Image processing device, control method, control program, and image processing system

Abstract

To make it possible to improve the efficiency of a series of tasks composed of work performed by operating an image processing device and work performed by operating an information processing device.SOLUTION: An image processing device 100 includes a processing unit that executes a job, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device 300, and a control unit that controls the image processing device 100. The control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit a first instruction for executing a predetermined process corresponding to the job to the information processing device 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image processing device, a control method, a control program, and an image processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technologies that automate tasks using PCs (Personal Computers) have become known to improve users' work efficiency. One example is RPA (Robotic Process Automation). RPA is a technology that automates tasks that users previously performed using PCs by recording the operations that they perform on the GUI (Graphical User Interface) of applications installed on their PCs, and then having the PC repeat the recorded operations on the GUI on the user's behalf. By using RPA, tasks that are performed using PCs can be automated, thereby improving users' work efficiency.

[0003] Technologies related to RPA have been known for some time. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-57166 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology that identifies operations that a user repeatedly performs based on a log of the user's PC operations and a job log of an image forming device, and automates those operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-57166 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, work using a PC and work using an image forming device are both automated, thereby improving the efficiency of each work. However, some tasks performed by users require work using an information processing device (such as a PC) after work using an image processing device (such as an image forming device), and there is a demand for improving the efficiency of a series of tasks consisting of work performed by operating an image processing device and work performed by operating an information processing device.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the current situation, and one of its purposes is to enable the efficiency of a series of tasks consisting of tasks that were previously performed by operating an image processing device and tasks that were previously performed by operating an information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image processing device includes a processing unit that executes a job, a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device, and a control unit that controls the image processing device, wherein the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit a first instruction to the information processing device to execute a predetermined process corresponding to the job.

[0008] Preferably, the job includes a job relating to image processing.

[0009] Preferably, the image processing job includes at least one of copying, scanning, and faxing.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit the first instruction to the information processing device when the job is completed.

[0011] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to control the communication unit not to transmit the first instruction to the information processing device when the job is interrupted.

[0012] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit a first instruction to the information processing device when the job is interrupted.

[0013] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit the first instruction to the information processing device when the job is resumed after being suspended and completed.

[0014] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to receive, from the user, a second instruction to execute a predetermined process or a third instruction to cancel the predetermined process when the job is interrupted. The control unit is further configured to control the communication unit to send the first instruction to the information processing device when the second instruction is received, and to control the communication unit not to send the first instruction to the information processing device when the third instruction is received.

[0015] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to send the first instruction to the information processing device by email.

[0016] Preferably, the communication unit receives a notification indicating that the predetermined process has been executed from the information processing device.

[0017] Preferably, the communication unit receives a notification indicating that the predetermined process has been executed from the information processing device by email.

[0018] Preferably, the control unit is further configured to determine that a predetermined process has been executed when a predetermined operation is performed on a predetermined Web screen.

[0019] Preferably, the image processing device further includes a display, the display being configured to display a notification indicating that the predetermined process has been executed.

[0020] Preferably, the image processing device further includes an operation panel that accepts user operations for the image processing device, and a storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of job candidates, identification information that identifies a predetermined process corresponding to the candidate. The user operations accepted by the operation panel include an operation to input the identification information.

[0021] Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit configured to store, for each of a plurality of job candidates, identification information for identifying a predetermined process corresponding to the candidate. The communication unit receives the identification information from the information processing apparatus.

[0022] A control method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a computer that controls an image processing device including a processing unit that executes a job and a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device, the control method including instructing the processing unit to execute the job and controlling the communication unit to transmit a first instruction to the information processing device to execute a predetermined process corresponding to the job.

[0023] A control program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by a computer, causing the computer to execute the above-described control method.

[0024] An image processing system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an image processing device and an information processing device. The image processing device includes a processing unit that executes a job, a communication unit that communicates with the information processing device, and a control unit that controls the image processing device. The control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit a first instruction to the information processing device for executing a predetermined process corresponding to the job. When the information processing device receives the first instruction, the information processing device executes the predetermined process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the efficiency of a series of tasks that are performed by operating an image processing device and tasks that are performed by operating an information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image processing system including an image processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3]1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a method for a user to select an RPA process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a job table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the image processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification indicating that a job has been completed in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the image processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a notification indicating that RPA processing has started in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a method for notifying an image processing device that an RPA process has started, according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of an image processing system according to a first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Note that the embodiments and modifications described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0028] [Embodiment 1] (Image processing system overview) 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image processing system including an image processing device according to Embodiment 1. Image processing system 1 is an example of an image processing system including an image processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Image processing system 1 includes image processing device 100, information processing device 300, and server 500. Image processing device 100, information processing device 300, and server 500 communicate with each other via a network 999.

[0029] The image processing device 100 is, for example, an image forming device such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral), a scanner, or a facsimile. In this embodiment, the image processing device 100 is an MFP. The image processing device 100 includes an image forming unit 20, an operation panel 40, and a scanner 50. The image processing device 100 is configured to be able to execute jobs. The jobs include jobs related to image processing. The jobs related to image processing include at least one of copying, scanning, and faxing.

[0030] The information processing device 300 is, for example, a desktop computer or a notebook computer, or a so-called general-purpose PC (Personal Computer). At least one RPA process is registered in the information processing device 300. The RPA process is an example of a "predetermined process." The RPA process is a process corresponding to a task that a user has previously performed by operating the information processing device 300. In detail, the RPA process in this embodiment is a process corresponding to a task that a user has previously performed by operating the information processing device 300, using image data generated by the image processing device 100 executing a job. The information processing device 300 executes the corresponding RPA process in accordance with an instruction from the image processing device 100.

[0031] The server 500 stores image data generated by the execution of a job by the image processing device 100. The information processing device 300 executes RPA processing using the image data.

[0032] The image processing device 100 is configured to transmit an instruction (hereinafter also referred to as a "first instruction") for executing an RPA process corresponding to a job to the information processing device 300 in which the RPA process is registered. Therefore, a series of tasks (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "series of tasks") consisting of the tasks that the user previously performed by operating the image processing device 100 and the tasks that the user previously performed by operating the information processing device 300 is automated. As a result, the user can complete the series of tasks at the location of the image processing device 100. Therefore, according to the image processing device 100, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the series of tasks consisting of the tasks that the user previously performed by operating the image processing device 100 and the tasks that the user previously performed by operating the information processing device 300.

[0033] 1, the number of information processing devices 300 is one, but there may be more than one information processing devices 300. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the number of servers 500 is one, but there may be more than one server 500.

[0034] Furthermore, the instruction to execute the RPA processing corresponding to the job may be an instruction to start the RPA processing corresponding to the job, or an instruction to resume the RPA processing corresponding to the job.

[0035] (Configuration of image processing device) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image processing device according to Embodiment 1. The image processing device 100 includes a control unit 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, an image forming unit 20, a storage device 30, an operation panel 40, a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 43, a scanner 50, a communication interface 60, and a memory card interface 70. The control unit 10, RAM 11, ROM 12, image forming unit 20, storage device 30, operation panel 40, VRAM 43, scanner 50, communication interface 60, and memory card interface 70 are connected to each other via an internal bus 99 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0036] The control unit 10 is configured, for example, by at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured, for example, by at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0037] The control unit 10 implements various processes according to this embodiment by loading the program 32 stored in the storage device 30 into the RAM 11 and executing it. The RAM 11 is made up of a volatile memory, and functions as a work memory required for the control unit 10 to execute the program 32. The ROM 12 stores programs such as an OS (Operating System) executed by the control unit 10.

[0038] The image forming unit 20 forms an image on a recording medium (such as paper) based on image data generated by the scanner 50 or image data received from the information processing device 300 via the communication interface 60. In detail, the image forming unit 20 forms a toner image according to the image data and prints the toner image on paper.

[0039] The storage device 30 is an example of a "storage unit." The storage device 30 is configured by a non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the storage device 30 may be, for example, a hard disk or a solid state drive (SSD), and may be either built-in or external. The storage device 30 stores a program 32 and various data (for example, a job table 34) for implementing various processes according to this embodiment.

[0040] The operation panel 40 includes a display 41 and a touch panel 42. The operation panel 40 accepts user operations on the image processing device 100. The operation panel 40 outputs information on the position (coordinates) on the display 41 selected by the user using the touch panel 42 to the control unit 10. The VRAM 43 functions as a memory for storing the content displayed on the display 41.

[0041] Scanner 50 scans a document (for example, a slip, purchase order, delivery note, invoice, quotation, etc.) to obtain image data of the document. Scanner 50 includes a cover 51, a document tray 53, a document table 52, and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 54 (see FIG. 1). One end of cover 51 is fixed to document table 52, and cover 51 is configured to be able to open and close using that end as a fulcrum.

[0042] By opening cover 51, a user can place an original (for example, a document) on platen 52. When scanner 50 receives a scan instruction with an original placed on platen 52, it starts scanning the original placed on platen 52. When scanner 50 receives a scan instruction with an original placed on platen 52, it uses ADF 54 to feed the original one by one to the scanning position and scans the original. Scanner 50 outputs image data obtained by scanning the original to control unit 10.

[0043] The communication interface 60 is configured to be able to communicate with a communication interface included in the information processing device 300 and a communication interface included in the server 500. The communication interface 60 is an example of a "communication unit." The communication interface 60 communicates with the information processing device 300 and the server 500 via a network. The network may be, for example, a public network such as the Internet, a public line (including a telephone line), or a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or may be a private network such as a LAN or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0044] The memory card interface 70 relays data transmission between the control unit 10 and the memory card 70A. The memory card 70A includes a general-purpose semiconductor storage device such as an SD (Secure Digital), a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), and the like.

[0045] The program 32 is provided in a state stored in a storage medium such as a memory card 70 A. The program 32 is read from the memory card 70 A by the memory card interface 70 and installed in the image processing device 100.

[0046] The program 32 may be provided not as a standalone program but as part of an arbitrary program. In this case, the program 32 cooperates with the arbitrary program to realize the processing according to the present embodiment. Even if the program does not include some of the modules, it does not deviate from the spirit of the image processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. Furthermore, some or all of the functions provided by the program 32 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0047] Furthermore, instead of installing the program 32 stored in the memory card 70A in the image processing device 100, a program downloaded from a distribution server or the like via the communication interface 60 may be installed in the image processing device 100.

[0048] (Configuration of information processing device) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the first embodiment. Information processing device 300 includes control unit 310, RAM 311, ROM 312, storage device 330, display 341, input device 342, VRAM 343, and communication interface 360. Control unit 310, RAM 311, ROM 312, storage device 330, display 341, input device 342, VRAM 343, and communication interface 360 ​​are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 399. Control unit 310, RAM 311, ROM 312, and storage device 330 are similar to control unit 10, RAM 11, ROM 12, and storage device 30, respectively, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0049] The storage device 330 stores a program 332 for implementing various processes in the information processing device 300 and various data.

[0050] The display 341 displays various types of information. The input device 342 accepts user operations on the information processing device 300. The input device 342 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. Information on a position (coordinates) on the display 341 selected by the user using the input device 342 is output to the control unit 310. The VRAM 343 functions as a memory for storing content displayed on the display 341.

[0051] The communication interface 360 ​​is configured to be able to communicate with a communication interface included in the image processing device 100 and a communication interface included in the server 500. The communication interface 360 ​​communicates with the image processing device 100 and the server 500 via a network. The network may be, for example, a public network such as the Internet or a public wireless LAN, or a private network such as a LAN or VPN.

[0052] (Server configuration) 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. Server 500 includes control unit 510, RAM 511, ROM 512, storage device 530, display 541, input device 542, VRAM 543, and communication interface 560. Control unit 510, RAM 511, ROM 512, storage device 530, display 541, input device 542, VRAM 543, and communication interface 560 are communicably connected to each other via internal bus 599. Control unit 510, RAM 511, ROM 512, storage device 530, display 541, input device 542, and VRAM 543 are similar to control unit 310, RAM 311, ROM 312, storage device 330, display 341, input device 342, and VRAM 343, respectively, and therefore will not be described repeatedly.

[0053] The communication interface 560 is configured to be able to communicate with a communication interface included in the image processing device 100 and a communication interface included in the information processing device 300. The communication interface 560 communicates with the image processing device 100 and the information processing device 300 via a network. The network may be, for example, a public network such as the Internet or a public wireless LAN, or a private network such as a LAN or VPN.

[0054] The storage device 530 stores a program 532 and various data for implementing various processes in the server 500. The input device 542 accepts user operations on the server 500.

[0055] (Functional configuration of image processing device) 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device according to Embodiment 1. The image processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a control unit 10, a processing unit 15, a storage device 30, and an operation panel 40. The processing unit 15 includes at least one of an image forming unit 20, a scanner 50, and a communication interface 60.

[0056] The touch panel 42 accepts a user operation for the image processing device. As an example, the touch panel 42 accepts a user operation for selecting an RPA process.

[0057] Here, a method for a user to select an RPA process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a method for a user to select an RPA process in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, a button image B1 for selecting an RPA process is displayed on the display 41 of the operation panel 40 of the image processing device 100. When the user presses the button image B1, an image R showing a list of RPA processes that the user can select is displayed on the display 41.

[0058] Image R includes identification information for identifying RPA processes selectable by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 6, image R includes the names of RPA processes ("RPA1," "RPA2," "RPA3," and "RPA4") as identification information for identifying RPA processes selectable by the user. The user selects a desired RPA process from image R. Specifically, the user taps the column displaying the identification information for identifying the desired RPA process. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the user taps the column displaying the name of the desired RPA process among column R1 displaying "RPA1," column R2 displaying "RPA2," column R3 displaying "RPA3," and column R4 displaying "RPA4."

[0059] 5 again, when a user operation to select an RPA process is accepted via the touch panel 42, the control unit 10 refers to the job table 34 stored in the storage device 30 and identifies a job corresponding to the RPA process selected by the user. The control unit 10 instructs the processing unit 15 to execute the identified job.

[0060] The processing unit 15 executes a job in accordance with instructions from the control unit 10. As an example, assume that the job corresponding to the RPA process selected by the user is a job to scan a slip and save the image data of the slip in the server 500. In this case, the scanner 50 first scans the slip placed on the platen 52 or the document tray 53 (see FIG. 1 ) in accordance with instructions from the control unit 10, and acquires image data of the slip. The scanner 50 outputs the image data to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to send the image data to the server 500. The communication interface 60 sends the image data to the server 500 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 10.

[0061] When a job performed by the processing unit 15 is completed, the control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to send an instruction (first instruction) to the information processing device 300 to execute the RPA processing corresponding to the job. The first instruction includes information indicating the RPA processing selected by the user. The communication interface 60 sends the first instruction to the information processing device 300 in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 10. When the information processing device 300 receives the first instruction, it executes the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction. In other words, the RPA processing selected by the user is executed by the information processing device 300. As an example, assume that the RPA processing selected by the user is a process for creating a statement list based on image data of a slip stored in the server 500. In this case, the control unit 310 of the information processing device 300 obtains the image data of the slip from the server 500 via the communication interface 360 ​​and creates a statement list based on the image data.

[0062] Furthermore, when the job by the processing unit 15 is completed, the control unit 10 instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the job is completed. As a result, the display 41 displays a notification indicating that the job is completed. As a result, the user can know that the job by the image processing device 100 has been completed.

[0063] If a job is interrupted, the control unit 10 executes error processing. The cause of the job interruption may be, for example, a paper jam. There are four error processing patterns as follows. When a job is interrupted, which error processing pattern the control unit 10 executes is determined in advance for each job.

[0064] In the first pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the "cancellation pattern"), when a job is interrupted, the control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 not to send the first instruction to the information processing device 300. In the first pattern, when a job is interrupted, the first instruction is not sent to the information processing device 300. This makes it possible to prevent RPA processing from being started based on incomplete image data.

[0065] In the second pattern (hereinafter also referred to as "continuation A pattern"), when the job is interrupted, the control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit a first instruction to the information processing device 300. That is, in the second pattern, the first instruction is transmitted from the image processing device 100 to the information processing device 300 at the timing when the job is interrupted.

[0066] As an example, suppose the job corresponding to the RPA process selected by the user is to scan a slip and save the image data of the slip on the server 500. In such a case, suppose a paper jam occurs in the ADF 54 during scanning, causing the scanning to be interrupted. The control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to send the image data up to the point where scanning has been completed to the server 500 and to send a first instruction to the information processing device 300. In the second pattern, the RPA process is started based on the image data that has been obtained at the current time, thereby preventing delays in business operations.

[0067] In a third pattern (hereinafter also referred to as a "continuation B pattern"), the control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit a first instruction to the information processing device 300 when the job is resumed and completed after the job has been interrupted. That is, in the third pattern, the first instruction is not transmitted when the job is interrupted, but is transmitted from the image processing device 100 to the information processing device 300 after the job is resumed and completed. In the third pattern, the user does not need to perform operations from scratch after the job is resumed, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0068] In a fourth pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the "manual setting pattern"), when a job is interrupted, the control unit 10 prompts the user to select whether to instruct the information processing device 300 to execute RPA processing, and controls the communication interface 60 according to the user's selection. Specifically, when a job is interrupted, the control unit 10 first instructs the display 41 to display a reception screen for receiving, from the user, a second instruction to execute RPA processing or a third instruction to cancel RPA processing. The operation panel 40, more specifically, the touch panel 42, receives a user operation to select the second instruction or the third instruction. When the touch panel 42 receives a user operation to select the second instruction, the control unit 10 determines that the second instruction has been received. On the other hand, when the touch panel 42 receives a user operation to select the third instruction, the control unit 10 determines that the third instruction has been received.

[0069] When the control unit 10 receives the second instruction, it instructs the communication interface 60 to send the first instruction to the information processing device 300. On the other hand, when the control unit 10 receives the third instruction, it instructs the communication interface 60 not to send the first instruction to the information processing device 300. In the fourth pattern, the user can select the error handling process according to the situation at the time, which improves user convenience.

[0070] As a fourth pattern, when a job is interrupted, the control unit 10 may allow the user to select one of the following patterns: the stop pattern, the continuation A pattern, and the continuation B pattern, and control the communication interface 60 according to the user's selection.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a job table in the first embodiment. Job table 34 is an example of a job table in the first embodiment. Job table 34 is stored in storage device 30. Job table 34 associates various information with each of a plurality of job candidates. In detail, job table 34 associates, for each of a plurality of job candidates, the job number of the candidate job, the name of the RPA process corresponding to the candidate job, the setting values ​​of the candidate job, the setting values ​​related to cooperation with the RPA process corresponding to the candidate job ("RPA-related setting values" in the figure), and the processing pattern in the event that the candidate job is interrupted ("error processing pattern" in the figure).

[0072] The job number is an example of identification information for identifying a job.

[0073] The name of the RPA process is an example of identification information for identifying the RPA process. When the user selects a desired RPA process using the operation panel 40, the name of the RPA process is displayed on the display 41 as information for identifying the RPA process. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the name of the RPA process corresponding to job No. 1 is "RPA1." In other words, the job No. of the job corresponding to the process of RPA1 is "1." In this embodiment, the process of RPA1 is assumed to be a process for creating a list of details based on image data of a slip stored on the server 500.

[0074] The job setting values ​​include various setting values ​​for the job. The various setting values ​​include, for example, the functions of the image processing device 100 used when executing the job ("Function" in the figure) and setting values ​​of items that need to be set when executing the job. The functions of the image processing device 100 used when executing the job include, for example, at least one of a copy function, a scan function, and a fax function. The items that need to be set when executing the job include, for example, "Mode," "Type," and "Destination" in the figure. "Mode" indicates the color used when scanning. "Type" indicates the storage format of image data generated by the image processing device 100 executing the job. "Destination" indicates the storage destination (for example, the IP address of the server 500) of image data generated by the image processing device 100 executing the job. Note that the items that need to be set when executing the job may also include resolution, paper size, etc.

[0075] The RPA-related setting values ​​include a "means" for sending an instruction (first instruction) to execute the RPA process to the information processing device 300, and a "destination" of the first instruction. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the "means" is email. When the "means" is email, the image processing device 100 sends the first instruction to the information processing device 300 by email. When the "means" is email, the "destination" indicates the email address of the information processing device 300 in which the RPA process corresponding to the job is registered. Note that when the "means" is email, the RPA-related setting values ​​may include the subject, body, etc. of the email in addition to the "destination."

[0076] The error processing pattern indicates a processing pattern that is performed by the image processing device 100 when a job is interrupted. As described above, the error processing pattern includes four patterns: the abort pattern ("Abort" in the figure), the continuation A pattern ("Continuation A" in the figure), the continuation B pattern ("Continuation B" in the figure), and the manual setting pattern ("Manual Setting" in the figure).

[0077] The various types of information included in the job table 34 are input to the image processing device 100 from the operation panel 40. That is, the operation panel 40 accepts a user operation to input various types of information for each of a plurality of job candidates. The control unit 10 stores the various types of information in the job table 34 of the storage device 30 based on the user operation accepted by the operation panel 40.

[0078] The image processing device 100 may acquire the various information included in the job table 34 from the information processing device 300. In such a case, the communication interface 60 receives the various information for each of a plurality of job candidates from the information processing device 300. The control unit 10 stores the various information received by the communication interface 60 in the job table 34 of the storage device 30. The image processing device 100 may also acquire the various information included in the job table 34 from a device that can communicate with the image processing device 100 but is different from the information processing device 300.

[0079] (Processing in image processing systems) 8 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the image processing system in embodiment 1. In step S1, the user approaches the image processing device 100 and selects a desired RPA process using the operation panel 40, more specifically, the touch panel 42. In the example shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that "RPA1" shown in FIG. 7 is selected.

[0080] In step S2, the control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 refers to the "job setting values" included in the job table 34 stored in the storage device 30, and sets the job corresponding to the RPA process selected in step S1.

[0081] In step S3, the image processing device 100 notifies that the job settings have been completed. As an example, the control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the job settings have been completed. As a result, a notification indicating that the job settings have been completed is displayed on the display 41.

[0082] In step S4, the user instructs the start of a job. The instruction to start a job is input to image processing device 100 by pressing start button B2 (see FIG. 6) provided on operation panel 40. As shown in FIG. 7, the job corresponding to RPA1 is scanning. Therefore, the user places the slip on platen 52 or document tray 53 and presses start button B2 provided on operation panel 40.

[0083] In step S5, the image processing device 100 executes the job set in step S2. In the example shown in Fig. 8, first, the control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 instructs the scanner 50 to scan a slip. Next, the control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit to the server 500 the image data of the slip acquired by the scan and information indicating the RPA process selected by the user in step S1. This causes the scanner 50 to scan the slip (acquire image data of the slip), and the communication interface 60 to transmit the image data, etc. to the server 500.

[0084] In step S6, the server 500 stores the image data and the like received from the image processing device 100. In detail, the control unit 510 of the server 500 associates the image data received from the image processing device 100 with information indicating the RPA processing selected by the user in step S1, and stores the image data in the storage device 530.

[0085] In step S7, the image processing device 100 transmits an instruction (first instruction) for executing the RPA process selected by the user in step S1 to the information processing device 300 in which the RPA process is registered. In detail, first, the control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 references the "RPA-related setting values" included in the job table 34 stored in the storage device 30, and identifies the transmission means and destination of the first instruction. Next, the control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit the first instruction, which includes information indicating the RPA process selected by the user, to the identified destination by the identified transmission means.

[0086] 8, the control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to send, by email, a first instruction including information indicating that the RPA processing selected by the user is processing of RPA1 to the identified destination (i.e., the information processing device 300 in which the processing of RPA1 is registered). As a result, an instruction (first instruction) for executing the processing of RPA1 selected by the user in step S1 is sent by email from the image processing device 100 to the information processing device 300 in which the processing of RPA1 is registered.

[0087] In step S8, the image processing device 100 notifies that the job has been completed. As an example, the control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the job has been completed. As a result, a notification indicating that the job has been completed is displayed on the display 41.

[0088] An example of a notification indicating that a job has been completed will now be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification indicating that a job has been completed in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, when a job by image processing device 100 is completed, notification M1 indicating that the job has been completed is displayed on display 41 of operation panel 40. This allows the user to know that the job by image processing device 100 has been completed.

[0089] 8 again, in step S9, information processing device 300 requests, from server 500, image data corresponding to the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction received from image processing device 100. In detail, control unit 310 of information processing device 300 instructs communication interface 360 ​​to transmit to server 500 a command requesting image data corresponding to the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction received from image processing device 100. As a result, the command is transmitted from information processing device 300 to server 500.

[0090] In step S10, the server 500 transmits the corresponding image data to the information processing device 300 in response to the request from the information processing device 300. In detail, the control unit 510 of the server 500 instructs the communication interface 560 to transmit image data corresponding to the RPA processing indicated by the command received from the information processing device 300 to the information processing device 300. As a result, the image data corresponding to the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction is transmitted from the server 500 to the information processing device 300.

[0091] In step S11, the information processing device 300 executes the RPA process indicated by the first instruction based on the image data received from the server 500. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 310 of the information processing device 300 creates a list of details based on the image data received from the server 500.

[0092] (Processing of the control unit of the image processing device) 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit of the image processing device according to the first embodiment. In step S101, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the user has selected RPA processing. When the operation panel 40 receives an operation to select RPA processing, the control unit 10 determines that the user has selected RPA processing. When the control unit 10 determines that the user has selected RPA processing (YES in step S101), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S102.

[0093] In step S102, the control unit 10 performs a setting process. In detail, the control unit 10 refers to the "job setting values" included in the job table 34 stored in the storage device 30, and sets the job corresponding to the RPA process selected by the user.

[0094] In step S103, the control unit 10 determines whether the start button B2 (see FIG. 6) has been pressed. If the control unit 10 determines that the start button B2 has been pressed (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0095] In step S104, the control unit 10 instructs the corresponding processing unit 15 to execute the job.

[0096] In step S105, the control unit 10 determines whether an error has occurred. The control unit 10 determines that an error has occurred when the job is interrupted. If the control unit 10 determines that an error has occurred (YES in step S105), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that an error has not occurred (NO in step S105), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S107.

[0097] In step S106, the control unit 10 determines whether to instruct the information processing device 300 to execute RPA processing. In detail, first, the control unit 10 refers to the "error processing pattern" included in the job table 34 stored in the storage device 30, and identifies the error processing pattern of the job corresponding to the RPA processing selected by the user.

[0098] When the error process pattern of the job corresponding to the RPA process selected by the user is the abort pattern, the control unit 10 determines not to instruct the information processing device 300 to execute the RPA process.

[0099] When the pattern of the process at the time of an error of the job corresponding to the RPA process selected by the user is the continuation A pattern, the control unit 10 determines to instruct the information processing device 300 to execute the RPA process.

[0100] If the error processing pattern of the job corresponding to the RPA processing selected by the user is the continuation B pattern, the control unit 10 determines that after the job is interrupted, the job is resumed and completed, and then instructs the information processing device 300 to execute the RPA processing.

[0101] When the error processing pattern of the job corresponding to the RPA processing selected by the user is a manual setting pattern, the control unit 10 determines to instruct the information processing device 300 to execute the RPA processing in response to receiving a second instruction to execute the RPA processing. On the other hand, when the error processing pattern of the job corresponding to the RPA processing selected by the user is a manual setting pattern, the control unit 10 determines not to instruct the information processing device 300 to execute the RPA processing in response to receiving a third instruction to cancel the RPA processing.

[0102] If the control unit 10 determines that the information processing device 300 should be instructed to execute the RPA process (YES in step S106), the control unit 10 proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that the information processing device 300 should not be instructed to execute the RPA process (NO in step S106), the control unit 10 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0103] In step S107, the control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit an instruction (first instruction) for executing the RPA process selected by the user to the information processing device 300 in which the RPA process is registered. In detail, the control unit 10 first refers to the "RPA-related setting values" included in the job table 34 stored in the storage device 30, and identifies the transmission means and destination of the first instruction. Next, the control unit 10 instructs the communication interface 60 to transmit the first instruction, which includes information indicating the RPA process selected by the user, to the identified destination by the identified transmission means.

[0104] After step S107, the control unit 10 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0105] As described above, the image processing device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a processing unit 15 that executes a job, a communication interface 60 that communicates with the information processing device 300, and a control unit 10 that controls the communication interface 60 to transmit to the information processing device 300 an instruction to execute an RPA process corresponding to the job. As a result, an instruction (first instruction) to execute the RPA process corresponding to the job is transmitted to the information processing device 300 in which the RPA process is registered. Therefore, a series of tasks consisting of the tasks that the user previously performed by operating the image processing device 100 and the tasks that the user previously performed by operating the information processing device 300 are automated. As a result, the user can complete the series of tasks at the location of the image processing device 100. Therefore, according to the image processing device 100, it is possible to improve the efficiency of a series of tasks consisting of the tasks that the user previously performed by operating the image processing device 100 and the tasks that the user previously performed by operating the information processing device 300.

[0106] [Embodiment 2] The image processing device 100 in the first embodiment does not have a mechanism for notifying a user that RPA processing has been executed by the information processing device 300. In contrast, the image processing device in the second embodiment has a mechanism for notifying a user that RPA processing has been executed by the information processing device. Note that the configurations of the image processing device, information processing device, and server in the second embodiment are similar to the configurations of the image processing device 100, information processing device 300, and server 500 in the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0107] 11 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed in the image processing system according to the second embodiment. In the image processing system 1 according to the second embodiment, in addition to the processing shown in FIG. 8 (steps S1 to S11), steps S12 and S13 are executed. The processing of steps S1 to S11 has already been described with reference to FIG. 8, and therefore will not be described again. Here, the processing of steps S12 and S13 will be described.

[0108] In step S12, the information processing device 300 transmits a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started to the image processing device 100 by email. In detail, the control unit 310 of the information processing device 300 instructs the communication interface 360 ​​to transmit a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started to the image processing device 100 by email. As a result, the communication interface 360 ​​transmits a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started to the image processing device 100 by email. The notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started is an example of a notification indicating that the RPA processing has been executed.

[0109] In step S13, the image processing device 100 receives a notification from the information processing device 300 indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started, and notifies the information processing device 300 that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started. In detail, first, the communication interface 60 receives a notification from the information processing device 300 by email indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started. Next, the control unit 10 instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started. As a result, the display 41 displays a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started. Here, an example of a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started will be described with reference to FIG. 12 .

[0110] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a notification indicating that RPA processing has started in embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 12, display 41 of operation panel 40 displays notification M2 indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction, i.e., the RPA processing selected by the user in step S1 shown in Fig. 11, has started. In the example shown in Fig. 12, notification M2 indicates that processing of RPA1 has started. This allows the user to know that the RPA processing selected in step S1 shown in Fig. 11 has started.

[0111] In the above example, a notification indicating that the RPA processing selected by the user has started is displayed on the display 41. However, a notification indicating that the RPA processing selected by the user has been completed may also be displayed on the display 41. In such a case, when the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction is completed, the communication interface 360 ​​sends a notification indicating that the RPA processing has been completed to the image processing device 100 by email. The notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed is an example of a notification indicating that the RPA processing has been executed. The communication interface 60 receives a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed by email from the information processing device 300. When the communication interface 60 receives the notification, the control unit 10 instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed. As a result, the display 41 displays a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed.

[0112] Furthermore, when the information processing device 300 executes (starts or completes) an RPA process selected by the user, it may transmit a signal indicating that the RPA process has been executed to the image processing device 100. In particular, when the RPA process indicated by the first instruction has been executed, the communication interface 360 ​​transmits a signal indicating that the RPA process has been executed to the image processing device 100. The communication interface 60 receives a signal indicating that the RPA process indicated by the first instruction has been executed from the information processing device 300. When the communication interface 60 receives the signal, the control unit 10 instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the RPA process indicated by the first instruction has been executed.

[0113] 13 is a diagram showing another example of a method for notifying the image processing device that the RPA processing has started in Embodiment 2. As another example of a method for notifying the image processing device 100 that the RPA processing has started, the information processing device 300 may notify the image processing device 100 that the RPA processing has been executed by performing a predetermined operation on a Web screen G specified by the image processing device 100.

[0114] Specifically, when the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction is started, the control unit 310 of the information processing device 300 clicks an execution start button B11 on the Web screen G. The Web screen G is a means for notifying the image processing device 100 of the start of execution of the RPA processing. The control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 generates the Web screen G for each of a plurality of job candidates (for example, jobs No. 1 to 4 in the example shown in FIG. 7). That is, the control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 generates the Web screen G for each RPA processing. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) identifying the Web screen G is included in the first instruction and transmitted from the image processing device 100 to the information processing device 300.

[0115] When the execution start button B11 on the Web screen G specified by the URL included in the first instruction is clicked, the control unit 10 determines that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started. When the control unit 10 determines that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started, it instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started. As a result, the display 41 displays a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started.

[0116] Note that the Web screen G may include a text box for inputting text instead of the execution start button B11. In such a case, in response to the start of the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction, the control unit 310 inputs text indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started into a text box on the Web screen G identified by the URL included in the first instruction. When text indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started is input into a text box on the Web screen G identified by the URL included in the first instruction, the control unit 10 determines that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started and instructs the display 41 to display the text input into the text box. As a result, a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has started is displayed on the display 41.

[0117] Furthermore, the Web screen G may include a Complete button instead of the Start Execution button B11. In such a case, in response to the completion of the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction, the control unit 310 clicks the Complete button on the Web screen G. When the Complete button on the Web screen G specified by the URL included in the first instruction is clicked, the control unit 10 determines that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed, and instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed.

[0118] Furthermore, text indicating that the RPA processing has been completed may be entered into a text box on the Web screen G. In such a case, in response to the completion of the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction, the control unit 310 enters text indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed into a text box on the Web screen G identified by the URL included in the first instruction. When text indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed is entered into a text box on the Web screen G identified by the URL included in the first instruction, the control unit 10 determines that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed, and instructs the display 41 to display a notification indicating that the RPA processing indicated by the first instruction has been completed.

[0119] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the user can know that RPA processing has been executed without going to the information processing device 300. That is, the user can complete a series of tasks consisting of the tasks performed by operating the image processing device 100 and the tasks performed by operating the information processing device 300 at the location of the image processing device 100. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the series of tasks consisting of the tasks performed by operating the image processing device 100 and the tasks performed by operating the information processing device 300.

[0120] [Variation 1] In the image processing system 1 described above, the image processing device 100 and the information processing device 300 are housed in separate housings, but as shown in FIG. 14, the image processing device 100 and the information processing device 300 may be provided in a single housing. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an outline of an image processing system in Modification 1. The image processing system 1A in Modification 1 includes an image processing device 100A and a server 500. The image processing device 100A and the server 500 communicate with each other via a network 999. The image processing device 100A includes the image processing device 100 described above and the information processing device 300 described above.

[0121] [Variation 2] In the above-described embodiment, the image processing device 100 transmits an instruction (first instruction) for executing RPA processing to the information processing device 300 by email. However, the image processing device 100 may transmit a command for executing RPA processing to the information processing device 300 as the first instruction. In such a case, the "means" included in the "RPA-related setting values" in the job table 34 is associated with the "command," and the "destination" is associated with the destination of the command.

[0122] [Variation 3] When the start of RPA processing in information processing device 300 is triggered by the transfer of a predetermined file to a storage unit shared by image processing device 100 and information processing device 300, image processing device 100 may transmit an instruction (first instruction) to execute RPA processing to information processing device 300 and transfer the predetermined file to the storage unit. The storage unit shared by image processing device 100 and information processing device 300 may be, for example, storage device 530 of server 500 or another storage device. Furthermore, the predetermined file may be image data generated by execution of a job by image processing device 100, or other data.

[0123] When instructing the communication interface 60 to transmit the first instruction to the information processing device 300, the control unit 10 of the image processing device 100 further instructs the communication interface 60 to transfer a predetermined file to a storage unit shared by the image processing device 100 and the information processing device 300. In accordance with the instruction from the control unit 10, the communication interface 60 transmits the first instruction to the information processing device 300 and transfers the predetermined file to the storage unit shared by the image processing device 100 and the information processing device 300.

[0124] The addresses of the storage units shared by the image processing device 100 and the information processing device 300 are stored in the storage devices 30 and 330. When the information processing device 300 receives a first instruction, it refers to the storage unit. When a predetermined file has been transferred to the storage unit, the information processing device 300 executes the RPA process indicated by the first instruction.

[0125] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1,1A Image processing system, 10,310,510 Control unit, 11,311,511 RAM, 12,312,512 ROM, 15 Processing unit, 20 Image forming unit, 30,330,530 Storage device, 32,332,532 Program, 34 Job table, 40 Operation panel, 41,341,541 Display, 42 Touch panel, 43,343,543 VRAM, 50 Scanner, 51 Cover, 52 Document table, 53 Document tray, 54 ADF, 60,360,560 Communication interface, 70 Memory card interface, 70A Memory card, 99,399,599 Internal bus, 100,100A Image processing device, 300 Information processing device, 342,542 Input device, 500 Server, 999 Network, B1 Button image, B2 Start button, B11 execution start button, G web screen, M1, M2 notifications, R image.

Claims

1. An image processing device capable of operating in cooperation with an information processing device, a processing unit that acquires image data by executing a job; a communication unit that communicates with the information processing device; a control unit that controls the image processing device, The control unit is configured to control the communication unit to send a first instruction different from the image data to the information processing device based on the execution status of the job in order to execute processing using the image data in the information processing device.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the job includes at least one of scanning and faxing.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit the first instruction to the information processing apparatus when the job is completed.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the communication unit so as not to transmit the first instruction to the information processing apparatus when the job is interrupted.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit the first instruction to the information processing apparatus when the job is interrupted.

6. 3 . The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to send the first instruction to the information processing device when the job is resumed and completed after the job is interrupted.

7. the control unit is configured to receive, when the job is interrupted, a second instruction to execute the process or a third instruction to stop the process from a user; 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to send the first instruction to the information processing device when the second instruction is received, and to control the communication unit not to send the first instruction to the information processing device when the third instruction is received.

8. 8. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to send the first instruction to the information processing device by email.

9. 9. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit receives a notification indicating that the process has been executed from the information processing device.

10. The image processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the communication unit receives a notification indicating that the process has been executed from the information processing device by email.

11. 9. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine that the process has been executed when a predetermined operation is performed on a predetermined web screen.

12. The image processing device further comprises a display; The image processing device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the display displays a notification indicating that the processing has been executed.

13. The image processing device includes: an operation panel that accepts user operations on the image processing device; a storage unit configured to store, for each of a plurality of candidates for the job, identification information that identifies the process corresponding to the candidate; 13. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the user operation accepted by the operation panel includes an operation of inputting the identification information.

14. the image processing apparatus further includes a storage unit configured to store, for each of a plurality of candidates for the job, identification information that identifies the process corresponding to the candidate; The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit receives the identification information from the information processing device.

15. A control method executed by a computer that controls an image processing device that is capable of operating in cooperation with an information processing device, the image processing device including a processing unit that acquires image data by executing a job and a communication unit that communicates with the information processing device, the method comprising: instructing the processing unit to execute the job; A control method including controlling the communication unit to send a first instruction different from the image data to the information processing device based on the execution status of the job in order to execute processing using the image data in the information processing device.

16. A control program executed by the computer, causing the computer to execute the control method described in claim 15.

17. An image processing system comprising: an image processing device capable of operating in cooperation with an information processing device; and the information processing device, The image processing device includes: a processing unit that acquires image data by executing a job; a communication unit that communicates with the information processing device; a control unit that controls the image processing device, the control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit a first instruction different from the image data to the information processing device based on an execution status of the job, in order to cause the information processing device to execute a process using the image data; The information processing device executes the process when the information processing device receives the first instruction.

Images