate. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used in the following description of embodiments.

[0010] <<Embodiment>> (Example configuration) Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of the information processing system S. The information processing system S is a system for processing electronic files by connecting a file transfer service realized by the information processing device 1 with an iPaaS service realized by the iPaaS system 4.

[0011] In the following, those who use the file transfer service will be referred to as users. Those who manage the connection between the file transfer service and the iPaaS service will be referred to as administrators. An administrator is an example of someone who configures the connection between the file transfer service and the iPaaS service.

[0012] An electronic file is any file that has been digitized. Although the electronic file will be described as a document file indicating documents, it is not limited thereto. For example, the documents include, but are not limited to, application forms, bills, or order forms. For example, the application form is an application form for travel expense settlement, but is not limited thereto.

[0013] Although the electronic file will be described as image data generated by scanning a medium such as paper with the multi-function device 2, it is not limited thereto. The electronic file may also be data including text data created by an application such as document creation on the terminal 3.

[0014] The information processing system S includes the information processing device 1, a plurality of multi-function devices 2, a plurality of terminals 3, and a plurality of iPaaS systems 4. The information processing system S may include one multi-function device 2 instead of a plurality of them. The information processing system S may include one terminal 3 instead of a plurality of them. The information processing system S may include one iPaaS system 4 instead of a plurality of them. For example, each of the plurality of iPaaS systems 4 is an iPaaS system operated by a different operator. The information processing system S is an example of an information processing system including at least two devices among the information processing device 1, a plurality of multi-function devices 2, a plurality of terminals 3, and a plurality of iPaaS systems 4.

[0015] The information processing device 1, a plurality of multi-function devices 2, a plurality of terminals 3, and a plurality of iPaaS systems 4 are communicably connected to each other via the 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.

[0016] The information processing device 1 is a device for realizing a file transfer service. The file transfer service includes a service for associating an electronic file with the metadata of the electronic file and storing them in a storage. For example, the information processing device 1 is a server on the cloud.

[0017] Metadata is information of an electronic file. For example, metadata is various types of information associated with an electronic file such as a user name, an email address, a company name, a company address, and an amount, but is not limited thereto. The type of metadata includes the meaning of metadata items or contents.

[0018] The information processing apparatus 1 receives a first electronic file from a device such as a multifunction peripheral 2 or a terminal 3 via a network NW. The first electronic file shall refer to an electronic file received by the information processing apparatus 1 from a device such as a multifunction peripheral 2 or a terminal 3. The information processing apparatus 1 transmits a second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file to an iPaaS system 4 via the network NW. The second electronic file shall refer to an electronic file transmitted by the information processing apparatus 1 to the iPaaS system 4. The second electronic file is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file.

[0019] The multifunction peripheral 2 is a digital multifunction peripheral for comprehensively utilizing the functions of various office devices. The multifunction peripheral 2 has a scanning function of generating an electronic file of a medium by scanning the medium. The multifunction peripheral 2 has a printing function based on the electronic file generated by the scanning function or the electronic file transmitted from the terminal 3. The multifunction peripheral 2 has a function of transmitting the electronic file generated by the scanning function to the information processing apparatus 1 via the network NW. For example, the multifunction peripheral 2 is an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). The multifunction peripheral 2 is an example of a device that transmits a first electronic file to the information processing apparatus 1 via the network NW. The multifunction peripheral 2 is an example of a device different from the information processing apparatus 1.

[0020] Terminal 3 is a device that processes information. Terminal 3 can create electronic files containing text data using applications such as document creation. For example, Terminal 3 is a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet device, or a smartphone, but is not limited to these. Terminal 3 is an example of a device that transmits the first electronic file to the information processing device 1 via a network NW. Terminal 3 is an example of a device different from the information processing device 1.

[0021] iPaaS System 4 is a system consisting of one or more devices to realize iPaaS services. iPaaS services are services that can be linked with various other services to create workflows. A workflow in an iPaaS service is a series of processes that are automatically executed according to a flow defined by one or a combination of services.

[0022] The iPaaS system 4 can process a second electronic file according to a workflow by connecting a file transfer service and an iPaaS service. For example, if the second electronic file is an electronic file representing an invoice, the workflow in the iPaaS service is a workflow for processing the invoice. The iPaaS service is an example of an external service that processes a second electronic file implemented by a device different from the information processing device 1. The external service is a service that processes the second electronic file. The workflow in the iPaaS service is an example of the iPaaS service's processing of the second electronic file.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 includes a processing circuit 11, a main memory 12, a storage device 13, and a communication circuit 14. The processing circuit 11, the main memory 12, the storage device 13, and the communication circuit 14 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0024] 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 by performing multiple functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to these. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited to these. The processing circuit 11 loads programs stored in the main memory 12 or storage 13 into the main memory 12. By executing the programs loaded into the main memory 12, the processing circuit 11 makes various processes executable.

[0025] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the information processing device 1. Main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of the information processing device 1. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 12, the operating system or programs are stored. 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, main memory 12 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, main memory 12 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0026] Storage 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the information processing device 1. Storage 13 includes one or more storage devices. For example, the storage devices are semiconductor storage media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives), but are not limited to these. Storage 13 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processing circuit 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing of the processing circuit 11.

[0027] Storage 13 includes a template information storage area 131. The template information storage area 131 stores template information for each template. A template is a template corresponding to the workflow in the iPaaS service. Even for the same workflow in the iPaaS service, templates are set for each customer of the file transfer service. The template information storage area 131 is an example of a storage unit that stores template information.

[0028] Template information is the information set in a template. Template information is information that describes the content of a template. Template information may include some or all of the associated name information, processing content information, storage location information, linking information, and input method information.

[0029] The name information indicates the name of the template. If the workflow in the iPaaS service is for processing an electronic file representing a travel expense reimbursement application, the template name could also be "Travel Expense Reimbursement."

[0030] The processing content information is information indicating at least one process performed by the information processing device 1. The process performed by the information processing device 1 is an operation performed on a first electronic file. For example, the process performed by the information processing device 1 may be information extraction and file splitting, but is not limited to these. Information extraction is a process that extracts metadata from the first electronic file by an operation such as OCR or barcode recognition.

[0031] File splitting is the process of dividing a first electronic file into multiple second electronic files. The information processing device 1 can split the first electronic file into multiple second electronic files by using the barcodes contained in the first electronic file as separators. For example, suppose the first electronic file consists of 10 pages of data, and barcodes are included on pages 3 and 6. In this example, the information processing device 1 splits the first electronic file into three second electronic files. The first second electronic file consists of data from pages 1 to 3. The second second electronic file consists of data from pages 4 to 6. The third second electronic file consists of data from pages 7 to 10.

[0032] The storage location information indicates the location where the second electronic file is saved. Hereafter, "save location" refers to the location where the second electronic file is saved. For example, the save location is the storage area of ​​electronic file storage area 132. The save location is set for each template.

[0033] Linking information is information about the association between metadata types and generic data. Linking information can include information indicating the type of metadata associated with each generic data. Generic data is data defined in the iPaaS service. For example, generic data is not data that indicates specific content, but rather data that indicates a general index, such as Data 1. The index includes the meaning of a label. Here, we assume that the iPaaS service has 10 generic data defined, from Data 1 to Data 10.

[0034] The metadata required for each workflow in an iPaaS service may differ. Furthermore, even for the same workflow within an iPaaS service, the metadata required may differ for each customer of the file transfer service. Therefore, the associated information may differ for each template.

[0035] Input method information is information regarding the method of inputting metadata. Input method information may include information indicating the metadata input method for each type of metadata associated with general-purpose data. The metadata input method is a method for inputting metadata into the information processing device 1. The metadata input method includes methods for extracting metadata from the first electronic file through processing such as OCR or barcode recognition. The metadata input method also includes methods for inputting text using a device such as a multifunction printer 2 or terminal 3.

[0036] Storage 13 includes an electronic file storage area 132. The electronic file storage area 132 stores a second electronic file and metadata for the second electronic file. The storage area for the second electronic file in the electronic file storage area 132 is configured for each template. The electronic file storage area 132 is an example of a storage unit that stores a second electronic file and metadata for the second electronic file.

[0037] The communication circuit 14 is an interface for inputting or outputting signals. The communication circuit 14 connects the information processing device 1 to other devices via a network NW, enabling communication between them. The communication circuit 14 is an example of the communication unit of the information processing device 1.

[0038] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. The information processing device 1 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0039] The various parts implemented by the processing circuit 11 will now be described. The processing circuit 11 implements a setting unit 111, a receiving unit 112, a transmitting unit 113, a data processing unit 114, a first acquisition unit 115, a second acquisition unit 116, and a storage processing unit 117. Each part implemented by the processing circuit 11 can also be described as a function.

[0040] The setting unit 111 sets the template information. The receiving unit 112 receives signals via the network NW. The transmitting unit 113 transmits signals via the network NW. The data processing unit 114 processes the first electronic file. The data processing unit 114 is an example of a processing unit that processes the first electronic file. The first acquisition unit 115 acquires template information. The first acquisition unit 115 is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires template information. The second acquisition unit 116 acquires metadata for the second electronic file. The second acquisition unit 116 is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires metadata for the second electronic file.

[0041] The storage processing unit 117 stores the second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file in the electronic file storage area 132.

[0042] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the multifunction printer 2. The multifunction device 2 includes a control unit 21, a control panel 22, a scanner unit 23, a communication circuit 24, an input / output interface 25, an audio output device 26, and a printer unit 27. The control unit 21, control panel 22, scanner unit 23, communication circuit 24, input / output interface 25, audio output device 26, and printer unit 27 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

[0043] The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the multifunction device 2. The control unit 21 includes a processing circuit 211, a main memory 212, and a storage 213.

[0044] The processing circuit 211 is the central part of the multifunction device 2. The processing circuit 211 is an element that constitutes the computer of the multifunction device 2. The processing circuit 211 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes with multiple functions. The processing circuit 211 loads programs stored in the main memory 212 or storage 213 into the main memory 212. By executing the programs loaded into the main memory 212, the processing circuit 211 makes various processes possible.

[0045] Main memory 212 corresponds to the main memory portion of the multifunction printer 2. Main memory 212 is an element that constitutes the computer of the multifunction printer 2. Main memory 212 may be configured in the same way as main memory 12.

[0046] Storage 213 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the multifunction device 2. Storage 213 includes one or more storage devices. Storage 213 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processing circuit 211 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 211.

[0047] The control panel 22 includes a display device 221 and an input device 222. The display device 221 is a device capable of displaying images. The display device 221 is a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, but is not limited to these. The display device 221 is an example of the display unit of the multifunction printer 2.

[0048] The input device 222 is a device that can receive instructions based on operation. The input device 222 may include pressable buttons. The input device 222 may also be a touch panel integrated with the display device 221. The input device 222 is an example of the input section of the multifunction printer 2.

[0049] The scanner unit 23 is a device that reads images such as characters, figures, and photographs drawn on a medium by scanning the medium placed in a predetermined position. The scanner unit 23 includes a line sensor. The line sensor may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type. The scanner unit 23 generates image data based on the image read using the line sensor.

[0050] The communication circuit 24 is an interface for inputting or outputting signals. The communication circuit 24 connects the multifunction device 2 to other devices via a network NW, enabling communication between them.

[0051] The input / output interface 25 is an interface for connecting the multifunction device 2 to external devices. The input / output interface 25 includes a connector for a wired cable.

[0052] The audio output device 26 is a device capable of outputting sound under the control of the processing circuit 211. For example, the audio output device 26 is a speaker.

[0053] The printer unit 27 is a unit for printing. The printer unit 27 includes a storage unit 271, a transport unit 272, an image forming unit 273, and a fuser 274. The storage unit 271 stores the paper. The transport unit 272 transports the paper in the printer unit 27. The image forming unit 273 forms a toner image on the paper. The image forming unit 273 includes an intermediate transfer belt, multiple developing units, an exposure unit, and a transfer unit, etc. The fuser 274 applies heat and pressure to the paper on which the toner image supplied from the image forming unit 273 has been formed. The fuser 274 forms an image on the paper by fixing the toner image formed on the paper to the paper using heat and pressure.

[0054] The hardware configuration of multifunction printer 2 is not limited to the configuration described above. Multifunction printer 2 allows for the omission and modification of the above-mentioned components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0055] (Example of general-purpose data) Let's look at an example of general-purpose data.

[0056] Figure 4 illustrates general-purpose data. For example, general-purpose data refers to each of the data defined in the iPaaS service, from Data 1 to Data 10.

[0057] (Example of template information) Let's look at an example of template information.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates the data structure of the data stored in the template information storage area 131. The template information storage area 131 stores template information for each template. The template information includes name information, processing content information, storage location information, linking information, and input method information, which are associated with each other.

[0059] The linking information in Template 1 differs from the linking information in Template 2. For example, the type of metadata linked to Data 1 is a username in Template 1, but a company name in Template 2. In this way, the type of metadata linked to the same general-purpose data can differ between templates. For example, an email address linked to Data 2 in Template 1 may not be linked to any general-purpose data in Template 2. In this way, the type of metadata linked to any general-purpose data in one template may not be linked to any general-purpose data in another template.

[0060] (Example display) Figure 6 is an example of the settings screen for the linking information displayed on terminal 3. The display device on terminal 3 shows the settings screen related to the linked information.

[0061] The settings screen for linking information is a screen where the administrator can input information to set up the linking information based on the operation of the input device on terminal 3. For example, the information for setting up the linking information includes information indicating the type of metadata to be linked to each general-purpose data.

[0062] The settings screen for linked information is also a screen where the administrator can input information to configure input method information based on the operation of the input device on terminal 3. For example, the information for configuring input method information includes information indicating the input method for each type of metadata.

[0063] Note that the display of the settings screen for linked information is not limited to terminal 3. When the administrator uses multifunction printer 2, the display device 221 of multifunction printer 2 can display the settings screen for linked information.

[0064] Figure 7 is an example of a settings screen related to the processing of the information processing device 1, which is displayed on terminal 3. The display device of terminal 3 displays a settings screen related to the processing of information processing device 1.

[0065] The settings screen for the processing of the information processing device 1 is a screen in which the administrator can input information to configure the processing of the information processing device 1 based on the operation of the input device of terminal 3. The information to configure the processing of the information processing device 1 may include information to configure file splitting. For example, the information to configure file splitting includes information about a specified range for recognizing a barcode, such as "area number 1". The information to configure the processing of the information processing device 1 may also include information to configure information extraction. The information to configure information extraction includes information about a specified range for recognizing text, such as "area number 2" and "area number 3".

[0066] Note that the display of the settings screen related to the processing of the information processing device 1 is not limited to terminal 3. When the administrator uses the multifunction printer 2, the display device 221 of the multifunction printer 2 can display the settings screen related to the processing of the information processing device 1.

[0067] Figure 8 is an example of the input screen for metadata displayed on the multifunction printer 2. The display device 221 of the multifunction printer 2 displays an input screen related to metadata.

[0068] The metadata input screen is a screen where metadata can be entered based on the user's operation of the input device 222. When the metadata input method is text input, the user enters the metadata when sending the first electronic file from the multifunction device 2 to the information processing device 1.

[0069] Note that the display of the metadata input screen is not limited to the multifunction device 2. When a user sends the first electronic file from terminal 3 to information processing device 1, the display device of terminal 3 can display the metadata input screen.

[0070] (Example of processing) This section describes the processing performed by the information processing system S. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0071] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the process of setting template information. Here, the administrator shall input instructions for setting template information based on the operation of the input device of terminal 3. The instructions for setting template information are instructions for setting template information in the information processing device 1. The instructions for setting template information include information for setting template information, which is entered based on the operation of the input device of terminal 3 by the administrator. The information for setting template information may include some or all of the information for setting name information, processing content information, storage location information, linking information, and input method information. The instructions for setting template information may also include information for setting the processing of the information processing device 1, which is entered based on the operation of the input device of terminal 3 by the administrator.

[0072] Terminal 3 sends instructions to configure template information (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, Terminal 3 sends instructions to configure the template via the network NW to the information processing device 1.

[0073] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives a template information setting instruction (ACT2). ACT2 may also be processed by the receiving unit 112. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 11 receives the template information setting instruction from the terminal 3 via the network NW.

[0074] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 sets template information (ACT3) based on the administrator's operation of the input device of terminal 3. ACT3 may also be processed by the setting unit 111. In ACT3, for example, the processing circuit 11 sets template information based on the information for setting template information included in the template information setting instruction. The processing circuit 11 stores the template information in the template information storage area 131. Setting template information is an example of setting some or all of the associated name information, processing content information, storage location information, linking information, and input method information. The processing circuit 11 sets the details of the processing of the information processing device 1 indicated by the processing content information based on the information for setting the processing of the information processing device 1 included in the template information setting instruction.

[0075] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing of electronic files.

[0076] Here, the user uploads the first electronic file to the information processing device 1 using the multifunction printer 2. Alternatively, the user can also upload the first electronic file to the information processing device 1 using the terminal 3.

[0077] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction device 2 transmits the first electronic file (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 211 transmits the first electronic file specified by the user to the information processing device 1 via the network NW.

[0078] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives a first electronic file (ACT12). ACT12 may also be processed by the receiving unit 112. In ACT12, for example, the processing circuit 11 receives the first electronic file specified by the user from the multifunction device 2 via the network NW.

[0079] The processing circuit 211 of the multifunction device 2 transmits template selection information (ACT13). The template selection information is information that can identify one template selected from multiple templates according to the workflow in the iPaaS service. The user may refer to the names of each template displayed on the display device 221 and select one template from multiple templates. In ACT13, for example, the processing circuit 211 transmits the template selection information based on the user's template selection to the information processing device 1 via the network NW.

[0080] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives template selection information (ACT14). ACT14 may also be processed by the receiving unit 112. In ACT14, for example, the processing circuit 11 receives template selection information from the multifunction device 2 via the network NW.

[0081] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 acquires template information set for the selected template (ACT15). ACT15 may also be processed by the first acquisition unit 115. In ACT15, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires template information from the template information storage area 131 based on the template selection information.

[0082] Since template information includes processing content information, retrieving template information is one example of retrieving processing content information. The processing content information included in the retrieved template information is the processing content information set in the selected template. Since template information includes storage location information, retrieving template information is one example of retrieving storage location information. The storage location information included in the retrieved template information is the storage location information set in the selected template. Since template information includes linking information, retrieving template information is one example of retrieving linking information. The linking information included in the retrieved template information is the linking information set in the selected template. Since template information includes input method information, retrieving template information is one example of retrieving input method information. The input method information included in the retrieved template information is the input method information set in the selected template.

[0083] The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 processes the first electronic file (ACT 16). ACT 16 may also be processed by the data processing unit 114. In ACT 16, for example, the processing circuit 11 executes each process indicated by the processing content information contained in the acquired template information for the first electronic file. The processing circuit 11 executes each process based on the set processing details of the information processing device 1. The processing circuit 11 can extract metadata from the first electronic file by performing information extraction processing such as OCR or barcode recognition on the first electronic file. The processing circuit 11 can divide the first electronic file into multiple second electronic files by performing file splitting processing on the first electronic file.

[0084] The processing circuit 11 acquires metadata for the second electronic file (ACT 17). ACT 17 may also be processed by the second acquisition unit 116. In ACT 17, for example, the processing circuit 11 acquires metadata for the second electronic file based on the linking information contained in the acquired template information. Acquiring metadata for the second electronic file based on the linking information includes acquiring metadata for the second electronic file for each general-purpose data based on the linking information. In this case, the processing circuit 11 acquires metadata for the second electronic file for each general-purpose data, corresponding to the type of metadata linked to the general-purpose data in the linking information. The metadata for the second electronic file acquired by the processing circuit 11 is metadata corresponding to the type of metadata linked to the general-purpose data in the linking information.

[0085] This section describes a method for obtaining metadata for a second electronic file. In one example, the processing circuit 11 can obtain metadata extracted from an electronic file as metadata for a second electronic file. In this example, the processing circuit 11 may obtain metadata extracted from the first electronic file by an information extraction process as metadata for a second electronic file. The processing circuit 11 may also obtain metadata extracted from a second electronic file generated based on the first electronic file by image processing or other conversions as metadata for a second electronic file. In another example, the processing circuit 11 can receive metadata from the multifunction device 2 via a network NW and obtain the received metadata as metadata for a second electronic file. The metadata transmitted from the multifunction device 2 to the information processing device 1 is metadata entered by the multifunction device 2 based on user input operations using the input device 222. The processing circuit 11 may also obtain metadata for a second electronic file entered using the input method indicated by the input method information included in the acquired template information.

[0086] The processing circuit 11 saves the second electronic file and its metadata to the electronic file storage area 132 (ACT18). ACT18 may also be processed by the storage processing unit 117. In ACT18, for example, the processing circuit 11 saves the second electronic file and its metadata to the storage location indicated by the acquired storage location information within the electronic file storage area 132. The metadata of the second electronic file is linked to each general-purpose data. The metadata of the second electronic file is metadata corresponding to the type of metadata linked to the general-purpose data in the linking information.

[0087] The processing circuit 11 transmits the second electronic file and its metadata based on the acquired linking information (ACT19). ACT19 may also be processed by the transmission unit 113. In ACT19, for example, the processing circuit 11 transmits the second electronic file and its metadata to the iPaaS system 4 via the network NW. Transmitting the metadata of the second electronic file based on the linking information includes transmitting the metadata of the second electronic file for each general-purpose data based on the linking information. In this case, the processing circuit 11 transmits the metadata of the second electronic file for each general-purpose data, linked to the general-purpose data. For each general-purpose data, the processing circuit 11 transmits the metadata of the second electronic file for the type of metadata linked to the general-purpose data in the linking information. The metadata of the second electronic file transmitted by the processing circuit 11 is metadata corresponding to the type of metadata linked to the general-purpose data in the linking information.

[0088] iPaaS system 4 receives the second electronic file and its metadata (ACT20). In ACT20, for example, iPaaS system 4 receives the second electronic file and its metadata from information processing device 1 via the network NW. iPaaS system 4 uses the second electronic file and its metadata to execute the workflow associated with the selected template.

[0089] Here, the iPaaS system 4 holds information regarding the association between workflows and templates in the iPaaS service. This information includes information indicating the template associated with each workflow in the iPaaS service. Using this information, the iPaaS system 4 can associate which workflow will be triggered when the first electronic file is received by the information processing device 1 using which template.

[0090] In one example, the iPaaS system 4 periodically sends a query to check if an electronic file has been uploaded by performing polling. The processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 sends a second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file as a response to the query.

[0091] In another example, the iPaaS system 4 sends a communication to subscribe to each template of the information processing device 1. The communication includes a destination URL. When the processing circuit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives the first electronic file in the template, it sends the second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file to the destination URL corresponding to this template. This example uses a webhook method.

[0092] In ACT15, an example was described in which the processing circuit 11 acquires template information based on template selection information, but it is not limited to this example. The processing circuit 11 may acquire template information for a template suitable for the first electronic file without requiring template selection information. In this example, the processing circuit 11 selects a template for the first electronic file based on information extracted from the first electronic file. The processing circuit 11 acquires template information for the template selected for the first electronic file. This eliminates the need for the user to select a template when uploading the first electronic file.

[0093] As described above, the information processing device 1 can transmit a second electronic file and metadata for the second electronic file based on the linked information. The linking information is information about the linking of metadata types to general-purpose data defined in the iPaaS service. Therefore, based on the linking information, the information processing device 1 can send the metadata necessary for the workflow in the iPaaS service to the iPaaS service.

[0094] As described above, the information processing device 1 can transmit metadata for a second electronic file for general-purpose data defined in the iPaaS service based on the linked information. The metadata for general-purpose data defined in the iPaaS service is the metadata required for the workflow in the iPaaS service. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can send the metadata required for the workflow in the iPaaS service to the iPaaS service.

[0095] As described above, the information processing device 1 can transmit metadata of a second electronic file linked to general-purpose data. This allows the information processing device 1 to transmit metadata of the second electronic file in a format that is easy to use in the iPaaS service.

[0096] As described above, the information processing device 1 can transmit metadata for a second electronic file regarding the type of metadata linked to the general-purpose data in the linked information. This allows the information processing device 1 to transmit metadata for a second electronic file, focusing only on the metadata required for the workflow in the iPaaS service.

[0097] As described above, the information processing device 1 can acquire metadata entered by a device other than the information processing device 1 as metadata for a second electronic file based on input operations by the user. As a result, the information processing device 1 can acquire metadata without requiring a process to extract metadata from electronic files.

[0098] As described above, the information processing device 1 can transmit a second electronic file and metadata for the second electronic file based on the association information set in the selected template. This allows the information processing device 1 to appropriately transmit the necessary metadata, which may differ for each workflow in the iPaaS service.

[0099] As described above, the information processing device 1 can set linked information based on the operation. Thus, to send the metadata required for a workflow within an iPaaS service to the iPaaS service, you only need to configure the linking information. Therefore, within an iPaaS service, it is not necessary to define the metadata required for the iPaaS service for each workflow.

[0100] <<Other Embodiments>> In the embodiments described above, the information processing device 1 was described as a device that implements a file transfer service, but it is not limited to this. The information processing device 1 may be a device that implements a service other than a file transfer service.

[0101] In the embodiments described above, the iPaaS service was explained as an example of an external service, but the invention is not limited to this. The external service can be any service that processes a second electronic file.

[0102] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the storage 13 of the information processing device 1 includes a template information storage area 131 and an electronic file storage area 132, but it is not limited to this. The template information storage area 131 and the electronic file storage area 132 may be included in the storage of a device other than the information processing device 1.

[0103] Each component implemented by the processing circuit 11 described in the above-described embodiment is not limited to being implemented in a single device such as the information processing device 1. Each component may be implemented in a distributed manner across multiple devices. In this case, a collection of multiple devices is an example of an information processing device.

[0104] The embodiments described above may be applied to methods performed by one or more devices. The embodiments described above may be applied to programs that can cause computers in one or more devices to perform each function. The embodiments described above may be applied to recording media that store programs.

[0105] Each of the one or more circuits that make up a processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs some of the multiple processes. Some of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be contained in a single device, or they may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0106] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0107] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0108] Some of the embodiments described above may be expressed as follows: (1) A receiving unit that receives the first electronic file, An acquisition unit that acquires metadata for a second electronic file which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, A transmission unit that transmits the second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file based on information regarding the type of metadata and its association with data defined in an external service, An information processing device equipped with the following features. (2) The transmission unit transmits metadata of the second electronic file for the type that is linked to the data defined in the external service in the information relating to the linking. (1) The information processing device described above. (3) The transmission unit transmits metadata of the second electronic file linked to the data defined in the external service. The information processing device described in (1) or (2). (4) The acquisition unit acquires metadata entered by a device different from the information processing device based on an input operation by the user as metadata for the second electronic file. An information processing device as described in any of (1) to (3). (5) The transmission unit transmits the second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file based on the association information set in a template selected from a plurality of templates corresponding to the processing of the external service for the second electronic file. An information processing device as described in any of (1) to (4). (6) Further comprising a setting unit that sets information related to the association based on the operation, An information processing device as described in any of (1) to (5). (7) To the computer, The first function is to receive an electronic file, A function to obtain metadata for a second electronic file which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, A function to transmit the second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file based on information regarding the type of metadata and its association with data defined in an external service, A program that can execute [this action]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1...Information processing device, 2...Multifunction printer, 3...Terminal, 4...iPaaS system, 11...Processing circuit, 12...Main memory, 13...Storage, 14...Communication circuit, 21...Control unit, 22...Control panel, 23...Scanner unit, 24...Communication circuit, 25...Input / output interface, 26...Audio output device, 27...Printer unit, 111...Setting unit, 112...Receiver unit, 113...Transmitter unit, 114...Data processing unit, 115...First acquisition unit, 116...Second acquisition unit, 117...Storage processing unit, 131...Template information storage area, 132...Electronic file storage area, 211...Processing circuit, 312...Main memory, 313...Storage, 221...Display device, 222...Input device, NW...Network, S...Information processing system.

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives the first electronic file, An acquisition unit that acquires metadata for a second electronic file which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, A transmission unit that transmits the second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file based on information regarding the type of metadata and its association with data defined in an external service, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The transmission unit transmits metadata of the second electronic file linked to the data defined in the external service. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires metadata entered by a device different from the information processing device based on input operations by the user, as metadata for the second electronic file. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The transmission unit transmits the second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file based on the association information set in a template selected from a plurality of templates corresponding to the processing of the external service for the second electronic file. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The system further includes a setting unit that sets information related to the aforementioned linking based on the operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. On the computer, The first function is to receive an electronic file, A function to acquire metadata for a second electronic file which is the same electronic file as the first electronic file or an electronic file generated based on the first electronic file, A function to transmit the second electronic file and the metadata of the second electronic file based on information regarding the type of metadata and its association with data defined in an external service, A program that can execute [this action].

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