Control program, image forming system, setting method, and information processing device

Abstract

To prevent inconvenience when a definition file used for workflow processing is updated.SOLUTION: A WF application 22 of a user PC 10 requests, from an MFP 50 that can be connected through a communication IF 14, information on a definition file F stored in the MFP 50. The WF application determines whether to use the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 in workflow processing based on the information on the definition file F transmitted from the MFP 50 in response to the request. When determining to use the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 in the workflow processing, the WF application sets the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 to a definition file used for the workflow processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for executing a predetermined process according to the contents of a definition file. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a workflow process in which a terminal causes an external device connected via a network to execute a predetermined process according to the contents of a definition file. The terminal references a definition file that defines the process to be executed and the device to be used to execute the process, and executes the workflow process according to the contents of the referenced definition file. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-209414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some image forming systems, a definition file is stored in an external device in advance, and a terminal acquires the definition file stored in the external device before executing a workflow process. In such a configuration, if a user operating the terminal is unaware that the definition file stored in the external device has been updated, there is a concern that an inconvenience may occur due to the update of the definition file.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to suppress inconveniences that may occur when a definition file used in workflow processing is updated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a control program disclosed in this embodiment is executed by a terminal computer having a user interface, a memory, and a communication interface. A definition file used in workflow processing is stored in the memory of the terminal, the definition file being information used in the workflow processing and acquired from an external device, and the workflow processing is processing in which the external device or a target device other than the external device executes a predetermined operation in accordance with the contents of the definition file. The control program causes the computer to execute the following steps: a request process for requesting information about the definition file stored in the external device from an external device connectable via the communication interface; a reception process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not to use updated portions of the definition file stored in the external device in the workflow processing based on the information about the definition file received in the reception process; and a setting process for setting the updated portions of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow processing if it is determined by the determination process that the updated portions of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow processing.

[0007] In the above configuration, the control program causes the computer to request information about a definition file stored in an external device connectable via a communication interface. In response to the request, the control program causes the computer to determine whether or not to use an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device in workflow processing based on the information about the definition file transmitted from the external device. If it is determined that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in workflow processing, the control program causes the computer to set the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in workflow processing. As a result, when a definition file stored in the external device is updated, the user determines whether or not to use the updated portion in workflow processing. Therefore, even if the user operating the terminal is unaware that the definition file stored in the external device has been updated, inconveniences caused by updating the definition file can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress inconveniences caused by updating definition files. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming system. [Figure 2] 10 is a timing chart illustrating a process related to updating a definition file. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a home screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing in S11 of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detailed parameter setting screen. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when a workflow process is executed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displaying updated parts. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen displaying items in an updated definition file. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a process executed when an update notification is received according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (First embodiment) An image forming system according to this 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 this 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 wirelessly as well as wired. The PC 10 is a terminal used by a guest user and will be referred to as a user PC below. The PC 30 is a terminal used by an administrator of the LAN and will be referred to as an administrator PC below. The administrator PC 30 and the user PC 10 are examples of information processing devices.

[0011] The following describes the hardware configuration of the MFP 50. The MFP 50 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. The components constituting the MFP 50 are connected to each other via the bus 51 so as to be able to communicate with each other. IF is an abbreviation for Interface.

[0012] The communication IF 52 connects the MFP 50 to the network 200 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication IF 52 is capable of performing wireless communication using the Wi-Fi® (registered trademark) system based on the IEEE 802.11 standard or equivalent standards, for example. The communication IF 52 may also perform short-range wireless communication with the PCs 10 and 30 using Bluetooth® or other similar technology.

[0013] The user IF 55 is an interface between the controller 56 and the user, and in this embodiment, 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 of the touch sensor. Note that "touch" in this embodiment includes the general operation of bringing an input medium into contact with the display screen of the touch panel. Furthermore, the concept of "touch" may also include bringing the input medium close to the touch panel to a position where the distance between the input medium and the touch panel is very small. Furthermore, the input medium may be the user's finger, a touch pen, or the like.

[0014] The printer 53 performs a printing operation to print an image on a recording medium such as a sheet or a disk. The printer 53 can use an inkjet method to eject ink onto the recording medium, or an electrophotographic method to form a toner image on a photosensitive element and transfer the formed toner image to the recording medium. The scanner 54 performs a scanning process to read an image recorded on an original and create scanned data. The FAX-IF 58 performs a FAX process according to a predetermined protocol. The MFP 50 may also be capable of performing a composite operation that combines multiple operations. A copy process that combines a printing operation by the printer 53 and a scanning process by the scanner 54 is an example of a composite operation.

[0015] The controller 56 is configured with a CPU, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), etc., and controls the operations of the printer 53, the scanner 54, the user IF 55, and the FAX-IF 58. The memory 57 stores various programs executed by the controller 56.

[0016] In this embodiment, the memory 57 is configured by combining, for example, RAM, ROM, and flash memory. The memory 57 may also be a storage medium that can be read by the controller 56, which is a computer. The storage medium also includes recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. The same applies to the memory 15 described below.

[0017] Firmware 40 is stored in memory 57. Controller 56 can execute the above-mentioned operations such as scanning, printing, and faxing by executing firmware 40. Furthermore, capability information 41 is stored in a data storage area of ​​memory 57 as data referenced by controller 56.

[0018] The capability information 41 includes multiple items indicating the performance of the MFP 50, and is, for example, information in a structure format. The capability information 41 stores parameters related to each of the processes of "printing," "scanning," "faxing," and "copying." For example, the capability information 41 stores parameters related to scanning, such as "document size," "resolution," "color settings," "reading format," and "file format." Note that the capability information 41 may also include items such as "ADF tilt correction," "brightness," "contrast," and "blank page removal." If the MFP 50 can execute "email transmission," "download to server," and "upload to server," the capability information 41 stores parameters related to "email transmission," "download to server," and "upload to server."

[0019] Next, we will explain the user PC 10. The user PC 10 includes a bus 11, a computer 12, a user IF 13, a communication IF 14, a memory 15, and a display 16. These components are connected to each other via the bus 11 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The computer 12 controls each part of the user PC 10 by executing programs stored in the memory 15. The memory 15 stores the following programs: an OS 20 (an abbreviation for Operating System), a main application program 21, and a WF application program 22. Hereinafter, the application program will be abbreviated as "app." The computer that executes the program may also be referred to simply by the program name. For example, the phrase "the main application 21" may mean "the computer 12 that executes the main application 21."

[0022] In this embodiment, the term primarily refers to computer processing in accordance with instructions written in a program. In other words, processes such as "judging," "extracting," "selecting," "calculating," "deciding," "identifying," "acquiring," "receiving," and "control" in the following description represent computer or controller processing. Computer processing also includes hardware control via the OS 20. Note that "acquiring" is used as a concept that does not necessarily require a request. In other words, the process of receiving data without a request from the main application 21 is also included in the concept of "acquiring data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is expressed in a computer-readable format. Data with essentially the same meaning but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification.

[0023] The OS 20 has an API (Application Programming Interface) that enables each of the programs 21 and 22 to use the functions of the OS 20, to communicate with the server 35, the user PC 10, and the MFP 50, and to use the functions of other programs. The main application 21 is a program that, under the execution of the OS 20, causes the MFP 50, which can be connected via the communication IF 14, to perform printing, scanning, faxing, and the like.

[0024] The WF application 22 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 in accordance with the contents of a predetermined definition file F. In this embodiment, the WF application 22 is launched in response to an instruction received by the main application 21 while the main application 21 is running. The workflow processing is processing that causes the MFP 50, which is a device connected to the network 200, to execute one or more operations in accordance with the contents of the definition file F.

[0025] The workflow processing includes, for example, at least one of input processing for inputting image data and output processing for outputting image data. The input processing includes, for example, reading an image using the scanner 54, receiving the image data by fax using the FAX-IF 58, and downloading the image data stored in the server 35. The output processing includes, for example, printing an image using the printer 53, sending the image data by fax using the FAX-IF 58, uploading the image data to the server 35, executing the image data in a specific application program, and sending the image data by email.

[0026] When multiple processes are combined as a workflow process, the definition file F stores parameters that define the content of each process and the order in which the processes are combined. The parameters are parameters stored in the capability information 41. For example, consider a case in which image data is read by the scanner 54 and the read image data is uploaded to the server 35. In this case, the definition file F stores parameter settings related to the scanning process, parameter settings related to uploading to the server 35, and the order in which the scanning process and uploading to the server 35 are performed.

[0027] For example, when image data is sent by email to a predetermined destination, parameters related to one process, sending an email, are stored as one workflow process in definition file F. In this embodiment, the workflow process is set by one or more processes executable by MFP 50, but one workflow process may also be set by linking MFP 50 with a device different from MFP 50. For example, when image data scanned by scanner 54 of MFP 50 is sent to a printer connected to a LAN for printing, parameters related to each operation of the scanning process by MFP 50 and the printing operation by the printer are stored in definition file F.

[0028] Next, the server 35 will be described. The server 35 includes a CPU, a communication IF, and a memory as a computer. The server 35 can download and upload image data in response to instructions from the user PC 10, the administrator PC 30, and the MFP 50.

[0029] Next, referring to FIG. 2, a process for updating a definition file F stored in the MFP 50 by the administrator PC 30 will be described. In step 10 (hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as "S"), a home screen is displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the home screen 60 includes a print icon 61, a scan icon 62, a workflow icon 63, a workflow creation button 64, and a settings icon 65. 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 print processing. 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 scan processing. The workflow icon 63 is an icon that accepts an operation when the user starts execution of a workflow. The workflow creation button 64 is an icon that accepts an operation when the user causes the display 16 to display a screen for creating a new definition file F.

[0030] When the settings icon 65 is selected on the home screen 60 displayed on the administrator PC 30, in S11, a settings screen 70 is displayed on the display 16. The settings screen 70 shown in FIG. 4 includes a settings selection field 71 and a settings display area 72. The settings selection field 71 is a field that accepts a selection operation for a detailed settings screen to be displayed in the settings display area 72, and includes the setting items "Account Settings," "Workflow Settings," "Scan Settings," and "Product Information." When the user selects "Workflow Settings," a workflow management list 73, which is a detailed settings screen, is displayed in the settings display area 72. The workflow management list 73 displays a list of workflows that are currently executable by the administrator PC 30 and the user PC 10. Specifically, the workflow management list 73 includes the fields of "Icon" 74, "Workflow Name" 75, and "Product Name" 76.

[0031] "Icon" 74 is a field that displays the operation icon set for the workflow process. "Workflow name" 75 is a field that displays the name set for the workflow process. "Product name" 76 is a field that displays the product name of the device that is the reference destination of definition file F. The values ​​in each of these fields are stored in memory 15 in association with the workflow ID, which is the identifier for the workflow.

[0032] For example, when a workflow process whose "Workflow Name" 75 is "Scan to Cloud" is selected on the workflow management list 73, an edit button 75 and a delete button 76 are displayed in association with the selected workflow process on the workflow management list 73. The edit button 75 is an icon that is selected when editing the definition file F corresponding to the selected workflow process is to be accepted. The delete button 76 is an icon that is selected when deletion of the selected workflow process (i.e., deletion of the definition file F) is to be accepted.

[0033] When the main application 21 detects that the edit button 75 has been operated, it causes the WF application 22 installed in the administrator PC 30 to edit the definition file F in S11. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process executed by the WF application 22 in S12.

[0034] In S20, the target device, which is the device associated with the currently selected workflow process, is queried via the communication IF 14 as to whether or not the definition file F exists. When the device receives the query as to whether or not the definition file F exists, if the device stores the definition file F, it transmits a response signal indicating that the definition file F is stored to the administrator PC 30. On the other hand, if the device does not store the definition file F, it transmits a response signal indicating that the definition file F is not stored to the administrator PC 30.

[0035] In S21, it is determined whether the device queried about the definition file F in S20 stores the definition file F. If the device does not store the definition file F (S21: NO), the processing in FIG. 5 ends. In this case, the main application 21 displays the home screen 60 on the display 16.

[0036] If the device stores the definition file F (21: YES), the process proceeds to S22, where an acquisition request is made to acquire the definition file F from the device that was the query destination. Upon receiving the acquisition request, the device transmits the definition file F stored in its memory to the administrator PC 30.

[0037] In S23, the current time, in other words, the update time when the update of the definition file F starts, is stored in association with the workflow ID. Specifically, the workflow ID associated with the update time is the ID associated with the workflow process currently selected on the workflow management list 73.

[0038] In S24, an instruction for the user PC 10 regarding how to update the definition file F is received through an operation via the user IF 13. FIG. 6 shows a selection screen 80 that is displayed on the display 16 by the WF application 22 when the processing of S24 is executed. The selection screen 80 includes a first selection item 81, a second selection item 82, and a confirm button 83. The first selection item 81 is an item that is selected when the user PC 10 is to automatically update all items included in the definition file F. The second selection item 82 is an item that is selected when the user PC 10 is to automatically update only items that belong to a fixed range out of all items included in the definition file F.

[0039] In this embodiment, the items stored in the definition file F include a "discretionary range" that can be changed by operations received via the user IF 13 of the user PC 10 and a "fixed range" that cannot be changed by operations received via the user IF 13. In this embodiment, the "fixed range" refers to the "individual functions" and "services" of the items in the definition file F that set the types of input and output processes. More specifically, the "individual range" refers to parameters that specify the processes themselves, such as "scan," "fax," and "print," and parameters that specify the services, such as "XX drive." The "discretionary range" refers to detailed parameters of the items in the definition file F that do not affect the types of input and output processes. More specifically, the "discretionary range" refers to scan settings, such as "color," "file type," and "resolution," for scan processing. In this embodiment, the "fixed range" is an example of a first range, and the "discretionary range" is an example of a second range.

[0040] When the first selection item 81 is selected on the selection screen 80 and the Confirm button 83 is operated, if the user PC 10 executes workflow processing corresponding to the updated definition file F, the workflow processing is executed in a state that reflects the contents of the updated definition file F. On the other hand, when the second selection item 82 is selected on the selection screen 80 and the Confirm button 83 is operated, if the user PC 10 executes workflow processing corresponding to the updated definition file F, the workflow processing is executed in a state that reflects only the items that belong to the fixed range, out of the items in the updated definition file F.

[0041] In S25, an editing operation of the definition file F is accepted. Fig. 7 shows a detailed parameter setting screen 84 that is displayed on the display 16 by the WF application 22 when the processing of S25 is executed. The detailed parameter setting screen 84 is a screen that accepts an instruction to edit parameters (i.e., an instruction to update) for the input processing and output processing defined in the definition file F. The detailed parameter setting screen 84 includes an input parameter display field 85 that displays detailed parameters of the input processing currently defined in the definition file F, and an output parameter display field 86 that displays detailed parameters of the output processing.

[0042] The detailed parameter setting screen 84 shown in FIG. 7 is a screen for workflow processing in which the input processing is set to "scan processing" and the output processing is set to "save to cloud." The input parameter display field 85 displays the following detailed parameters for the scan processing: "document size," "color setting," "double-sided scanning," and "resolution." When the WF application 22 accepts an operation of a "set" button 87 in the input parameter display field 85, it displays on the display 16 a screen for accepting a change operation for the detailed parameters for the input processing. Similarly, the output parameter display field 86 displays the following detailed parameters for saving to the cloud service: "file name," "file format," "service name," "account," and so on. When the WF application 22 accepts an operation of a "set" button 88 in the output parameter display field 86, it displays on the display 16 a screen for accepting a change operation for the detailed parameters for the output processing.

[0043] In S26, it is determined whether a save operation to save the edited definition file F has been accepted. Specifically, when the "Next" icon 89 is operated on the detailed parameter setting screen 84, the WF application 22 displays on the display 16 a screen for accepting a save operation for the edited definition file F. When the WF application 22 accepts a save operation for the definition file F on the displayed screen (S26: YES), in S27 it temporarily saves the edited definition file F in the memory 15. Note that if a negative judgment is made in S26, the process waits. When the processing of S27 ends, the process proceeds to S13 in FIG. 2.

[0044] 2, the WF application 22 requests the device (in this example, the MFP 50) that has acquired the definition file F to update the definition file F. Specifically, the WF application 22 transmits the update request, along with the update time acquired in S23, the update method set in S24, and the updated definition file F, in association with the workflow ID, to the MFP 50. Upon receiving the update request from the administrator PC 30, the controller 56 of the MFP 50 stores the updated definition file F, along with the update time and update method, in memory 57 in association with the workflow ID.

[0045] In S15, the controller 56 of the MFP 50 sends an update notification indicating that the definition file F has been updated to the administrator PC 30. In S16, the controller 56 sends the same update notification as in S15 to the user PC 10.

[0046] Next, the procedure of the process when the user PC 10 executes workflow processing will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The process shown in FIG. 8 is executed when the workflow icon 63 is operated on the home screen 60 shown in FIG. 3, and is performed by the WF application 22 of the user PC 10. It is assumed that the user PC 10 has already stored in the memory 15 a definition file F relating to the workflow name "scan to cloud." Hereinafter, the definition file F stored in the memory 15 of the user PC 10 will also be referred to as the "definition file F before update."

[0047] In S30, the MFP 50 is requested to transmit a response signal, which is information indicating whether the definition file F has been updated. Specifically, the request for the response signal includes a workflow ID that identifies the workflow process and the acquisition date and time when the definition file F identified by the workflow ID was acquired. When the controller 56 of the MFP 50 receives the request for the response signal from the user PC 10, the controller 56 compares the update date and time of the definition file F stored in association with the workflow ID with the transmitted acquisition date and time to determine whether the definition file F has been updated. If the update date and time associated with the workflow ID is newer than the acquisition date and time, the controller 56 of the MFP 50 determines that the definition file F has been updated. On the other hand, if the update date and time associated with the workflow ID is older than the acquisition date and time, the controller 56 of the MFP 50 determines that the definition file F has not been updated. In this embodiment, the process executed by the WF application 22 in S30 is an example of request processing.

[0048] In S31, in response to the request in S30, the controller 56 of the MFP 50 receives a response signal transmitted from the MFP 50. If the controller 56 of the MFP 50 determines that the definition file F has been updated, the controller 56 transmits to the user PC 10 a response signal including information indicating "updated" and associated information (items in the definition file F, an update method) with the workflow ID. On the other hand, if the controller 56 of the MFP 50 determines that the definition file F has not been updated, the controller 56 of the MFP 50 transmits to the user PC 10 a response signal including information indicating "not updated" and not including items in the definition file F or an update method. In this embodiment, the process executed by the WF application 22 in S31 is an example of a receiving process.

[0049] In this embodiment, the processes in S32 to S36 described below determine whether or not the definition file F stored in the device (MFP 50) is to be used in the workflow process based on the information included in the response signal. Therefore, the processes in S32 to S36 executed by the WF application 22 are an example of the determination process.

[0050] First, in S32, it is determined whether the definition file F has been updated based on the response signal received in S31. Specifically, if the response signal includes information indicating "no update," it is determined that the definition file F has not been updated (S32: NO), and the process proceeds to S41. In S41, the workflow process is executed using the definition file F before the update stored in memory 15.

[0051] If the response signal includes information indicating "update available" and it is determined that definition file F has been updated (S32: YES), the process proceeds to S33, where it is determined whether the "update method" for definition file F is set to "automatic update of fixed range only." If the update method is "automatic update of all," a negative determination is made in S33, and the process proceeds to S37. In S37, the definition file F stored in MFP 50 is set as the definition file to be used in workflow processing, and a request to obtain definition file F is made to MFP 50.

[0052] If the update method is set to "automatic update of fixed range only," an affirmative judgment is made in S33, and the process proceeds to S34. In S34, it is judged from the response signal received in S31 whether the updated portion of the definition file F is only the fixed range. If an affirmative judgment is made in S34, the process proceeds to S37. In S37, it is set that the changed portion of the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 is used in workflow processing.

[0053] On the other hand, if the update portion of the definition file F includes the discretionary range (S34: NO), the process proceeds to S35, and an update portion display screen is displayed on the display 16. As shown in FIG. 9, the update portion display screen 90 includes a before-update display field 91 and a after-update display field 92. The before-update display field 91 is a field in which each item of the definition file F currently stored in the memory 15 of the user PC 10 (i.e., the definition file F before the update) is displayed. The after-update display field 92 is a field in which each item of the updated definition file F included in the response signal is displayed. In the example of FIG. 9, the before-update display field 91 displays "Service: DropBox," while the after-update display field 92 displays "Service: XXX Box," allowing the user to confirm that the "Service" item has been changed.

[0054] The update location display screen 90 also includes buttons 93 and 94 that are operated when reflecting the parameters displayed in the post-update display field 92. The first button 93 is a button that is operated when only the items in the post-update display field 92 that belong to a fixed range are to be reflected in the definition file F. The second button 94 is a button that is operated when all the items in the post-update display field 92 are to be reflected in the definition file F.

[0055] If the second button 94 is operated on the update part display screen 90, a negative judgment is made in S36, and the process proceeds to S37. In S37, it is set that the changed parts of the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 are to be used in the workflow processing. If the first button 93 is operated on the update part display screen 90, an affirmative judgment is made in S36, and the process proceeds to S38. In S38, it is set that only the fixed range of the updated parts of the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 is to be used in the workflow processing. In this embodiment, the processing executed by the WF application 22 in S37 and S38 is an example of the setting processing.

[0056] In S39, the pre-update definition file F stored in memory 15 is saved. In S40, the definition file F stored in memory 15 is updated in accordance with the update contents in S37 or S38, using the changed items included in the response signal. In addition, a result display screen 95 showing the contents of the updated definition file F is displayed on the display 16. When proceeding from S37 to S39, an update is performed on the pre-update definition file F stored in memory 15, targeting all items included in the response signal. On the other hand, when proceeding from S38 to S39, an update is performed to reflect a fixed range of items included in the response signal.

[0057] Fig. 10 shows a result display screen 95 displayed on the display 16 as a result of the processing of S40. In the result display screen 95 shown in Fig. 10, the "Service" item, which is a fixed range item, in the updated display field 92 shown in Fig. 9 has been updated. In S41, workflow processing is executed using the definition file F. When S41 is completed, the processing of Fig. 8 is completed.

[0058] The above-described embodiment can achieve the following effects. The WF application 22 requests a response signal from a connectable device via the communication IF 14. Based on the response signal received in response to the request, it is determined whether or not the updated portion of the definition file F stored in the device will be used in the workflow processing. If it is determined that the definition file F stored in the device will be used in the workflow processing, the updated portion of the definition file F stored in the device is set as the definition file to be used in the workflow processing. As a result, when the definition file F stored in the device is updated, it is determined whether or not the updated portion of the definition file F will be used in the workflow processing, thereby preventing inconveniences that may occur when the definition file F is updated.

[0059] The WF application 22 receives an instruction via the user IF 13 as to whether or not to use the updated portions of the updated definition file F in the workflow processing, and determines whether or not to use the definition file F stored in the device in the workflow processing in accordance with the received instruction. This allows the workflow processing to be executed using the updated definition file after the user has made a decision.

[0060] The WF application 22 displays the pre-update portion and the updated portion in association with each other as information about the definition file F on the user IF 13. An instruction as to whether or not to use the updated portion in workflow processing is received via the user IF 13. This allows the user to give an instruction as to whether or not to use the updated portion in workflow processing while visually checking the pre-update portion and the updated portion.

[0061] If the updated portion of the updated definition file F falls within a fixed range, the WF application 22 determines that the updated portion of the definition file F stored in the device should be used in the workflow processing. If the updated portion of the updated definition file F falls within a discretionary range, the WF application 22 determines that either the updated portion or a portion of the definition file before the update that corresponds to the updated portion should be used in the workflow processing. This allows the updated definition file to be used appropriately depending on the update mode of the definition file F.

[0062] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the user PC 10 received a response signal as information related to the definition file. Alternatively, the user PC 10 may receive a definition file F as information related to the definition file. In this case, in S30 of FIG. 8, the user PC 10 requests the MFP 50 to transmit the definition file F corresponding to the workflow ID. In S31, the user PC 10 receives the definition file F transmitted from the MFP 50. Furthermore, as information related to the definition file, the user PC 10 may acquire the update date and time of the definition file F from the MFP 50. In this case, in the determination of S32 in FIG. 8, the WF application 22 may compare the received update date and time with the acquisition date and time of the definition file to determine whether the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 has been updated.

[0063] In the first embodiment described above, the device that stores the definition file F and the device that performs the workflow processing are the same device. Alternatively, the device that stores the definition file F and the device that performs the workflow processing may be different devices. For example, the server 35 may store the definition file F, and the MFP 50 may perform the workflow processing. In this case, the processing in FIG. 8 is executed on the server 35.

[0064] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the configuration different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0065] In the first embodiment, execution of workflow processing is used as a trigger to determine whether or not to use the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 for the workflow processing. Instead, in the present embodiment, when an update notification (S16 in FIG. 2) indicating that the definition file F has been updated is received from the MFP 50, a determination is made as to whether or not to use the definition file F stored in the MFP 50. FIG. 11 shows processing executed by the WF application 22 of the user PC 10 when the update notification is received.

[0066] In S30, the MFP 50 is requested to transmit a response signal, which is information indicating whether or not the definition file F has been updated. In S31, the response signal transmitted from the MFP 50 in response to the request in S30 is received. In S34, it is determined from the response signal received in S31 whether or not the updated portions of the definition file F are limited to fixed ranges. If an affirmative determination is made in S34, the process proceeds to S37, where it is set that the updated portions of the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 are to be used in workflow processing.

[0067] If the updated portion of definition file F includes the discretionary range (S34: NO), the processes of S35 to S38 are executed according to the conditions. After saving the definition file before the update in S39, in S40, definition file F is updated according to the settings made in S37 or S38, and a result display screen 95 showing the contents of definition file F after the update is displayed on display 16.

[0068] In S50, it is determined whether workflow processing is being executed using the definition file F before the update and whether the updated portion in S40 includes a fixed range. If workflow processing is not being executed, or if the updated portion in S40 is only a discretionary range (S50: NO), the processing of FIG. 11 ends. In this case, if workflow processing is being executed using the definition file F before the update, the processing continues. On the other hand, if workflow processing is being executed and the updated portion in S40 includes a fixed range (S50: YES), proceed to S51 and re-execute the workflow. Specifically, workflow processing is executed again using the updated definition file F.

[0069] The above-described embodiment can achieve the following effects. When workflow processing is being executed using a definition file before an update and when it is set that updated portions of definition file F stored in MFP 50 are to be used in the workflow processing, WF application 22 executes the workflow processing again using the updated definition file. This allows the workflow processing to be executed again when the content of the workflow processing changes significantly between before and after updating definition file F, thereby reducing inconveniences caused by updating definition file F.

[0070] When the definition file F is updated, the MFP 50 notifies the user PC 10 that the definition file F has been updated. The WF application 22 of the user PC 10, upon receiving the notification from the MFP 50, requests information about the definition file from the MFP 50. This allows the MFP 50 to determine whether or not to use the updated definition file F in workflow processing when the definition file F stored in the MFP 50 is updated, thereby further reducing inconveniences caused by updating the definition file F.

[0071] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment described above, if workflow processing is being executed and the updated portion in S40 includes a fixed range (S50: YES), workflow processing is executed again using the updated definition file F. Alternatively, if it is determined in S50 that workflow processing is being executed and that definition file F has been updated, workflow processing may be executed uniformly in S51 using the updated definition file F. In other words, regardless of whether the updated portion of definition file F is within a fixed range or a discretionary range, workflow processing is executed again using the updated definition file F.

[0072] (Other embodiments) The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof, for example, the following modifications are also possible. In the above-described embodiment, the network 200 is a LAN. Alternatively, the network 200 may be the Internet, or a combination of a LAN and the Internet. Furthermore, the network 200 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the external device is an MFP. Alternatively, the device may be a device capable of performing only one process, such as a printer or a scanner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10...User PC, 12...Computer, 22...WF application, 30...Administrator PC, 50...MFP, F...Definition file

Claims

1. A control program executed by a computer of a terminal having a user interface, a memory, and a communication interface, comprising: a definition file is stored in the memory, the definition file being information used in a workflow process and acquired from an external device, the workflow process being a process of causing a target device, which is the external device or a device other than the external device, to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with the contents of the definition file; The computer, a request process for requesting information about a definition file stored in the external device that can be connected via the communication interface; a receiving process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device is to be used in the workflow process based on information about the definition file received in the reception process; a setting process for setting the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow process when it is determined in the determination process that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow process; In the judgment process, an instruction as to whether or not to use the updated parts of the definition file after the update in the workflow processing is received via the user interface, and the control program determines whether or not to use the updated parts of the definition file stored in the external device in the workflow processing in accordance with the received instruction.

2. In the determination process, Displaying, on the user interface, information about the definition file, including a portion before the update and a portion after the update in association with each other; 2. The control program according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving, via the user interface, an instruction as to whether or not the updated portion is to be used in the workflow processing.

3. A control program executed by a computer of a terminal having a user interface, a memory, and a communication interface, a definition file is stored in the memory, the definition file being information used in a workflow process and acquired from an external device, the workflow process being a process of causing a target device, which is the external device or a device other than the external device, to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with the contents of the definition file; The computer, a request process for requesting information about a definition file stored in the external device that can be connected via the communication interface; a receiving process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device is to be used in the workflow process based on information about the definition file received in the reception process; a setting process for setting the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow process when it is determined in the determination process that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow process; In the determination process, If a portion of the definition file stored in the external device has been updated that belongs to a first range, it is determined that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow processing, and the first range is a portion of the definition file that does not accept setting changes due to operations accepted via the user interface, A control program that determines, when the definition file stored in the external device has been updated in a section belonging to a second range, that either the updated section or a section corresponding to the updated section in the definition file before the update will be used in the workflow processing, and the second range is a section stored in the definition file that can accept setting changes through operations received via the user interface.

4. A control program executed by a computer of a terminal having a user interface, a memory, and a communication interface, a definition file is stored in the memory, the definition file being information used in a workflow process and acquired from an external device, the workflow process being a process of causing a target device, which is the external device or a device other than the external device, to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with the contents of the definition file; The computer, a request process for requesting information about a definition file stored in the external device that can be connected via the communication interface; a receiving process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device is to be used in the workflow process based on information about the definition file received in the reception process; a setting process for setting the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow process when it is determined in the determination process that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow process; A control program that causes the computer to execute a re-execution process that causes the workflow processing to be performed again using the updated definition file when the workflow processing is being executed using the definition file before the update and the updated parts of the definition file stored in the external device are set to be used in the workflow processing by the setting process.

5. In the re-execution process, 5. The control program according to claim 4, wherein, when an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device belongs to a first range and the setting process sets the portion to be used in the workflow processing, if the workflow processing is being executed using the definition file before the update, the workflow processing is executed again using the updated definition file, and the first range is a portion of the definition file that does not accept setting changes by operations received via the user interface.

6. A control program executed by a computer of a terminal having a user interface, a memory, and a communication interface, comprising: a definition file is stored in the memory, the definition file being information used in a workflow process and acquired from an external device, the workflow process being a process of causing a target device, which is the external device or a device other than the external device, to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with the contents of the definition file; The computer, a request process for requesting information about a definition file stored in the external device that can be connected via the communication interface; a receiving process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device is to be used in the workflow process based on information about the definition file received in the reception process; a setting process for setting the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow process when it is determined in the determination process that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow process; a control program that causes the computer to save the definition file before the update when the setting process sets the updated part of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow process;

7. A control program executed by a computer of a terminal having a user interface, a memory, and a communication interface, comprising: a definition file is stored in the memory, the definition file being information used in a workflow process and acquired from an external device, the workflow process being a process of causing a target device, which is the external device or a device other than the external device, to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with the contents of the definition file; The computer, a request process for requesting information about a definition file stored in the external device that can be connected via the communication interface; a receiving process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device is to be used in the workflow process based on information about the definition file received in the reception process; a setting process for setting the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow process when it is determined in the determination process that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow process; When the definition file stored in the external device is updated, the external device notifies the terminal that the definition file has been updated; A control program that causes the computer to execute the requested process upon receiving a notification from the external device.

8. An image forming system including a terminal having a user interface, a memory, and a communication interface, and an external device, a definition file used in workflow processing is stored in the memory of the terminal, the definition file is information used in the workflow processing and acquired from an external device, and the workflow processing is processing that causes a target device, which is the external device or a device other than the external device, to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with the content of the definition file; The terminal a request process for requesting information about a definition file stored in the external device that can be connected via the communication interface; a receiving process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device is to be used in the workflow process based on information about the definition file received in the reception process; a setting process for setting the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow processing when it is determined in the determination process that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow processing; Run In the judgment process, an instruction as to whether or not to use the updated parts of the definition file after updating in the workflow processing is received via the user interface, and the image forming system determines whether or not to use the updated parts of the definition file stored in the external device in the workflow processing in accordance with the received instruction.

9. A setting method executed by a terminal and an external device, comprising: a definition file used in workflow processing is stored in the memory of the terminal, the definition file is information used in the workflow processing and acquired from an external device, and the workflow processing is processing that causes a target device, which is the external device or a device other than the external device, to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with the content of the definition file; In the terminal, a request process for requesting information about definition files stored in the external device that can be connected via a communication interface; a receiving process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device is to be used in the workflow process based on information about the definition file received in the reception process; a setting process for setting the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow process when it is determined in the determination process that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow process; The determination process receives an instruction via a user interface as to whether or not to use the updated portions of the definition file after the update in the workflow process, and determines whether or not to use the updated portions of the definition file stored in the external device in the workflow process in accordance with the received instruction.

10. An information processing device having a user interface, a memory, a communication interface, and a computer, a definition file used in workflow processing is stored in the memory, the definition file being information used in the workflow processing and acquired from an external device, the workflow processing being processing for causing a target device, which is the external device or a device other than the external device, to execute a predetermined operation in accordance with the contents of the definition file; The computer a request process for requesting information about a definition file stored in the external device that can be connected via the communication interface; a receiving process for receiving information about the definition file transmitted from the external device in response to the request process; a determination process for determining whether or not an updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device is to be used in the workflow process based on information about the definition file received in the reception process; a setting process for setting the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device to be used in the workflow process when it is determined in the determination process that the updated portion of the definition file stored in the external device will be used in the workflow process; In the judgment process, an instruction as to whether or not to use the updated parts of the definition file after the update in the workflow processing is received via the user interface, and in accordance with the received instruction, the information processing device determines whether or not to use the updated parts of the definition file stored in the external device in the workflow processing.

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