JP2015170976A - Image processing system, image processing device, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the convenience of a preview function in an image processing device.SOLUTION: A scanner 110 that generates a scan image by scanning an original document has a workflow execution instruction program 111 that performs the following steps: selecting a workflow for continuously executing one or more processes; determining whether or not information related to the selected workflow meets a predetermined condition; and displaying in a display unit the scan image generated by performing an execution instruction operation for the selected workflow if it is determined that the information meets the predetermined condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program.

  In general, an image processing apparatus such as a copying apparatus, a scanner apparatus, or a multifunction peripheral is provided with a preview function, and a user can check a scanned image obtained by scanning a document before output.

  For the preview function, various proposals have been made so far. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, when a predetermined character is detected from a scanned image, the preview function is automatically activated before printing. The structure to be made is disclosed. According to Patent Document 1, for example, when a character such as “secret” or “important” is included in a scanned image, the user can check the print contents before print output.

  However, when processing other than print output processing (for example, transmission output processing) is performed on the scanned image, even if the scanned image does not include a predetermined character, the user confirms in advance. There are cases where this is necessary. That is, it can be said that it is not sufficient to control the preview function only by the content of the scanned image.

  For this reason, in order to improve the convenience of the preview function in the image processing apparatus, not only the content of the scanned image but also the content of the process executed later on the scanned image is considered. It is desirable that the function is configured.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it improves the convenience of a preview function in an image processing apparatus.

An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. That is,
An image processing apparatus that generates a scanned image by scanning a document,
Selecting means for selecting a workflow for continuously executing one or more processes;
Determination means for determining whether information related to the workflow selected by the selection means meets a predetermined condition;
Display control means for displaying on the display unit the scanned image generated by the execution instruction operation of the workflow selected by the selection means when it is determined by the determination means that a predetermined condition is met; Have

  According to each embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the preview function in the image processing apparatus.

It is a figure showing the whole distribution system composition concerning an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a delivery server. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of a scanner apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a workflow file. It is a figure which shows an example of execution log information. It is a figure which shows an example of authentication information. It is a figure which shows an example of preview setting information. It is a figure which shows an example of selection history information. It is a figure for demonstrating the function implement | achieved by running a workflow execution instruction program. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the workflow execution instruction | indication process by a workflow execution instruction | indication program. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed at the time of workflow execution instruction processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the preview control process by a workflow execution instruction program. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed at the time of a preview control process. It is a figure which shows an example of preview setting information. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the preview control process by a workflow execution instruction program. It is a figure which shows an example of preview setting information. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the preview control process by a workflow execution instruction program.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawing, about the component which has the substantially same function structure, the duplicate description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

[First Embodiment]
<1. Overall configuration of distribution system>
First, the overall configuration of a distribution system that is an example of an image processing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the distribution system 100.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the distribution system 100 includes scanner devices 110 to 130 that are examples of image processing apparatuses according to the present embodiment, a distribution server 140, and a distribution destination server 160. Scanner devices 110 to 130, distribution server 140, and distribution destination server 160 are connected to each other via network 150. In the example of FIG. 1, three scanner devices are connected to the network 150, but the number of scanner devices is not limited to three.

  The scanner devices 110 to 130 are devices that generate a scanned image by scanning a document. The scanner apparatuses 110 to 130 include a workflow execution instruction program 111, an authentication information database (hereinafter abbreviated as “DB”) 112, and a preview setting information DB 113. The scanner apparatuses 110 to 130 have a selection history analysis program 114 and a selection history information DB 115.

  The workflow execution instruction program 111 selects a workflow file that defines a workflow for continuously executing one or more processes on a scanned image. In addition, the distribution server 140 is instructed to execute a workflow process using the selected workflow file.

  The authentication information DB 112 stores authentication information related to a user who logs in when the workflow execution instruction program 111 is activated.

  The preview setting information DB 113 stores preview setting information defining conditions for starting a preview function for displaying a scanned image to the user. In this embodiment, the preview setting information stores conditions for information indicating the characteristics of the workflow file. The workflow execution instruction program 111 controls activation of the preview function based on the preview setting information stored in the preview setting information DB 113. That is, according to the workflow execution instruction program 111, it is possible to control activation of the preview function based on information indicating the characteristics of the workflow file.

  The selection history analysis program 114 analyzes the relationship between the workflow file selected by the user and the activation history of the preview function. The selection history information DB 115 stores selection history information indicating the selection history of the workflow file selected by the user. In the selection history analysis program 114, the selection history information stored in the selection history information DB 115 is analyzed. For the analysis of the selection history information by the selection history analysis program 114, for example, a probability indicating how much the user who performed the execution instruction operation for executing the workflow file has activated the preview function in the past is used. Calculating. The analysis result by the selection history analysis program 114 is stored in the selection history information DB 115.

  The distribution server 140 is a device that receives a scanned image from the scanner devices 110 to 130 and executes workflow processing on the scanned image using a workflow file selected by the user in the scanner devices 110 to 130.

  The distribution server 140 has a workflow execution program 141 and a workflow DB 142. Further, the distribution server 140 includes an execution history analysis program 143 and an execution history information DB 144.

  The workflow execution program 141 executes the workflow file selected by the user in the scanner devices 110 to 130 among the workflow files stored in the workflow DB 142. The workflow DB 142 stores a workflow file.

  The execution history analysis program 143 analyzes the execution history information stored in the execution history information DB 144 as the execution history of the workflow file, and analyzes the relationship between the executed workflow file and the activation history of the preview function. The analysis of the execution history information includes, for example, calculating a probability indicating how much the preview function is activated when the workflow file selected by the user has been executed in the past.

  The execution history information DB 144 stores execution history information and analysis results obtained by the execution history analysis program 143. The execution history information stored in the execution history information DB 144 includes execution history for all workflow files selected by the user in each of the scanner devices 110 to 130 and executed by the workflow execution program 141.

  The distribution destination server 160 is an apparatus that receives the transmitted scan image via the network 150 when a scan image is transmitted by executing workflow processing in the distribution server 140. The distribution destination server 160 includes a file server 131, an EDMS (Enterprise Document Management System) 132, an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server, and the like.

<2. Distribution server hardware configuration>
Next, the hardware configuration of the distribution server 140 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the distribution server 140.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution server 140 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, and a storage unit 204. Further, an input / output unit 205 and a communication unit 206 are provided. Note that each unit of the distribution server 140 is connected to each other via the bus 207.

  The CPU 201 is a computer that executes various programs (workflow execution program 141 and execution history analysis program 143) stored in the storage unit 204.

  The ROM 202 is a nonvolatile memory. The ROM 202 stores various programs and data necessary for the CPU 301 to execute various programs stored in the storage unit 204. Specifically, a boot program such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) is stored.

  The RAM 203 is a main storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The RAM 203 functions as a work area that is expanded when various programs are executed by the CPU 201.

  The storage unit 204 stores various programs executed by the CPU 201 (workflow execution program 141, execution history analysis program 143).

  The input / output unit 205 includes an input unit for inputting various instructions to the distribution server 140 and a display unit for displaying the internal state of the distribution server 140. The communication unit 206 receives scan images from the scanner devices 110 to 130 via the network 150. Further, the received scanned image is transmitted to the distribution destination server 160.

<3. Hardware configuration of scanner device>
Next, the hardware configuration of the scanner devices 110 to 130 will be described. Since the scanner devices 110 to 130 have the same configuration, the configuration of the scanner device 110 will be described below. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the scanner device 110.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the scanner device 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301, a read only memory (ROM) 302, a random access memory (RAM) 303, and a storage unit 304. Furthermore, an engine unit 305, an input / output unit 306, and a communication unit 307 are provided. Note that each unit of the scanner device 110 is connected to each other via the bus 308.

  The CPU 301 is a computer that executes various programs (workflow execution instruction program 111 and selection history analysis program 114) stored in the storage unit 304.

  The ROM 302 is a nonvolatile memory. The ROM 302 stores various programs and data necessary for the CPU 301 to execute various programs stored in the storage unit 304. Specifically, a boot program such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) is stored.

  The RAM 303 is a main storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The RAM 303 functions as a work area that is expanded when various programs are executed by the CPU 301.

  The storage unit 304 stores various programs executed by the CPU 301 (workflow execution instruction program 111, selection history analysis program 114).

  The engine unit 305 includes a scanner 310 and generates a scanned image by scanning a document.

  The input / output unit 306 includes an input unit for inputting various instructions to the scanner device 110 and a display unit for displaying the internal state of the scanner device 110. The input unit of the scanner device 110 includes an operation button for starting the workflow execution instruction program 111, an operation button for inputting various settings during the execution of the workflow execution instruction program 111, and the like. Further, the input unit of the scanner device 110 includes a start button for instructing the distribution server 140 to execute the workflow file. In the following description, it is assumed that the workflow file execution instruction operation includes an operation of pressing the start button of the input unit.

  Various display screens generated in accordance with the execution of the workflow execution instruction program 111 are displayed on the output unit of the scanner device 110.

  The communication unit 307 transmits an instruction to execute a workflow file including a scanned image to the distribution server 140 via the network 150.

<4. Explanation of information stored in distribution server>
Next, information stored in the distribution server 140 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a workflow file 400 stored in the workflow DB 142 included in the distribution server 140.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the workflow file 400 includes an identifier (workflow ID) 410 for identifying the workflow file, a plug-in group 420 that forms the workflow, and detailed information 430 set for each plug-in.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the workflow file 400 is a workflow file whose “workflow ID” is “XXX”. The workflow of the workflow file 400 includes a plug-in of “Plug-in A”, a plug-in of “Plug-in B”, and a plug-in of “Plug-in C”. The “Plug-in A” plug-in executes an input process based on the input setting information included in the detailed information 430 on the scan image transmitted from the scanner device 110. Further, the plug-in “Plug-in B” executes image processing based on the image processing setting information included in the detailed information 430 for the input scan image. The “Plug-in C” plug-in executes FAX transmission based on the FAX transmission setting information included in the detailed information 430 for the scanned image subjected to image processing. Note that the FAX transmission setting information includes information related to the transmission destination when the scanned image is FAX-transmitted.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the execution history information 500 stored in the execution history information DB 144 included in the distribution server 140. As shown in FIG. 5, the execution history information 500 includes “workflow file execution date / time”, “device ID”, “workflow ID”, and “preview setting” as information items.

  In “workflow file execution date and time”, the date and time when the workflow file 400 is executed by the workflow execution program 141 is stored. The “device ID” stores an identifier for identifying the scanner apparatus that has instructed execution of the workflow file 400.

  “Workflow ID” stores the workflow ID 410 of the workflow file executed by the workflow execution program 141. The “Preview setting” stores information indicating whether or not the preview function is activated when the execution of the workflow file 400 is instructed.

<5. Explanation of information stored in the scanner device>
Next, information stored in the scanner device 110 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of authentication information 600 stored in the authentication information DB 112 included in the scanner device 110. As shown in FIG. 6, the authentication information 600 includes “user ID”, “password”, and “attribute information” as information items.

  The “user ID” stores an identifier of the user that the user inputs as login information when starting the workflow execution instruction program 111. The “password” stores a password that the user inputs as login information when starting the workflow execution instruction program 111. “Attribute information” stores information indicating user attributes. Information indicating user attributes is classified and stored as “user name”, “affiliation”, or the like.

  Next, the preview setting information stored in the preview setting information DB 113 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of preview setting information 700 stored in the preview setting information DB 113.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the preview setting information 700 includes “condition” and “possibility of resetting by the user” as information items. The “condition” stores a condition for determining whether the scanner device 110 activates the preview function when the user performs an execution instruction operation of the workflow file. In this embodiment, the “condition” of the preview setting information 700 stores a condition for information indicating the characteristics of the workflow file. In addition, the “whether resetting by the user is permitted” is a setting in which the user does not activate the preview function by manual operation even when the scanner device 110 determines to activate the preview function by matching the “condition”. The information indicating whether or not to allow is stored.

  In the example of FIG. 7, when the workflow ID 410 of the workflow selected by the user in the scanner device 110 is a predetermined ID, the preview function is activated (condition 1). Further, when a plug-in for forming a workflow selected by the user in the scanner device 110 includes a plug-in for FAX transmission, the preview function is activated (condition 2). Further, when a predetermined transmission destination is included in the detailed information 430 set in the plug-in forming the workflow selected by the user in the scanner device 110, the preview function is activated (condition 3).

  Further, in the example of FIG. 7, “impossible” is stored in the condition 1 “possibility of resetting by the user”, so when the condition 1 is met, the preview function is started manually by the user It cannot be set not to be allowed. That is, when the condition 1 is met, the preview function is always activated. On the other hand, since “Yes” is stored in “Re-set by user” in condition 2 and condition 3, when the condition 2 or 3 is met, the preview function is not started by manual operation by the user. It can be set. That is, even when the condition 2 or 3 is met, the user can prevent the preview function from being activated by performing a predetermined operation.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of selection history information 800 stored in the selection history information DB 115 included in the scanner device 110. As shown in FIG. 8, the selection history information 800 includes “user ID”, “workflow ID”, and “preview setting” as information items.

  The “user ID” stores a user ID input when the workflow execution instruction program 111 is started. The “workflow ID” stores the workflow ID 410 of the workflow file selected by the user when the workflow execution instruction program 111 is executed. The “Preview setting” stores information indicating whether or not the preview function is activated when an execution instruction operation of the workflow file 400 is performed.

<6. Description of functions realized by executing workflow execution instruction program>
Next, functions realized by executing the workflow execution instruction program 111 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining functions realized by executing the workflow execution instruction program 111.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the functions realized by executing the workflow execution instruction program 111 include an authentication unit 901, a workflow setting unit 902, a scanner unit 903, a preview control unit 904, and a workflow execution instruction unit 905. .

  The authentication unit 901 prompts the user to input login information when starting the workflow execution instruction program 111, and determines whether the login information input by the user is correct or not based on the authentication information 600.

  The workflow setting unit 902 receives selection of the workflow file 400 by the user, and acquires the selected workflow file 400 from the distribution server 140. Further, the setting of the detailed information 430 by the user is accepted for the plug-in included in the acquired workflow file 400. In the case of the workflow file 400, the workflow setting unit 902 accepts the setting of the transmission destination included in the detailed information of fax transmission as the setting of the detailed information 430.

  The scanner unit 903 controls the scanner 310 and acquires from the scanner 310 a scan image obtained by the scanner 310 scanning a document.

  The preview control unit 904 determines whether or not the workflow file selected by the user meets the conditions defined in the preview setting information 700, and controls activation of the preview function according to the determination result. Note that when the preview control unit 904 activates the preview function, a preview screen including the scan image acquired by the scanner unit 903 is displayed on the display unit of the input / output unit 306.

  The workflow execution instruction unit 905 transmits a workflow file execution instruction to the distribution server 140. The workflow file execution instruction includes the content set in the workflow setting unit 902 (the ID of the selected workflow file, detailed information 430) and the scanned image acquired in the scanner unit 903.

<7. Workflow execution instruction processing flow by workflow execution instruction program>
Next, the flow of workflow execution instruction processing by the workflow execution instruction program 111 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of workflow execution instruction processing by the workflow execution instruction program 111. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the input / output unit 306 when the workflow execution instruction program 111 is executed.

  When the activation instruction of the workflow execution instruction program 111 is input, the workflow execution instruction process shown in FIG. 10 is started. In step S1001, the authentication unit 901 displays a login screen on the input / output unit 306 and accepts input of login information by the user.

  In step S1002, the authentication unit 901 determines whether the login information input in step S1001 is correct based on the authentication information 600. As a result of the determination by the authentication unit 901, if the login information is not determined to be correct, it is determined that the login is not successful, and the workflow execution instruction process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1002 that the login information is correct, it is determined that the login is successful, and the process proceeds to step S1003.

  In step S1003, the workflow setting unit 902 displays a setting screen and accepts settings by the user. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a workflow selection screen that is an example of a setting screen displayed by the workflow setting unit 902.

  In step S1003, first, a workflow selection screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11A is displayed. On the workflow selection screen 1100, workflow IDs of all workflow files stored in the workflow DB 142 of the distribution server 140 are displayed.

  When the user selects a workflow ID of a desired workflow file on the workflow selection screen 1100 and presses the selection button 1120, the workflow setting unit 902 displays a detailed setting screen 1130 shown in FIG. Note that when the cancel button 1121 is pressed, the workflow execution instruction process ends.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the detailed setting screen 1130 has a display column 1140 indicating the processing content of the selected workflow file and a setting column for setting detailed information 430 of each plug-in that realizes the processing content. 1150 is included. While selecting each plug-in included in the display column 1140, the user sets detailed information that can be set for the plug-in in the setting column 1150. FIG. 11B shows a state in which the “Plug-in C” plug-in is selected and “transmission destination” and “transmission time” are set as detailed information.

  Returning to FIG. In step S1003, when the detailed information setting on the detailed setting screen 1130 is completed, the user presses a start button (not shown) of the scanner device 110. As a result, the scanner unit 903 determines that the execution instruction operation of the workflow file has been performed in step S1004.

  In step S <b> 1005, the scanner unit 903 obtains a scan image generated by the scanner 310 by scanning a document in accordance with the workflow file execution instruction operation. When the scanned image is acquired, in step S1006, the preview control unit 904 executes preview control processing. Details of the preview control process will be described later.

  In step S <b> 1007, the workflow execution instruction unit 905 transmits a workflow file execution instruction to the distribution server 140. Specifically, an execution instruction including the workflow ID of the workflow file selected in step S1003 and the set detailed information and the scanned image acquired in step S1005 is transmitted to distribution server 140.

<8. Flow of preview control process>
Next, details of the preview control process (S1006) executed by the workflow execution instruction program 111 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the preview control process. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the input / output unit 306 when the preview control process is executed.

  In step S1201, the preview control unit 904 reads the preview setting information 700 stored in the preview setting information DB 113.

  In step S1202, the preview control unit 904 reads from the distribution server 140 a workflow file specified by the workflow ID selected by the user.

  In step S1203, the preview control unit 904 compares the workflow file read in step S1202 with the preview setting information 700 read in step S1201. If it is determined as a result of the comparison that the workflow file does not meet the conditions included in the preview setting information 700, the process advances to step S1204.

  In step S1204, the preview control unit 904 determines not to activate the preview function, and the process returns to step S1007 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1203 that the workflow file matches the conditions included in the preview setting information 700, the process advances to step S1205.

  In step S1205, based on the preview setting information 700, the preview control unit 904 determines the information stored in “possibility of resetting by user”. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that “impossible” is stored, it is determined that the setting for not activating the preview function cannot be performed by a manual operation by the user, and the process advances to step S1208.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1205 that “OK” is stored, it is determined that the preview function can be set not to be activated by a manual operation by the user, and the process proceeds to step S1206.

  In step S1206, the preview control unit 904 displays a confirmation screen for confirming to the user whether or not to activate the preview function. FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen 1300 displayed by the preview control unit 904. As shown in FIG. 13A, the confirmation screen 1300 displays a message asking the user whether to activate the preview function. On the other hand, the user selects and presses either the skip button 1310 or the Yes button 1311.

  In step S1207, the preview control unit 904 determines which button the user has selected and pressed on the confirmation screen 1300. If it is determined that the skip button 1310 has been selected and pressed, the process advances to step S1204 to determine not to activate the preview function.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1207 that the Yes button 1311 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S1208. In step S1208, it is determined that the preview function is activated.

  In step S1209, the preview control unit 904 activates the preview function and displays a preview screen on the input / output unit 306. FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen 1320 displayed by the preview control unit 904.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, the preview screen 1320 displays the scan image 1330 acquired in the scan process in step S1005. Also, a page feed button 1340 is displayed. Accordingly, even when the scanned image acquired in the scanning process covers a plurality of pages, the user can confirm all the pages of the scanned image by operating the page feed button 1340. In the preview screen 1320, a cancel button 1350 and a start button 1351 are further displayed. A cancel button 1350 is a button for instructing to cancel execution of the workflow file for the scanned image 1330 displayed on the preview screen 1320. The start button 1351 is a button for instructing execution of a workflow file for the scanned image 1330 displayed on the preview screen 1320. The user selects and presses either the cancel button 1350 or the start button 1351.

  In step S1210, the preview control unit 904 determines which button the user has selected and pressed on the preview screen 1320. If it is determined that the user has selected and pressed the cancel button 1350, it is determined that the execution of the workflow file has been instructed, and the workflow execution instruction process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has selected and pressed the start button 1351, it is determined that execution of the workflow file has been instructed, and the process returns to step S1007.

  As described above, the preview control unit 904 operates after the start button for instructing execution of the workflow file is pressed and the scan process is executed, and determines whether to activate the preview function based on the preview setting information 700. . If it is determined that the preview function is to be activated, a scan image is displayed on the preview screen 1320.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the activation of the preview function based on information indicating the characteristics of the workflow file.

  Note that the preview control unit 904 transmits a workflow file execution instruction to the distribution server 140 for the first time when the start button 1351 is pressed by the user. That is, as a workflow file execution instruction operation, the user performs one type of operation (start button pressing operation) when the preview function is not activated. When the preview function is activated, two types of operations (pressing the start button and the start button 1351) are performed.

<9. Summary>
As is clear from the above description, in the distribution system 100 according to the present embodiment,
-When a workflow file execution instruction operation is performed in the scanner device and a scan image is generated, the preview control unit is operated to determine whether to activate the preview function.
In determining whether to activate the preview function, the workflow ID included in the workflow file, the processing content in the workflow file, and the detailed information set in the workflow file are referred to.

  As a result, the user can automatically browse the preview screen even when performing transmission processing, which is processing other than printing processing, on the scanned image. In other words, even when the scanned image does not contain a predetermined character, the preview screen is automatically displayed according to the workflow file executed on the scanned image. It becomes possible to improve the property.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the contents of the workflow file executed for the scanned image are defined as “conditions” in the preview setting information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a user attribute that instructs execution of a workflow file for a scanned image may be defined as a “condition”.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of preview setting information 1400 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the “condition” of the preview setting information 1400 stores a condition for the attribute information of the user instructing activation of the workflow execution instruction program 111.

  Specifically, the preview function is activated when the user ID of the user who has instructed activation of the workflow execution instruction program 111 is a predetermined ID (condition 1). In addition, when the affiliation of the user who instructs the activation of the workflow execution instruction program 111 is a predetermined affiliation, the preview function is activated (condition 2).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of preview control processing executed by the preview control unit 904 based on the preview setting information 1400 shown in FIG. Of the processes in the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. The difference from the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is step S1501 and step S1502.

  In step S1501, the preview control unit 904 reads the authentication information 600 of the user who has logged in when the workflow execution instruction program 111 is activated. In step S1502, the preview control unit 904 compares the authentication information 600 read in step S1501 with the preview setting information 1400 read in step S1201. As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the authentication information 600 does not match the conditions included in the preview setting information 1400, the process proceeds to step S1204.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1502 that the authentication information 600 matches the condition included in the preview setting information 1400, the process proceeds to step S1205.

  Note that the processing after step S1204 and step S1205 has already been described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a preview screen can be automatically displayed based on user attribute information that instructs execution of a workflow file for a scanned image. Thereby, for example, it is possible to perform control for automatically starting the preview function for a user who often handles important documents or a user who belongs to a department who frequently handles important documents.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the contents of the workflow file executed for the scanned image are defined as “conditions” in the preview setting information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a “condition” may be defined based on an analysis result for the execution history information 500 stored in the distribution server 140. Alternatively, the “condition” may be defined based on the selection history information 800 stored in the scanner device 110.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of preview setting information 1600 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the “condition” of the preview setting information 1600 stores a condition for information indicating an analysis result obtained by analyzing the execution history information 500. Alternatively, a condition for information indicating an analysis result obtained by analyzing the selection history information 800 is stored.

  Specifically, when an execution instruction operation for the selected workflow file is performed, a preview function is activated when a predetermined ratio (50%) or more of the users who have previously selected the workflow file activate the preview function. Is activated (condition 1). In addition, when the user who has performed the execution instruction operation of the workflow file has activated the preview function for a workflow file having a predetermined ratio (50%) or more of the workflow files for which the execution instruction operation has been performed in the past, the preview function is Start (condition 2).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of preview control processing executed by the preview control unit 904 based on the preview setting information 1600 shown in FIG. Of the processes in the flowchart shown in FIG. 17, the same processes as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here. The difference from the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is steps S1701 to S1703.

  In step S <b> 1701, the preview control unit 904 reads the authentication information 600 of the logged-in user when the workflow execution instruction program 111 is activated. Alternatively, the workflow ID of the workflow file selected in step S1003 is read.

  In step S1702, the preview control unit 904 reads the analysis result of the selection history information 800 corresponding to the authentication information 600 read in step S1701. Alternatively, the analysis result of the execution history information 500 corresponding to the workflow ID read in step S1702 is read.

  In step S1703, the analysis result of the selection history information 800 read in step S1702 is compared with the preview setting information 1600 read in step S1201. Alternatively, the analysis result of the execution history information 500 read in step S1702 is compared with the preview setting information 1600 read in step S1201. As a result of the comparison, if it is determined that the analysis result of the selection history information 800 or the analysis result of the execution history information 500 does not match the condition included in the preview setting information 1600, the process proceeds to step S1204.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1703 that the analysis result of the selection history information 800 or the analysis result of the execution history information 500 matches the condition included in the preview setting information 1600, the process proceeds to step S1205.

  Note that the processing after step S1204 and step S1205 has already been described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the preview screen can be automatically displayed based on the analysis result of the execution history information of the workflow file stored in the distribution server 140. Alternatively, the preview screen can be automatically displayed based on the analysis result of the selection history information of the workflow file stored in the scanner device 110.

  Thereby, for example, it is possible to perform control for automatically starting the preview function for a user whose preview function is activated frequently or a workflow file whose preview function is activated frequently. In this case, the preview function is dynamically controlled.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the preview function is activated when a plug-in for forming a workflow includes a FAX transmission plug-in. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the preview function may be activated when a plug-in that executes a process that takes a long time (for example, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) process or the like) is included.

  In each embodiment described above, the preview control process (step S1006) by the preview control unit 904 is executed after the scan process (step S1005) by the scanner unit 903. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the preview control process may be executed before the scan process by the scanner unit 903 is executed.

  In the above embodiments, the preview setting information 700, 1400, and 1600 are stored separately, but the present invention is not limited to this. A combination of any of the preview setting information 700, 1400, and 1600 may be stored as one preview setting information. In this case, the condition for the information related to the workflow is stored in the “condition” of the preview setting information.

  In addition, the “condition” of the preview setting information includes not only a condition for information related to the workflow but also a condition for information related to the scanned image (for example, “a predetermined character is included in the scanned image”). May be stored.

  In each of the above embodiments, the workflow execution program 141, the workflow DB 142, the execution history analysis program 143, and the execution history information DB 144 are arranged in the distribution server 140. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the workflow execution program 141 and the workflow DB 142, the execution history analysis program 143, and the execution history information DB 144 may be arranged in the scanner device 110.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the scanner device is used as an example of the image processing device has been described. However, the image processing device according to the present invention is not limited to the scanner device. The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes all apparatuses having the scanner 310 such as a copying apparatus and an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) in addition to the scanner apparatus.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration shown here, such as a combination with other components in the configuration described in the above embodiment. These points can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

100: Distribution system 110-130: Scanner device 111: Workflow execution instruction program 112: Authentication information DB
113: Preview setting information DB
114: Selection history analysis program 115: Selection history information DB
140: Distribution server 141: Workflow execution program 142: Workflow DB
143: Execution history analysis program 144: Execution history information DB
150: network 160: delivery destination server 500: execution history information 600: authentication information 700: preview setting information 800: selection history information 901: authentication unit 902: workflow setting unit 903: scanner unit 904: preview control unit 905: workflow execution instruction Unit 1100: Workflow selection screen 1130: Detailed setting screen 1300: Confirmation screen 1320: Preview screen 1400: Preview setting information 1600: Preview setting information

JP 2010-0050522 A

Claims (10)

An image processing apparatus that generates a scanned image by scanning a document,
Selecting means for selecting a workflow for continuously executing one or more processes;
Determination means for determining whether information related to the workflow selected by the selection means meets a predetermined condition;
Display control means for displaying, on a display unit, the scan image generated by the execution instruction operation of the workflow selected by the selection means when the determination means determines that a predetermined condition is met; An image processing apparatus comprising:   Information related to the workflow selected by the selection means includes information indicating the characteristics of the workflow, information indicating the attribute of the user who has selected the workflow, and history of the execution of the workflow in the past. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one or a plurality of pieces of information indicating the analysis result obtained is included. The information indicating the characteristics of the workflow includes an identifier indicating the workflow,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether an identifier indicating the workflow satisfies a predetermined condition. The information indicating the characteristics of the workflow includes information indicating the processing content of the workflow,
4. The image processing according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not information indicating a process content of the workflow includes information indicating a process of transmitting the scan image. 5. apparatus. The information indicating the characteristics of the workflow includes information indicating a transmission destination in the process of transmitting the scanned image,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether information indicating a transmission destination in the process of transmitting the scanned image matches a predetermined condition. The information indicating the analysis result includes a ratio in which the scan image is controlled to be displayed on the display unit when the workflow selected by the selection unit has been executed in the past.
The determination unit determines whether or not a ratio at which the scanned image is displayed on the display unit matches a predetermined condition when the workflow selected by the selection unit has been executed in the past. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination is performed. The information indicating the analysis result is controlled such that the scan image is displayed on the display unit when the user who has selected the workflow through the selection unit has performed a workflow execution instruction operation in the past. Percentage included,
The determination unit has a predetermined ratio that the scan image is displayed on the display unit when a user who has selected a workflow through the selection unit has previously performed a workflow execution instruction operation. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing apparatus determines whether or not the condition is satisfied. An image processing apparatus that generates a scanned image by scanning a document;
A server having a workflow that continuously executes one or more processes,
Selecting means for selecting the workflow;
Determination means for determining whether information related to the workflow selected by the selection means meets a predetermined condition;
Display control means for displaying, on a display unit, the scan image generated by the execution instruction operation of the workflow selected by the selection means when the determination means determines that a predetermined condition is met; An image processing system comprising: An image processing apparatus that generates a scanned image by scanning a document;
An image processing method in an image processing system, comprising: a server having a workflow that continuously executes one or more processes,
A selection step of selecting the workflow;
A determination step of determining whether information relating to the workflow selected in the selection step matches a predetermined condition;
A display control step for displaying, on a display unit, the scan image generated by the execution instruction operation of the workflow selected in the selection step when it is determined in the determination step that a predetermined condition is met; An image processing method comprising: In the computer of the image processing apparatus that generates a scanned image by scanning a document,
A selection step for selecting a workflow for continuously executing one or more processes;
A determination step of determining whether information relating to the workflow selected in the selection step matches a predetermined condition;
A display control step for displaying, on a display unit, the scan image generated by the execution instruction operation of the workflow selected in the selection step when it is determined in the determination step that a predetermined condition is met; A program for running

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