Application Program and Image Processing Apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique to achieve smooth operation of a workflow in an application program and an image processing apparatus that can use a workflow definition file.SOLUTION: An image processing application 22 that can be executed by a CPU 11 of a PC 1 reads out a WF file at a predetermined timing, and when the read-out WF file includes an item added with setting requirement information indicating that the item is required to be set, performs notification prompting the setting of the item added with the setting requirement information by using a user IF 13 of the PC 1. The WF file is a file that defines a workflow indicating a series of processing including image processing. At least one WF file can be registered in the image processing application 22. A parameter consisting of one or more items is set to each processing described in the WF file. Each item is added with information indicating that the item is required to be set or not.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to application programs executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an application program or an image processing apparatus capable of using a workflow definition file that defines a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing has been known. As a document disclosing techniques related to workflows, for example, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a multifunction device that stores a definition file (workflow definition file) of a workflow including a processing method (function) and parameters (set values) in that processing method, and executes processing according to the workflow described in the definition file.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The items described in the workflow definition file include individual items set for each user who uses the workflow, such as the address of the image processing apparatus and authentication information for the cloud server. For example, when an administrator passes a workflow definition file in which a workflow for performing common image processing on a plurality of users is described, the administrator may create a workflow definition file in which the set values of the individual items are not determined so that the user sets the individual items. In this case, it will be troublesome for the user to set the individual items when executing the workflow, and the smooth operation of the workflow will be hindered.

[0005] This specification discloses an application program and an image processing apparatus that can use a workflow definition file, and a technique for smoothly operating a workflow.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] An application program made for the purpose of solving this problem is an application program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, which causes the computer to execute a reading process of reading a workflow definition file at a predetermined timing. The workflow definition file is a file that defines a workflow showing a series of processes including image processing. At least one of the workflow definition files can be registered in the application program. Parameters consisting of one or more items are set for each process described in the workflow definition file, and necessity information indicating whether setting is necessary or not is associated with each item. Further, when the computer reads the workflow definition file read in the reading process and the first item associated with the necessity information indicating that setting is required is included, the computer is caused to execute a first notification process of giving a notification prompting setting of the first item using a user interface of the information processing apparatus. This is the gist of the invention.

[0007] In the workflow definition file disclosed in this specification, necessity information indicating whether setting is necessary or not is associated with each item of the parameters of each process described. And the application program disclosed in this specification gives a notification prompting setting of an item when there is an item associated with the necessity information indicating that setting is required when reading the workflow definition file. Thereby, before the workflow is executed, the user can grasp that there is an item that needs to be set in the parameters of the processes constituting the workflow, and it can be expected that the setting work for that item will be performed before the workflow is executed. Therefore, the opportunity to perform the setting work during the execution of the workflow is reduced, and the smooth operation of the workflow is achieved.

[0008] An information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, in which the above application program is incorporated, a computer-readable storage medium storing the application program, and a control method for realizing the functions of the application program are also novel and useful.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, an application program and an image processing apparatus that can utilize a workflow definition file, and a technology for smoothly operating the workflow are realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a program executed on a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") will be described.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the PC1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. The PC1 is an example of an information processing device, and the CPU 11 is an example of a computer. Further, the PC1 includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13 and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, and these are electrically connected to the controller 10. Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used for the control of the PC1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually existing in the PC1.

[0013] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program read from the memory 12 and based on the user's operations. Various programs and various data are stored in the memory 12. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer included in the CPU 11 is also an example of a memory. Note that an example of the memory 12 is not limited to a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, etc. built in the PC1, and may be a storage medium that can be read and written by the CPU 11, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0014] The user IF 13 includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying the user of information and hardware for receiving operations by the user. Note that the user IF 13 may be a combination of a display capable of displaying information and a mouse, a keyboard, etc. having an input reception function, or may be a touch panel having a display function and an input reception function.

[0015] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with an external device. The communication standard of the communication IF 14 is Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, etc. The PC1 may include a plurality of communication IFs 14 corresponding to a plurality of communication standards. The PC1 of this embodiment may be connectable to the Internet via the communication IF 14, and may be able to use various cloud services via the Internet.

[0016] The PC1 of this embodiment is connected to a multi-functional peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") 3 via a communication IF14 as shown in FIG. 1, for example. The MFP 3 is a device having at least one of an image forming function and an image reading function. The MFP 3 is an example of an image processing device.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21 and an image processing application program (hereinafter referred to as "image processing app") 22 are stored in the memory 12 of the PC1. The image processing app 22 is an example of an application program. The OS 21 is, for example, Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark).

[0018] The image processing app 22 is a program capable of executing various functions such as input, conversion, and output of image data by using a device capable of executing image processing such as the MFP 3. The image processing app 22 of this embodiment is a program corresponding to the MFP 3 and can cause the MFP 3 to execute image processing based on a user's instruction.

[0019] Input functions executable by the image processing app 22 include, for example, a scan function for causing the MFP 3 or the like to perform scanning to acquire image data, and a download function for downloading image data via the Internet. Conversion functions executable by the image processing app 22 include, for example, a format conversion function for converting the format of image data, and an editing function for image data. Output functions executable by the image processing app 22 include, for example, a print function for sending image data to the MFP 3 or the like to execute printing, an email sending function for sending image data by email, an upload function for sending image data to a server on the Internet or the like, and a save function for saving image data in the memory 12.

[0020] In addition, the image processing application 22 of this embodiment can utilize a workflow. A workflow is a series of processes to be executed by the image processing application 22 and is defined by a workflow definition file (hereinafter referred to as a "WF file"). At least one WF file can be registered in the image processing application 22 of this embodiment.

[0021] Each WF file describes a plurality of functions to be executed by the image processing application 22, various parameters used when each function is executed, and the execution order of the functions. The series of processes executed by the image processing application 22 by the workflow includes image processing using a device such as the MFP 3.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, in the memory 12 of the PC 1 of this embodiment, one or more WF files that define the workflows registered in the image processing application 22, for example, WF file 23 and WF file 24, are stored. The WF file 23 is, for example, a WF file that defines a workflow for executing three types of functions, namely, a scan function 23A, a conversion function 23B, and an upload function 23C, in this order, as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the WF file 23 includes, as parameters of the scan function 23A, scan settings and device information for specifying the device that executes the scan, as parameters of the conversion function 23B, file format information, and as parameters of the upload function 23C, destination information.

[0023] Note that the WF file 23 shown in FIG. 2 has information associated with it indicating that the destination information of the upload function 23C is not set and needs to be set. Details of the information included in the WF file will be described later.

[0024] The image processing application 22 can receive execution instructions for each function and execution instructions for registered workflows. If information is set in the parameters of the upload function 23C, the image processing application 22 can execute the workflow defined in the WF file 23. When receiving an execution instruction for the workflow, the image processing application 22 reads the WF file 23 and, based on its description, executes the scan function 23A, the conversion function 23B, and the upload function 23C in this order.

[0025] Subsequently, the operation of the PC 1 in which the image processing application 22 is incorporated will be described. Note that each processing step in the following description and the flowchart basically shows the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in a program such as the image processing application 22.

[0026] First, the procedure of the WF creation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3. The WF creation process is executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 when the image processing application 22 receives an instruction to create a workflow.

[0027] When receiving an instruction to create a workflow, the CPU 11 receives a specification of the function to be executed in the workflow (S101). The CPU 11, for example, displays a list of functions on the user IF 13 to receive the user's selection. Then, the CPU 11 displays a list of items that require setting as parameters of the selected function on the user IF 13 (S103) and receives the input of setting values for each item using the user IF 13. For example, if the selected function is the scan function, the CPU 11 receives the input of setting values for the scan setting items and the device information items.

[0028] The CPU 11 determines whether it has received an input of a set value for each item (S105). If it determines that it has not received an input (S105: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether it has received an instruction to not set a value, that is, to leave the value of the item unset (S106). If it determines that it has not received an instruction to register with the value left unset (S106: NO), the CPU 11 waits until it receives an input of a set value or an instruction to register with the value left unset.

[0029] The image processing application 22 of this embodiment can accept the creation and registration of a WF file in which some of the items of the function parameters are unset, like the WF file 23 described above. For example, a system administrator can create a WF file in which individual information for each user who will execute the workflow is unset and distribute it to each user. Also, for example, a vendor or service person of the MFP 3 can create a sample of a WF file in which some of the items are unset and have the users of the MFP 3 use it.

[0030] If it determines that it has received an input of a set value (S105: YES), the CPU 11 sets the value of the corresponding parameter item of the WF file to the received set value, and further inquires of the user whether the value of that item can be changed or cannot be changed, and accepts the user's input (S111). If it determines that it has received an instruction to allow changes (S111: YES), the CPU 11 adds changeable information to the value of that item (S112). If it determines that it has received an instruction not to allow changes (S111: NO), the CPU 11 adds unchangeable information to the value of that item (S113).

[0031] Changeable information is information indicating that rewriting by a user other than the creator of the WF file is allowed for the value of that item, and unchangeable information is information indicating that rewriting is not allowed. Changeable information and unchangeable information are an example of necessary or unnecessary information indicating that setting is not required. Unchangeable information is an example of first type information, and changeable information is an example of second type information. An item to which changeable information is added is an example of a second item.

[0032] When creating the WF file, the image processing application 22 of this form can add unmodifiable information, which is information prohibiting rewriting, to some or all of the parameter items. For example, in the WF file 23 shown in FIG. 2, the scan settings of the scan function are information to which unmodifiable information is added and rewriting is prohibited. By adding unmodifiable information, for example, the possibility that the value of that item is changed by the user who received the distributed WF file is reduced.

[0033] On the other hand, the device information of the scan function is setting information to which modifiable information is added and rewriting is not prohibited. The user who uses the workflow defined by this WF file 23 can either rewrite or use without rewriting the device information for executing the scan function.

[0034] On the other hand, when it is determined that an instruction to leave the value of the item unset has been received (S106: YES), the CPU 11 sets the value of that item to unset. Further, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the item whose value is unset is an item that needs to be set and for which the execution of the workflow is impossible (S114). When it is determined that it is an item that needs to be set (S114: YES), the CPU 11 adds information that needs to be set to that item (S115). The information that needs to be set is an example of the information indicating the necessity of setting, and the item to which the information that needs to be set is added is an example of the first item.

[0035] Among the parameter items, there are items that can automatically apply the default settings if not set, and items that have no default settings and cannot be executed if not set. For example, if the scan settings or print settings are not set, a device such as the MFP3 that has received an execution instruction for a function can apply the default settings set for that device. On the other hand, if the item for the destination of the upload function is not set, the PC1 cannot determine the destination and cannot execute the upload function. In the WF file 23 of the example shown in Figure 2, the item for the destination of the upload function is not set, and setting information is added. Note that the CPU11 may accept the user's selection as to whether to add setting information to the unset items.

[0036] When the setting of values and additional information is completed for all items of the parameters of the function specified in S101, the CPU11 determines whether there is a function to be executed next in the workflow (S121). That is, the CPU11 asks the user whether to add more functions to the workflow. If it is determined that there is a function to be executed next (S121: YES), the CPU11 returns to S101 and accepts the selection of the next function. On the other hand, if it is determined that the selection of all functions in the workflow has been completed (S121: NO), the CPU11 creates a WF file in which the selected functions and their parameters are arranged in the execution order (S122), stores the created WF file in the memory 12, and ends the WF creation process. The WF creation process shown in Figure 3 is an example of the creation process.

[0037] The image processing application 22 of this embodiment can create a WF file with some items not set, or a WF file with setting information or changeable information added to each item. For example, when the created WF file is exported and used by other users, the users to use it can easily understand the items that need to be set based on the added information. Therefore, the versatility in the operation of the workflow is enhanced.

[0038] Next, the procedure of the WF management process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4. The WF management process is executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 when the image processing application 22 receives a workflow management instruction.

[0039] In the WF management process, the CPU 11 sequentially reads out the WF files stored in the memory 12 (S201), and determines whether the items to which the setting information needs to be added are included in the parameters of each function of the read WF file (S202). S201 is an example of the read process, and the timing of receiving the workflow management instruction is an example of a predetermined timing.

[0040] If it is determined that there are no items to which the setting information needs to be added (S202: NO), the CPU 11 classifies the WF file into the group that does not require setting (S204). If it is determined that there are items to which the setting information needs to be added (S202: YES), the CPU 11 classifies the WF file into the group that requires setting (S205). Then, the CPU 11 determines whether the classification of all the WF files stored in the memory 12 has been completed (S208). If it is determined that the classification has not been completed (S208: NO), the CPU 11 reads the next WF file as the execution target and classifies it in the same manner.

[0041] If it is determined that the classification of all the WF files has been completed (S208: YES), the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a management screen that separately lists and displays each workflow based on the classification result (S211). S211 is an example of the display process. That is, in the management screen, the WF files to which the setting information needs to be added are displayed so as to be distinguishable from the WF files to which the setting information has not been added, and it can be understood that they cannot be executed as they are. This management screen is a notification prompting the setting of the items to which the setting information has been added, and S211 is also an example of the first notification process.

[0042] The CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a management screen 50 as shown in FIG. 5, for example. On the management screen 50, among the registered workflows, a list 51 of executable workflows where no items requiring setting information are added and a list 52 of workflows that have items requiring setting information and are not executable as they are are displayed separately. By distinguishing and displaying the workflows that include items requiring setting information from those that do not, the user can grasp the existence of workflows for which parameter settings are not complete. As a result, it can be expected that the setting work for the items requiring setting will be performed. If there is no WF file with setting information added to the WF files to be displayed, the list 52 may not be provided. Also, as a way to distinguish and display the workflows, in addition to listing them separately, for example, they may be displayed with different fonts, or an image such as a caution mark may be attached to the workflows that include items requiring setting.

[0043] In the lists 51 and 52 of workflows, the names of the workflows registered corresponding to the respective WF files stored in the memory 12 are displayed. That is, “Scan Upload” etc. in FIG. 5 are the names of the workflows registered corresponding to the respective WF files. Furthermore, the management screen 50 includes an execution instruction button 53 for receiving an execution instruction for the workflow, an edit instruction button 54 for receiving an edit instruction for the workflow, and a creation instruction button 55 for receiving a creation instruction for the workflow. When the image processing application 22 receives a creation instruction for the workflow by an operation on the creation instruction button 55, it executes the WF creation process described above.

[0044] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether it has received a selection of a workflow included in the list 51 or the list 52 on the currently displayed management screen 50 (S213). If it determines that no selection has been received (S213: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether it has received an instruction to end the WF management process (S214). If it determines that no end instruction has been received either (S214: NO), the CPU 11 waits until it receives a selection of a workflow or an end instruction. Note that the selection of a workflow is exclusive, and only one of them can be selected.

[0045] If it determines that a selection of a workflow has been received (S213: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the selected workflow is a workflow included in the group that does not require settings (S217).

[0046] If it determines that a workflow in the group that does not require settings has been selected (S217: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether it has received an execution instruction by the execution instruction button 53 (S218). If it determines that no execution instruction has been received (S218: NO), or if it determines that a workflow in the group that requires settings has been selected (S217: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether it has received an edit instruction by the edit instruction button 54 (S219).

[0047] When a selection of a workflow in the list 51 of the group that does not require settings is received, both an edit instruction and an execution instruction for the selected workflow can be received. On the other hand, when a selection of a workflow in the list 52 of the group that requires settings is received, an edit instruction for the workflow can be received, but an execution instruction cannot be received.

[0048] If it determines that an edit instruction for the workflow has been received (S219: YES), the CPU 11 executes the WF editing process (S221). The WF editing process is a process of editing a registered WF file. The procedure of the WF editing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0049] In the WF editing process, the CPU 11 determines whether there are items in the WF file to be edited to which setting information needs to be added (S301). If it is determined that there are items to which setting information needs to be added (S301: YES), the CPU 11 issues a notification prompting the setting for the items to which the setting information needs to be added (S302). S302 is an example of the first notification process. In S302, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a notification screen including information on the items to which the setting information needs to be added and an input field for receiving the setting value.

[0050] For example, when setting information needs to be added to the item of the transmission destination of the upload function as in the WF file 23 shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display, for example, a notification screen 61 including an input field for receiving the input of the transmission destination information as shown in FIG. 7(A), and receives the user's input. The notification screen 61 includes an "OK" button 611 for confirming the information input in the input field and a "Later" button 612 indicating an instruction not to set now. By notifying and receiving the input of the setting value when there are items to be set, the opportunity to perform the setting work after receiving the execution instruction of the workflow is reduced, and the smooth operation of the workflow is achieved.

[0051] Note that the image processing application 22 of this embodiment can use, for example, a cloud service in the upload function. When using a server such as a cloud service, authentication information for authenticating the user may be required to access the server. When the CPU 11 receives an operation on the "OK" button 611, if the upload destination that requires authentication information is specified, the CPU 11 further receives the input of the authentication information. The address information of the upload destination and the authentication information are examples of the output destination information. The information on the transmission destination of the upload function may vary for each user or each workflow, and the WF file can be registered with the setting not made, and by receiving the setting later, the usage range of the workflow is expanded.

[0052] Also, depending on the parameter item, the CPU 11 can receive a default instruction which is an instruction to use the default value set in the image processing application 22. For example, when the information of the device of the scan function is not set in the WF file 23 shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11 causes, in S302, a notification screen 62 as shown in FIG. 7(B) to be displayed. The notification screen 62 includes an "OK" button 621, a "Select Default" button 622 for accepting the default selection, and a "Later" button 623.

[0053] The default selection is, for example, an instruction to use the default device set in the image processing application 22. When the default selection is accepted, the CPU 11 sets, as the device information, for example, the device name or IP address of the default device. If there is a default value that can be set for the item, accepting the selection to set the default value increases the possibility of avoiding an error during the execution of the workflow.

[0054] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether an operation on any of the buttons has been received. Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to set the value of the item has been received by the input to the input field and the operation on the "OK" button (S311). If it is determined that no instruction has been received (S311: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction to select the default setting has been received (S312). If it is determined that no instruction to select the default setting has been received (S312: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether an instruction not to set now has been received by the operation on the "Later" button (S313). If it is determined that no instruction to set later has been received (S313: NO), the CPU 11 waits until an instruction is received.

[0055] When it is determined that an instruction to set the value of an item has been received (S311: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the function of the WF file can be executed according to the received setting (S315). The CPU 11 determines, for example, whether access to the specified upload destination is possible. Also, when it is determined that an instruction to accept the default selection has been received (S312: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the function of the WF file can be executed according to the default setting (S316). For example, the CPU 11 determines whether it is connected to the default device.

[0056] When it is determined that it is executable (S315: YES, or S316: YES), the CPU 11 rewrites the value of the item of the WF file based on the user's instruction (S317), and further changes the required setting information added to that item to changeable information (S318). S317 and S318 are an example of the first rewriting process. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not executable by the user's selection (S315: NO, or S316: NO), the CPU 11 notifies that it is not executable, displays the notification screen again (S319), returns to S311, and accepts the user's input.

[0057] After S318, or when it is determined that an instruction to set later has been received (S313: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether there are other items to which the required setting information is added in the selected WF file (S321). When it is determined that there are (S321: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S302 and notifies that item.

[0058] When it is determined that there is no item with setting information added (S301: NO, or S321: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether there is an item with changeable information added (S322). Note that the CPU 11 may determine whether there is an item with changeable information added, other than the item changed to changeable information in S318. When it is determined that there is an item with changeable information added (S322: YES), the CPU 11 notifies the item with changeable information added (S325). S325 is an example of the second notification process.

[0059] The CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a change screen that includes the display of the set values set in the WF file and accepts an instruction to change or not to change. For an item for which a default value is set in the image processing application 22, the CPU 11 can also accept an instruction to use the default value on the change screen.

[0060] For example, when the device for executing a function is set as in the WF file 23 shown in FIG. 2 and is changeable, the CPU 11 causes the user IF 13 to display a change screen 71 as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The change screen 71 includes the display of the device name set in the WF file, an "OK" button 711 that accepts an instruction to change and set, a "Change to Default" button 712 that accepts an instruction to change to the default, and a "Do not Change" button 713 that accepts an instruction to register without changing.

[0061] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether it has received a change instruction due to an operation on the "OK" button 711 (S331). If it determines that it has not received a change instruction (S331: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether it has received an operation on the "Change to Default" button 712 (S332). If it determines that it has not received an instruction to change to the default (S332: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether it has received an operation on the "Do Not Change" button 713 (S333). If it determines that it has not received it (S333: NO), the CPU 11 waits until it receives an operation on any button.

[0062] If it determines that it has received a change instruction (S331: YES, or S332: YES), the CPU 11 rewrites the WF file (S335). Note that in this case as well, the CPU 11 may determine whether it is executable, similar to S315 and S316. S335 when the original value of the item is not the default value and is rewritten to the default value is an example of the second rewriting process.

[0063] If there are items that can be changed even though they are not items to be set, by notifying that they can be changed and receiving a change instruction, a change to a more suitable set value can be expected. Also, when the items that can be changed are different from the default values of the image processing application 22, the possibility of avoiding errors increases by receiving an instruction to change to the default value.

[0064] After S335, or if it determines that it has received an instruction not to change (S333: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether there are other items to which changeable information is added in the selected WF file (S337). If it determines that there are (S337: YES), the CPU 11 returns to S325 and notifies the next item. If it determines that there are no items to which changeable information is added (S322: NO, or S337: NO), the CPU 11 ends the WF editing process and returns to the WF management process. Note that instead of displaying and receiving selections for each item, the CPU 11 may display a list of all items to which changeable information is added and receive the user's instruction.

[0065] Return to the description of the WF management process in FIG. 4. After the completion of the WF editing process in S221, the CPU 11 returns to S211 and displays the list of workflows again. Note that by the WF editing process, the required setting information is rewritten to the changeable information, and the WF file without the required setting information is changed from the required setting group to the non-required setting group and displayed.

[0066] When it is determined that a workflow has been selected and an execution instruction has been received (S218: YES), the CPU 11 executes the workflow based on the WF file corresponding to the selected workflow (S225). After S225, or when it is determined that an end instruction has been received (S214: YES), the CPU 11 ends the WF management process. Note that after the execution of the workflow, the CPU 11 may return to the list display again.

[0067] Next, the procedure of the WF import process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. The WF import process is executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 when an import instruction for a workflow is received in the image processing application 22.

[0068] The image processing application 22 of this embodiment can receive instructions for exporting and importing the created WF file. The image processing application 22 can obtain and import the exported WF file from a server such as another PC or a cloud server connected via a network, or a storage medium such as a USB memory. For example, by exporting the WF file created on the PC 1 and importing it in the image processing application of another PC or the like, the same workflow can be executed on multiple devices.

[0069] As described above, when creating a WF file, for each item of the parameters included in the WF file, unmodifiable information is added to the items for which modification is prohibited, modifiable information is added to the items for which modification is permitted, and information to be set is added to the items to be left unset. The user who created the WF file with each piece of information added can export the WF file in that state. Therefore, various pieces of information may be added to the WF file imported based on an import instruction.

[0070] In the WF import process, the CPU 11 reads out the WF file that has received the import instruction (S401). S401 is an example of a readout process, and the timing at which the import instruction is received is an example of a predetermined timing.

[0071] Then, the CPU 11 determines whether there is an item to which information to be set is added in the read WF file (S402). If it is determined that there is (S402: YES), the CPU 11 executes the same process as the WF editing process described above. Specifically, the CPU 11 notifies that there are items to be set (S403), and accepts the input of set values, an instruction to use default values, and an instruction to set later (S411 to S413). S403 is an example of a first notification process. Note that in S403, the CPU 11 may display not only the items to be set but also the entire WF file that is the target of the import instruction.

[0072] If it is determined that a set value has been input or a default instruction has been received (S411: YES, or S412: YES), the CPU 11 rewrites the WF file (S415) and changes the information to be set to modifiable information (S416). S415 and S416 are examples of a first rewrite process. After S416, or if it is determined that an instruction to set later has been received (S413: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether there are other items to which information to be set is added (S417).

[0073] If there are other items with additional required setting information (S417; YES), the CPU 11 returns to S403 and repeats notification and input reception. If there are no items requiring setting (S402: NO or S417; NO), the CPU 11 stores the edited WF file in the memory 12, registers it as a workflow (S421), and ends the WF import process. By notifying the required setting items and accepting settings at the timing of importing the WF file, it is possible to suppress the possibility of errors during the execution of the workflow. Note that the CPU 11 may further accept change instructions for items with additional changeable information.

[0074] As described in detail above, in the WF file of this embodiment, required setting information indicating the necessity of setting can be added to the items of the parameters of each process described. And when the image processing application 22 of this embodiment reads the WF file, if there are items with additional required setting information, it issues a notification prompting the setting of those items. As a result, before the workflow is executed, the user can grasp that there are items that need to be set in the parameters of the processes constituting the workflow, and it can be expected that the setting work for those items will be performed before the workflow is executed. As a result, the opportunity to perform setting work during the execution of the workflow is reduced, and the smooth operation of the workflow is achieved.

[0075] Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a program executed by the MFP will be described.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 10, the MFP 100 of this embodiment includes a controller 110 including a CPU 111 and a memory 112. The MFP 100 is an example of an image processing apparatus, and the CPU 111 is an example of a controller. Further, the MFP 100 includes a user IF 113, a communication IF 114, a printing unit 115, and a scanner 116, and these are electrically connected to the controller 110. The MFP 100 can execute printing based on image data using the printing unit 115, and can also execute image reading for reading an image of a document using the scanner 116. The printing unit 115 and the scanner 116 are examples of image processing units.

[0077] The CPU 111 executes various processes according to a program read from the memory 112 and based on a user operation. Various programs and various data are stored in the memory 112. The memory 112 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The user IF 113 includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying a user of information and hardware for receiving an operation by the user. The communication IF 114 includes hardware for communicating with an external device. The communication standard of the communication IF 114 is Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), USB, or the like.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10, an OS 121 and an image processing application 122 are stored in the memory 112 of the MFP 100. The image processing application 122 is a program capable of executing a workflow. The MFP 100 can import a WF file via the communication IF 114, for example, and stores the imported WF file in the memory 112.

[0079] WF files 123 and 124 that define a workflow including processes by the image processing application 122 are stored in the memory 112 of the MFP 100 of this embodiment. The WF files 123 and 124 are files that define a workflow showing a series of processes including image processing such as printing and image reading, similar to the WF files 23 and 24 in the first embodiment described above.

[0080] When the MFP100 of this embodiment receives an instruction to import a workflow, it executes the same processing as the WF import processing of the first embodiment. Even when executed by the CPU111 of the MFP100, S401 of the WF import processing is an example of a read processing, and S403 is an example of a first notification processing.

[0081] Also, the MFP100 can receive an instruction to select or execute an imported workflow. For example, the MFP100 may display a list of registered workflows when it receives an instruction regarding a workflow. At that time, the MFP100 executes the same processing as the WF management processing shown in FIG. 4, and classifies and displays the workflows according to the presence or absence of items to which required setting information is added. Even when executed by the CPU111 of the MFP100, S201 of the WF management processing is an example of a read processing, and S211 is an example of a first notification processing.

[0082] As described in detail above, also by the image processing application 122 of the second embodiment, before the workflow is executed, the user can grasp that there are items that need to be set in the parameters of the processing constituting the workflow, and it can be expected that the setting work for those items is performed before the workflow is executed. As a result, the opportunity to perform setting work during the execution of the workflow is reduced, and the smooth operation of the workflow is achieved.

[0083] Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can naturally be variously improved and modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, instead of the PC1, for example, a tablet computer or a smartphone may be used. Also, not limited to the MFP3, any device capable of executing processing on image data such as a printer dedicated to printing, a copier, a fax machine, a scanner, a digital camera, etc. may be used. Also, a plurality of devices may be connected to the PC1.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, the WF creation process by the image processing application 22 has been described. However, a program that executes a process similar to the WF creation process may be a program different from the image processing application 22. In that case, the program creates a WF file based on a user's instruction and registers the information of the created WF file in the image processing application 22.

[0085] Also, for example, each of the illustrated various screens is merely an example, and the form of display such as the wording of a message, the position, shape, number, etc. of buttons is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0086] Also, the WF file to be read is not limited to being stored in the memory 12, and any file that can be read by the image processing application 22 may be used. For example, there may be a WF file stored in a device other than the PC 1 such as a cloud server.

[0087] Also, for example, the changeable information and the unchangeable information are not limited to each item, and may be added to the entire WF file. In that case, the image processing application 22 performs each process assuming that the information is added to all the items included in the WF file.

[0088] Also, for example, in S201 of the WF management process, only the additional information included in the WF file may be read. In that case, the CPU 11 may read the selected WF file after accepting the selection in S213. Also, in the embodiment, it is assumed that the edit process is executed when a workflow selection and an edit instruction are accepted after the management screen is displayed. However, the execution of the edit process may be automatically started. That is, when a workflow management instruction is received and the read WF file includes items to be set, a notification screen may be displayed to accept an input.

[0089] Also, for example, in the WF import process, when there are items that need to be set, it was assumed that a notification would be made before registration and the settings would be accepted. However, it is sufficient to only issue a notification indicating that there are items that need to be set, and it is not necessary to display those items or accept the settings. For example, even for a WF file that has items that need to be set, it may be imported and registered in the memory 12, and when executing the WF management process or the like, it may be acceptable to accept instructions for setting each item for the imported WF file.

[0090] Also, for example, in the WF editing process and the WF import process, the image processing application 22 does not necessarily have to accept an instruction to select the default settings. That is, it may be acceptable to accept only either the input of the setting value or the instruction to set it later. Also, in the WF creation process, the image processing application 22 may be able to accept the selection of the default settings.

[0091] Also, in any of the flowcharts disclosed in the embodiments, the plurality of processes in any plurality of steps can be arbitrarily changed in the execution order or executed in parallel within a range where there is no contradiction in the processing content.

[0092] Also, the processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Also, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium that records a program for executing the processes, or a method.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0093] 1 PC 11 CPU 100 MFP 111 CPU 115 Printing Unit 116 Scanner

Claims

1. An application program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, causing the computer to execute a reading process of reading a workflow definition file at a predetermined timing, the workflow definition file being a file that defines a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing, at least one of the workflow definition files being registrable in the application program, parameters consisting of one or more items being set for each process described in the workflow definition file, and requirement information indicating whether setting is necessary or not being associable with each item, further causing the computer to when the workflow definition file read in the reading process includes a first item associated with the requirement information indicating that setting is required, execute a first notification process of performing a notification prompting setting of the first item using a user interface of the information processing apparatus, in the first notification process, performing a notification prompting setting of the first item by displaying the workflow including the first item separately from the workflow not including the first item, An application program characterized by the above.

2. An application program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, causing the computer to execute a reading process of reading a workflow definition file at a predetermined timing, the workflow definition file being a file that defines a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing, at least one of the workflow definition files being registrable in the application program, parameters consisting of one or more items being set for each process described in the workflow definition file, and requirement information indicating whether setting is necessary or not being associable with each item, further causing the computer to When the workflow definition file read in the reading process includes a first item associated with the necessity information indicating a setting requirement, execute a first notification process that uses the user interface of the information processing apparatus to issue a notification prompting the setting of the first item, and further cause the computer to When the workflow definition file read in the reading process includes the first item, the first notification process, a first rewriting process that uses the user interface to accept an input of a setting value of the first item, rewrites the value of the first item described in the workflow definition file with the input setting value, and rewrites the necessity information corresponding to the first item with the necessity information indicating that the setting is unnecessary, be executed, In the first rewriting process, using the user interface, accept an input of a setting value of the first item or an input of a default instruction using a default value, and when the setting value is input, rewrite the value of the first item described in the workflow definition file with the input setting value, while when the default instruction is input and a default value corresponding to the first item is set in the application program and the workflow described in the workflow definition file can be executed with the default value, rewrite the value of the first item described in the workflow definition file with the default value, An application program characterized by the above.

3. An application program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, causing the computer to Execute a reading process to read a workflow definition file at a specified timing. The workflow definition file is a file that defines a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing. In the application program, at least one of the workflow definition files can be registered. For each process described in the workflow definition file, parameters consisting of one or more items are set, and for each item, requirement information indicating whether setting is necessary can be associated. Furthermore, cause the computer to When the workflow definition file read in the reading process includes a first item associated with the requirement information indicating that setting is required, Execute a first notification process to issue a notification prompting the setting of the first item using the user interface of the information processing device. The requirement information indicating that setting is not required includes first type information which is the requirement information indicating that change is not possible and second type information which is the requirement information indicating that change is possible. Furthermore, cause the computer to When the workflow definition file read in the reading process includes a second item associated with the requirement information indicating that setting is not required and which is the second type information, Execute a second notification process to issue a notification prompting the setting of the second item using the user interface, and When a default value corresponding to the second item is set in the application program and the value of the second item described in the workflow definition file is different from the default value, execute a second rewriting process to rewrite the value of the second item to the default value. An application program characterized by the above.

4. In the application program according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, Cause the computer to Execute a creation process for creating the workflow definition file. In the creation process, using the user interface, for each item of the parameters of each process described in the workflow definition file, accept the input of the necessity information, and create a workflow definition file in which the accepted necessity information is associated with the corresponding item. An application program characterized by the above.

5. In the application program according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, On the computer, Taking the timing when the import instruction of the workflow definition file is accepted as the predetermined timing, execute the reading process of reading the workflow definition file targeted by the import instruction. Furthermore, on the computer, When the first item is included in the workflow definition file targeted by the import instruction, execute the first notification process. An application program characterized by the above.

6. In the application program according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, On the computer, Execute a display process of displaying a list of the registered workflow definition files using the user interface. Furthermore, on the computer, Taking the timing when the workflow is displayed in a list in the display process as the predetermined timing, execute the reading process of reading the workflow definition file targeted for display in the display process. Furthermore, on the computer, When the first item is included in the workflow definition file targeted for display in the display process, execute the first notification process. An application program characterized by the above.

7. In the application program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the workflow definition file can define the workflow including the processes using the server, the output destination information for accessing the server can be set in the items of the processes using the server, and the necessity information indicating the necessity of setting can be associated with the items where the output destination information is set. on the computer, when the first item included in the workflow definition file read in the reading process is the item for setting the output destination information, executing the first notification process of giving a notification prompting setting of the item where the output destination information is set using the user interface. An application program characterized by the above.

8. In the application program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the workflow definition file includes an item indicating an image processing apparatus that executes the processes described in the workflow, and the necessity information indicating the necessity of setting can be associated with the item indicating the image processing apparatus. on the computer, when the first item included in the workflow definition file read in the reading process is the item indicating the image processing apparatus, executing the first notification process of giving a notification prompting setting of the item indicating the image processing apparatus using the user interface. An application program characterized by the above.

9. An image processing apparatus including an image processing unit, a user interface, and a controller, wherein the controller, ​Execute a reading process to read a workflow definition file at a specified timing. The workflow definition file is a file that defines a workflow indicating a series of processes including image processing. In the image processing apparatus, at least one of the workflow definition files can be registered. For each process described in the workflow definition file, parameters consisting of one or more items are set, and for each item, necessity information indicating whether setting is necessary can be associated. Furthermore, the controller When the workflow definition file read in the reading process includes a first item associated with the necessity information indicating that setting is required, Execute a first notification process to prompt setting of the first item by using the user interface to issue a notification. In the first notification process, a notification to prompt setting of the first item is issued by displaying the workflow including the first item separately from the workflow not including the first item. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above.

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