Document Workflows and Routing Services Using Modular Filters
Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for providing document workflows and routing services using modular filters are described. In some aspects, the tools may initiate a workflow from a first modular processing filter within a pipeline of modular processing filters. The pipeline may be included within a device driver. The tools may also process the workflow using at least a second processing filter provided within the pipeline.
1 . A machine-readable storage medium comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the machine, cause the machine to perform a method comprising:
initiating a workflow from a first modular processing filter within a pipeline of modular processing filters, wherein the pipeline is included within a device driver; and
processing the workflow using at least a second processing filter within the pipeline.
2 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions for initiating a workflow include instructions for initiating a workflow whose function is different than a function associated with the device driver.
3 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions for initiating a workflow include instructions for initiating a workflow that completes without communicating back to the first processing filter.
4 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 1 , further comprising instructions for passing a document container structure to the workflow.
5 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions for initiating a workflow include instructions for initiating a workflow that proceeds independently of processing performed by the device driver, and in parallel with the processing performed by the device driver.
6 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions for initiating a workflow include instructions for initiating a workflow that proceeds independently of processing performed by the device driver, and completes after processing performed by the device driver completes.
7 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions for initiating a workflow include instructions for initiating a workflow that communicates back to the first processing filter after the workflow completes.
8 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 6 , further comprising instructions for passing a first document container structure to the workflow, and further comprising instructions for receiving a second document container structure from the workflow.
9 . A device comprising the machine-readable storage medium of claim 1 .
10 . A device driver comprising the machine-readable storage medium of claim 1 .
11 . A device driver comprising:
a plurality of modular processing filters for receiving a document container as input, and for passing at least part of the document container to the workflow.
12 . The device driver of claim 11 , wherein the processing filter is for initiating at least one workflow in response to an initiating workflow.
13 . The device driver of claim 12 , wherein the processing filter is for initiating the workflow as a secondary workflow to the initiating workflow.
14 . The device driver of claim 11 , wherein the processing filter is for initiating at least one workflow whose function is different than a function associated with the device driver.
15 . The device driver of claim 11 , wherein the processing filter is for initiating a workflow that proceeds independently of processing performed by the device driver, and in parallel with the processing performed by the device driver.
16 . The device driver of claim 11 , wherein the processing filter is for initiating a workflow that communicates back to the processing filter after the workflow completes.
17 . The device driver of claim 11 , wherein the processing filter is for initiating a workflow that completes without communicating back to the processing filter.
18 . A machine-readable storage medium comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the machine, cause the machine to perform a method comprising:
receiving a document container as input;
initiating a workflow; and
passing at least part of the document container to the workflow for processing.
19 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the instructions for initiating a workflow include instructions for initiating a workflow that communicates back upon completion.
20 . The machine-readable storage medium of claim 18 , wherein the instructions for initiating a workflow include instructions for initiating a workflow in response to interpreting a ticket package included in the document container.