Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and an information processing program capable of executing a partial workflow by a simple operation in comparison with a case in which a workflow is newly created.SOLUTION: When a file is dragged from another window and is moved to an operation screen, a workflow set in advance is displayed in a folder that is presently displayed. Alternatively, a workflow set in advance is displayed in a folder having undergone mouse-over. Next, when the file is dropped in a task in the workflow like a workflow B, the workflow is started from the task where the file is dropped during the workflow.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that in an electronic file system, preview information indicating what type of action will be taken when a selected object is dropped onto a target object is displayed during an operation of dragging the selected object onto the target object.

[0003] Also, Patent Document 2 proposes an information processing apparatus that can select either a first mode for receiving a selection of a workflow for processing target data before receiving the target data or a second mode for receiving a selection of a workflow for processing the target data after receiving the target data according to a user's instruction.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 3 discloses that when registering a document, an appropriate customization screen is set for each document based on preset document distribution conditions, and the customization screen is displayed when the user opens the document from a new document or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] There is a technique that allows you to pre-configure workflows in folders and execute them by dragging and dropping files into those folders. However, when a workflow configured in a folder has multiple steps, it was not easy to execute only a portion of the workflow, such as starting from an intermediate step or executing the workflow after editing it. To execute a workflow from an intermediate step or to execute it after editing it, it was necessary to create a new workflow.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an information processing device and an information processing program that enable the execution of a partial workflow with simpler operations compared to creating a new workflow from scratch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the information processing device according to the first embodiment includes a processor, and when a file to be processed is dragged and the file is moved to a folder where a workflow including multiple steps is pre-configured, the processor displays the multiple steps included in the workflow configured in the folder, and when the file is dropped onto one of the displayed steps, it performs processing to execute the workflow from that step.

[0009] The information processing device according to the second embodiment includes a processor, which displays a folder in which a workflow including multiple steps is pre-configured, and the steps of the workflow configured in the folder, edits the displayed workflow using the trajectory of a file to be processed being moved while being dragged, and performs the edited workflow when the file is dropped.

[0010] The information processing device according to the third embodiment, in the information processing device according to the first embodiment, further displays the processing content of each step of the workflow from the step when the file is dragged and moved onto the displayed step.

[0011] The information processing device according to the fourth embodiment, in the information processing device according to the first or third embodiment, further displays a prediction of the execution result when the workflow is executed from the displayed step when the file is dragged and moved onto the displayed step.

[0012] The information processing device according to the fifth embodiment, in the information processing device according to the fourth embodiment, if the processor passes over the displayed execution result prediction and the file is dropped in another workflow, it executes the other workflow following the workflow of the execution result prediction.

[0013] In the information processing device according to the sixth embodiment, in the information processing device according to the first or second embodiment, the processor displays in a display manner indicating that there are steps that cannot be executed.

[0014] The information processing device according to the seventh embodiment is an information processing device according to the first or second embodiment in which the processor selects a step to be executed from among a plurality of displayed steps using the trajectory of the file as it is dragged.

[0015] In the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the processor selects a step on the displayed step for which a predetermined operation has been performed as the target for execution, in the information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect.

[0016] The information processing device according to the ninth embodiment is an information processing device according to the eighth embodiment in which the predetermined operation is an operation to position the file on the displayed step while it is being dragged for a predetermined amount of time.

[0017] The information processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect is the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, and the processor further displays steps that can be registered as steps of the workflow.

[0018] The information processing program according to the eleventh aspect causes a computer to display a plurality of steps included in the workflow set in a folder when a file to be processed is dragged and the file is moved onto a folder in which a workflow including a plurality of steps is preset, and when the file is dropped on the displayed step, execute a process of executing the workflow from the step.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of executing a partial workflow with a simple operation as compared with the case of newly creating a workflow.

[0020] According to the second aspect, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of executing a partial workflow with a simple operation as compared with the case of newly creating a workflow.

[0021] According to the third aspect, it is possible to confirm the processing content when executed from a step in the middle of the workflow.

[0022] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to confirm the prediction of the execution result when executed from a step in the middle of the workflow.

[0023] According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to continuously execute a plurality of workflows.

[0024] According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to recognize steps that cannot be executed.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to determine steps to be executed with a more intuitive operation as compared with the case of operating a keyboard or the like.

[0026] According to the eighth aspect, the user can select a step to execute from the trajectory of the file while it is being dragged.

[0027] According to the ninth embodiment, the user can select a step to be executed from the trajectory of a file moved by dragging it, without performing any operations such as using a keyboard.

[0028] According to the tenth aspect, it becomes possible to add the necessary steps to the workflow.

[0029] According to the 11th embodiment, an information processing program can be provided that allows for the execution of a partial workflow with simpler operations compared to creating a new workflow from scratch. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the main components of the electrical system of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows the main electrical components of the information processing terminal and cloud server according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of displaying a pre-configured workflow in the currently displayed folder. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of displaying a pre-configured workflow in the folder that the mouse is hovering over. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of displaying each task set up in each workflow. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the case where a workflow is executed sequentially. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of displaying an icon to instruct execution within a task icon. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of where a cancellation region is placed. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of confirming and canceling actions using mouse movements. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of displaying a list of all tasks and setting up a workflow. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of displaying a workflow confirmation screen. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Hereinafter, an example of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an information processing system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses, a plurality of information processing terminals, and a cloud server as an example of an information processing apparatus are each connected via a communication line such as a network will be described as an example. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of image forming apparatuses 12a, 12b, ..., a plurality of information processing terminals 14a, 14b, ..., and a cloud server 16. Note that if it is not necessary to distinguish between the image forming apparatuses 12a, 12b, ..., and the information processing terminals 14a, 14b, ..., the letters at the end of the symbols may be omitted. Furthermore, while this embodiment describes an example comprising a plurality of image forming apparatuses 12a, 12b, ..., and information processing terminals 14a, 14b, ..., there may be only one image forming apparatus 12 and one information processing terminal 14, or only one of either.

[0033] Each image forming apparatus 12, information processing terminal 14, and cloud server 16 are connected to each other via a communication line 18 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or an intranet. The image forming apparatus 12, information processing terminal 14, and cloud server 16 are each capable of sending and receiving various types of data to and from each other via the communication line 18.

[0034] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 20 which contains a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C. The CPU 20A controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 12. The RAM 20C is used as a work area, etc., when various programs are executed by the CPU 20A. The ROM 20B stores various control programs and various parameters in advance. The various parts of the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 12 are electrically connected by a system bus 42.

[0036] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes an HDD (hard disk drive) 26 for storing various data and application programs. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a display control unit 28 connected to a user interface 22, which controls the display of various operation screens on the user interface 22's display. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes an operation input detection unit 30 connected to the user interface 22, which detects operation instructions input via the user interface 22. In the image forming apparatus 12, the HDD 26, the display control unit 28, and the operation input detection unit 30 are electrically connected to a system bus 42. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 12 uses an HDD 26 as the storage unit, but is not limited to this, and a non-volatile storage unit such as flash memory may be used.

[0037] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment includes a reading control unit 32 that controls the optical image reading operation by the document reading unit 44 and the document feeding operation by the document transport unit, and an image forming control unit 34 that controls the image forming processing by the image forming unit 24 and the transport of paper to the image forming unit 24 by the transport unit 25. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a communication line I / F (interface) unit 36 ​​connected to a communication line 18, which transmits and receives communication data with other external devices such as a cloud server 16 connected to the communication line 18. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a facsimile I / F (interface) unit 38 connected to a telephone line (not shown), which transmits and receives facsimile data with a facsimile device connected to the telephone line. The image forming apparatus 12 also includes a transmit / receive control unit 40 that controls the transmit and receive of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit 38. In the image forming apparatus 12, the transmission / reception control unit 40, the reading control unit 32, the image forming control unit 34, the communication line I / F unit 36, the facsimile I / F unit 38, and the log collection unit 46 are electrically connected to the system bus 42.

[0038] With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 12 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 20A to access the RAM 20C, ROM 20B, and HDD 26, respectively. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the display of information such as operation screens and various messages on the display 22A of the user interface 22 via the display control unit 28. The image forming apparatus 12 also uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the document reading unit 44 and the document transport unit via the reading control unit 32. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 uses the CPU 20A to control the operation of the image forming unit 24 and the transport unit 25 via the image forming control unit 34, and to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line I / F unit 36, respectively. In addition, the image forming apparatus 12 uses the CPU 20A to control the transmission and reception of facsimile data via the facsimile I / F unit 38 by the transmission and reception control unit 40. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 12 uses the CPU 20A to understand the operation content in the user interface 22 based on the operation input detection unit 30, and performs various controls based on this operation content.

[0039] Next, the main electrical components of the information processing terminal 14 and cloud server 16 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main electrical components of the information processing terminal 14 and cloud server 16 according to this embodiment. Since the information processing terminal 14 and cloud server 16 are basically configured like a general computer, the information processing terminal 14 will be described as a representative example.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the cloud server 16 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 16A, ROM 16B, RAM 16C, HDD 16D, operation unit 16E, display 16F, and communication line I / F (interface) unit 16G. The CPU 16A controls the overall operation of the cloud server 16. The ROM 16B stores various control programs and parameters in advance. The RAM 16C is used as a work area when various programs are executed by the CPU 16A. The HDD 16D stores various data and application programs. The operation unit 16E is used to input various information, and a keyboard or mouse can be used for this purpose. The display 16F is used to display various information. The communication line I / F unit 16G is connected to the communication line 18 and transmits and receives various data with other devices connected to the communication line 18. All of the above parts of the cloud server 16 are electrically interconnected by a system bus 16H. In this embodiment, the cloud server 16 uses an HDD 16D as its storage unit, but it is not limited to this, and other non-volatile storage units such as flash memory may be used.

[0041] With the above configuration, the cloud server 16 according to this embodiment uses the CPU 16A to access the ROM 16B, RAM 16C, and HDD 16D, acquire various data via the operation unit 16E, and display various information on the display 16F. The cloud server 16 also uses the CPU 16A to control the transmission and reception of communication data via the communication line interface unit 16G.

[0042] In the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, the cloud services provided by the cloud server 16 are available to the information processing terminal 14. In this embodiment, the cloud server 16 provides a file upload and sharing service for uploading and sharing files as a cloud service.

[0043] The file upload and sharing service is a cloud service that enables file sharing with other devices by uploading files to the cloud server 16. The file upload and sharing service also has a function to register workflows containing multiple steps and execute the registered workflows. A workflow, for example, includes multiple steps such as application and approval, and performs processing such as sequentially sending information such as forms to the information processing terminal 14 of the person in charge of each step. In the following, each step of the workflow will be referred to as a task.

[0044] This section explains how to execute registered workflows in the file upload and sharing service. In the following, the operation of hovering the mouse pointer over an object will be referred to as "mouseover."

[0045] By accessing the cloud server 16 from the information processing terminal 14, the terminal receives a predetermined operation screen for the file upload and sharing service from the cloud server 16 and displays it on the display 14F of the information processing terminal 14.

[0046] When you drag a file from another window to the operation screen, the workflow pre-configured for the currently displayed folder will be displayed, as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, the workflow pre-configured for the folder you are hovering over with the mouse will be displayed, as shown in Figure 5. If you hover over an empty area with the mouse, it will be considered an upload to the currently displayed folder, and the workflow configured for the currently displayed folder may be displayed across the entire screen. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, if you hover over a specific folder, the workflow configured for that folder may be displayed as a pop-up, or the workflow may be displayed across the entire screen.

[0047] When displaying the workflow, each task set for each workflow is shown, as shown in Figure 6. In the example in Figure 6, three tasks are set for each of workflows A to C.

[0048] Users execute a workflow by dropping files into an area outside of the workflow tasks, or into any of the tasks. In this embodiment, as shown in Workflow A in Figure 6, dropping a file into an area without tasks will execute the tasks within the workflow from the beginning. On the other hand, as shown in Workflow B in Figure 6, dropping a file into a task within the workflow will start the workflow from the task where the file was dropped. This allows for the execution of a partial workflow with simple operations, without having to return to the workflow settings screen and interrupt and restart processes such as file uploads or moves.

[0049] Furthermore, while the mouse is hovering over the task, a thumbnail image 50 of the predicted result if the task were executed is displayed, as shown in Figure 6. The predicted result thumbnail image 50 may be displayed at the very end of the task, or it may be displayed in a dedicated area. In addition, a workflow list 52 showing the processing details to be executed may be displayed separately.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, operations such as editing and executing workflows are performed using the trajectory of the file as it is dragged.

[0051] Specifically, if there are two document editing workflows, or if workflows can be executed consecutively, as shown in Figure 7, multiple workflows can be specified to be executed in any order by dragging and dropping them onto the next workflow via the thumbnail image 50 displayed in the result prediction. For example, as shown in Workflow A in Figure 7, by dragging a file and hovering the mouse over the area of ​​Workflow A, the thumbnail image 50 of the result prediction when Workflow A is executed is displayed. Alternatively, by dragging a file over the thumbnail image 50, or by hovering the mouse over the thumbnail image 50 for a predetermined amount of time, or by performing predetermined operations such as using the control key on the thumbnail image 50, the thumbnail image 50 can be picked up. Then, by hovering the mouse over Workflow B with the thumbnail image 50 picked up, the thumbnail image 50 of the result prediction when Workflow B is executed after Workflow A is executed, and the two workflows can be executed consecutively by dropping the file.

[0052] To execute Workflow A from an intermediate task, drag and drop the file to the target task, and a thumbnail image 50 of Workflow A executed from an intermediate task will be displayed. Similarly, to execute Workflow B from an intermediate task, simply hover your mouse over the intermediate task and drop the file.

[0053] Furthermore, if sequential execution is not possible, or if there are multiple files to be dropped and the process cannot be applied to one of them, the drop destinations may be disabled sequentially, or an error message may be displayed, or a destination may be specified temporarily and edited later. For example, if there are steps that cannot be executed, they may be displayed in a way that indicates they cannot be executed, as shown in workflow C in Figure 7. In the example of workflow C in Figure 7, hatching is used to indicate that they cannot be executed. Other ways to indicate that they cannot be executed include graying out or blinking, which are different from the other display methods.

[0054] Furthermore, when executing workflows or tasks consecutively, an icon may be displayed allowing the user to select whether or not to execute a task by hovering the mouse over it for a predetermined period of time. For example, as shown in Figure 8, an icon to instruct execution ("○" in the example in Figure 8) and an icon to cancel ("×" in the example in Figure 8) may be displayed within the task icon. In the example in Figure 8, hovering the mouse over "○" adds an action, and hovering the mouse over "×" cancels the corresponding operation.

[0055] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, a cancel area such as an "×" icon may be placed to allow the most recent operation to be canceled. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, confirmation and cancellation may be instructed by mouse actions, confirming a nearby item or canceling the most recent operation. In the example in Figure 10, confirmation is performed by moving in a "○" trajectory near the task icon, and the most recent operation is canceled by moving in a back-and-forth trajectory.

[0056] As shown in Figure 11, a list of all tasks that can be registered as workflow steps may be displayed, allowing users to combine them to create a completely customizable workflow on the spot.

[0057] Furthermore, when a file is dropped last, a confirmation screen for the selected workflows may be displayed, as shown in Figure 12. Here, if there is only one workflow, the workflow may be executed immediately without displaying a confirmation screen, and if there are multiple workflows, a confirmation screen may be displayed for convenience, or the confirmation screen may always be displayed for confirmation. Alternatively, the user may be able to switch whether or not to display the confirmation screen in the user settings. The example in Figure 12 shows an example where a confirmation screen is displayed to confirm the processing content and execution status of the selected workflow.

[0058] Next, we will explain how to execute a single workflow from a specific point in the process. An example of such a workflow consists of the following steps. 1. When a document is uploaded to the "Contracts" folder 2. "An approval request is sent to the supervisor." 3. "Once approved by the supervisor, the process is transferred to the electronic signature service." 4. "Transfer the digitally signed file to the client's folder."

[0059] In this embodiment, if the approval stamp procedure has already been performed offline in the above procedure, the process can start from step 4.

[0060] Next, we will explain how to execute different workflows sequentially. Following the same procedure as before, if the workflow is divided into Workflow A and Workflow B, an example of each workflow consists of the following steps.

[0061] Workflow A is, 1. When a document is uploaded to the "Contracts" folder 2. "An approval request is sent to the supervisor."

[0062] Workflow B is, 1. When a document is uploaded to the "Contracts" folder 2. "Processing is transferred to the electronic signature service." 3. "Transfer the digitally signed file to the client's folder."

[0063] In this case, the workflow is the same as before, but in this embodiment, it is possible to flexibly combine options such as requesting approval only, signing only, or performing both.

[0064] Next, we will describe the specific processing performed in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed in the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. The processing in Figure 13 will be described as processing of a web application by the cloud server 16. Furthermore, the processing in Figure 13 starts, for example, when a file is dragged from another window to the operation screen and the cloud server 16 is notified from the information processing terminal 14 that the mouse has been hovered over a folder.

[0065] In step 100, CPU 16A reads and displays the workflow from the folder where the mouse hovers over, and then proceeds to step 102. That is, it obtains the operation information of the information processing terminal 14, reads from the database to see if there is a pre-configured workflow in the folder where the mouse hovers over, and if there is, sends it to the information processing terminal 14, thereby displaying the workflow on the display 14F of the information processing terminal 14. For example, the user-configured workflow name is displayed in each workflow area. A button to display all tasks that can be specified in the workflow may also be displayed. Alternatively, each task configured in the workflow may be displayed within the area of ​​each workflow.

[0066] In step 102, the CPU 16A determines whether an operation to add a workflow or task has been performed. This determination is made, for example, by obtaining operation information from the information processing terminal 14 via the operation unit 14E and determining whether a file has been dragged and moused over the area of ​​the workflow to be executed or over each task. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 108.

[0067] In step 104, CPU 16A adds the target workflow or task to the queue and proceeds to step 106. The queue is a mechanism for specifying the execution and cancellation of tasks, and workflows and tasks are added and removed as they are finished. Finally, the items remaining in the queue are executed in order from the top.

[0068] In step 106, CPU 16A updates the predicted execution result of the file and proceeds to step 108. Specifically, it updates the thumbnail image 50 of the predicted result of executing the workflow or task added to the queue and sends it to the information processing terminal 14, where the updated thumbnail image 50 is displayed on the display 14F of the information processing terminal 14.

[0069] In step 108, the CPU 16A determines whether an operation to delete the most recent workflow has been performed. This determination is made, for example, by obtaining operation information from the information processing terminal 14 via the operation unit 14E and determining whether a cancellation operation was performed using the aforementioned cancel icon (such as the "×" icon in Figures 8 and 9) or a mouse action. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 114.

[0070] In step 110, CPU 16A removes the most recent workflow or task from the queue and proceeds to step 112. That is, it removes the most recent workflow or task that was canceled from the queue.

[0071] In step 112, CPU 16A updates the predicted execution result of the file and proceeds to step 114. Specifically, it generates a thumbnail image 50 of the predicted execution result when the target workflow or task is deleted from the queue and sends it to the information processing terminal 14, and displays the generated thumbnail image 50 on the display 14F of the information processing terminal 14.

[0072] In step 114, CPU 16A determines whether a cancellation operation has been performed on a task that has been scheduled for execution. This determination is made, for example, by checking whether a cancellation operation was performed using the aforementioned cancellation icon (such as the "×" icon in Figures 8 and 9) or by a mouse action, similar to the determination in step 108. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 116; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 120.

[0073] In step 116, CPU 16A removes the specified workflow or task from the queue and proceeds to step 118. That is, it removes the specified workflow or task that was canceled from the queue.

[0074] In step 118, CPU 16A updates the predicted execution result of the file and proceeds to step 120. Specifically, it generates a thumbnail image 50 of the predicted execution result when the target workflow or task is deleted from the queue and sends it to the information processing terminal 14, and displays the generated thumbnail image 50 on the display 14F of the information processing terminal 14.

[0075] In step 120, the CPU 16A determines whether or not a file has been dropped. This determination is made, for example, by obtaining operation information from the information processing terminal 14 to determine whether or not a file has been dropped. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above processing is repeated. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 122.

[0076] In step 122, CPU 16A executes the workflow added to the queue and completes the series of processes.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the cloud server 16 performs the processing shown in Figure 13, but this is not the only example. For example, an application for using a file upload and sharing service may be installed on an information processing terminal 14, including a mobile terminal device, and the processing shown in Figure 13 may be performed on the information processing terminal 14. Here, we will describe the case in which the processing shown in Figure 13 is performed on the information processing terminal 14. In this case, the information processing terminal 14 functions as an information processing device.

[0078] In step 100, CPU 14A requests cloud server 16 to read the workflow configured in the folder where the mouse is hovering, thereby retrieving the workflow from cloud server 16 and displaying it on display 14F.

[0079] In the following step 102, the CPU 14A determines whether an operation to add a workflow or task has been performed. This determination is made, for example, by determining whether the mouse has been hovered over the area of ​​the workflow to be executed or each task while a file is dragged, through an operation of the operation unit 14E. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 108.

[0080] In step 104, CPU 14A requests cloud server 16 to add the target workflow or task to the queue, and the process proceeds to step 106. As a result, cloud server 16 adds the target workflow or task to the queue.

[0081] In step 106, CPU 14A retrieves an updated thumbnail image 50 of the predicted file execution result from the cloud server 16, displays it on display 14F, and proceeds to step 108. The cloud server 16 generates an updated thumbnail image 50 of the predicted file execution result when a workflow or task in the queue is executed and sends it to the information processing terminal 14.

[0082] In step 108, the CPU 14A determines whether an operation to delete the most recent workflow has been performed. This determination is made by determining, for example, whether a cancellation operation was performed by the operation unit 14E using the aforementioned cancel icon (the "×" icon in Figures 8 and 9) or by a mouse action. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 114.

[0083] In step 110, CPU 14A requests cloud server 16 to remove the most recent workflow or task from the queue, and the process proceeds to step 112. As a result, cloud server 16 removes the most recent workflow or task that was canceled from the queue.

[0084] In step 112, CPU 14A retrieves an updated thumbnail image 50 of the predicted file execution result from the cloud server 16, displays it on display 14F, and proceeds to step 114. The cloud server 16 generates an updated thumbnail image 50 of the predicted file execution result when a workflow or task in the queue is executed and sends it to the information processing terminal 14.

[0085] In step 114, CPU 14A determines whether a cancellation operation has been performed on a task that has been scheduled for execution. This determination is made, for example, by checking whether a cancellation operation was performed using the aforementioned cancellation icon (such as the "×" icon in Figures 8 and 9) or by a mouse action, similar to the determination in step 108. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 116; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 120.

[0086] In step 116, CPU 14A requests cloud server 16 to remove the specified workflow or task from the queue, and the process proceeds to step 118. As a result, cloud server 16 removes the canceled specified workflow or task from the queue.

[0087] In step 118, CPU 14A retrieves a thumbnail image 50 with an updated predicted file execution result from the cloud server 16, displays it on display 14F, and proceeds to step 120. The cloud server 16 generates a thumbnail image 50 with an updated predicted file execution result when a workflow or task in the queue is executed and sends it to the information processing terminal 14.

[0088] In step 120, the CPU 14A determines whether or not a file has been dropped. This determination, for example, determines whether or not a file drop operation has been performed by the operation unit 14E. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above processing is repeated. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 122.

[0089] In step 122, CPU 14A executes the workflow and completes the series of processes by requesting the cloud server 16 to execute the workflow that has been added to the queue.

[0090] In the above description, the cloud server 16 or the information processing terminal 14 was described as an information processing device, but the entire information processing system 10 may also be considered an information processing device.

[0091] Furthermore, although the CPU was described as an example of a processor in the above embodiment, the term "processor" refers to a broader term that includes general-purpose processors (such as CPUs) and specialized processors (such as GPUs: Graphics Processing Units, ASICs: Application Specific Integrated Circuits, FPGAs: Field Programmable Gate Arrays, and programmable logic devices).

[0092] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, but may be changed as appropriate.

[0093] Furthermore, the processing performed by the information processing system 10 according to the above embodiment may be software-based processing, hardware-based processing, or a combination of both. Additionally, the processing performed by the information processing system 10 may be stored as a program on a storage medium and distributed.

[0094] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 10. Information Processing Systems 14 Information Processing Terminals 14A CPU 16 Cloud Servers 16A CPU 50 thumbnail images 52 Workflow List

Claims

1. The processor comprises, When a file to be processed is dragged and the file is moved to a folder where a workflow containing multiple steps is pre-configured, the multiple steps included in the workflow configured in the folder are displayed. An information processing device that, when the file is dropped onto the displayed step, performs the process of executing the workflow from that step.

2. The processor comprises, A folder is pre-configured with a workflow that includes multiple steps, and the steps of the workflow configured in the said folder are displayed. The workflow displayed is edited using the path traced by dragging the file to be processed. An information processing device that performs the process of executing the edited workflow when the aforementioned file is dropped.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the processor is dragged and moved onto the displayed step, the processing content of each step of the workflow from that step is further displayed.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the processor, when the file is dragged and moved onto the displayed step, further displays a prediction of the execution result when the workflow is executed from that step.

5. The processor, if there are steps that cannot be executed, displays an indication that they cannot be executed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor determines whether to execute or not execute a step from among a plurality of displayed steps, using the trajectory of the file as it is dragged.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processor selects a step in which a predetermined operation has been performed on the displayed step as the target for execution.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation to position the file on the displayed step while it is being dragged for a predetermined amount of time.

9. On the computer, When a file to be processed is dragged and the file is moved to a folder where a workflow containing multiple steps is pre-configured, the multiple steps included in the workflow configured in the folder are displayed. An information processing program that, when the file is dropped onto the displayed step, causes the program to execute a process to execute the workflow from that step.

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