Information processing device and program

Abstract

To display, in a workflow containing a branch, display elements, in one line, indicating steps of the workflow while indicating branch spots in the workflow.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a processor. The processor performs control to display, in one line, display elements indicating steps of a workflow, and performs control to display a first display element indicating a branch in the workflow in a manner indicating that the branch destination of the branch is not determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an operation prediction device and method that matches the actual operation history of a user's software (system) with examples of system use envisioned by the system developer to determine the use case that best represents the actual operation history, and based on that, estimates the user's purpose for using the system and determines the next operation to be taken.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes a system for dynamically generating user interface display images to support a specific business process, the system including an information source that identifies a series of tasks included in the business process and associated template forms for user interface display, a tracking processor that identifies a specific task in the series of tasks and a template form associated with the specific task, an adaptation processor that modifies data representing the identified form so as to adapt the identified form in response to user context information that assists in identifying form requirements, and an output processor that processes the data representing the adapted form to make it suitable for output communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-170672 A [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2005-507124 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a configuration in which display elements representing steps in a workflow are displayed in a row, when the workflow includes branches, it is not possible to display display elements representing steps at multiple branch destinations of the branches. In this case, it is conceivable to display display elements representing steps up to the branch in the workflow and display elements representing steps at each branch destination of the branch in a row, but this would make the display of the workflow steps cumbersome.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to display, in a workflow including branches, display elements that represent steps in the workflow in a single row while indicating the branch points in the workflow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Claim 1 The invention described in a processor that controls display elements representing steps in a workflow to be displayed in a row, controls a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that a branch destination of the branch has not been determined, and controls to display information relating to steps of a plurality of branch destinations of the branch in the workflow in association with the first display element; The information about the processes at the multiple branch destinations is the number of processes at each of the multiple branch destinations. Characterized by It is an information processing device. Claim 2 The invention described in a processor that controls display elements representing steps in a workflow to be displayed in a line, and controls a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that a branch destination of the branch has not been determined; When the branch destination of the branch is determined to be one of the branch destinations, the processor controls to display a second display element representing a process of the one of the branch destinations in the workflow in place of the first display element. Characterized by It is an information processing device. The invention described in claim 3 is a program that causes a computer to realize a function of controlling display elements representing steps in a workflow to be displayed in a single row, and a function of controlling a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that the destination of the branch has not been determined, and that causes the computer to realize a function of controlling the computer to display, in association with the first display element, information relating to the steps of multiple branch destinations of the branch in the workflow, and the information relating to the steps of the multiple branch destinations is the number of steps of each of the multiple branch destinations. The invention described in claim 4 is a program that causes a computer to realize a function of controlling display elements representing steps in a workflow to be displayed in a single row, and a function of controlling a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that the destination of the branch has not been determined, and a function of controlling the computer to display a second display element representing the step of the one branch destination in the workflow in place of the first display element when the destination of the branch has been determined to be a one branch destination. Effect of the Invention

[0008] Claim 1 According to the invention, In a workflow that includes branches, it is possible to display elements that represent steps in the workflow in a single row while indicating the branching points in the workflow. Even if the branch destinations in the workflow have not been determined, it is possible to inform the number of steps at each branch destination. Claim 2 According to the invention, In a workflow that includes branches, it is possible to display elements that represent steps in the workflow in a single row while indicating the branching points in the workflow. It is possible to display display elements representing steps in a workflow in a single row even after a branch destination has been determined. According to the invention of claim 3, in a workflow including branches, it is possible to display display elements representing steps in the workflow in a row while indicating the branch points in the workflow. This makes it possible to inform the number of steps at each branch destination even if the branch destination in the workflow has not been determined. According to the invention of claim 4, in a workflow that includes a branch, it is possible to display display elements representing steps in the workflow in a single row while indicating the branch point in the workflow, and it is possible to display the display elements representing steps in the workflow in a single row even after the branch destination has been determined. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first specific example of a workflow stored in an information processing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display state of a display screen displayed when an information processing device stores a first specific example of a workflow. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example when document data is selected on a display screen displayed in a case where the information processing apparatus stores a first specific example of a workflow. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example when fax data is selected on a display screen displayed when the information processing apparatus stores a first specific example of a workflow. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display after fax data is selected and annotation processing is performed on a display screen displayed when the information processing apparatus stores a first specific example of a workflow. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example when spreadsheet data is selected on a display screen displayed when the information processing device stores a first specific example of a workflow. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second specific example of a workflow stored in the information processing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an initial display state of a display screen displayed when the information processing device stores a second specific example of a workflow. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example when fax data is selected on a display screen displayed in a case where the information processing apparatus stores a second specific example of the workflow. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display screen displayed when the information processing device stores a first specific example of a workflow and the billing amount is determined to be X yen or more. [Figure 12]13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a process display field on a display screen displayed by an information processing device when a branch in a workflow has a plurality of processing processes. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a step display field on a display screen displayed by an information processing device when a branch destination in a workflow does not have a processing step. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a step display field on a display screen displayed by an information processing device when skipping is selectable as a user-selectable processing step in a workflow. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [Hardware configuration of information processing device] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 13. Here, the processor 11 executes various software such as an OS (Operating System) and applications to realize various functions described later. The main memory 12 is a storage area for storing various software and data used for executing the software, and the HDD 13 is a storage area for storing input data for the various software and output data from the various software. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 includes a communication I / F (hereinafter, referred to as "I / F") 14 for communicating with the outside, a display device 15 such as a display, and an input device 16 such as a keyboard and a mouse.

[0012] [Outline of this embodiment] In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 displays display elements representing steps in a workflow in a row, and displays a first display element representing a branch in the workflow in a manner indicating that the destination of the branch has not been determined.

[0013] In addition, in this embodiment, when the branch destination of a branch is determined to be one branch destination, the information processing device 10 may display a second display element representing the process of the one branch destination in the workflow instead of the first display element.

[0014] Here, a workflow is a definition of a business flow including a plurality of processes. A workflow may be stored inside or outside the information processing device 10, but the following will be described taking an example where the workflow is stored inside the information processing device 10. Also, a display element may be any element that is displayed on a screen, but the following will be described taking an icon as an example.

[0015] 2 is a diagram showing a workflow 300 which is a first specific example of a workflow stored in information processing device 10. Here, document data and fax data are assumed as data to be input to workflow 300. The document data is data created by document creation software, and the fax data is image data received by a facsimile machine.

[0016] As shown in the figure, a workflow 300 includes, as its first step, a branching step 301. The branching step 301 is a step that branches to the next step depending on the type of input data.

[0017] Moreover, the workflow 300 includes a processing step 302 as a step to which the workflow branches when the branching step 301 determines that the data type is document data. The processing step 302 is a step of performing a document format conversion process to convert the format of the input document data into a format that allows annotation processing in the next step, for example. The workflow 300 also includes a processing step 303 as a step to which the workflow branches when the branching step 301 determines that the data type is fax data. The processing step 303 is a step of performing a noise removal process on the input fax data. It is assumed that the fax data is in a format that allows annotation processing in the next step, for example, to be performed at the time of input.

[0018] Furthermore, the workflow 300 includes a processing step 304 as a step after the document format conversion processing is performed in the processing step 302 and as a step after the noise removal processing is performed in the processing step 303. The processing step 304 is a step of performing annotation processing to attach an annotation to the document data that has been subjected to the document format conversion processing or the fax data that has been subjected to the noise removal processing.

[0019] Furthermore, workflow 300 includes processing steps 305 and 306 as steps after annotation processing is performed in processing step 304. Processing step 305 is a step of performing email transmission processing to send the document data or fax data that has been annotated in processing step 304 by email to the email address of the destination user. Processing step 306 is a step of performing personal area transmission processing to send the document data or fax data that has been annotated in processing step 304 to a personal storage area provided by the software for the destination user. Here, processing steps 305 and 306 are processing steps that the user should select and execute.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an initial state of a display screen 350 displayed on the display device 15 when the information processing device 10 stores the workflow 300 of FIG.

[0021] As shown in the figure, a display screen 350 includes a data display field 360 and a process display field 370 .

[0022] In the data display section 360, a thumbnail image 361 of document data and a thumbnail image 362 of fax data are displayed as thumbnail images of data to be selected.

[0023] In the process display field 370, a selection instruction icon 371, a branch icon 372, and process icons 373 to 375 are displayed.

[0024] The selection instruction icon 371 is an icon for instructing the user to select either document data or fax data. In the initial state, the selection instruction icon 371 is an icon representing the process step to be executed next by the user, and is therefore highlighted as shown by being surrounded by a thick line, indicating that it can be pressed. The selection instruction icon 371 is an example of a fourth display element representing that a user operation is required to determine a branch destination. The selection instruction icon 371 is also displayed in association with the branch icon 372. Here, displaying in association with the branch icon 372 means displaying the icon so that it is clear that it is associated with the branch icon 372. For example, the selection instruction icon 371 may be displayed above or below the branch icon 372. In this case, a character string instructing the user to select data may be displayed instead of an icon. However, in the following description, the selection instruction icon 371 is described as being displayed to the left of the branch icon 372.

[0025] The branch icon 372 is an icon representing the branch process 301 that branches according to the data type. Under the branch icon 372, "Data type branch" is written, which indicates that the branch icon 372 is an icon representing a process that branches according to the data type. The branch icon 372 is an example of a first display element that represents a branch in a workflow. Information on the processes of multiple branch destinations may be displayed in association with the branch icon 372. Here, displaying in association with the branch icon 372 means displaying in a manner that makes it clear that it is associated with the branch icon 372. For example, information on the processes of multiple branch destinations may be displayed when the mouse cursor is placed over the branch icon 372. However, in the following, information on the processes of each branch destination is displayed under the branch icon 372 as an example. Also, the information on the processes of each branch destination includes the names of the processes of each branch destination, but here, the number of processing steps at each branch destination will be described as an example. In particular, it is preferable to display the minimum and maximum numbers of processing steps at multiple branch destinations. In workflow 300, if document data is selected at the branch destination of branch step 301, processing step 302 is executed, and if fax data is selected, processing step 303 is executed. Therefore, the number of steps at the branch destination is 1 in either case, so "1 step processing" is displayed under branch icon 372.

[0026] The processing icon 373 is an icon representing the processing step 304 for performing annotation processing for attaching annotations to document data or fax data. In the workflow 300, since it is determined that annotation processing will be performed regardless of the type of input data, the processing icon 373 is displayed in the initial state.

[0027] The process icon 374 is an icon representing the process step 305 which performs an e-mail transmission process for attaching document data or fax data to an e-mail address of the destination user and transmitting the data. The process icon 375 is an icon representing the process step 306 which performs a personal area transmission process for transmitting document data or fax data to the destination user's personal storage area. Here, since the workflow 300 assumes that the user will select either the process step 305 or the process step 306, the process icons 374 and 375 are displayed together. Moreover, above the process icons 374 and 375, a message 381 is displayed indicating that one of the processes should be selected.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a display screen 350 displayed on the display device 15 when document data is selected in a case where the information processing device 10 stores the workflow 300 of FIG.

[0029] Again, the display screen 350 includes a data display section 360 and a process display section 370 .

[0030] A thumbnail image 361 of document data and a thumbnail image 362 of fax data are displayed as thumbnail images representing data to be selected in data display field 360. However, in this case, the fact that the document data has been selected is indicated by encircling thumbnail image 361 of the document data with a thick line.

[0031] In the process display field 370, a selection instruction icon 371, a process icon 376, and process icons 373 to 375 are displayed.

[0032] Among these, under the selection instruction icon 371, the character string “Document Data” indicating the data type selected in the data display field 360 is displayed.

[0033] Furthermore, as a result of document data being selected in the data display field 360, a process icon 376 representing the process step 302 that performs document format conversion processing is displayed in place of the branch icon 372. Since the process icon 376 is an icon indicating the process that the user should execute next, it is highlighted as shown surrounded by a thick line, indicating that it can be pressed. The process icon 376 is an example of a second display element that represents a process at the destination of one branch in the workflow. Furthermore, above the process icon 376, a statement 386 is displayed indicating that the icon is displayed as a result of document data being selected in the data display field 360.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a display screen 350 displayed on the display device 15 when fax data is selected in a case where the information processing device 10 stores the workflow 300 of FIG.

[0035] Again, the display screen 350 includes a data display section 360 and a process display section 370 .

[0036] In data display field 360, thumbnail image 361 of document data and thumbnail image 362 of fax data are displayed as thumbnail images representing data to be selected. However, in this case, the fact that fax data has been selected is indicated by surrounding thumbnail image 362 of fax data with a thick line.

[0037] In the process display field 370, a selection instruction icon 371, a process icon 377, and process icons 373 to 375 are displayed.

[0038] Among these, under the selection instruction icon 371, the character string “Fax Data” indicating the data type selected in the data display field 360 is displayed.

[0039] Furthermore, as a result of fax data being selected in data display field 360, a process icon 377 representing process step 303 for performing noise removal processing is displayed in place of branch icon 372. Since process icon 377 is an icon indicating the process to be executed next by the user, it is highlighted as shown surrounded by a thick line, indicating that it can be pressed. Process icon 377 is an example of a second display element representing a process at the destination of one branch in the workflow. Furthermore, above process icon 377, a message 387 is displayed indicating that this icon has been displayed as a result of fax data being selected in data display field 360.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows an example of a display on the display screen 350 displayed on the display device 15 when the information processing device 10 stores the workflow 300 of FIG. 2, after fax data is selected and annotation processing is performed.

[0041] Again, the display screen 350 includes a data display section 360 and a process display section 370 .

[0042] A thumbnail image 361 of document data and a thumbnail image 362 of fax data are displayed as thumbnail images representing data to be selected in data display field 360. Again, the fact that the fax data has been selected is indicated by surrounding thumbnail image 362 of the fax data with a thick line.

[0043] Displayed in step display field 370 are selection instruction icon 371, processing icon 377, and processing icons 373 to 375. Of these, processing icon 374 and processing icon 375 are icons indicating the next processing that the user should execute, and the user can select either one of them, so they are highlighted collectively as shown surrounded by a thick line to indicate that they can be pressed.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example when spreadsheet data is selected on the display screen 350 displayed on the display device 15 in a case where the information processing device 10 stores the workflow 300 of FIG.

[0045] Again, the display screen 350 includes a data display section 360 and a process display section 370 .

[0046] In data display field 360, thumbnail images representing data to be selected are displayed: thumbnail image 361 of document data, thumbnail image 362 of fax data, and thumbnail image 363 of spreadsheet data. Moreover, in this example, the fact that the spreadsheet data has been selected is indicated by encircling thumbnail image 363 of the spreadsheet data with a thick line.

[0047] In the step display field 370, a selection instruction icon 371, a branch icon 372, process icons 373 to 375, and an edit instruction icon 378 are displayed. In the workflow 300 in FIG. 2, spreadsheet data is not assumed as input data. That is, when the data type is determined to be spreadsheet data at the branch represented by the branch icon 372, no process is defined at the branch destination. When the information processing device 10 detects that no process is defined at the branch destination, it displays an alert. In the figure, an edit instruction icon 378 that instructs editing of the workflow 300 is displayed as an alert. The fact that no process is defined at the branch destination is an example of a problem in determining the branch destination of the branch. Also, the edit instruction icon 378 is an example of information that the workflow should be edited. That is, the process performed by the information processing device 10 here is an example of outputting information that the workflow should be edited when there is a problem in determining the branch destination of the branch. Furthermore, a message 388 indicating that the data does not correspond is displayed above the edit instruction icon 378, the selection instruction icon 371, and the branch icon 372. However, if the user who selected the spreadsheet data does not have the authority to edit the workflow 300, a report may be sent to a user who has the authority to edit the workflow 300. Alternatively, instead of having the user edit the workflow 300, the user may be prompted to select data of a type that is assumed as input data in the workflow 300.

[0048] 8 is a diagram showing a workflow 400 which is a second specific example of a workflow stored in information processing device 10. Here, it is assumed that data to be input to workflow 400 is document data of an invoice including an invoice amount and fax data.

[0049] As shown in the figure, workflow 400 includes branch block 410 as the first branch block. Branch block 410 includes branch step 411 as the first step. Branch step 411 is a step that branches to the next step depending on the type of input data. Branch block 410 also includes processing step 412 as a branch destination step when branch step 411 determines that the data type is fax data. Processing step 412 is a step that performs noise removal processing on the input fax data.

[0050] Furthermore, workflow 400 includes branch block 420 as a branch destination when branch step 411 determines that the data type is fax data. Branch block 420 includes branch step 421 as the first step. Branch step 421 is a step that branches to the next step depending on the billing amount extracted from the input data. Branch block 420 also includes processing step 422 as a branch destination step when branch step 421 determines that the billing amount is X yen or more. Processing step 422 is a step that performs annotation processing to attach annotations to the fax data that has been subjected to noise removal processing in processing step 412.

[0051] Furthermore, workflow 400 includes processing step 431 as a branch destination step when it is determined in branch step 411 that the data type is document data, and as a step after annotation processing is performed in processing step 422. Processing step 431 is a step of performing a user A sending process for sending the input document data or the fax data annotated in processing step 422 to user A.

[0052] Furthermore, workflow 400 includes processing step 432 as a branch destination step when it is determined in branch step 421 that the billed amount is less than X yen. Processing step 432 is a step for performing a sending to user B process for sending the fax data that has been subjected to noise removal processing in processing step 412 to user B.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an initial state of a display screen 450 displayed on the display device 15 when the information processing device 10 stores the workflow 400 of FIG.

[0054] As shown in the figure, a display screen 450 includes a data display field 460 and a process display field 470 .

[0055] In the data display field 460, a thumbnail image 461 of document data and a thumbnail image 462 of fax data are displayed as thumbnail images representing data to be selected.

[0056] A selection instruction icon 471 and a branch icon 472 are displayed in the process display field 470. In the workflow 400, the process to be executed cannot be determined until the type of data is determined, so no process icon is displayed.

[0057] The selection instruction icon 471 is an icon for instructing the user to select either document data or fax data. In the initial state, the selection instruction icon 471 is an icon representing the process step to be executed next by the user, and is therefore highlighted as surrounded by a thick line, indicating that it can be pressed. The selection instruction icon 471 is an example of a fourth display element representing that a user operation is required to determine a branch destination. The selection instruction icon 471 is also displayed in association with the branch icon 472. Here, displaying in association with the branch icon 472 means displaying the icon so that it is clear that it is associated with the branch icon 472. For example, the selection instruction icon 471 may be displayed above or below the branch icon 472. In this case, a character string instructing the user to select data may be displayed instead of an icon. However, in the following description, the selection instruction icon 471 is described as being displayed to the left of the branch icon 472.

[0058] The branch icon 472 is an icon representing the branch process 411 that branches according to the data type. Under the branch icon 472, "data type branch" is written, which indicates that the branch icon 472 is an icon representing a process that branches according to the data type. The branch icon 472 is an example of a first display element that represents a branch in a workflow. Information on the processes of multiple branch destinations may be displayed in association with the branch icon 472. Here, displaying in association with the branch icon 472 means displaying in a manner that makes it clear that it is associated with the branch icon 472. For example, information on the processes of multiple branch destinations may be displayed when the mouse cursor is placed over the branch icon 472. However, in the following, an example is taken of displaying information on the processes of each branch destination under the branch icon 472. Also, the information on the processes of each branch destination includes the names of the processes of each branch destination, but here, the number of processing steps at each branch destination will be taken as an example. In particular, it is preferable to display the minimum and maximum numbers of processing steps at multiple branch destinations. In workflow 400, if document data is selected at the branch destination of branch step 411, no processing steps are executed, and if fax data is selected, processing step 412 is executed, but processing step 422 may or may not be executed. Therefore, the minimum number of steps at the branch destination is 0, and the maximum number of steps at the branch destination is 2, so "Processing of 0 to 2 steps" is displayed under branch icon 472.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display screen 450 displayed on the display device 15 when fax data is selected in a case where the information processing device 10 stores the workflow 400 of FIG.

[0060] Again, the display screen 450 includes a data display section 460 and a process display section 470 .

[0061] In data display field 460, thumbnail image 461 of document data and thumbnail image 462 of fax data are displayed as thumbnail images representing data to be selected. However, in this case, the fact that fax data has been selected is indicated by surrounding thumbnail image 462 of fax data with a thick line.

[0062] In the process display field 470, a selection instruction icon 471, a processing icon 473, and a branch icon 474 are displayed.

[0063] Among these, under the selection instruction icon 471, the character string “Fax Data” indicating the data type selected in the data display field 460 is displayed.

[0064] In addition, as a result of fax data being selected in the data display field 460, a process icon 473 representing the process step 412 for performing noise removal processing is displayed in place of the branch icon 472. The process icon 473 is an icon representing the process steps up to the next branch or the junction of the branch destination. Since the process icon 473 is an icon representing the process that the user should execute next, it is highlighted as shown surrounded by a thick line, indicating that it can be pressed. The process icon 473 is an example of a second display element representing a process at a branch destination in the workflow. In addition, above the process icon 473, a message 483 is displayed indicating that the icon is displayed as a result of fax data being selected in the data display field 460.

[0065] Furthermore, the branch icon 474 is a newly displayed icon, and is an icon representing the branch process 421 that branches according to the billing amount. Under the branch icon 474, "Branch in billing amount" is written, which indicates that the branch icon 474 is an icon representing a process that branches according to the billing amount. The branch icon 474 is an example of a first display element that represents a branch in a workflow. Also, information on the processes of multiple branch destinations may be displayed in association with the branch icon 474. Here, displaying in association with the branch icon 474 means displaying so that it is clear that it is associated with the branch icon 474. For example, information on the processes of multiple branch destinations may be displayed when the mouse cursor is placed over the branch icon 474. However, in the following, an example is taken of displaying information on the processes of each branch destination under the branch icon 474. Also, the information on the processes of each branch destination includes the names of the processes of each branch destination, but here, the number of processing steps at each branch destination will be taken as an example. In particular, it is preferable to display the minimum and maximum numbers of processing steps at multiple branch destinations. In workflow 400, at the branch destination of branch step 421, if the invoice amount is X yen or more, processing step 422 is executed, and if the invoice amount is less than X yen, the processing step is not executed. Therefore, the minimum number of steps at the branch destination is 0, and the maximum number of steps at the branch destination is 1, so "Processing 0 to 1 steps" is displayed under branch icon 474.

[0066] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 450 displayed on the display device 15 when the information processing device 10 stores the workflow 400 of FIG. 3 and the billing amount is determined to be X yen or more.

[0067] Again, the display screen 450 includes a data display section 460 and a process display section 470 .

[0068] In data display field 460, thumbnail image 461 of document data and thumbnail image 462 of fax data are displayed as thumbnail images representing data to be selected. Again, the fact that fax data has been selected is indicated by surrounding thumbnail image 462 of fax data with a thick line.

[0069] In the process display field 470, a selection instruction icon 471, a process icon 473, a process icon 475, and a process icon 476 are displayed.

[0070] Since the billing amount extracted from the fax data selected in the data display field 460 is judged to be X yen or more, a process icon 475 representing the process step 422 for performing annotation processing is displayed in place of the branch icon 474. The process icon 475 is an icon representing the process step up to the next branch or the junction of the branch destination. Since the process icon 475 is an icon representing the process to be executed next by the user, it is highlighted as shown surrounded by a thick line, and is indicated as being pressable. The process icon 475 is an example of a second display element representing a process of one branch destination in the workflow. In addition, above the process icon 475, a statement 485 is displayed indicating that this icon is displayed because the billing amount extracted from the fax data is judged to be X yen or more. The process of judging whether the billing amount extracted from the fax data is X yen or more is an example of a specific process that does not require a user operation. The statement 485 is an example of information indicating that one branch destination has been determined based on the result of a specific process. Furthermore, text 485 does not necessarily need to be displayed above processing icon 475, but may be displayed in association with processing icon 475. Here, displaying in association with processing icon 475 means displaying in a manner that makes it clear that it is associated with processing icon 475. For example, when the mouse cursor is placed over processing icon 475, information regarding the result of the processing that caused processing icon 475 to be displayed may be displayed.

[0071] In this case, since it is determined that processing step 431 will be executed after processing step 422 represented by processing icon 475 is executed, processing icon 476 representing processing step 431 is also displayed.

[0072] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a process display field 570 on a display screen displayed by the information processing device 10 on the display device 15 when there are multiple processing steps at the branch destination of a branch in a workflow. Note that the process display field 570 is also displayed together with a data display field, but since the data display field is the same as that shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 9 to 11, it is omitted.

[0073] As shown in the figure, process icons 571 to 573 are displayed in the process display field 570. The process icon 571 is an icon representing a process for performing noise removal processing. The process icon 572 is an icon representing a process for performing annotation processing. The process icon 573 is an icon representing a process for performing user A sending processing to send to user A. Here, these process steps are assumed to be process steps executed when the data type is determined to be fax data at a branching step that branches to the next step according to the type of input data. In this case, these process icons 571 to 573 are displayed together. That is, above the process icons 571 to 573, a statement 581 is displayed indicating that these icons are displayed as a result of fax data being selected in the data display field. If the process icon 571 is an example of a second display element representing a process at a branch destination in a workflow, the process icon 572 or the process icon 573 is an example of a third display element representing another process at a branch destination in a workflow. Moreover, displaying the process icons 571 to 573 together is an example of grouping and displaying the second display element and the third display element.

[0074] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a step display field 670 on a display screen displayed by the information processing device 10 on the display device 15 when there is no processing step at the branch destination of a branch in a workflow. Note that the step display field 670 is also displayed together with a data display field, but since the data display field is the same as that shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 9 to 11, it is omitted.

[0075] As shown in the figure, a next process instruction icon 671 and a processing icon 672 are displayed in the process display field 670. The next process instruction icon 671 is an icon that instructs the execution of the next processing step. The processing icon 672 is an icon that represents a processing step for performing annotation processing. Here, the wording 681 "Process fax data" is displayed above the next process instruction icon 671, so that if the input data is fax data, the processing step is not executed, and instead the processing step represented by the processing icon 672 is executed.

[0076] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a step display field 770 on a display screen displayed by the information processing device 10 on the display device 15 when skipping is selectable as a processing step selectable by the user in a workflow. Note that the step display field 770 is also displayed together with a data display field, but since the data display field is the same as that shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 9 to 11, it is omitted.

[0077] As shown in the figure, a process icon 771 and a skip icon 772 are displayed in the process display field 770. The process icon 771 is an icon representing a process for performing an e-mail transmission process for attaching data to an e-mail and transmitting it. The skip icon 772 is an icon that is pressed when the user skips a process. Here, a message 781 saying "Please perform one of the following" is displayed above the process icon 771 and the skip icon 772. Therefore, the user can proceed to the next process after performing the process represented by the process icon 771, or can proceed to the next process without performing the process.

[0078] [Functional configuration of information processing device] 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 includes a workflow storage unit 21, a process reading unit 22, a branch display control unit 23, a branch destination determination unit 24, and a process display control unit 25.

[0079] The workflow storage unit 21 stores a workflow. The workflow storage unit 21 may store the workflow, for example, as structured data. The workflow includes a plurality of steps. The workflow storage unit 21 may store the plurality of steps, for example, as element data constituting the structured data of the workflow. Furthermore, as described above, the steps of the workflow include a branching step and a processing step.

[0080] Among these, information regarding the processing (hereinafter referred to as "processing information") is stored for the processing step. Here, the processing information includes the processing name, etc. The processing name is the name of the processing, for example, "noise removal processing" or "annotation processing".

[0081] Further, for a branching process, information on the branch (hereinafter referred to as "branching information") is stored. Here, the branching information includes the branching name, the branching destination name, the number of branching destination processes, branching block information, etc. The branching name is the name of the branch, for example, "data type branch" or "billing amount branch". The branching destination name is the name of the branching destination, for example, "fax data" or "billing amount over X yen". The branching destination process number is the number of processes between the branching process and the process at the junction of the branching (excluding the branching process and the junction process). As described above, the branching destination process number may be the minimum and maximum number of processes at the branching destination. The branching block information is information on the branching block, for example, the branching destination within the branching block and the processing information of the processing process for each branching destination.

[0082] The process reading unit 22 reads out a process from the workflow stored in the workflow storage unit 21. The process reading unit 22 also determines whether the read out process is a branching process or a processing process. If the process reading unit 22 determines that the read out process is a branching process, it acquires branch information from the workflow storage unit 21 and calls the branch display control unit 23 with this branching information as an argument. If the process reading unit 22 determines that the read out process is a processing process, it acquires processing information from the workflow storage unit 21 and calls the processing display control unit 25 with this processing information as an argument.

[0083] When called by the process readout unit 22, the branch display control unit 23 controls the display device 15 to display a branch icon, a branch name, and the number of branch destination processes. Here, the branch icon is distinguishable from the process icon, and indicates that the branch destination has not been determined before the branch destination is determined and replaced with the process icon. The branch name and the number of branch destination processes may be acquired from the branch information passed as an argument from the process readout unit 22. In this embodiment, the processing of the branch display control unit 23 is performed as an example of controlling the first display element representing a branch in a workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that the branch destination of the branch has not been determined. The processing performed by the branch display control unit 23 may be generalized and considered as an example of controlling the display elements representing processes in a workflow to be displayed in a row.

[0084] Furthermore, when the branch display control unit 23 displays a branch icon, it calls the branch destination determination unit 24 using the branch information as an argument.

[0085] When called by the branch display control unit 23, the branch destination determination unit 24 determines the branch destination of the branch indicated by the branch icon based on the branch destination name included in the branch information. The branch destination determination unit 24 may determine the branch destination in response to a user operation. For example, a method of determining the branch destination may be a method of determining the branch destination based on whether the user has selected document data or fax data. The branch destination determination unit 24 may also determine the branch destination based on the result of a specific process that does not require user operation. For example, a method of determining the branch destination may be a method of extracting the billing amount from the data and determining the branch destination based on whether the billing amount is equal to or more than X yen or less than X yen.

[0086] Furthermore, when the branch destination determination unit 24 determines the branch destination, it calls the process display control unit 25 with information on the determined branch destination and the branch information as arguments.

[0087] When the process information is read out from the process reading unit 22, the process display control unit 25 controls so as to display the process icon and the process name on the display device 15. Here, the process name may be obtained from the process information passed as an argument from the process reading unit 22.

[0088] Furthermore, when the process display control unit 25 is called by the branch destination determination unit 24, it determines whether or not a process step exists in the branch block of the branch destination determined by the branch destination determination unit 24. If the process display control unit 25 determines that a process step exists, it controls the display device 15 to display a process icon, a process name, and a branch destination name. Here, the process icon represents a process step at the branch destination determined by the branch destination determination unit 24. Furthermore, the process name and the branch destination name may be obtained from the branch information passed as an argument from the branch destination determination unit 24. If the process display control unit 25 determines that a process step does not exist, it controls the display device 15 to display a skip icon and a branch destination name. Here, the skip icon represents that there is no process step at the branch destination determined by the branch destination determination unit 24. Furthermore, the branch destination name may be obtained from the branch information passed as an argument from the branch destination determination unit 24. In this embodiment, the processing of the process display control unit 25 is performed as an example of control to display, in place of the first display element, a second display element representing a process of the first branch destination in the workflow when the branch destination is determined to be a first branch destination. The processing performed by the process display control unit 25 may be more generalized and considered as an example of control to display display elements representing processes in a workflow in a single row.

[0089] [Operation of information processing device] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device 10 in this embodiment.

[0090] As shown in the figure, in the information processing device 10, first, the process reading unit 22 reads out the first process from the workflow stored in the workflow storage unit 21 (step 201).

[0091] Next, the process reading unit 22 judges whether the process read in step 201 is a branch process or not (step 202).

[0092] If it is determined in step 202 that the process read out in step 201 is a branch process, the process readout unit 22 acquires branch information from the workflow storage unit 21 (step 203).

[0093] Next, the branch display control unit 23 controls the display device 15 to display a branch icon, a branch name, and the number of branch destination steps (step 204). At this time, the branch display control unit 23 may obtain the branch name and the number of branch destination steps from the branch information obtained in step 203. Furthermore, when the branch destination is determined by a user operation, the branch display control unit 23 may display an icon (e.g., selection instruction icon 371, 471) that prompts the user to operate.

[0094] With the branch icon displayed on the display device 15 in step 204, the branch destination determination unit 24 determines the branch destination (step 205). Here, the branch destination determination unit 24 may determine the branch destination by a user operation, or may determine the branch destination based on the result of processing that is not dependent on a user operation.

[0095] As a result, the process display control unit 25 determines whether or not the process step of the branch destination determined in step 205 is in the branch block including the branch step read out in step 201 (step 206). At this time, the process display control unit 25 may perform this determination based on the branch block information included in the branch information acquired in step 203.

[0096] If it is determined in step 206 that there is a branch destination processing step in the branch block, the process display control unit 25 controls so as to display a process icon, a process name, and a branch destination name on the display device 15 (step 207). At that time, the process display control unit 25 may obtain the process name and the branch destination name from the branch information obtained in step 203.

[0097] If it is determined in step 206 that there is no branch destination processing step in the branch block, the process display control unit 25 controls the display device 15 to display a skip icon and the branch destination name (step 208). At that time, the process display control unit 25 may obtain the branch destination name from the branch information obtained in step 203.

[0098] If it is determined in step 202 that the step read out in step 201 is a processing step, the step reading unit 22 acquires processing information from the workflow storage unit 21 (step 209).

[0099] Next, the process display control unit 25 controls the display device 15 to display a process icon and a process name (step 210). At this time, the process display control unit 25 may obtain the process name from the process information obtained in step 209.

[0100] After that, the process reading unit 22 determines whether or not there is a next process in the workflow stored in the workflow storage unit 21 (step 211).

[0101] If it is determined in step 211 that there is a next process, the process reading unit 22 reads out the next process (step 212) and proceeds to step 202. Then, the process reading unit 22 controls the branch display control unit 23, the branch destination determination unit 24, and the processing display control unit 25 so that steps 202 to 210 are executed with the process read out in step 212 as the processing target.

[0102] If it is not determined in step 211 that there is a next process, the process readout unit 22 ends the process.

[0103] [Processor] In this embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0104] In addition, the operations of the processor in this embodiment may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0105] [program] The processes performed by the information processing device 10 in this embodiment are prepared as a program such as application software, for example.

[0106] In other words, the program that realizes this embodiment can be seen as a program that causes a computer to realize the functions of controlling display elements representing steps in a workflow to be displayed in a single row, and controlling a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that the destination of the branch has not been determined.

[0107] The program for realizing the present embodiment can be provided not only by communication means but also by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10: information processing device, 21: workflow storage unit, 22: process reading unit, 23: branch display control unit, 24: branch destination determination unit, 25: processing display control unit

Claims

1. A processor comprising: The processor, Controlling the display elements representing steps in the workflow to be displayed in a single row; controlling a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that a branch destination of the branch has not been determined; The processor controls to display information about a plurality of branch destination processes of the branch in the workflow in association with the first display element; 2. An information processing device, comprising: an information processing apparatus, the information relating to the processes at the plurality of branch destinations being the number of processes at each of the plurality of branch destinations.

2. A processor comprising: The processor, Controlling the display elements representing steps in the workflow to be displayed in a single row; controlling a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that a branch destination of the branch has not been determined; The information processing device is characterized in that, when the branch destination of the branch is determined to be one branch destination, the processor controls so that a second display element representing the process of the one branch destination in the workflow is displayed in place of the first display element.

3. A computer comprising: A function for controlling display elements representing steps in a workflow to be displayed in a single row; a function of controlling a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that a branch destination of the branch has not been determined; Realize this, causing the computer to realize a function of controlling to display information on a plurality of processes at the branch destinations of the branch in the workflow in association with the first display element; The program, wherein the information regarding the processes at the multiple branch destinations is the number of processes at each of the multiple branch destinations.

4. A computer comprising: A function for controlling display elements representing steps in a workflow to be displayed in a single row; a function of controlling a first display element representing a branch in the workflow to be displayed in a manner indicating that a branch destination of the branch has not been determined; Realize this, A program that causes the computer to realize a function of controlling the computer to display, when the branch destination of the branch is determined to be one branch destination, a second display element representing the process of the one branch destination in the workflow in place of the first display element.

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