JP2009049598A - Image forming apparatus, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

A desired workflow can be executed in an arbitrary multifunction device.
An image forming apparatus 600 includes a reading unit 6001 that reads information from a medium, an analysis unit 6002 that analyzes information read by the reading unit 6001, and an analysis result of the analysis unit 6002 that includes workflow information. Workflow information management means 6006 for managing the workflow information. By providing such an image forming apparatus 600 in the multifunction device, it is possible to execute a desired workflow in the multifunction device.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that provides a workflow by reading information from, for example, a paper medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, multi-function devices (multifunction devices) that integrate functions of image forming apparatuses such as printers, copiers, and facsimiles have been developed. This multi-function device not only integrates functions but also has more advanced functions such as processing in cooperation with external services. In addition, some multi-function devices have a function that allows a plurality of processes to be performed by the device to be executed as one job, thereby simplifying a user's work in an office (hereinafter, a plurality of processes). Is called "workflow").

  The workflow depends on the user's business, and when the workflow is executed in the multi-function device, the user edits the workflow by combining a plurality of arbitrary processes and registers it in the multi-function device. The user generally executes a plurality of processes by using a workflow registered in advance as described above.

  On the other hand, for example, in Patent Document 1, when a thermal recording medium is read by a predetermined apparatus, the predetermined apparatus can acquire the data corresponding to the medium and the user can instruct a workflow related to printing. Techniques to do this are disclosed.

JP 2002-170075 A

  However, a user who uses a workflow does not use it with awareness of whether it is a multifunction device provided with the workflow. Therefore, the user may not be able to execute a desired workflow when attempting to execute a workflow on an arbitrary multifunction device (for example, a multifunction device installed in a nearby convenience store). In this case, the user must continue to search for a multi-function device that can execute a desired workflow, and wastes labor.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it enables a desired workflow to be executed in an arbitrary multifunction device.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that provides a workflow based on workflow information, a reading unit that reads information from a medium, an analyzing unit that analyzes information read by the reading unit, and the analyzing unit When the workflow information is included in the analysis result, workflow information management means for managing the workflow information is provided.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medium generation apparatus, a workflow information management unit that manages workflow information used by an image forming apparatus to provide a workflow, and outputs the workflow information to a medium as information that can be read by the image forming apparatus. Output means.
An image forming apparatus control method according to the present invention is a method for controlling an image forming apparatus that provides a workflow based on workflow information, a reading step of reading information from a medium, and analyzing the information read in the reading step And a workflow information management step for managing the workflow information when workflow information is included in the analysis result of the analysis step.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a medium generation apparatus, comprising: a workflow information management unit that manages workflow information used by an image forming apparatus to provide a workflow. The image forming apparatus includes an output step of outputting to a medium as readable information.
The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to control an image forming apparatus that provides a workflow based on workflow information, a reading step of reading information from a medium, and information read in the reading step And a workflow information management step for managing the workflow information when the workflow information is included in the analysis result of the analysis step.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute control of a medium generation apparatus including a workflow information management unit that manages workflow information used by an image forming apparatus to provide a workflow. A program for causing a computer to execute an output step of outputting information to a medium as information readable by the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to execute a desired workflow in an arbitrary multifunction device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network system includes a copying machine 1001, a copying machine 1002, a facsimile machine 1003, a database / mail server 1004, a client computer 1005, a LAN 1006, a facsimile machine 1007, and a public line 1008. Note that the copying machine 1001 according to this embodiment is a so-called multi-function device having a data transmission / reception function.

  The copier 1001 is connected to a copier 1002, a facsimile machine 1003, a database / mail server 1004, and a client computer 1005 having functions equivalent to those of the copier 1001 via a LAN 1006 such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The copier 1001 is also connected to the facsimile machine 1007 via the public line 1008.

  The copying machine 1001 also has a copy function and a facsimile function, and also has a data transmission function for reading a document image and transmitting the read image data to an apparatus on the LAN 1006. The copier 1001 also has a PDL (Page Description Language) function, and can receive and print out PDL image data instructed from a device on the LAN 1006. The copier 1001 also stores image data read by the copier 1001 and PDL image data instructed from a device on the LAN 1006 in a designated box area of the hard disk 2004 (see FIG. 2) in the copier 1001. It is possible. The copier 1001 can also print out the image data stored in the box area of the hard disk 2004.

  The copying machine 1001 can also receive the image data read by the copying machine 1002 via the LAN 1006 and store it in the hard disk 2004 in the copying machine 1001 or print it out. The copier 1001 can also receive image data from the client computer 1005 or the database / mail server 1004 via the LAN 1006, store it on the hard disk 2004 in the copier 1001, and print it out. is there. Note that a copying machine 1002 having a function equivalent to that of the copying machine 1001 similarly has the functions of the copying machine 1001 described above.

  The facsimile machine 1003 can receive and transmit image data read by the copying machine 1001 via the LAN 1006.

  The database / mail server 1004 can receive image data read by the copying machine 1001 via the LAN 1006 and store it as a database or send it as an e-mail.

  The client computer 1005 can connect to the database / mail server 1004 and acquire desired data from the database / mail server 1004 via the LAN 1006 and display it. The client computer 1005 can also receive, process, and edit data such as images read by the copying machine 1001 via the LAN 1006.

  The facsimile machine 1007 can receive data such as an image read by the copying machine 1001 via the public line 1008 and print it out.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the copying machine 1001. A controller unit 2000 included in the copier 1001 performs control for executing various processes of the copier 1001. The controller unit 2000 is connected to a scanner 2070 as an image input device and a printer 2095 as an image output device, and an operation unit 2012 is connected. The controller unit 2000 performs control for realizing a copy function for printing out the image data read by the scanner 2070 by the printer 2095. The controller unit 2000 performs control for inputting / outputting image information and device information by connecting to the LAN 1006 and the public line 1008 (WAN).

  Details of the inside of the controller unit 2000 will be described below. The controller unit 2000 has a CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 starts up an operation system (OS) by a boot program stored in the ROM 2003. The CPU 2001 executes application programs stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 2004 on the OS, thereby executing various processes. A RAM 2002 is used as a work area of the CPU 2001. The RAM 2002 provides a work area and an image memory area for temporarily storing image data. The HDD 2004 stores the application program and image data.

  An operation unit I / F (operation unit interface) 2006 and a network I / F (network interface) 2010 are connected to the CPU 2001 through a system bus 2007 together with a ROM 2003 and a RAM 2002. Further, a modem 2050 and an image bus I / F (image bus interface) 2005 are connected to the CPU 2001.

  An operation unit I / F 2006 is an interface with an operation unit 2012 having a touch panel, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2012 to the operation unit 2012. The operation unit I / F 2006 also sends information input by the user on the touch panel of the operation unit 2012 to the CPU 2001.

  A network I / F 2010 is connected to the LAN 1006 and inputs / outputs information to / from each device on the LAN 1006 via the LAN 1006. The modem 2050 is connected to the public line 1008 and inputs / outputs information via the public line 1008.

  An image bus I / F 2005 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 2007 and an image bus 2008 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts the data format. The image bus 2008 is composed of a PCI bus or IEEE1394. On the image bus 2008, a raster image processor (hereinafter referred to as “RIP”) 2060, a device I / F 2020, a scanner image processing unit 2080, a printer image processing unit 2090, an image rotation unit 2030, and an image compression unit 2040 are provided. .

  The RIP 2060 is a processor that develops a PDL code into a bitmap image. The device I / F 2020 is connected to the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits input image data. A printer image processing unit 2090 performs correction, resolution conversion, and the like corresponding to the printer 2095 for print output image data. The image rotation unit 2030 rotates image data. The image compression unit 2040 compresses the multivalued image data into JPEG data and the binary image data into data such as JBIG, MMR, and MH, and performs the decompression process.

  FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a hardware configuration of the scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 shown in FIG.

  The scanner 2070 and the printer 2095 are integrally configured as shown in FIG. The scanner 2070 includes a document feeding unit 250. The document feeding unit 250 feeds documents one by one from the top to the platen glass 211 one by one, and each time the scanning operation of each document is completed, the document is fed. Is discharged from the platen glass 211 to a discharge tray (not shown).

  When the document is fed onto the platen glass 211, the scanner 2070 turns on the lamp 212 and starts moving the moving unit 213. The scanning of the original on the platen glass 211 is performed by the movement of the moving unit 213. During this scanning, the reflected light from the document is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) 218 through mirrors 214, 215, and 216 and a lens 217, and an image on the document is placed on the imaging surface of the CCD 218. Imaged. The CCD 218 converts an image formed on the imaging surface into an electrical signal. This electric signal is input to a control device (not shown) after being subjected to predetermined processing.

  The printer 2095 has a laser driver 321, and the laser driver 321 drives the laser emission unit 322 based on image data input from the control device. As a result, laser light corresponding to the image data is emitted from the laser light emitting unit 322, and this laser light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 323 while being scanned. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 323 by the irradiated laser light, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image by the toner supplied from the developing device 324. In synchronization with the irradiation timing of the laser beam, recording paper is fed from the cassette 311 or 312 between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 via the conveyance path, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 323 is transferred to the transfer unit 325. Is transferred onto the recording paper fed.

  The recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent to a fixing roller pair (heating roller and pressure roller) 326 via a conveyance belt, and the fixing roller pair 326 records the toner image on the recording paper by heat-pressing the recording paper. Fix on paper. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing roller pair 326 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 330 by the paper discharge roller pair 327. The paper discharge unit 330 includes a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing post-processing such as sorting and stapling. When the duplex recording mode is set, after the recording paper is conveyed to the paper discharge roller pair 327, the rotation direction of the paper discharge roller pair 327 is reversed, and the paper is re-fed by the flapper 328 and the conveyance roller pair 329. Guide to conveyance path 339. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 339 is re-supplied between the photosensitive drum 323 and the transfer unit 325 similarly to the timing described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back surface of the recording sheet.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the operation unit 2012 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the LCD display unit 2013 has a structure in which a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The LCD display unit 2013 displays an operation screen for operating the copying machine 1001, and when a key or the like included in the operation screen is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 2001 of the controller unit 2000.

  A start key 2014 is operated to start a document image reading operation. For example, a green and red two-color LED 2018 is provided at the center of the start key 2014, and indicates whether the start key 2014 is in a usable state depending on the color. A stop key 2015 is operated to stop an operation in operation. The ID key 2016 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key 2017 is used when initializing settings made using the operation unit 2012.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed on the LCD display unit 2013 of the operation unit 2012. In the upper part of the operation screen of the LCD display unit 2013, a plurality of touch keys for selecting various functions are displayed. In this figure, a copy tab 501, a transmission / FAX tab 502, a box tab 503, a browser tab 504, and a right arrow tab 505 are displayed.

  FIG. 5 shows an initial screen of the copy function when the copy tab 501 is pressed. The display regarding the copy function is performed in an area 506. In the area 506, the upper part of the area 506-1 located at the upper side displays "Can copy", and the lower part displays the status to be displayed by the copy function, that is, the magnification, the selected paper feed stage and the number of sheets. (Specifically, “100%”, “A4”, “1”).

  In an area 506-2 located below the area 506-1, touch keys for setting the operation mode of the copy function include “actual magnification”, “magnification”, “paper selection”, “sorter”, “ Keys corresponding to “both sides” and “interrupt” are displayed. Furthermore, a character, a left arrow key corresponding to “lighten” for density adjustment, a right arrow key corresponding to “darken”, an automatic key for automatically adjusting density, and an application mode key are displayed. The application mode key is a key for displaying an operation mode designation screen that cannot be displayed on the initial screen. When the key is pressed, a plurality of designation screens are hierarchically displayed in the area 506.

  An area 507 located below the area 506-2 is an area for displaying the status of the copying machine 1001. In the area 507, for example, an alarm message such as a jam or a status message indicating that PDL printing is being performed when PDL printing is being performed is displayed. In the area 507, a system status / cancel touch key 508 is displayed. When the system status / cancel touch key 508 is pressed, a screen for displaying device information of the copier 1001 or a screen for displaying the print job status ( (Not shown) is displayed. On this screen, it is possible to cancel the job.

  When the transmission / FAX tab 502 is pressed, the image data read by the copying machine 1001 is sent to an apparatus on the LAN 1006 by e-mail or FTP, or is sent by facsimile via the public line 1008. The setting screen is displayed.

  When the box tab 503 is pressed, the image data read by the copying machine 1001 is stored in the box area in the HDD 2004, the image data stored in the box area is designated, printed out, and transmitted to the apparatus on the LAN 1006. A setting screen is displayed.

  When the controller unit 2000 is equipped with five or more functions, a right arrow tab 505 is displayed on the right side of the four tabs 501 to 504 of copy, transmission / fax, box, and browser. When the right arrow tab 505 is pressed, a screen for another function is displayed.

  FIG. 6 shows functional configurations of an image forming apparatus 600 included in the copier 1001 and a readable embedded medium generation apparatus 601 (hereinafter referred to as “medium generation apparatus”) included in the client computer 1005 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  In the image forming apparatus 600 illustrated in FIG. 6A, the operation unit 6000 is an interface for a user to perform an operation, and corresponds to the operation unit 2012 illustrated in FIG. 2. A reading unit (scanner) 6001 corresponds to the scanner 2070 shown in FIG. 2 and corresponds to the reading unit in the present invention.

  The reading information analysis unit 6002 is realized by executing an application program stored in the HDD 2004 shown in FIG. 2 and provides a function of analyzing information (image) read by the reading unit (scanner) 6001. The read information analysis unit 6002 corresponds to the analysis unit in the present invention.

  The authentication information management unit 6004 is realized by executing an application program stored in the HDD 2004 and by a partial storage area of the HDD 2004, and can manage available users and used user information. Provides user management functions. The authentication information management means 6004 corresponds to the authentication information management means in the present invention.

  The workflow information management unit 6006 is realized by executing an application program stored in the HDD 2004 and a partial storage area of the HDD 2004. The workflow information management unit 6006 provides a management function of information related to a workflow for providing a workflow function (in other words, enabling a workflow to be executed). Here, the information regarding the workflow includes workflow information used by the image forming apparatus 600 to provide the workflow. The workflow information management unit 6006 corresponds to the workflow information management unit of the image forming apparatus referred to in the present invention.

  The control unit 6003 is realized by executing an application program stored in the HDD 2004 and by a partial storage area of the HDD 2004 or a RAM, and controls various functions such as management and calling of various functions. . An information storage unit (memory / HD) 6005 is configured in the same manner as the HDD 2004, and is a database for storing necessary information.

  Next, in the medium generation device 601 shown in FIG. 6B, an operation unit 6100 is an interface for the user to perform an operation, and is an operation unit provided by the client computer 1005.

  The workflow information management unit 6101 is realized by executing an application program stored in the HDD similar to the HDD 2004 of the copying machine 1001 and a partial storage area of the HDD. The workflow information management unit 6101 provides a function for managing workflow information that can be provided to an external apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 600. Note that the workflow information management unit 6101 corresponds to the workflow information management unit of the medium generation device according to the present invention.

  An information storage unit (memory / HD) 6106 is configured in the same manner as the HDD 2004 of the copying machine 1001, and can also store application programs and the like for realizing the above-described means.

  The user initial value management means 6105 is realized by executing an application program stored in the HDD and by a partial storage area of the HDD, and provides a function of managing user initial value management information. Here, the user initial value management information is information provided in association with the workflow, and is the user initial value of each user of the input value input in the provided workflow.

  The output information generation management unit 6104 is realized by executing an application program stored in the HDD and by a partial storage area of the HDD, and manages a method (output format) for outputting embedded information. Here, the embedded information is information for managing what format is output in association with the workflow. For example, the sheet size is A4 size, the left side of the sheet is a free comment field, and the workflow embedding information on the right side of the sheet is encoded, and is stored as a set value for each workflow.

  The control unit 6102 is configured in the same manner as the control unit 6003. The control unit 6102 is realized by executing an application program stored in the HDD and by a partial storage area of the HDD or a RAM, and manages various functions. Controls the processing of each function such as calling and calling. The output unit 6103 outputs (prints) workflow information and the like managed by the workflow information management unit 6101 as an image to a readable embedded medium (paper medium in this embodiment), and has the same function as the printer 2095. It is realized with. The output unit 6103 corresponds to the output unit in the present invention.

  The medium generation device 601 configured as described above generates a paper medium to be provided to the image forming apparatus 600. In addition, when the user sets a paper medium provided from the medium generation apparatus 601 in the reading unit (scanner) 6001 and instructs the execution of reading using the operation unit 6000, the image forming apparatus 600 uses the paper medium. Read information from. Then, the image forming apparatus 600 acquires workflow information and the like from a paper medium so that the operation unit 6000 can execute the workflow. Hereinafter, details of processing performed in these apparatuses will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

  First, processing in the image forming apparatus 600 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the control unit 6003 of the image forming apparatus 600 that reads a paper medium and provides a workflow from the read information.

  First, in step S701, the control unit 6003 requests the reading unit (scanner) 6001 to execute the reading of the paper medium and extract the read data (image). The control unit 6003 acquires and holds the data extracted by the reading unit (scanner) 6001.

  In step S702, the control unit 6003 passes the extracted data to the read information analysis unit 6002, and requests analysis. If the received data is in an encoded format, the read information analysis unit 6002 analyzes it after decoding it. Then, the read information analysis unit 6002 returns authentication information, medium attribute information, information on the workflow, and the like as analysis results to the control unit 6003. The control unit 6003 holds information on the returned analysis result. Here, the authentication information included in the analysis result corresponds to the authentication information corresponding to the workflow referred to in the present invention, and the information related to the workflow included in the analysis result includes the workflow information referred to in the present invention.

  In step S703, the control unit 6003 requests the authentication information management unit 6004 to acquire current user authentication information. The authentication information management unit 6004 returns the current user authentication information, and the control unit 6003 holds the returned current user authentication information.

  In step S704, the control unit 6003 compares the current user authentication information held with the authentication information acquired in step S702. As a result of the comparison, if the authentication information is equal, the process proceeds to step S705, and if not, the process proceeds to step S711.

  In step S <b> 705, the control unit 6003 compares the current date and time with the expiration date on which the scan execution possessed by the attribute information of the medium acquired in step S <b> 702 can be performed. As a result of comparison, if the expiration date has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S706, and if it has exceeded, the process proceeds to step S711. The attribute information of the medium is for the case where you want to perform an operation that ensures that the workflow is executed within the deadline by setting a deadline on the medium itself. Good.

  In step S <b> 706, the control unit 6003 specifies workflow information from the workflow-related information acquired in step S <b> 702 and requests the workflow information management unit 6006 to register the specified workflow information. The workflow information management unit 6006 performs registration as a workflow using a paper medium.

  In step S <b> 707, the control unit 6003 identifies user input initial value information from the workflow-related information acquired in step S <b> 702. Then, the control unit 6003 requests the workflow information management unit 6006 to register the specified input initial value information of the user in association with the workflow registered in step S706. The workflow information management unit 6006 registers the user input initial value information in association with the workflow registered in step S706.

  Next, in step S708, the control unit 6003 requests the workflow information management unit 6006 to register the expiration date that can be executed by scanning, which is stored in the attribute information of the medium acquired in step S702, in association with the workflow. . The workflow information management unit 6006 registers the workflow registered in step S706 by associating the expiration date with which scanning can be executed.

  In step S709, the control unit 6003 determines whether a workflow-specific value is extracted from the information regarding the workflow acquired in step S702. If there is an extracted value, the process proceeds to step S710.

  In step S710, the control unit 6003 requests the workflow information management unit 6006 to register the workflow-specific value extracted in step S709 in association with the workflow. The workflow information management unit 6006 registers the workflow-specific value in association with the workflow registered in step S706.

  In step S711, the control unit 6003 recognizes an error, displays an error screen, and then ends the process.

  Next, processing in the medium generation device 601 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the control unit 6102 of the medium generation device 601 that generates a paper medium.

  First, in step S <b> 801, the control unit 6102 requests the workflow information management unit 6101 to acquire workflow information specified by the user using the operation unit 6100. The control unit 6102 holds the workflow information acquired by the workflow information management unit 6101.

  In step S <b> 802, the control unit 6102 requests the user initial value management unit 6105 to acquire an initial value or the like of the target user specified by the operation unit 6100. The control unit 6102 holds the initial value of the user acquired by the user initial value management unit 6105. Here, the information held by the control unit 6102 includes the authentication information analyzed in step S702 and the workflow-specific value specified in step S709, in addition to the user input initial value information specified in step S707. Information.

  In step S803, the control unit 6102 requests the output information generation management unit 6104 to acquire output information (information related to the output format of the embedded information) corresponding to the workflow specified by the user. The control unit 6102 holds the output information acquired by the output information generation management unit 6104.

  In step S804, the control unit 6102 passes the retained workflow information, user input initial value information, authentication information, workflow specific value information, and output information to the output unit 6103, and requests output. To do. The output unit 6103 performs print output based on the passed information and outputs a paper medium.

(Example)
Hereinafter, an example in which the image forming apparatus 600 included in the copying machine 1001 and the medium generation apparatus 601 included in the client computer 1005 according to the embodiment of the present invention are applied in specific scenes will be described.

(Example 1)
<Use cases where the workflow for confirming the identity of a person is applied>
In this example, after the card application or bank account opening application procedure is done at the card company or bank (service provider), the service provider confirms again whether the applicant (applicant user) is the principal. Is related to the workflow. First, the flow of processing will be described in the following (1) to (7).

(1) An application user fills in an application form and applies to a service provider.
(2) The service provider registers information for generating a workflow in the management system based on the applied contents.
(3) The service provider uses the medium generation device 601 and the information in (2) above to generate a paper medium.
(4) The service provider sends the paper medium to the application user.
(5) The application user who has received the paper medium goes to a place where an appropriate arbitrary multi-function device (in this example, the copying machine 1001) is installed.
(6) The image forming apparatus 600 included in the copier 1001 reads a paper medium set by the application user and provides a workflow from the read information.
(7) When the application user finishes executing the workflow normally, the identity verification is completed.

  In the above processing flow, the image forming apparatus 600 and the medium generating apparatus 601 according to the embodiment of the present invention provide the functions to the application user and the service provider in the cases (3) and (6). . The function to be provided and the function (7) provided as a workflow will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 9 to 14 and 22 are screen images in a workflow provided by the image forming apparatus 600 that reads a paper medium and provides the read information. This screen image is displayed at the time of execution of the control unit 6003 of the image forming apparatus 600 and in the workflow used by the application user provided as a result of the execution, and the above (6) and (7) are executed. Is displayed when These screen images are provided in the operation means 6000.

  15 to 17 are screen images provided in the medium generation device 601. This screen image is provided when the control unit 6102 of the medium generation device 601 is executed, and is displayed when the function (3) is executed.

  FIG. 12 shows a menu screen provided initially in (6) above. The application user first presses the add button 1201 on the workflow menu screen 1200 shown in FIG.

  When the application user presses the add button 1201, an authentication information input screen 1000A shown in FIG. 10 for inputting user authentication information is displayed. The application user inputs authentication information in the input field 1000B shown in FIG. 10, and presses an OK button 1000C.

  When the application user presses the OK button 1000C, the current user authentication information is registered in the authentication information management unit 6004 of the image forming apparatus 600, and a flow addition screen 2200A shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. When the application user sets the paper medium provided from the medium generation device 601 and presses the scan execution button 2200B shown in FIG. 22, the processing in step S701 shown in FIG. 7 is started.

  When all the processes from step S701 in FIG. 7 are completed normally, the process transits to the workflow menu screen 900 shown in FIG. If the current user authentication information is different from the analysis result authentication information in step S704 of FIG. 7, an error warning screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. This display corresponds to the processing in step S711 in FIG.

  The workflow menu screen 900 of FIG. 9 displays a temporary button 901 and a share button 902 in which the types of workflow functions are grouped. The temporary button 901 is provided only to the application user who has been authenticated in step S704. The share button 902 shows what can be used without any restriction on the user, but the description is omitted because it has nothing to do with this case. The person confirmation button 903 is a button in the workflow provided as a result of the processing of each step in FIG. 7, and is based on the workflow function that did not exist when the initial workflow menu screen 1200 was first displayed.

  Next, in order to execute the workflow of identity verification performed by the application user, the identity verification button 903 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed. When the application user presses the identity confirmation button 903, the authentication information input screen 1000A shown in FIG. 10 is displayed again as the first flow of the workflow. The application user inputs authentication information in the input field 1000B and presses the OK button 1000C.

  When the application user presses the OK button 1000C and the authentication information of the analysis result analyzed in step S703 in FIG. 7 is different from the authentication information input in the input field 1000B, an error warning screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. Is done. Then, the process transits to the workflow menu screen 1200. If the authentication information is correct, the process proceeds to the personal identification information input screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11 as the second flow of the workflow. In this example, when the authentication information input by the application user is different from the authentication information embedded in the paper medium, an error warning screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed to restrict the execution of the workflow. Yes. This ensures that the workflow of the present example for the purpose of identity verification is performed by the principal.

  On the personal identification information input screen 1100, the application user performs selection or input using the gender input key 1101, the date of birth input key 1102, and the telephone number input key 1103, and presses an OK button 1104.

  When the application user presses the OK button 1104, the input value (gender, etc.) described above is compared with the workflow-specific value extracted in step S710 of FIG. 7, and if it matches, the identity can be confirmed. It will be. If the identity verification ends normally, the screen transitions to the workflow menu screen 1200. If there is an error in the input value, an error warning screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed, and the screen again transits to the personal identification information input screen 1100 to prompt re-input. In this case as well, when the input value input by the application user is different from the unique value embedded in the paper medium, an error warning screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed to restrict the execution of the workflow. Yes. This ensures that the workflow of the present example for the purpose of identity verification is performed by the principal.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a workflow selection screen 1500 that is initially provided in the medium generation device 601 in (3) above. The workflow selection screen 1500 displays a list of workflows that can generate paper media. In this example, the user application confirmation flow 1501 is selected, and the next button 1503 is pressed. When a next button 1503 is pressed, a target user selection screen 1600 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. The target user selection screen 1600 provides a list 1601 of users who can output paper media. When a target user is selected in the user list 1601 and the print button 1602 is pressed, the processing from step S801 in FIG. 8 is started.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a paper medium that the medium generation device 601 outputs as a printing result. The paper medium shown in FIG. 17 includes a description of an instruction sheet 1700 indicating what the application user should do and embedded information 1701. Whether or not the embedded information 1701 is provided after being encoded is arbitrary, and is generally encoded if it is a case where information with high security (personal information, e-mail address, etc.) is handled. The authentication information included in the embedded information 1701 is embedded as authentication information analyzed in step S703 in FIG. Information for checking (gender, date of birth, telephone) shown in the embedded information 1701 is embedded as information recognized as a workflow-specific value extracted in step S710 in FIG. Flows such as “check of authentication information”, “check of gender”, and “check of date of birth” shown in the embedded information 1701 are workflow information that is the analysis result of step S706 in FIG.

  As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, the medium generation apparatus 601 provides workflow information and the like embedded in a paper medium, and the image forming apparatus 600 reads the paper medium, acquires the workflow information from the information, and can execute the corresponding workflow. I tried to do it. In addition, a special workflow (work flow for confirming the principal application) that is not provided by a normal copying machine can be executed by any copying machine.

(Example 2)
<Use cases that apply the workflow of the copy management slip>
This embodiment relates to a workflow for managing the number of returned copies in order for a trader (service provider) who wholesales newspapers and magazines to perform refund processing according to the number of returned copies of the wholesale destination (sales store user). Is. First, the flow of processing will be described in the following (1) to (6).

(1) The service providing company manages information related to the store user who is to manage the number of returned copies in the system.
(2) The service providing company generates a paper medium as a return number management slip for the store user using the information of the medium generation device 601 and (1).
(3) The service providing company sends the generated paper medium to the store user.
(4) The store user who has received the paper medium goes to a place where an appropriate multifunction device (in this example, the copying machine 1001) is located.
(5) The image forming apparatus 600 included in the copying machine 1001 reads a paper medium set by a store user and provides a workflow from the read information.
(6) When the store user completes the execution of the workflow, the input of the returned number of copies is completed, and the returned number of copies request process is completed.

  In the above processing flow, the image forming apparatus 600 and the medium generation apparatus 601 according to the embodiment of the present invention provide the functions to the dealer user and the service provider in the cases (2) and (5). To do. The function to be provided and the function (6) provided as a workflow to the store user will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  18, 19, 13, 10, 12, and 22 are screen images in a workflow provided by reading information on a paper medium in the image forming apparatus 600. This screen image is displayed at the time of execution of the control unit 6003 of the image forming apparatus 600 and in the workflow used by the application user provided as a result of the execution, and executes the above (5) and (6) Is displayed when These screen images are provided by the operation means 6000.

  20, 21, and 16 are screen images provided in the medium generation device 601. This screen image is provided when the control unit 6102 of the medium generation device 601 is executed, and is displayed when the function (2) is executed.

  FIG. 12 shows a menu screen initially provided in the above (5). The dealer user first presses an add button 1201 on the workflow menu screen 1200 shown in FIG.

  When the store user presses the add button 1201, an authentication information input screen 1000A shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. The store user inputs authentication information in the input field 1000B shown in FIG. 10, and presses an OK button 1000C.

  When the store user presses the OK button 1000C, the current user authentication information is registered in the authentication information management unit 6004 of the image forming apparatus 600, and a flow addition screen 2200A shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. When the store user sets the paper medium provided from the medium generation device 601 and presses the scan execution button 2200B shown in FIG. 22, the processing in step S701 shown in FIG. 7 is started.

  When all the processes from step S701 in FIG. 7 are completed normally, the process transits to the workflow menu screen 1800 shown in FIG. If the current user authentication information is different from the analysis result authentication information in step S704 of FIG. 7, an error warning screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. This display corresponds to the processing in step S711 in FIG.

  The workflow menu screen 1800 has the same configuration as the workflow menu screen 900 shown in FIG. On the workflow menu screen 1800, a copy management slip button 1803 is a button in a workflow provided as a result of the processing of each step of step S701 in FIG. The copy management slip button 1803 is based on a workflow function that did not exist when the initial workflow menu screen 1200 was first displayed.

  Next, in order to execute the workflow of the copy management slip, the store user presses the copy management slip button 1803 shown in FIG. When the store user presses the copy number management slip button 1803, the authentication information input screen 1000A shown in FIG. 10 is displayed again as the first flow of the workflow. The store user inputs authentication information in the input field 1000B and presses the OK button 1000C.

  When the store user presses the OK button 1000C and the authentication information of the analysis result analyzed in step S703 in FIG. 7 is different from the authentication information input in the input field 1000B, an error warning screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. Is displayed. Then, the process transits to the workflow menu screen 1200. If the authentication information is correct, the screen transits to the return number input screen 1900 shown in FIG. 19 as the second flow of the workflow. In this example, when the authentication information input by the store user is different from the authentication information embedded in the paper medium, an error warning screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed to restrict the execution of the workflow. ing. This ensures that the workflow of this example is performed by a predetermined store user.

  On the returned copy number input screen 1900, input is made in the returned copy number input field 1903 and an OK button 1904 is pressed. Information on the date key 1901 to be returned and the value 1902 that can be input as the number of returned copies displayed on the returned copies input screen 1900 are the values (ie, unique values) acquired in step S710 in FIG. These values are different values for each user of each store, but can be used as flow information. In addition, an initial input value is input and displayed in the initial returned copies input field 1903, and this initial input value is the value acquired in step S707 of FIG. When the initial input value is displayed in this way, the medium generating apparatus 601 embeds and provides the user input initial value information in the workflow information embedded in the paper medium. Then, the image forming apparatus 600 acquires information on the initial value input by the user from the paper medium, and provides it in the copier 1001 when the workflow is executed. Depending on the workflow, displaying the initial input value in advance may save the user input and improve the convenience. In such a case, it is effective to display the input initial value when the workflow is executed.

  When the store user presses an OK button 1904, if the value input in the number-of-returns-copy input field 1903 is within the range of values 1902 that can be input, the processing is completed and the workflow menu screen 1200 is displayed. If there is an error in the input value, an error warning screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed, and the screen again transits to the return copy number input screen 1900 to prompt re-input. In this case as well, when the input value input by the store user is different from the unique value embedded in the readable medium, an error warning screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed to restrict the execution of the workflow. I am doing so. This ensures that the workflow is executed.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a workflow selection screen 2000A initially provided to the medium generation device 601 in (2) above, and has the same configuration as the workflow selection screen 1500 shown in FIG. In this example, the copy management slip flow 2000B is selected and the next button 2000C is pressed. When the next button 2000C is pressed, a target user selection screen 1600 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. On the target user selection screen 1600, a list 1601 of users capable of outputting paper media is displayed. When a target user is selected in the user list 1601 and the print button 1602 is pressed, the processing from step S801 in FIG. 8 is started.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a paper medium that the medium generation device 601 outputs as a printing result. The paper medium shown in FIG. 21 includes a description of an instruction sheet 2100A indicating what a dealer user should do, and embedded information 2100B. FIG. 21 is the same as that shown in FIG. 17 except for the contents described. The authentication information included in the embedded information 2100B is embedded as authentication information analyzed in step S703 in FIG. The date to be returned and the value to be checked shown in the embedded information 2100B are embedded as information recognized as a workflow-specific value extracted in step S710 in FIG. The “authentication information check”, “returned copy number input request”, “send to return slip transmission destination”, and “eliminate flow at the end of processing” shown in the embedded information 2100B are the results of the analysis in step S706 of FIG. Is workflow information.

  As described above, in the second exemplary embodiment, the medium generation apparatus 601 provides workflow information and the like embedded in a paper medium, and the image forming apparatus 600 reads the paper medium, acquires the workflow information from the information, and can execute a workflow corresponding thereto. I tried to do it. In addition, a special workflow (a workflow for a copy management slip) that is not provided by a normal copying machine can be executed by any copying machine.

  In the present embodiment described above, the medium generation device 601 included in the client computer 1005 provides workflow information embedded in a paper medium. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 600 included in the copying machine 1001 reads a paper medium by the reading unit 6001, acquires workflow information from the read information, and can execute a workflow based on the workflow information in the copying machine 1001. To do. By doing so, it becomes possible to execute a desired workflow in an arbitrary copying machine.

  In order to realize the present invention, a storage medium in which a program code (computer program) of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments may be used. In this case, the object of the present invention is achieved by supplying the storage medium to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Needless to say, the OS (basic system or operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code.

  Furthermore, the program code read from the storage medium may be written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. In this case, based on the instruction of the written program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform part or all of the actual processing.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the network system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a main part of the copier according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side sectional view showing a hardware configuration of a printer and a scanner of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an operation unit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit of the copier according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus included in a copier and a readable embedded medium generating apparatus included in a client computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the image forming apparatus included in the copier according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the medium production | generation apparatus contained in the client computer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the warning screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the warning screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen used when producing | generating a paper medium in the client computer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen used when producing | generating a paper medium in the client computer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper medium produced | generated in the client computer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen used when producing | generating a paper medium in the client computer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper medium produced | generated in the client computer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the image image of the operation screen displayed in the workflow performed with the copying machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

600 Image forming apparatus 601 Embeddable medium generating apparatus (medium generating apparatus)
1001, 1002 Copier 1005 Client computer 6000, 6100 Operation means 6001 Reading means (scanner)
6002 Reading information analysis means 6003, 6102 Control section 6004 Authentication information management means 6005, 6106 Information storage section (memory / HD)
6006, 6101 Workflow information management means 6103 Output means 6104 Output information generation management means 6105 User initial value management means

Claims (9)

An image forming apparatus that provides a workflow based on workflow information,
Reading means for reading information from the medium;
Analyzing means for analyzing the information read by the reading means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: workflow information management means for managing workflow information when the analysis result of the analysis means includes workflow information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising authentication information management means for managing user authentication information.   The image according to claim 2, further comprising a comparison unit that compares authentication information corresponding to a workflow included in an analysis result of the analysis unit and user authentication information managed by the authentication information management unit. Forming equipment. Workflow information management means for managing workflow information used by the image forming apparatus to provide a workflow;
An output unit that outputs the workflow information to the medium as information readable by the image forming apparatus.   The medium generation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit prints the workflow information as an image on a paper medium. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus that provides a workflow based on workflow information,
A reading step for reading information from the medium;
An analysis step for analyzing the information read in the reading step;
A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: a workflow information management step for managing workflow information when the analysis result of the analysis step includes workflow information. A method for controlling a medium generation device including workflow information management means for managing workflow information used by an image forming apparatus to provide a workflow,
A method for controlling a medium generation apparatus, comprising: an output step of outputting the workflow information to the medium as information readable by the image forming apparatus. A program for causing a computer to execute control of an image forming apparatus that provides a workflow based on workflow information,
A reading step for reading information from the medium;
An analysis step for analyzing the information read in the reading step;
A program for causing a computer to execute a workflow information management step for managing workflow information when the analysis result of the analysis step includes workflow information. A program for causing a computer to execute control of a medium generation device provided with workflow information management means for managing workflow information used by an image forming apparatus to provide a workflow,
A program for causing a computer to execute an output step of outputting the workflow information to a medium as information readable by the image forming apparatus.

Images