Program, information processing method, information processing device, and information processing system

Abstract

The document data output by the device is provided to another application unit that operates under the control of the operating system unit. [Solution] The information processing device comprises a processor, a device that outputs document data, and a communication unit that sends and receives information via a communication path, wherein the processor functions as a workflow execution unit that executes a workflow including one or more processes on document data acquired from the device, at least one application unit that can acquire document data, and an operating system unit that manages the workflow execution unit and the at least one application unit, and the workflow execution unit has an instruction generation unit that generates a call instruction to call the application unit that can acquire document data when application call processing is included in the workflow, and a call unit that gives the generated call instruction to the operating system unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a multifunction device having functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile. The multifunction device has a function of executing a workflow including one or more processes on document data captured by the scanner. By executing the workflow, the multifunction device can perform a predetermined process such as noise removal on the captured document data, and then automatically transmit the document data to a designated file server device or the like.

[0003] There is also known a multifunction device that can implement the functions of an operation panel on a portable information processing device such as a smartphone. The information processing device that implements the functions of the operation panel of the multifunction device executes a dedicated application to connect to the multifunction device via a wireless communication line and exchange information with each other. Further, the information processing device that implements the functions of the operation panel of the multifunction device can receive the document data scanned and captured by the multifunction device from the multifunction device and execute a workflow on the received document data. Thereby, since the information processing device executes the workflow instead of the multifunction device, the processing load on the multifunction device can be reduced.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a portable terminal device in which a cooperation application for cooperating an application and a job execution device communicated via a communication means is installed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, portable information processing devices generally run general-purpose operating systems such as Android®. Furthermore, numerous applications can run on these general-purpose operating systems. Some of these applications can handle document data captured by multifunction printers.

[0006] However, dedicated applications that can perform specific processing on document data received from a multifunction printer execute pre-registered workflows. Therefore, while such dedicated applications can send data to pre-registered server devices on the network, they could not automatically retrieve document data for other applications running on the operating system.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a program, an information processing method, an information processing device, and an information processing system that can provide document data output by a device to other application units that operate under the management of an operating system unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the program according to the present invention is a program installed in a portable information processing device that can communicate with an image forming apparatus, wherein the portable information processing device is A workflow that includes either a call instruction specifying an application to be called or a call instruction that does not specify an application to be called, and includes identification information that identifies the workflow, Data generated by scanning the aforementioned image forming apparatus and, of From the aforementioned image forming apparatus The system functions as an acquisition unit that acquires data, and a calling unit that issues a call instruction to the operating system unit of the portable information processing device, which in turn issues a call instruction to an application installed on the portable information processing device that can upload the acquired data to a server device connected via a network, and the calling unit functions as follows: The execution of the aforementioned workflow specifies the application to be called. Call instructions If you receive it, The operating system unit The call instruction By providing this information, the application is instructed to upload the data to the server device. When the calling unit receives a call instruction that does not specify the application to be called through the execution of the workflow, it provides the calling instruction to the operating system unit, thereby causing it to display a list of applications. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, document data output by a device can be provided to other application units that operate under the management of the operating system unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the document processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus and information processing apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the information processing device together with the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the application call process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the document processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an information processing device displaying a workflow generation screen. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow when application calling is selected. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the document processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a document processing system according to the third embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a document processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The document processing system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 20, an information processing apparatus 30, an information providing server apparatus 32, a file server apparatus 34, and a mail server apparatus 36.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 20 scans the surface of a sheet of paper and outputs document data representing an image on the surface of the sheet of paper. The image forming apparatus 20 is, for example, a multifunction device having functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a facsimile.

[0014] Note that the image forming apparatus 20 is an example of a device that outputs document data. The document processing system 10 may include a device that outputs document data other than the image forming apparatus 20 instead of the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the document processing system 10 may include an electronic camera device or a facsimile device as a device that outputs document data. Also, the document data may include text data, moving image data, or the like.

[0015] [[ID=||ID=25]] The information processing device 30 is a portable computer that can be carried by a user. The information processing device 30 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, a mobile phone device, or a notebook computer, etc. The information processing device 30 can transmit and receive information to and from the image forming device 20 via a communication path. The communication path may be, for example, a radio wave wireless communication path, or a wireless communication path using infrared rays. Also, the communication path may be a wired communication path using a cable or the like. Further, the communication path may be a path that connects the information processing device 30 and the image forming device 20 one-on-one, or a path that connects via a bus or the like or a network, or a path that connects via a public line such as the Internet.

[0016] Also, the information processing device 30 can access an information providing server device 32, a file server device 34, and a mail server device 36 via a network such as the Internet.

[0017] The information providing server device 32 provides information to the information processing device 30 via the network. For example, the information providing server device 32 provides a program executed by the information processing device 30. In this case, the information processing device 30 downloads and executes the program from the information providing server device 32.

[0018] The file server device 34 stores the document data transmitted from the information processing device 30 via the network. The information processing device 30 transmits the document data to the file server device 34 via the network for storage.

[0019] The mail server device 36 stores the document data transmitted in mail format from the information processing device 30 via the network. The information processing device 30 transmits the document data to the mail server device 36 via the network for storage.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 30. The information processing apparatus 30 includes a processor 201 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory 202 such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), storage device 203 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), display unit 204 such as a display, input unit 205 such as a touch sensor formed on the display, communication unit 206, and network interface 207. The communication unit 206 sends and receives information to and from the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path. The network interface 207 sends and receives information to and from other devices such as an information provision server device 32, a file server device 34, and a mail server device 36 via the network. In such an information processing apparatus 30, the processor 201 such as the CPU executes an operating system program and application programs that are pre-stored in the storage device 203.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 20 includes a processor 211 such as a CPU, memory 212 such as RAM and ROM, storage device 213 such as an HDD, a printer 214, a scanner 215, and a communication unit 216. The printer 214 prints characters and images, etc., on paper according to the data. The scanner 215 reads the characters and images, etc., printed on paper and converts them into data. The image forming apparatus 20 may also be configured to include only one of the printer 214 or the scanner 215. The communication unit 216 sends and receives information to and from the information processing device 30 via a communication path.

[0022] Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the information processing device 30 together with the image forming apparatus 20. The information processing device 30 includes an operation unit 42, a workflow execution unit 44, at least one application unit 46 (46-1 to 46-N) (where N is any natural number), and an OS unit 48 (operating system unit).

[0023] The operation unit 42 functions when the processor 201 executes a dedicated application program installed in the storage device 203. Alternatively, the operation unit 42 may function when the processor 201 executes a script program downloaded from the information provision server device 32 on a browser program.

[0024] The operation unit 42 provides the user with a user interface for operating the image forming apparatus 20. The operation unit 42 provides operation instructions to the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path in response to operations on the user interface. The image forming apparatus 20 performs various operations in response to the operation instructions provided by the operation unit 42. Such an operation unit 42 can function as an operation panel for the image forming apparatus 20. This allows the operation unit 42 to provide the user with a scan start button and input buttons for various settings for scanning.

[0025] The workflow execution unit 44 functions by having the processor 201 execute a dedicated application program installed in the storage device 203. The workflow execution unit 44 acquires document data scanned and generated by the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path. The workflow execution unit 44 executes a workflow including one or more processes on the document data acquired from the image forming apparatus 20.

[0026] The workflow execution unit 44 stores workflow information that defines the workflow. The workflow execution unit 44 executes the workflow by sequentially executing processes according to the workflow information selected by the user.

[0027] If the workflow includes server distribution processing, the workflow execution unit 44 sends the document data to be processed to, for example, a file server device 34 or a mail server device 36 via the network. Furthermore, if the workflow includes application call processing, the workflow execution unit 44 calls one of the application units 46 via the OS unit 48 and provides the document data to be processed to the called application unit 46.

[0028] The application unit 46 functions when the processor 201 executes an application program installed in the storage device 203. The application program may be, for example, a business program or a game program, and may be free or paid. The information processing device 30 also has at least one application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data output by the image forming apparatus 20. The application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data may have functions for managing document data, editing document data, or transmitting document data to a server on a network.

[0029] The OS unit 48 functions by the processor 201 executing an operating system program installed on the storage device 203. The operating system program is the basic program for operating the computer. The OS unit 48 manages the operation unit 42, the workflow execution unit 44, and at least one application unit 46. That is, the operation unit 42, the workflow execution unit 44, and at least one application unit 46 function under the management of the OS unit 48. The OS unit 48 functions, for example, by running Android®.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example of a workflow executed by the workflow execution unit 44. The workflow execution unit 44 has multiple workflow information entries registered, generated by the administrator. The workflow information is described in a data format that can be interpreted by a computer. For example, the workflow information is described in XML (Extensible Markup Language). The workflow execution unit 44 interprets the contents described in the workflow information and executes the workflow.

[0031] Workflow information defines the workflow (at least one process and the execution order of those processes) that the workflow execution unit 44 will execute. The workflow shown in Figure 4 indicates that the processes will be performed in the following order: noise reduction process → character recognition process → format conversion process → distribution process.

[0032] For example, in noise reduction processing, the workflow execution unit 44 performs noise reduction on the image. In character recognition processing, the workflow execution unit 44 recognizes characters contained in the image and generates text data. In format conversion processing, the workflow execution unit 44 converts the document data to a specified file format (for example, PDF (Portable Document Format)).

[0033] Furthermore, in the distribution process shown in Figure 4, the workflow execution unit 44 executes server distribution processing and application invocation processing. The workflow execution unit 44 may decide whether to execute server distribution processing or application invocation processing based on the settings entered by the user before the workflow is executed.

[0034] In the server distribution process, the workflow execution unit 44 sends the document data to a designated server (for example, a file server device 34 or a mail server device 36). In the application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 calls and starts another application unit 46 that functions under the management of the OS unit 48 and provides it with the document data to be processed. In the application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 may, for example, call and start the Dropbox® application, which is an example of an application unit 46, and have it upload the document data to a specific folder managed by Dropbox®. Alternatively, in the application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 may, for example, start the LINE® application, which is an example of an application unit 46, and have it send the document data to a destination managed by LINE®.

[0035] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the application call process. The workflow execution unit 44 can execute the application call process as one of the processes within the workflow.

[0036] The OS unit 48 includes a call manager 52. The call manager 52 provides the workflow execution unit 44 with a function to call the application unit 46 (application call function).

[0037] If the workflow includes application invocation processing, the workflow execution unit 44 issues an invocation instruction to the invocation manager 52 of the OS unit 48 when executing the application invocation processing. The invocation instruction includes the document data to be processed. When the invocation manager 52 receives the invocation instruction, it calls and starts the corresponding application unit 46. The invocation manager 52 then provides the document data included in the invocation instruction. The called application unit 46 receives the document data from the invocation manager 52.

[0038] In this case, the workflow execution unit 44 can also specify the actions that the called application unit 46 should perform. The specified actions may include, for example, the method and behavior of starting the application unit 46. If actions are specified, the called application unit 46 will perform the specified actions after starting up.

[0039] In this way, during the application call process, the workflow execution unit 44 can call and start other application units 46 that function under the management of the OS unit 48, and provide them with the document data to be processed. As a result, the called application unit 46 can obtain the document data to be processed from the workflow execution unit 44. For example, in Android®, this function is called an intent.

[0040] The workflow execution unit 44 may provide the OS unit 48 with a call instruction that specifies the application unit 46 to be called, or it may provide the OS unit 48 with a call instruction that does not specify the application unit 46 to be called. Here, a call instruction in which the workflow execution unit 44 specifies the application unit 46 to be called is called an explicit call instruction. For example, in Android®, such a call instruction is called an explicit intent. A call instruction in which the workflow execution unit 44 does not specify the application unit 46 to be called is called an implicit call instruction. For example, in Android®, such a call instruction is called an implicit intent.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the workflow execution unit 44 gives an explicit call instruction to the OS unit 48.

[0042] Figure 6 shows the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit 44 according to the first embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 includes a receiving unit 61, a workflow information storage unit 62, a plug-in execution unit 64, a flow control unit 65, a distribution destination information storage unit 66, a distribution unit 67, a user information storage unit 68, a call information storage unit 69, an instruction generation unit 70, and a call unit 71.

[0043] The receiving unit 61 receives document data generated by the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path. Furthermore, the receiving unit 61 receives a workflow ID that identifies the workflow to be executed, and the necessary settings to execute the workflow, from the image forming apparatus 20.

[0044] The workflow information storage unit 62 stores workflow information. For example, as shown in Table 1, the workflow information storage unit 62 stores workflow information represented as XML data associated with a workflow ID. The workflow information storage unit 62 may store multiple workflow information entries.

[0045] [Table 1]

[0046] The plug-in execution unit 64 receives the document data to be processed and setting values ​​from the flow control unit 65, along with the specified processing to be performed. The plug-in execution unit 64 applies the specified processing to the given document data according to the setting values. More specifically, the plug-in execution unit 64 has multiple different plug-in programs 81 (81-1 to 81-n). The plug-in execution unit 64 can apply the specified processing to the given document data by executing the plug-in program 81 corresponding to the specified processing. Once the plug-in execution unit 64 has finished executing the specified processing, it returns the processed document data to the flow control unit 65.

[0047] The flow control unit 65 reads the workflow information associated with the received workflow ID. The flow control unit 65 analyzes the workflow information to identify each process and its order included in the workflow to be executed. Then, the flow control unit 65 specifies the process to be executed for each process in the workflow to be executed to the plug-in execution unit 64. Furthermore, along with specifying the process, the flow control unit 65 provides the document data to be processed and the settings for executing that process to the plug-in execution unit 64. After the plug-in execution unit 64 has executed the specified process, the flow control unit 65 receives the processed document data from the plug-in execution unit 64. Then, when one process included in the workflow is completed, the flow control unit 65 specifies the next process to the plug-in execution unit 64. In this way, the flow control unit 65 can cause the plug-in execution unit 64 to sequentially execute one or more processes identified by the workflow.

[0048] Furthermore, if the workflow to be executed includes server distribution processing, the flow control unit 65 provides the distribution unit 67 with the document data to be processed and the necessary settings for executing the distribution processing. Also, if the workflow to be executed includes application call processing, the flow control unit 65 provides the instruction generation unit 70 with the document data to be processed and the necessary settings for executing the distribution processing.

[0049] The destination information storage unit 66 stores destination information that indicates the recipient of the document data. For example, as shown in Table 2, the destination information storage unit 66 stores the addresses of the destination servers for each type of delivery, such as folder delivery or email delivery.

[0050] [Table 2]

[0051] If the workflow includes server distribution processing, the distribution unit 67 receives document data and settings from the flow control unit 65. Based on the received settings, the distribution unit 67 identifies the distribution type and reads the destination information corresponding to the identified distribution type from the destination information storage unit 66. Then, in executing the server distribution processing, the distribution unit 67 sends the document data in the data format corresponding to the identified distribution type to the address indicated in the destination information. The distribution unit 67 may also send the document data to a printer or other device on the network.

[0052] The user information storage unit 68 stores the user information necessary to start the application unit 46. For example, as shown in Table 3, the user information storage unit 68 stores user information including username and password in association with the login ID for starting the workflow execution unit 44.

[0053] [Table 3]

[0054] Note that different user information (for example, username and password) may be set for each application unit 46. In this case, the user information storage unit 68 stores user information for each application unit 46.

[0055] As shown in Table 4, the call information storage unit 69 stores the call information necessary to generate a call instruction, associating it with a call ID that identifies the call instruction. The call information stores information that identifies the application unit 46 to be called and the actions that the called application unit 46 should perform. The call information storage unit 69 may, for example, store one or more call information entries that have been pre-set by an administrator, and the user may select from these one or more call information entries. Alternatively, for example, the user may set call information each time a workflow is executed, and the set call information may be registered in the call information storage unit 69. The call ID associated with the call information selected or set by the user is included in the setting value set by the user. Note that when generating an implicit call instruction, the call information does not need to include the application unit 46 to be called.

[0056] [Table 4]

[0057] The instruction generation unit 70 generates a call instruction to call an application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data, if the application call process is included in the workflow. In this embodiment, the instruction generation unit 70 generates an explicit call instruction that specifies the application unit 46 to be called.

[0058] Specifically, the instruction generation unit 70 receives document data and setting values ​​to be provided to the application unit 46 from the flow control unit 65. The setting values ​​include a call ID. The instruction generation unit 70 reads call information (application and operation, etc.) corresponding to the received call ID from the call information storage unit 69. Furthermore, the instruction generation unit 70 reads user information (username and password, etc.) necessary to start the application unit 46 from the user information storage unit 68. Based on this information, the instruction generation unit 70 generates a call instruction as shown in Table 5.

[0059] [Table 5]

[0060] In other words, the call instruction includes information identifying the application unit 46 to be called, the operation to be performed by the called application unit 46, document data to be given to the called application unit 46, and additional information. The operation describes the method and behavior of starting the application unit 46. The additional information includes user information (username and password, etc.) necessary to start the application unit 46. The instruction generation unit 70 may generate the call instruction based on login information such as a login ID and password to start the workflow execution unit 44, instead of user information read from the user information storage unit 68.

[0061] For example, if the OS unit 48 is running and functioning with Android®, the instruction generation unit 70 generates an intent as a call instruction, which includes components, actions, data, categories, extras, and flags. In this case, the instruction generation unit 70 specifies the application unit 46 to be called as the component. The instruction generation unit 70 specifies a general-purpose startup method for passing data to the application unit 46 as the action. The instruction generation unit 70 also includes document data obtained by performing one or more processes up to the application call process in the workflow as the data. The instruction generation unit 70 also specifies the behavior of the application unit 46 as the category and flags. The instruction generation unit 70 also includes user information as extras. For example, if the instruction generation unit 70 is to upload document data to a specific folder managed by Dropbox®, it includes login information for logging into Dropbox® as extras. Also, for example, if the instruction generation unit 70 is to send document data to a destination managed by LINE®, it includes information indicating the destination managed by LINE® as extras.

[0062] The instruction generation unit 70 provides the call instruction generated in this manner to the call unit 71. In executing the application call process, the call unit 71 provides the call instruction generated by the instruction generation unit 70 to the OS unit 48.

[0063] When the OS unit 48 receives a call instruction from the call unit 71, it calls the corresponding application unit 46, starts the called application unit 46, and provides document data. In this embodiment, the OS unit 48 receives an explicit call instruction. When the OS unit 48 receives an explicit call instruction, it calls the application unit 46 specified by the call instruction. The OS unit 48 also starts the application unit 46 based on the user information included in the call instruction.

[0064] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the document processing system 10 according to the first embodiment. The document processing system 10 executes the processing as shown in the sequence in Figure 7, for example.

[0065] First, the operation unit 42 displays a login information input screen to prompt the user to enter login information. The user enters login information (for example, login ID and password) on the login information input screen. Then, the operation unit 42 retrieves the login information entered by the user (S11).

[0066] Next, the operation unit 42 transmits login information to the image forming apparatus 20 (S12). Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 20 receives the login information and authenticates whether the received login information is correct or not (S13). The image forming apparatus 20 may also transmit the login information to an external authentication server or the like via a network to have the authentication of whether the login information is correct or not. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the authentication result to the operation unit 42 (S14). If the operation unit 42 receives an authentication result indicating that the login information is correct, it can perform its function as the operation panel for the image forming apparatus 20.

[0067] The operation unit 42 displays a workflow selection screen for the user to select a workflow to execute. The user selects one workflow from the workflow selection screen. The operation unit 42 then obtains a workflow ID that identifies the workflow selected by the user (S15).

[0068] Next, the operation unit 42 displays a settings input screen for the user to enter the settings necessary to execute the selected workflow. The user enters the necessary settings on the settings input screen. Then, the operation unit 42 retrieves the settings entered by the user (S16). For example, if the workflow selected by the user includes an application call process, the operation unit 42 displays a settings input screen for the user to enter settings related to the application call process, and retrieves the settings through this settings input screen.

[0069] Next, the operation unit 42 receives a scan start operation from the user (S17). Upon receiving the scan start operation, the operation unit 42 transmits the scan start instruction, workflow ID, and setting values ​​to the image forming apparatus 20 (S18).

[0070] When the image forming apparatus 20 receives a scan start command from the operation unit 42, it scans the pre-set paper (S19). The image forming apparatus 20 then generates document data representing the image of the paper surface. Once the scan is complete, the image forming apparatus 20 sends the generated document data, workflow ID, and settings to the workflow execution unit 44 (S20).

[0071] The workflow execution unit 44 receives document data, a workflow ID, and setting values ​​from the image forming apparatus 20. The workflow execution unit 44 performs one or more processes on the document data according to the workflow information identified by the workflow ID (S21-1 to S21-M).

[0072] Furthermore, the workflow execution unit 44 determines whether the workflow defined by the workflow information includes application invocation processing (S22). If application invocation processing is included in the workflow, the workflow execution unit 44 generates an explicit invocation instruction to call the application unit 46 specified by the workflow information (S23). For example, if the OS unit 48 is running and functioning with Android®, the workflow execution unit 44 generates an explicit intent.

[0073] Then, the workflow execution unit 44 provides the generated call instruction to the OS unit 48 when executing the application call processing in the workflow (S24). When the OS unit 48 receives the call instruction from the workflow execution unit 44, it calls and starts the application unit 46 indicated in the call instruction (S25). In this case, the OS unit 48 provides the application unit 46 with the document data and user information included in the call instruction. The called application unit 46 starts using the user information provided by the OS unit 48 and also acquires the document data provided by the OS unit 48 (S26).

[0074] As described above, according to the document processing system 10 of this embodiment, by executing a workflow, document data output by the image forming apparatus 20 can be automatically provided to other application units 46 that operate under the management of the OS unit 48. As a result, the document processing system 10 eliminates the need for cumbersome operations such as manually saving the document data output by the image forming apparatus 20 and then manually starting the application unit 46 to import the saved document data, thereby reducing the workload for the user.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) Next, the document processing system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. The document processing system 10 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same functions and configuration as the document processing system 10 of the first embodiment. Therefore, for parts in the second embodiment that have substantially the same functions and configuration as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed descriptions are omitted except for differences. The same applies to the third embodiment.

[0076] Figure 8 shows the functional configuration of the workflow execution unit 44 according to the second embodiment. The workflow execution unit 44 according to the second embodiment further includes a workflow information generation unit 91.

[0077] Prior to the execution of a workflow, the workflow information generation unit 91 generates workflow information in response to an operation by the administrator. The workflow information generation unit 91 associates the generated workflow information with a workflow ID and stores it in the workflow information storage unit 62.

[0078] Furthermore, if the workflow defined by the generated workflow information includes application call processing, the workflow information generation unit 91 also generates call information. Call information is the information necessary to generate call instructions that are generated in the application call processing. The workflow information generation unit 91 then includes a call ID that identifies the generated call information in the settings of the workflow information and stores the generated call information in the call information storage unit 69 in association with the call ID.

[0079] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the instruction generation unit 70 may generate implicit call instructions, not just explicit call instructions. When generating implicit call instructions in the application call processing, the workflow information generation unit 91 does not need to include information that identifies the application unit 46 to be called in the corresponding call information it references to generate the call instructions.

[0080] Furthermore, when the instruction generation unit 70 generates an implicit call instruction, it includes multiple user information necessary to call multiple application units 46 in the call instruction. This allows the instruction generation unit 70 to start the selected application unit 46 regardless of which application unit 46 is selected.

[0081] Figure 9 shows the information processing device 30 displaying the workflow generation screen 92. The workflow information generation unit 91 displays the workflow generation screen 92, for example, as shown in Figure 9, to allow the administrator to generate workflow information.

[0082] The workflow generation screen 92 includes a selection area 93 and a creation area 94. The selection area 93 displays several icons 95 indicating processes that can be included in the workflow.

[0083] The administrator selects one of the icons 95 that indicate the process to be included in the workflow in the selection area 93, and drags and drops the selected icon 95 into the creation area 94. Then, in the creation area 94, the administrator connects the two dropped icons 95 with an arrow 96 that indicates the processing order.

[0084] The administrator drops all the icons 95 that indicate the processes to be included in the workflow into the creation area 94, connects the icons 95 with arrows 96 according to the order in which they should be executed, and then presses the complete button 97. When the complete button 97 is pressed, the workflow information generation unit 91 generates workflow information that executes the processes in the order according to the arrangement of the icons 95 displayed on the creation area 94.

[0085] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow when application call processing is selected. Furthermore, if the workflow information generation unit 91 includes application call processing in the generated workflow information, it generates setting values, etc., for generating a call instruction according to the flowchart shown in Figure 10.

[0086] First, the workflow information generation unit 91 receives information from the administrator that should be included in the call instruction, excluding the information that identifies the application unit 46 to be called (S31). For example, when generating an intent, the workflow information generation unit 91 receives information other than components and data.

[0087] Next, the workflow information generation unit 91 prompts the administrator to choose whether or not to specify the application unit 46 to be called (S32). If the administrator chooses not to specify the application unit 46 to be called (No. in S32), the workflow information generation unit 91 registers the information received in step S31 into the workflow information (S33) and terminates this flow. As a result, the workflow execution unit 44 can generate a call instruction (implicit call instruction) that does not specify the application unit 46 to be called.

[0088] On the other hand, if the administrator selects to specify the application unit 46 to be called (Yes in S32), the workflow information generation unit 91 queries the OS unit 48 for an application unit 46 that can acquire document data (S34). In this case, the workflow information generation unit 91 queries the OS unit 48 for an application unit 46 that can acquire document data by implicitly giving the OS unit 48 a call instruction.

[0089] When the OS unit 48 receives an inquiry from the workflow information generation unit 91, it notifies the workflow information generation unit 91 of a list of application units 46 that can acquire document data. When the workflow information generation unit 91 receives the list from the OS unit 48, it displays the received list (S35) and prompts the user to select one application unit 46 from the list (S36).

[0090] Then, the workflow information generation unit 91 registers the information identifying the selected application unit 46 and the information received in step S31 into the workflow information (S33), and terminates this flow. As a result, the workflow execution unit 44 can generate a call instruction (explicit call instruction) that specifies the application unit 46 to be called.

[0091] In this way, the workflow information generation unit 91 allows the administrator to choose whether or not to pre-specify the application unit 46 to be called. If the application unit 46 to be called is not specified, the workflow information generation unit 91 can accept information to generate an implicit call instruction.

[0092] Furthermore, when the workflow information generation unit 91 specifies an application unit 46 to be called, it queries the OS unit 48 for an application unit 46 capable of acquiring document data, for example, by providing an implicit call instruction to the OS unit 48. The workflow information generation unit 91 then allows the administrator to select one of the application units 46 capable of acquiring document data. This enables the workflow information generation unit 91 to receive information necessary to generate an explicit call instruction.

[0093] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the document processing system 10 according to the second embodiment. When a call instruction is given in the application call processing without specifying the application unit 46 to be called (implicit call instruction), the document processing system 10 executes the processing as shown in the sequence in Figure 11.

[0094] First, the document processing system 10 performs processing from step S11 to step S20 in the same sequence as shown in Figure 7. Next, the workflow execution unit 44 receives document data, a workflow ID, and setting values ​​from the image forming apparatus 20. Subsequently, the workflow execution unit 44 performs one or more processes on the document data according to the workflow information identified by the workflow ID (S51-1 to S51-M).

[0095] Furthermore, the workflow execution unit 44 determines whether or not the workflow includes application invocation processing (S52). If the workflow includes application invocation processing, the workflow execution unit 44 generates an implicit invocation instruction to call the application unit 46 specified by the workflow information (S53). For example, if the OS unit 48 is running and functioning with Android®, the workflow execution unit 44 generates an implicit intent.

[0096] Then, the workflow execution unit 44 provides the generated implicit call instruction to the OS unit 48 when executing the application call processing in the workflow (S54).

[0097] When the OS unit 48 receives an implicit call instruction from the workflow execution unit 44, it displays a list of application units 46 that operate under the management of the OS unit 48 and are capable of acquiring document data (S55), and prompts the user to select one application unit 46. Subsequently, the OS unit 48 accepts the selection of one application unit 46 from the displayed application units 46 (S56).

[0098] Next, the OS unit 48 calls and starts the application unit 46 selected by the user (S57). In this case, the OS unit 48 provides the application unit 46 with the document data and user information included in the call instruction. The called application unit 46 starts using the user information provided by the OS unit 48 and also retrieves the document data provided by the OS unit 48 (S58).

[0099] As described above, with the document processing system 10 according to this embodiment, even without pre-specifying the application unit 46 to be called, the application unit 46 can be specified at the time of execution of the application call process by generating an implicit call instruction. As a result, with the document processing system 10 according to this embodiment, even when executing the same workflow, document data can be acquired by a different application unit 46 each time the workflow is executed.

[0100] (Third embodiment) Figure 12 shows the configuration of the document processing system 10 according to the third embodiment. In the document processing system 10 according to the third embodiment, the information processing device 30 is integrally provided with the image forming apparatus 20. In the third embodiment, the information processing device 30 is connected to the main control unit of the image forming apparatus 20 via a communication path inside the housing of the image forming apparatus 20.

[0101] The document processing system 10 according to this embodiment can provide operation panel functions and workflow execution processing functions through an application program that runs on a general-purpose operating system such as Android®. Therefore, the document processing system 10 according to this embodiment makes it easy to develop programs for executing operation panel functions and workflows.

[0102] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 10 Document Processing System 20 Image forming apparatus 30 Information Processing Devices 32 Information Provision Server Device 34 File Server Device 36 Mail server device 42 Operation section 44 Workflow Execution Unit 46. ​​Application Department 48 OS Department 52 Call Manager 61 Receiving unit 62 Workflow Information Storage Unit 64 Plugin Execution Unit 65 Flow Control Unit 66 Distribution destination information storage unit 67 Distribution Department 68 User Information Storage Unit 69 Call information storage unit 70 Instruction generation section 71 Calling section 81 Plugin Programs 91 Workflow Information Generation Unit 92 Workflow Generation Screen 93 Selection Area 94 Creation area 95 icons 96 Arrow 97. Complete button [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0104] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-215927

Claims

1. A program installed in a portable information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus, The aforementioned portable information processing device A workflow that includes either a call instruction specifying an application to be called or a call instruction not specifying an application to be called, and an acquisition unit that acquires identification information that identifies the workflow and data generated by scanning by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus. A call unit provides a call instruction to the operating system unit of the portable information processing device, which issues a call instruction to a server device connected via a network to call an application installed on the portable information processing device that can upload the acquired data. To make it function as, When the calling unit receives a call instruction specifying the application to be called through the execution of the workflow, it provides the calling instruction to the operating system unit, thereby causing the application to perform the upload of the data to the server device. The calling unit, upon receiving a call instruction that does not specify the application to be called through the execution of the workflow, provides the calling instruction to the operating system unit, thereby causing it to display a list of applications.

2. The calling unit is, The application is launched by providing the aforementioned call instruction to the operating system unit. The program according to feature 1.

3. The calling unit is, By providing the aforementioned call instruction to the operating system unit, the data is provided to the application. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The program further modifies the portable information processing device, A reception unit that receives a user instruction to start the scanning process in the aforementioned image forming apparatus, To make it function as, The acquisition unit is, Based on the user's instructions, the image forming apparatus acquires the data that has been scanned and generated. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned data is uploaded to a specific folder managed by the aforementioned application. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The portable information processing device includes at least one of the following: a smartphone, a tablet device, a mobile phone, or a notebook computer. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the features described herein.

7. The aforementioned application includes at least Dropbox®. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The server device is a device for storing the data. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the present invention.

9. An information processing method performed by a portable information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus, The acquisition unit of the portable information processing device acquires from the image forming apparatus an identification information that identifies the workflow, which includes either a call instruction specifying an application to be called or a call instruction not specifying an application to be called, and data generated by scanning by the image forming apparatus. The portable information processing device provides an instruction to the operating system unit of the portable information processing device to a server device connected via a network to call an application installed on the portable information processing device that can upload the acquired data. When the execution of the aforementioned workflow receives a call instruction specifying the application to be called, the operating system unit is given the call instruction, causing the application to perform the upload of the data to the server device. When the execution of the aforementioned workflow receives a call instruction that does not specify the application to be called, the operating system unit is given the call instruction to display a list of the applications. An information processing method characterized by the following:

10. A portable information processing device capable of communicating with an image forming apparatus, A workflow that includes either a call instruction specifying an application to be called or a call instruction not specifying an application to be called, and an acquisition unit that acquires identification information that identifies the workflow and data generated by scanning by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus, The portable information processing device has a calling unit which gives a call instruction to the operating system unit of the portable information processing device to a server device connected via a network to call an application installed on the portable information processing device that can upload the acquired data. Equipped with, When the calling unit receives a call instruction specifying the application to be called through the execution of the workflow, it provides the calling instruction to the operating system unit, thereby causing the application to perform the upload of the data to the server device. When the calling unit receives a call instruction that does not specify the application to be called through the execution of the workflow, it provides the call instruction to the operating system unit, thereby causing it to display a list of applications. An information processing device characterized by the following:

11. An information processing system comprising an image forming apparatus and a program installed on a portable information processing device capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus is It has a transmission unit that transmits the scanned and generated data to the information processing device, The program describes the portable information processing device as follows: A workflow that includes either a call instruction specifying an application to be called or a call instruction not specifying an application to be called, and an acquisition unit that acquires identification information that identifies the workflow and the data generated by scanning by the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus, The portable information processing device has a calling unit which gives a call instruction to the operating system unit of the portable information processing device to a server device connected via a network to call an application installed on the portable information processing device that can upload the acquired data. and make it work When the calling unit receives a call instruction specifying the application to be called through the execution of the workflow, it provides the calling instruction to the operating system unit, thereby causing the application to perform the upload of the data to the server device. When the calling unit receives a call instruction that does not specify the application to be called through the execution of the workflow, it provides the call instruction to the operating system unit, thereby causing it to display a list of applications. An information processing system characterized by the following:

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