Installer program, information processing apparatus, file distribution method

Abstract

To provide an installer program, an information processing unit and a file distribution method that prevents any of users at a distribution source and a distribution destination from being forced to perform complicated operation when a definition file is distributed.SOLUTION: In an image formation system which has an administrator PC, a user PC, a server, and an MFP connected to a network, the administrator PC sets a reference destination of a definition file to be used for workflow processing. The user PC 30 as a distribution-destination device can install and execute a WF application, and then downloads the definition file, saved at the reference destination set by the administrator PC, from the server and also sets the definition file as a definition file to be used for the workflow processing once the WF application is installed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control technique for causing an external device to execute a predetermined process.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a workflow process in which an information processing apparatus causes a device connected via a network to execute a plurality of processes in a predetermined order. The information processing apparatus refers to a definition file that defines the processes to be executed, the devices used for executing the processes, etc., and executes the workflow process according to the contents of the referenced definition file. Further, by distributing the definition file to a distribution destination device, which is another device different from the information processing apparatus, it becomes possible to cause the distribution destination device to execute the same workflow process as the information processing apparatus of the distribution source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When distributing a definition file to a distribution destination device, the user of the distribution source needs to select a method for distributing the definition file to the distribution destination device and perform an operation for executing the selected method. Further, the user of the distribution destination needs to perform various setting operations for designating the storage destination of the distributed definition file and associating the folder designated as the storage destination with the workflow process after the definition file is distributed. For this reason, there is a concern that both the user of the distribution source and the user of the distribution destination may be forced to perform complicated operations in order to distribute the definition file.

[0005] The present invention is made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to suppress forcing either the distribution source or the destination user to perform complicated operations when distributing a definition file.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The installer program disclosed in this embodiment for solving the above problems is an invention related to an installer program that is executed by a computer of a distribution source device which is an information processing device and has a function of installing a workflow program executable by the computer. The workflow program is a program that causes a computer of a distribution destination device, which is an information processing device different from the distribution source device or the distribution source device, to execute workflow processing according to the content of a predetermined definition file, and the workflow processing is a process of causing a connected external device to execute a predetermined operation according to the content of the definition file. The installer program causes the computer of the distribution source device to execute a reference destination setting process for setting a reference destination of the definition file used in the workflow processing by the distribution destination device. The distribution destination device can install and execute the workflow program, and when the workflow program is installed on the computer of the distribution destination device, the computer of the distribution destination device sets the definition file stored at the reference destination set in the reference destination setting process as the definition file used in the workflow processing.

[0007] In the above configuration, the computer of the distribution source device is made to execute a reference destination setting process for setting the reference destination of the definition file used in the workflow process by the distribution destination device. When the workflow program is installed in the distribution destination device, the definition file stored in the reference destination device is set as the definition file used in the workflow process. As a result, when the workflow program is installed in the distribution destination device, the definition file stored in the reference destination is set as the definition file used in the workflow process in the distribution destination device. For this reason, the user of the distribution source device does not need to perform various operations for distributing the definition file to the distribution destination device. Also, the user of the distribution destination device does not need to perform various operations for setting the definition file as the definition file used in the workflow process, such as securing a place for storing the definition file and storing the definition file transmitted from the user of the distribution destination. Thus, the definition file can be distributed to the distribution destination device without forcing either the user of the distribution source device or the user of the distribution destination device to perform complicated operations.

[0008] The present invention can be realized in various forms, and in addition to the invention of the installer program, it can also be realized as an invention of an information processing device and a file distribution method for distributing a definition file.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the definition file can be distributed to the distribution destination device without forcing either the user of the distribution source device or the user of the distribution destination device to perform complicated operations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (First Embodiment) The image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a PC 10, a PC 30, a server 35, and an MFP (abbreviation for Multifunction Peripheral / Printer / Product) 50. The PC 10, the PC 30, the server 35, and the MFP 50 are connected to a network 200. In the present embodiment, the network 200 is a LAN (Local Area Network), and the PC 10, the PC 30, the server 35, and the MFP 50 are connected to the network 200 by wire and wirelessly. The PC 10 is a terminal used by the LAN administrator and will be hereinafter referred to as the administrator PC. The PC 30 is a terminal used by guest users and will be hereinafter referred to as the user PC. The administrator PC 10 and the user PC 30 are examples of information processing devices.

[0012] The hardware configuration of the MFP50 will be described. The MFP50 includes a bus 51, a communication IF 52, a printer 53, a scanner 54, a user IF 55, a controller 56, a memory 57, and a FAX-IF 58. Each part constituting the MFP50 is communicably connected via the bus 51. IF is an abbreviation of Interface.

[0013] The communication IF 52 connects the MFP50 to the network 200 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication IF 52 is capable of performing wireless communication in the Wi-Fi (R) (registered trademark) mode, for example, based on the IEEE 802.11 standard and standards conforming thereto. Further, the communication IF 52 may perform short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) with the administrator PC.

[0014] The user IF 55 is an interface intervening between the controller 56 and the user. In the present embodiment, it includes a touch panel and operation keys as physical keys. The touch panel has a touch sensor and outputs a signal according to the detection result by the touch sensor. Note that the "touch" in the present embodiment includes all operations of bringing an input medium into contact with the display screen of the touch panel. Also, bringing the input medium close to a position where the distance between the input medium and the touch panel is very small may be included in the concept of the aforementioned "touch". Further, the input medium may be a user's finger or a touch pen or the like.

[0015] Printer 53 executes a printing operation to print an image on a recording medium such as a sheet or a disk. As the recording method of printer 53, an inkjet method that ejects ink as a recording medium onto the recording medium, an electrophotographic method that forms a toner image on a photoreceptor and transfers the formed toner image onto the recording medium, etc. can be adopted. Scanner 54 executes a scanning process to read an image recorded on a document and create scan data. FAX-IF 58 executes FAX processing according to a predetermined protocol. Also, MFP 50 may be capable of executing a composite operation that combines a plurality of operations. A copy process that combines the printing operation by printer 53 and the scanning process by scanner 54 is an example of a composite operation.

[0016] Controller 56 is composed of a CPU, an ASIC (abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc., and controls the operations of printer 53, scanner 54, user IF 55, and FAX-IF 58. Memory 57 stores various programs executed by controller 56.

[0017] In this embodiment, memory 57 is configured by combining, for example, a RAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. Also, memory 57 may be a storage medium readable by controller 56 which is a computer. The storage medium includes recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. The same applies to memory 15 described later.

[0018] Firmware 40 is stored in memory 57. By executing firmware 40, controller 56 can execute the above-described operations such as scanning process, printing process, and FAX process. Also, capability information 41 is stored as data referred to by controller 56 in the data storage area of memory 57.

[0019] The ability information 41 includes a plurality of items indicating the performance of the MFP 50 and is, for example, information in a structure format. In the ability information 41, parameters related to each of the processes of "printing process", "scanning process", "FAX process", and "copying process" are stored. For example, in the ability information 41, as items related to the scanning process, parameters of "document size", "resolution", "color setting", "reading format", and "file format" are stored. Note that the items of "ADF tilt correction", "brightness", "contrast", and "blank page removal" may be included as items of the ability information 41. When the MFP 50 is capable of executing "e-mail transmission", "download to server", and "upload to server", parameters related to "e-mail transmission", "download to server", and "upload to server" are stored in the ability information 41.

[0020] Next, the administrator PC will be described. The administrator PC includes a bus 11, a computer 12, a user IF 13, a communication IF 14, and a memory 15. These components are communicably connected to each other via the bus 11.

[0021] The user IF 13 has the same configuration as the user IF 55 of the MFP 50 and includes a touch panel and operation keys. The communication IF 14 has the same configuration as the communication IF 14 of the MFP 50. Note that the communication IF 14 may perform wireless communication using a mobile communication system via a base station.

[0022] The computer 12 controls each part of the administrator PC by executing the programs stored in the memory 15. The memory 15 stores programs such as an OS 20 (abbreviation for Operating System), a main application program 21, an installer program 22, and a WF application program 23. Hereinafter, the application program is abbreviated as "app". Also, the CPU that executes the program may sometimes be described simply by the program name. For example, the description "the main app 21" may mean "the computer 12 that executes the main app 21".

[0023] In addition, in this embodiment, mainly, the processing of the computer according to the instructions described in the program is shown. That is, the processing such as "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "decision", "specification", "acquisition", "reception", "control", etc. in the following description represents the processing of the computer or the controller. The processing by the computer includes hardware control via the OS 20. Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the process of receiving data without the main app 21 requesting is also included in the concept of "acquiring data". Also, the "data" in this specification is represented in a format readable by the computer. And data with the same substantial meaning content but different formats shall be treated as the same data. The same applies to the "information" in this specification.

[0024] The OS 20 is provided with an API (Application Programming Interface) that enables the use of the functions provided by the OS 20, communication with the server 35, the user PC 30, and the MFP 50, and the use of the functions of other programs for each of the programs 21, 22, 23. The main app 21 is a program that causes the MFP 50 connectable via the communication IF 14 to execute print processing, scan processing, FAX processing, etc. under the execution of the OS 20. The installer program 22 is a program that causes the WF app 23 to be installed on the installation destination device.

[0025] The WF application 23 is an extension program that extends the functions of the main application 21, and is a program that causes the computer 12 to execute workflow processing according to the content of a predetermined definition file 24. In the present embodiment, the WF application 23 is activated during the execution of the main application 21 in response to an instruction received by the main application 21. The workflow processing is a process of causing the MFP 50, which is a device connected to the network 200, to execute one or more operations according to the content of the definition file 24.

[0026] The workflow processing includes, for example, at least one of an input process for inputting image data and an output process for outputting image data. The input process includes, for example, reading an image by the scanner 54, receiving a FAX of image data by the FAX-IF 58, and downloading image data stored in the server 35. The output process includes, for example, printing an image by the printer 53, transmitting a FAX of image data by the FAX-IF 58, uploading image data to the server 35, executing image data in a specific application program, and transmitting image data by e-mail.

[0027] When combining a plurality of processes as the workflow processing, the definition file 24 stores, in the definition file 24, parameters that define the content of each process and the order of the processes to be combined. For example, assume a case where image data is read by the scanner 54 and the read image data is uploaded to the server 35. In this case, the setting of parameters related to the scan process, the setting of parameters related to the upload to the server 35, and further, the order of the scan process and the upload to the server 35 are stored in the definition file 24.

[0028] For example, when transmitting image data to a predetermined destination by e-mail, parameters related to one process of e-mail transmission are stored in the definition file 24 as one workflow process. In the present embodiment, the workflow process is set by one or more processes executable by the MFP 10, but one workflow process may be set by linking the MFP 10 and a device different from the MFP 10. For example, when the image data scanned by the scanner 54 of the MFP 54 is sent to a printer connected on the LAN for printing, parameters related to each operation of the scanning process in the MFP 10 and the printing operation in the printer are stored in the definition file 24.

[0029] Next, the server 35 will be described. The server 35 includes a CPU as a computer, a communication IF, and a memory. The server 35 can execute download and upload of image data in response to instructions from the administrator PC 10, the user PC 30, and the MFP 50.

[0030] Next, the process executed when the WF app 23 is installed on the administrator PC and the user PC 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Prior to the process of FIG. 2, a home screen 60 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display 16 of the administrator PC 10 by the main app 21. The home screen 60 includes a print icon 61, a scan icon 62, and a workflow creation icon 63. The print icon 61 is an icon that accepts an operation when the user causes the display 16 to display a screen for performing various settings or operations related to the print process. The scan icon 62 is an icon that accepts an operation when the user causes the display 16 to display a screen for performing various settings or operations related to the scan process. The workflow creation icon 63 is an icon that accepts an operation when the user causes the display 16 to display a screen for creating the definition file 24.

[0031] When the workflow creation icon 63 is operated on the home screen 60, the main application 21 determines whether the WF application 23 is installed and whether it is possible to start the WF application 23. If the WF application 23 is not installed on the administrator PC, the main application 21 starts the installer program 22 and causes the installer program 22 to execute the process shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the subject of the process shown in FIG. 2 is the installer program 22.

[0032] In step S10 (hereinafter simply referred to as S10), the installer program 22 installs the WF application 23 from a server managed by the vendor.

[0033] In S11, it is determined whether it is possible to select the "administrator mode" as the installation mode. The installation modes include the "administrator mode" in which only the LAN administrator is permitted to execute and the "user mode" in which guest users other than the administrator are permitted to execute. The "administrator mode" is executed when the administrator starts the administrator PC 10 in the administrator mode by operating the user IF13. If the process of S18 described later has not been executed, it is assumed that the "administrator mode" can be selected, and S11 is judged affirmatively. On the other hand, after the process of S18 described later has been executed, it is assumed that the "administrator mode" cannot be selected, and S11 is judged negatively.

[0034] If S11 is judged affirmatively, the process proceeds to S12, and the selection of the installation mode is accepted. When the "administrator mode" is selected as the installation mode, in subsequent processes, processes for distributing the definition file 24 to the user PC 30, which is the distribution destination device, are performed. When the WF application 23 is installed by a guest user, the "user mode" is selected as the installation mode, and the second distribution control of S17 is executed.

[0035] When "Administrator Mode" is selected according to the selection received in S12, S13 makes an affirmative determination and proceeds to S14. In S14, it is determined whether it is set to create the definition file 24 during installation. For example, when it is instructed to create the definition file 24 during installation by an operation received on an administrator screen (not shown), S14 makes an affirmative determination. When S14 makes an affirmative determination, it proceeds to S15 and executes distribution control 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process related to distribution control 1 executed in S15.

[0036] In S20, the WF application 23 installed on the administrator PC is requested to create the definition file 24. When the WF application 23 receives a request to create the definition file 24 from the installer program 22, it transmits a request to send the capability information 41 to the MFP 50 via the communication IF 14. When the firmware 40 of the MFP 50 receives the request to send the capability information 41, it reads out the capability information 41 stored in the memory 57 and transmits it to the administrator PC 10. When the WF application 23 receives the capability information 41 transmitted from the MFP 50, it displays an operation setting screen 70 that displays various processes stored in the capability information 41 as selection items. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation setting screen 70 that the WF application 23 displays on the display 16 in response to the request to create the definition file 24 in S20. The operation setting screen 70 is a screen that accepts selection operations for "input processing" and "output processing" combined in the workflow process.

[0037] In the operation setting screen 70 shown in FIG. 5, an input processing item column 71 in which item names selectable as input processing are displayed and an output processing item column 72 in which item names selectable as output processing are displayed are included. The WF application 23 causes the operation candidates for input processing among the operations stored in the ability information 41 to be displayed in the input processing item column 71 and the operation candidates for output processing to be displayed in the output processing item column 72. In the example shown in FIG. 5, when "Scan" displayed in the input processing item column 71 is selected, the scan process is a candidate for input processing. Also, in the output processing item column 72, "Save to PC", "Save to Cloud Service", "Open with Application", and "Attach to Email" are displayed. When "Save to Cloud Service" is selected, downloading to the server is a candidate for output processing.

[0038] In the operation setting screen 70, when the WF application 23 receives an operation of the cancel button 74 in a state where the candidates in both the input processing item column 71 and the output processing item column 72 are selected, the selected items are released from the candidates for input processing and output processing. On the other hand, when the WF application 23 receives an operation of the create button 73 via the user IF 13 in a state where the candidates in both the input processing item column 71 and the output processing item column 72 are selected, the detailed parameter setting screen 80 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display 16. When the workflow process is configured by one process, the create button 73 is operated in a state where only one of the input processing item column 71 and the output processing item column 72 is selected on the operation setting screen 70.

[0039] The detailed parameter setting screen 80 shown in FIG. 6 is a screen for receiving detailed parameter setting instructions for the input processing candidates and output processing candidates selected on the operation setting screen 70. The detailed parameter setting screen 80 includes an input parameter display column 81 in which the detailed parameters of the input processing candidates are displayed, and an output parameter display column 82 in which the detailed parameters of the output processing candidates are displayed. Each parameter displayed in the input parameter display column 81 and the output parameter display column 82 is information stored in the capability information 41 obtained from the MFP 50. In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the input parameter display column 81, as the detailed parameters of the scan processing, the parameters of "original size", "color setting", "double-sided scan", and "resolution" are displayed. When the WF app 23 receives the operation of the setting button 83 in the input parameter display column 81, it causes the display 16 to display a screen for receiving an operation to change the detailed parameters in the input processing. Similarly, in the output parameter display column 82, as the detailed parameters for saving to the cloud service, the detailed parameters such as "file name", "file format", "service name", and "account" are displayed. When the WF app 23 receives the operation of the setting button 84 in the output parameter display column 82, it causes the display 16 to display a screen for receiving an operation to change the detailed parameters in the output processing.

[0040] When the "Next" icon 85 is operated on the detailed parameter setting screen 80, the WF app 23 causes the display 16 to display a screen for receiving an instruction to start creating the definition file 24. The parameters stored in the definition file 24 are the values received on the operation setting screen 70 and the detailed parameter setting screen 80. When the WF app 23 receives an instruction operation to create a definition file on the screen, it creates the definition file 24.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 4, in S21, it is determined whether the creation of the definition file 24 by the WF app 23 is completed. If the determination in S21 is negative, it waits. In this embodiment, the computer 12 of the administrator PC 10 is an example of the definition file creation process for the processes executed in S20 and S21.

[0042] If S21 makes an affirmative determination, the process proceeds to S22 to receive the specification of the reference destination of the definition file 24. The "reference destination of the definition file 24" is the location where the definition file 24 created by the administrator PC 10 is stored. In other words, the "reference destination of the definition file 24" is also the location that the user PC 30, which is the distribution destination device, refers to in order to acquire the definition file 24 when receiving the distribution of the definition file 24. In the present embodiment, either the server 35 or the installer program 22 can be specified as the "reference destination of the definition file 24".

[0043] In S22, when the server 35 is specified as the reference destination, S23 makes an affirmative determination and the process proceeds to S24 to receive the specification of the path information for identifying the server 35. The path information is information for identifying the location of the server 35 that is the reference destination of the definition file 24, and is, for example, information such as the URL of the server 35 or the IP address.

[0044] In S25, an instruction to save the path information specified in S25 to the installer setting file is transmitted to the user PC 30 via the communication IF 14. The installer setting file is a file referred to by the installer program 22 of the user PC 30. On the user PC 30, upon receiving the instruction from the administrator PC, the transmitted path information is saved to the installer setting file already created in its own device.

[0045] In S26, an instruction to save the definition file 24 to the location specified by the path information together with the definition file 24 is transmitted to the server 35 via the communication IF 14. On the server 35, upon receiving the instruction from the administrator PC, the transmitted definition file 24 is saved to the location specified by the specified path information. When the processing of S26 ends, the process proceeds to S18 in FIG. 2.

[0046] On the other hand, in S23, if the server 35 is not specified as the reference destination of the definition file 24, S23 makes a negative determination (S23: NO) and proceeds to S27. In S27, it is determined whether the installer program 22 is specified as the reference destination. If the installer program 22 is specified as the reference destination (S27: YES), it proceeds to S28, and the definition file 24 is transmitted and an instruction to save this definition file 24 to the installer setting file are transmitted to the user PC 30 via the communication IF 14. In the user PC 30, upon receiving the instruction from the administrator PC, the definition file 24 transmitted from the administrator PC is saved to the installer setting file that has been created in the own device.

[0047] If the installer program 22 is not specified as the reference destination (S27: NO), it proceeds to S29, and the definition file 24 is transmitted and an instruction to save the definition file 24 to an arbitrary folder are transmitted to the user PC 30 via the communication IF 14. The "arbitrary folder" is a folder that is arbitrarily set as the folder for saving the definition file 24 by the guest user who operates the user PC 30. When the instruction of S29 is transmitted to the user PC 30, it is necessary to create an arbitrary folder for saving the definition file 24 during the installation of the WF app 23 in the user PC 30. When the processing of S28 or S29 ends, it proceeds to S18 in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the processing of S22 to S28 executed by the computer 12 of the administrator PC 10 is an example of the reference destination setting process.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 2, in S18, the installation mode is changed from the "administrator mode" to the "user mode", and thereafter, in the installation of the WF app 23 by the same administrator, the change from the "user mode" to the "administrator mode" is prohibited. When S18 ends, the processing of FIG. 2 ends.

[0049] When it is set to create the definition file 24 after the installation of the WF app 23 for the administrator PC 10 (S14: NO in FIG. 2), the process proceeds to S16. For example, when it is instructed to create the definition file 24 after installation by an operation received on an administrator screen (not shown), S14 is determined negatively. In S16, an installer folder is created. The installer folder is a folder for storing the created definition file 24 after the installation of the WF app 23 on the administrator PC 10. When proceeding to S16, the definition file 24 is not created during the installation of the WF app 23 on the administrator PC 10, and only the installer folder is created. When the process of S16 ends, the process proceeds to S18. When S18 ends, the process of FIG. 2 ends.

[0050] Next, when only the installer folder is created on the administrator PC 10 by executing the process of S16 in FIG. 2, the procedure of the process in which the WF app 23 on the administrator PC 10 saves the definition file 24 in the installer folder will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The process shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, a process executed by the WF app 23 launched by the main app 21 when the workflow creation icon 63 is operated with the home screen 60 shown in FIG. 3 displayed on the display 16 of the administrator PC 10.

[0051] In S30, the definition file 24 is created according to the operation received via the user IF 13. Specifically, the operation setting screen 70 (FIG. 5) and the detailed parameter setting screen 80 (FIG. 6) described above are displayed on the administrator PC 10, and the parameters stored in the definition file 24 are set by the operations received on the displayed screens 70 and 80.

[0052] In S31, it is determined whether the creation of the definition file 24 is completed. If the determination in S31 is negative, it waits. On the other hand, if the determination in S31 is affirmative, it proceeds to S32. In S32, it is determined whether an installer folder for saving the definition file 24 has already been created and whether the installer folder can be acquired. If the determination in S32 is affirmative, it proceeds to S33 and acquires the already created installer folder. If the determination in S32 is negative, it proceeds to S34 and creates an installer folder.

[0053] When the process of S33 or S34 ends, it proceeds to S35 and saves the definition file 24 in the installer folder. In S36, an instruction to save the definition file 24 saved in the installer folder to the installer setting file stored in the user PC 30 is transmitted to the user PC 30 via the communication IF 14. The user PC 30, upon receiving the instruction from the administrator PC 10, saves the definition file 24 saved in the installer folder transmitted from the administrator PC to the installer setting file. When the process of S36 ends, it proceeds to S18 in FIG. 2.

[0054] Next, taking the installation of the WF app 23 on the user PC 30 as an opportunity, the process executed by the installer program 22 will be described by referring to FIG. 2. In S10 of FIG. 2, the WF app 23 is installed. In S11, it is determined whether the administrator mode can be selected. Since the guest user operating the user PC 30 is not an administrator, the "administrator mode" cannot be selected (S11: NO), and it proceeds to S17. In S17, the distribution control 2 is executed.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the process executed in S17 by the installer program 22 of the user PC 30, and the main body is the installer program 22 of the user PC 30. In S40, the installer setting file is referred to, and it is determined whether the reference destination of the definition file 24 is the server 35. Specifically, when path information is saved in the installer setting file, it is determined that the reference destination of the definition file 24 is the server 35.

[0056] If path information is stored in the installer configuration file (S40: YES), the process proceeds to S41, where the definition file is downloaded from the location of the server 35 specified by the path information and stored in the installer configuration file.

[0057] If path information is not stored in the installer configuration file (S40: NO), the process proceeds to S42 to determine whether the reference destination is the installer program 22. Specifically, if the definition file 24 is stored in the installer configuration file, S42 is affirmatively determined.

[0058] If the definition file 24 is stored in the installer configuration file (S42: YES), the process proceeds to S43 to obtain the definition file 24 stored in the installer configuration file. When the process of S43 ends, the process proceeds to S46.

[0059] If the definition file 24 is not stored in the installer configuration file (S42: NO), the process proceeds to S44 to prompt the guest user to save the definition file 24 in an arbitrary folder. The "arbitrary folder" is a folder arbitrarily created by the guest user operating the user PC 30 as the folder for saving the definition file 24, for example, a local folder not publicly available on the network 200. The definition file 24 saved in the arbitrary folder is the definition file 24 whose saving to the arbitrary folder is instructed by the administrator PC 10 in S29 of FIG. 4.

[0060] When the guest user receives the notification at S44, the guest user creates an arbitrary folder in the user PC 30. The guest user saves the definition file 24 in the created arbitrary folder. The created arbitrary folder is associated with the WF application 23 and can be referenced by the WF application 23. At S45, it is determined whether the saving of the definition file 24 to the arbitrary folder is completed. For example, when an operation indicating that the creation of the arbitrary folder and the saving of the definition file to the created arbitrary folder are completed is received on a screen (not shown) displayed on the user PC 30, a positive determination is made for S45. If the saving of the definition file 24 to the arbitrary folder is not completed (S45: NO), it waits. If the saving of the definition file 24 to the arbitrary folder is completed (S45: YES), it proceeds to S46.

[0061] At S46, the definition file 24 is set as a file to be used in the workflow process. Thereby, the workflow process can be executed using each parameter stored in the definition file 24.

[0062] In the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be achieved. The installer program 22 causes the computer 12 of the administrator PC 10 to set the reference destination of the definition file 24 used by the user PC 30 in the workflow process. When the WF application 23 is installed on the computer of the user PC 30, the computer of the user PC 30 sets the definition file 24 stored at the set reference destination as the definition file to be used in the workflow process. Thereby, the administrator does not need to perform various operations for distributing the definition file to the user PC 30. Also, the guest user does not need to perform various operations for setting the definition file 24 as the definition file to be used in the workflow process, such as securing a place for saving the definition file 24 and saving the definition file 24 transmitted from the administrator PC 10. By these, for both the administrator and the guest user, being forced to perform complicated operations is suppressed.

[0063] The computer 12 of the administrator PC 10 receives from the administrator, via the user IF 13, the specification of the reference destination of the definition file 24. This makes it possible to change the reference destination of the definition file according to the administrator's preference.

[0064] The computer 12 of the administrator PC 10 specifies the reference destination by saving the path information of the server 35 in the definition file 24, and causes the definition file 24 to be saved in the location specified by the path information. When the WF application 23 is installed on the user PC 30, the user PC 30 downloads the definition file 24 saved in the location specified by the path information, and sets the downloaded definition file 24 as the definition file used in the workflow process. Thereby, even when the server 35 is set as the reference destination of the definition file 24, the definition file can be distributed to the user PC 30.

[0065] The computer 12 of the administrator PC 10 sets, in the user PC 30, the installer setting file referred to by the installer program 22 at the time of installation of the WF application 23 as the reference destination of the definition file 24, and saves the acquired definition file 24 in the installer setting file. When the WF application 23 is installed on the user PC 30, the user PC 30 sets the definition file 24 saved in the installer setting file as the definition file used in the workflow process. Thereby, when the installer program 22 is executed to install the WF application 23 in the user PC 30, the definition file 24 saved in the folder that is always referred to at the time of installation of the WF application 23 can be read out to perform the setting of the workflow process.

[0066] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, a configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment mean the same parts, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0067] In the above-described first embodiment, upon the installation of the WF application 23, the workflow process is set using the definition file 24 stored in the reference destination. Alternatively, after the installation of the WF application 23, the workflow process may be set using the definition file 24 stored in the reference destination at the timing when the WF application 23 is started for the first time.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the process executed in S17 of FIG. 2 by the installer program 22 of the user PC 30 in the second embodiment, and the main body is the installer program 22 of the user PC 30. In S40, the installer setting file is referred to, and it is determined whether the reference destination of the definition file 24 is the server 35.

[0069] If path information is stored in the installer setting file (S40: YES), the process proceeds to S50, and it is confirmed whether the definition file is stored in the reference destination of the server 35 specified by the path information. If the definition file is stored in the reference destination (S52: YES), the process of FIG. 9 ends. That is, in this embodiment, at the time of installing the WF application 23, the workflow process is not set using the definition file 24. This is to enable the updated definition file to be set as the definition file used for the workflow process on the user PC 30 even when the definition file is updated or the like between the installation of the WF application 23 on the user PC 30 and the execution of the workflow process on the user PC 30.

[0070] If the definition file is not stored in the reference destination of the server 35 (S52: NO), the process proceeds to S53, and the existing file is stored in the reference destination as the definition file. The existing file is information in which parameters that can be replaced with the definition file are stored. Note that when the definition file 24 stored in the reference destination is updated at the time of starting the WF application 23 thereafter, the existing file is replaced with the updated definition file 24.

[0071] If no server is set as the reference destination (S40: NO), and if the installer program 22 is set as the reference destination (S42: YES), the process proceeds to S51. In S51, it is determined whether the definition file 24 is saved in the installer settings file. If the definition file 24 is saved in the installer settings file (S52: YES), the process of FIG. 9 ends. On the other hand, if the definition file 24 is not saved in the installer settings file (S52: NO), the process proceeds to S53, and the existing file is saved as the definition file to the reference destination. After S53 ends, the process of FIG. 9 ends.

[0072] If the installer program 22 is not set as the reference destination (S42: NO), the process proceeds to S54. In S54, similar to S44, a notification is given to the guest user to prompt saving the definition file 24 in an arbitrary folder. After the process of S54 ends, the process of FIG. 9 ends.

[0073] After that, when the WF app 23 is launched by an instruction to start the workflow process, the process shown in FIG. 8 is executed. As a result, in S46, the workflow process is set using the definition file 24, and the workflow process becomes executable.

[0074] In the present embodiment described above, when the computer 12 of the user PC 30 is triggered by the installation of the WF app 23, it checks whether the definition file 24 is saved in the specified reference destination. Subsequently, when the workflow process is executed by the installed WF app 23 on the user PC 30, if the definition file 24 is saved in the specified reference destination, the definition file 24 saved in the specified reference destination is set as the definition file to be used in the workflow process. Thereby, even if the definition file is updated or the like between the installation of the WF app 23 on the computer of the user PC 30 and the execution of the workflow process on the user PC 30, the updated definition file can be set as the definition file to be used in the workflow process on the user PC 30.

[0075] When the computer of the user PC 30 installs the WF app 23, if the definition file 24 is not stored at the specified destination, it sets the existing file as the definition file to be used in the workflow process. This can prevent the workflow process from being unable to be set even when the definition file 24 is not stored at the destination.

[0076] (Other Embodiments) The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified into various forms without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are also possible. In the above-described embodiment, the network 200 was a LAN. Instead, the network 200 may be the Internet, or may be a combination of a LAN and the Internet. Also, the network 200 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the external device was an MFP. Instead, the external device may be a device that can execute only one process, such as a printer or a scanner.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0078] 22…Installer Program, 23…WF App, 24…Definition File, 10…Administrator PC, 12…Computer, 30…User PC, 50…MFP

Claims

1. An installer program that is executed by a computer of a distribution source device which is an information processing device, and has a function of installing a workflow program executable by the computer, wherein the workflow program is a program that causes a computer of a distribution destination device, which is the distribution source device or an information processing device different from the distribution source device, to execute a workflow process according to the content of a predetermined definition file, and the workflow process is a process of causing a connected external device to execute a predetermined operation according to the content of the definition file, on the computer of the distribution source device, executes a reference destination setting process for setting a reference destination of the definition file used in the workflow process by the distribution destination device, and the distribution destination device can install and execute the workflow program, when the workflow program is installed on the computer of the distribution destination device, the computer of the distribution destination device sets the definition file stored at the reference destination set in the reference destination setting process as the definition file used in the workflow process, Installer program.

2. The installer program according to claim 1, wherein in the reference destination setting process, a designation of a reference destination of the definition file is received, and the reference destination of the definition file is set based on the received designation of the reference destination.

3. on the computer of the distribution source device, after installing the workflow program on the distribution source device, executes a definition file creation process for causing the workflow program to create the definition file, The installer program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the reference destination setting process, the definition file created in the definition file creation process is stored at the reference destination.

4. In the reference destination setting process, sets an external device in which the definition file is stored as the reference destination of the definition file, specifies information indicating the external device in which the definition file is stored to the distribution destination device, causes the external device in which the definition file is stored to store the definition file created in the definition file creation process, When the workflow program is installed in the distribution destination device, the distribution destination device downloads the definition file stored in the specified external device, and sets the downloaded definition file as the definition file used in the workflow process. The installer program according to claim 3.

5. In the reference destination setting process, When the workflow program is installed in the distribution destination device, the folder referred to by the installer program is set as the reference destination of the definition file, The computer of the distribution source device saves the definition file created in the definition file creation process in the folder referred to by the installer program, When the workflow program is installed in the distribution destination device, the computer of the distribution destination device sets the definition file stored in the folder referred to by the installer program as the definition file used in the workflow process. The installer program according to claim 3.

6. When the workflow program is installed in the distribution destination device, the computer of the distribution destination device Checks whether the definition file is stored in the specified reference destination, After that, when the workflow process is executed by the installed workflow program, if the definition file is stored in the specified reference destination, the definition file stored in the specified reference destination is set as the definition file used in the workflow process. The installer program according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When the workflow program is installed in the distribution destination device, if the definition file is not stored in the specified reference destination, the computer of the distribution destination device sets an existing file as the definition file used in the workflow process, and the existing file can be used in the workflow process instead of the definition file. The installer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An information processing apparatus comprising a computer and a memory, The memory stores an installer program for installing a workflow program executable by the computer. The workflow program causes a computer of a destination device, which is an information processing device different from the source device or the source device, to execute a workflow process according to the content of a predetermined definition file. The workflow process causes an external device connected via a network to execute a predetermined operation according to the content of the definition file. The computer When functioning as the source device, executes a reference destination setting process for setting a reference destination of the definition file used in the workflow process by the destination device. When the workflow program is installed, the destination device sets the definition file stored at the reference destination set in the reference destination setting process as the definition file used in the workflow process. Information processing device.

9. A file distribution method executed by a destination device that is an information processing device and a source device that is an information processing device different from the destination device, The information processing device includes a computer and a memory. The memory stores a workflow program that causes the computer to execute a workflow process according to the content of a predetermined definition file. The workflow program causes a computer of the source device or the destination device to execute a workflow process according to the content of a predetermined definition file. The workflow process causes an external device connected via a network to execute a predetermined operation according to the content of the definition file. The source device executes a reference destination setting process for setting a reference destination of the definition file used in the workflow process by the destination device. The destination device can install and execute the workflow program. When the destination device installs the workflow program, the destination device sets the definition file stored at the reference destination set in the reference destination setting process as the definition file used in the workflow process. File distribution method.

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