JP4043431B2 - Stamp processing apparatus, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, stamping apparatus, a program, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to find the stamp position in the electronic file, the stamp processing apparatus for performing an electronic stamping, was recorded program, and its program The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium.

  In recent years, digitization of various documents such as text manuscripts and drawings has progressed, and the introduction of a workflow system has increased the circulation of electronic documents (hereinafter also referred to as document files) in enterprise systems. Therefore, the need for electronic stamping on the document file (hereinafter also referred to as electronic stamp) is increasing.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been proposed various types of apparatuses that read a printed material as image data, and perform imprint processing (endorser processing) on the printed material (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). See). The automatic stamping device described in Patent Document 1 is a device that automatically performs various numbering on a printed material and stamps it. The document is read by a document reading device, and the result is supplied to an image memory. The stamp memory control circuit generates various types of stamp image data based on the number of documents or the number of sheets already printed, and the image data is synthesized by the image synthesis circuit and output by the image printing apparatus. In this automatic stamping apparatus, a stamp on a printed material is automatically stamped by combining the image data obtained by reading the printed material with the stamp image data and printing it again.

  The reading device described in Patent Document 2 is a device that reliably performs a stamping process that indicates the end of reading of a document. The reading unit that reads the document, and a reading completion confirmation that indicates that the reading of the document by the reading unit has ended. A stamping means for stamping, a detection means for detecting image information at a planned stamping position when performing the stamping by the stamping means, and a paper discharge means for discharging the document read by the reading means. When image information exists at the planned stamp position, the stamp is not performed by the stamping means. In this reading apparatus, when image information exists at the planned stamping position, the sheet is discharged without performing the stamping process, and when the sheet is discharged, the document subjected to the stamping process and the document not subjected to the stamping process are sorted and discharged. This reduces the burden of post-processing of the document. Patent Document 2 also describes a form in which, when image information exists at a planned stamping position, a region where a stamping process can be performed is detected and the stamping process is performed.

On the other hand, there has also been proposed an electronic seal stamp system that realizes an electronic stamp for an electronic document with the same user interface as a traditional seal stamp (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The electronic seal stamp system described in Patent Literature 3 includes an electronic seal stamp that transmits data unique to a seal stamp stored therein, an electronic vermilion that receives the data, and an electronic document display device. In this system, the user performs a stamping action on the electronic vermilion using the electronic seal stamp, so that the data specific to the stamp is taken into the electronic vermilion and the electronic vermilion searches for the seal imprint using this data as a key The seal stamp data is sent to the electronic document display device, and then the user performs a stamping action on the document display surface of the electronic document display device, so that the electronic seal stamp electronically sets the position and angle of the seal relative to the document. Send to document display. The electronic document display device includes a stamp position detection unit and a stamp angle detection unit, and displays the seal received previously based on the obtained position and angle information. This user interface requires the user to perform a two-time stamping action, but is adapted to the original sense of use of a seal stamp in which the document is first stamped and then stamped.
Japanese Patent No. 3326971 JP 2000-174960 A Japanese Patent No. 2500581

  However, in the automatic stamping device described in Patent Document 1, electronic stamping is performed by combining stamp image data with image data after the document is read, and the document reading and printing processing in the device is performed. Even if the electronic stamp process is executed on the document file, only the electronic stamp process at a predetermined position can be performed. Since document files such as drawing data and document data usually have different stampable areas for each document file or page, in a system that can only execute electronic stamping at a predetermined position, there are multiple files. Even when it is desired to synthesize the drawing data on the page at once, there are pages where the electronic seal overlaps with the figure, and it is necessary for the user to visually confirm and correct each page.

  Further, even in the reading apparatus described in Patent Document 2, when image information is present at a planned stamp position, an area where the stamp process can be performed is detected and the stamp process is performed. Even if the electronic stamp process is executed on the document file except for the reading and printing processes, the normal search means requires a long time to search for the stampable area. This is because document files such as drawing data and document data usually have different stampable areas for each document file or for each page. A check operation and correction operation by the user's visual inspection are required for one sheet.

  Furthermore, the electronic seal stamp system described in Patent Document 3 is a system for the purpose of adapting to the original sense of use of the seal stamp, and the stamp position detection means of the electronic document display device in the system is simply an electronic seal stamp. It is only necessary to detect the display position on the electronic document display device based on the position and angle information obtained from the stamped electronic seal stamp, and the user visually confirms the stamp position and performs the stamp work. There is no substitute, and therefore, the stamp position cannot be retrieved from the electronic file. This is not limited to a system using data unique to a seal stamp, but is the same even in a system using a simple electronic stamp image.

  As mentioned above, in any conventional system, if you want to synthesize electronic stamp data such as registered electronic seal stamp data or image data, open an electronic file such as a drawing or document, and perform the sealing process visually. It is necessary to specify the stamping position by confirming whether a possible area is found, etc., or it is necessary for the user to check and correct each item visually, or a long search time is required. Thus, there is no choice but to wait for the search for the stampable area. The same problem arises in an electronic approval system using electronic stamp processing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when performing electronic stamp processing on an electronic file, there is no need to visually specify the position of the stamp or confirming it, and a short search for a stampable area is possible. Stamp processing apparatus, stamp position search program, stamp processing program, and computer-readable recording medium on which these programs are recorded, capable of searching for stamp positions by time and performing electronic stamp processing on electronic files at high speed The purpose is to provide.

  Further, according to the present invention, when an approver approves an electronic file, it is not necessary to visually designate and confirm the stamp position, and the stamp processable area is searched for in a short search time to find the stamp position, and at high speed. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic approval system, an electronic approval program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, which can perform electronic stamp processing on the electronic file.

The invention of claim 1 searches the stamp position when performing electronic stamping on the document file, a stamping apparatus for performing electronic stamping, a document file reading means for reading a document file, the document file reading means Search range specifying means for specifying a search range of the stamp position for the document file read in step (b), and a blank area having a width corresponding to the output image area of the stamp data from the specified search range as the stamp position. Position search means for searching, and stamp processing means for performing electronic stamp processing at the stamp position searched by the position search means, and the blank area is identified by the stamp image when the image of the stamp data is output. If the blank area is not found by the search, the position search means It is obtained by further comprising a means for searching again by changing the color of the serial blank area.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, when the position search unit searches for the stamp position, the search is performed by excluding any one of the upper, lower, left, and right margin setting portions of the document file from the search target. it is obtained by characterized by chromatic means for.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the stamp processing device searches for a position to perform electronic stamp processing on each page of the document file, and the stamp processing means responds to each page. The electronic stamp processing is performed .

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as the stamp processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects .

The invention of claim 5 is a program for causing a computer to execute a process of searching for a stamp position when an electronic stamp process is performed on a document file. The process includes a step of reading a document file, and the reading of the document file A step of designating a search range of the stamp position for a document file; and a position search step of searching a blank area having a size corresponding to an output image area of stamp data from the designated search range as the stamp position; And the blank area is a color area in which a stamp image can be easily identified at the time of image output of the stamp data, and the position search step is performed when the blank area is not found by the search. And a step of searching again after changing the color of .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the position search step, when searching for the stamp position, the search is performed by removing any or all of the margin setting portions in the document file from the search target . It is characterized by doing.

The invention of claim 7 is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to any one of claims 4 to 6 is recorded .

  According to the present invention, when electronic stamp processing is performed on an electronic file, it is not necessary to visually specify or confirm the stamp position, and the stamp position can be searched for in a short search time to find the stamp position. This makes it possible to perform electronic stamp processing on an electronic file at high speed without requiring visual designation of the stamp position.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the approver approves the electronic file, it is not necessary to visually designate and confirm the stamp position, and the stamp processable area is searched in a short search time to find the stamp position, Electronic stamp processing can be performed on an electronic file at high speed.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a stamp processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a stamp processing apparatus, 11 is a stamp processing means, 12 is a document file reading means, and 13 is a search range. Designation means, 13a is user setting means, 14 is position search means, 15 is stamp data generation / storage means, and 16 is stamp selection means.

  A stamp processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stamp position searching unit and a stamp processing unit 11 for searching a stamp position when an electronic stamp process is performed on a document file. This is an apparatus for applying an electronic stamp process to a stamp position searched by means. The electronic stamp processing here is so-called stamp combining processing, which is processing for inserting the stamp data into the document file without manual operation, etc., but the content of the document file is shifted in the output form at the time of insertion. For example, it is necessary to insert a stamp image so that it does not overlap.

  The document file handled in the present invention refers to an electronic document in which a document, a table, a figure, an image, or the like or a combination thereof is recorded. The number of pages is not limited to one page, and may be a plurality of pages. . In the present invention, a plurality of document files can be handled.

  An example of the stamp data handled in the present invention will be described later, but any data such as stamp image data or text data may be used. However, when inserting stamp data into a document file, an insertion method suitable for the data is adopted, or all types of stamp data are converted into image data and inserted, or a document file is It is necessary to adopt a method of inserting the stamp data into the upper layer as a hierarchical file. Further, as stamp data, data that automatically incorporates the date, date and time, stamper name, department, serial number, etc. for performing stamp processing may be adopted.

  The stamp position search means includes at least a document file reading means 12, a search range specifying means 13, and a position search means 14, and preferably includes a stamp data generation / storage means 15 and a stamp selection means 16. Here, a mode will be described in which the search range specifying means 13 is provided with user setting means 13a and the user can set the search range in advance or in a timely manner.

  The document file reading means 12 reads a document file. The search range specifying unit 13 specifies the search range of the stamp position for the document file read by the document file reading unit 12. Here, the stamp position refers to a position on the electronic file in which the electronic stamp is embedded, and the search range refers to a range in which an area on the electronic file in which processing for embedding the electronic stamp is possible is searched. In the conventional search method, since all document files are targeted for search, it takes time to search. However, in the search according to the present invention, a rough range to be synthesized is designated in advance such as the lower right part and the center part. Since the search is executed within an approximate search range, that is, it is possible to search by specifying the position in an ambiguous manner, the search range is narrowed and high-speed search is possible. Therefore, the stamp position searching means according to the present invention can also be called a stamp ambiguous position specifying means. The search range may be specified based on user settings as will be described later.

  The position search means 14 searches for a blank area from the search range specified by the search range specification means 13 as a stamp position. You may provide the search means according to the format of the document file to read. When the document file is a bitmap file, if the blank area is a white area, the 0 portion may be searched as being blank in 0/1 bit units. Even if the document file is not bitmap data, such as a CAD (cad) file made of vector data, the document file reading means 12 not only reads the file but also converts the data (here, vector data) into a bitmap. It is also possible to expand the data and then search for blank areas. In any case, the position of the stamp is determined by this search. The blank area here is a blank area having a width corresponding to the output image area of the stamp data used in the stamp processing means 11, and can also be called an output blank area. Therefore, in the present invention, it is assumed that the stamp data or its output image area is basically known in advance. The area corresponding to the output image area of the stamp data refers to a size corresponding to a stamp pressing area that is assumed after the electronic file is subjected to stamp processing and displayed on a display device or after printing on a printing apparatus.

  In the present invention, the stamp data or its output image area basically needs to be known in advance. Therefore, the stamp position search means includes a stamp data storage means or a stamp data generation means (shown as a stamp data generation / storage means 15). ). The stamp data is registered in advance in the stamp processing apparatus 1 for use in stamp processing and its template. If not, the stamp data is read into the stamp processing apparatus 1 or stamped in the stamp processing apparatus 1. What is necessary is just to make it produce | generate by a data production | generation means. The generated stamp data may be stored in the stamp data storage means. In the stamp data, the size (width and height) of the output image area can be read, and a blank area for the stamp can be searched.

  The stamp selection means 16 is a means for selecting stamp data to be inserted from the stamp data stored there when the stamp data storage means is adopted. The selection is made according to the type (format) of the document file, as will be described later. You may make it select according to a business type etc., you may make it a user select the setting of the selection, and you may make it make all users select.

  The user setting means 13a is a means for allowing the user to set a search range and accepting the setting. The search range specifying means 13 specifies the search range of the document file read by the document file reading means 12 based on the setting. . The user setting means 13a may include means for allowing the user to select one or a plurality of areas as a search range from each area when the area on the page of the document file is divided into a plurality of areas. The division of the area on the page of the document file means that for a document file with uniform page settings, the page settings are read and divided, or for any page settings However, it can be executed in various ways such as simply dividing it uniformly. Further, the user setting means 13a may have means for allowing the user to set the number of divisions. In this embodiment, the pages are averaged or vertically or horizontally based on the number of divisions. You may make it divide | segment into an average.

  In the form provided with the user setting means 13a, the position search means 14 may search the blank area from the search range based on the page setting of the document file read by the document file reading means 12 and the user's selection. . Here, the page is expanded based on the page setting of the document file, the area on the page is divided into a plurality based on the number of divisions set by the user, the page is divided into the areas, and the designated division area set by the user is set. Based on this, a search for a blank area may be performed.

  Further, the user setting means 13a is provided with means for setting a search range in the search range with priority. In the position search means 14, a blank area is set based on the priority order specified by the search range specifying means 13. You may make it search. Here, it is possible to search until a blank area is found by searching for a blank area from the priority search range and, if not found, searching for a search area with the next highest priority.

  As another form of the user setting means 13a, there may be provided means for displaying a predetermined screen as a sample or a preview screen of a document file and allowing the user to select an area as a search range. In this mode, instead of dividing the area as described above, a layout editor or the like is activated, and a predetermined screen (such as a general portrait screen or landscape screen) as a sample or a read document file The preview area is displayed, and for example, the user can select the start point by clicking with the mouse, move the mouse as it is, and click and drag to release the click at the end point. Is selected, and the selected area is set as the search range. That is, in this form, it is possible for a user to freely create and specify a search range on the screen.

  As another form of the search range specifying means 13, there may be provided means for specifying the search center point in the search range for the divided area, the whole area without division, or the user specified area. In this form, the position search means 14 starts the search around the designated search center point when searching. Of course, the user setting means 13a may be configured so that the search center point can be input and set.

  In addition, even if the blank area is not a blank area or a white area, a color area in which the stamp image (an image in which the stamp data is displayed or printed out) is easily identified when the stamp data is output, that is, a color in which the stamp image is conspicuous. It may be an area. The document file reading means 12 normally reads the color information of the document in the document file, and can also identify the color information there. In any case, the position search means 14 can search the blank area for the color portion corresponding to the blank by searching the data presence / absence information and the color information. Regardless of the use of color information, if the blank area has no data or is a white area, the blank space is simply compared with the stamp size information specified for the 0 part in 0/1 bit units. Search should be done.

  As another form of the position search means 14, there may be provided means for extracting data corresponding to the search range from the read document file. In this position search means 14, a blank area having a width corresponding to the output image area of the stamp data used in the stamp processing means 11 is searched as the stamp position from the extracted data (document file data only in the search range). . This extraction is particularly effective when the document file is represented by point data such as a bitmap at the search stage. As described above, even when the document file is not bitmap data, the data (here, vector data) can be expanded into bitmap data to search for a blank area.

  Further, the document file reading means 12 reads the document file in its output format, and the position search means 14 applies the search range specified by the search range specifying means 13 to the search range in the read output format, and is blank. You may make it search an area | region. For example, the output format of a document file of any format to a printing device such as a display device, a general-purpose printer, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP: Multi-Function Product / Printer / Peripheral) is bitmap data. Since it is a so-called collection of 0 or 1 (and color information) data, it can be easily applied to the search range in the output format. In addition, the above-described data extraction can be easily performed in the same manner.

  Furthermore, the position search means 14 may have means for searching for any one of the upper, lower, left and right margin setting portions or all of the margin setting portions in the document file when searching for the stamp position. Of course, the margin setting portion can be excluded from the search target by the search range specifying means 13 or its user setting means 13a. In addition, the stamp exclusion range may be specified not only for the margin setting portion but also for other portions. Of course, it is also possible to have a function of performing stamp processing by designating a stamped portion.

  Further, the stamp processing means 11 inserts the stamp data so that the output image of the stamp data is combined with the blank area (stamp position) searched by the stamp position searching means. That is, the stamp processing means 11 is a means for inserting stamp data so that the stamp is at that position when the document file is displayed or printed.

  In the stamp processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that stamp processing can be automatically performed on each page and a plurality of document files in the document file. As an automatic stamp for a plurality of pages, the stamp position search means searches for the position where the electronic stamp processing is performed on each page of the document file, and the stamp processing means 11 performs electronic stamp processing corresponding to each page (by serial number or the like). Should be applied. Further, as an automatic stamp for a plurality of document files, the stamp position search unit searches for a position where electronic stamp processing is performed on the plurality of document files, and the stamp processing unit 11 responds to each document file (by serial number or the like). An electronic stamp process may be performed.

  According to each of the above-described embodiments, when performing electronic stamp processing on an electronic file, it is possible to save labor for visual inspection without having to visually designate and confirm the stamp position, and to shorten the search time for the stamp processable area. It is possible to find the stamp position by performing a search with the above, and it is possible to perform the electronic stamp processing on the electronic file at high speed without the need to visually specify the stamp position. Therefore, it is possible to automate the electronic document checking operation.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure in the stamp position search program and stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. 1, and an example of a processing procedure in the stamp position search program and stamp processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is also a flowchart for demonstrating. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the search range designation process and stamp data of the document file in FIG. 2, FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining an example of the search range designation process of the document file, and FIG. Is a diagram showing an example of stamp data, in which 40 is a document file display screen, 41 is a search range, and 42, 43 and 44 are stamp images.

  The stamp position search means and stamp processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 are generally configured by a computer program and a control means or storage means for executing the program. An example of the processing procedure of the stamp position search means, stamp position search program corresponding to the stamp processing apparatus 1 and stamp processing program of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the document file is read by the document file reading means 12 from the stamp processing apparatus 1 or from outside the apparatus 1 (step S1). Then, the search range of the stamp position is specified by the search range specifying means 13 for the read document file (step S2). The designation here may be a uniform designation for the read document file or a designation for the read document file.

  When the document file is to be displayed on the display screen 40 (or to be printed by the printing apparatus) as shown in FIG. 3A, the search range is specified as a search range 41 indicated by a rectangular dotted line. It may be specified vaguely in the upper left of the page, and hence it can be called an ambiguous position specification. The search range can be specified by letting the user select one or a plurality of areas as a search area from each area when the area on the page of the document file is divided into a plurality of areas, and the read document file based on the selection There are various methods such as a method for designating the search range and a method for allowing the user to perform click-and-drag on the screen (for example, on the display screen 40 (which can also be reduced) or on the sample screen).

  For the read document file, the stamp selection means 16 selects a stamp to be inserted (step S3). The stamp to be selected is acquired from the stamp data generating / storing means 15. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, stamp image data indicating the destination of the data (for example, “custom specification for XX factory” 42 ), The approval mark 43 including the approval date 43a, stamp image data representing the characteristics of the object shown in the data (for example, "surface matte processing" 44), and the like, not only image data but also text data, etc. There may be. When the stamp data is generated, the generated data is basically selected. Also, the selection here may be a uniform specification for the read document file or a specification for the read document file.

  Next, a blank area having a size corresponding to the output image area of the stamp data (for example, the stamp image 42) used by the stamp processing means 11 from the specified search range (for example, the search range 41) by the position search unit 14 is obtained. A search is made as a stamp position (step S4). Then, the stamp processing means 11 performs electronic stamp processing by, for example, combining the stamp image 42 with the stamp position searched by the position search means 14 (step S5).

  Further, the stamp processing apparatus 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the stamp processing means 11 included therein, the stamp position searching means, and the like may be configured by hardware. The program may be incorporated in a general-purpose computer such as a computer) or a server computer, and various processes in that case will be described with reference to a configuration example of a general information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a general information processing apparatus, in which 1a is a stamp processing program, 31 is a CPU, 32 is a RAM, 33 is a ROM, 34 is an input device, 35 is a display device, 36 is an output device, and 37 is a bus.

  The information handled by the device 1 and each means in the device 1 according to the present invention is temporarily accumulated in the RAM 32 at the time of the processing, and then stored in various ROMs 33 and read out by the CPU 31 as necessary and corrected / written. Is called. Further, the program for causing the computer to function as the device 1 and each means in the present invention is stored in the ROM 33 as illustrated as the stamp processing program 1a in FIG. This program when mounted on a computer or the like is a program (a program that causes a computer to function) that controls the CPU 31 or the like of the computer as each of the above-described means (and each means described later in another form).

  In addition, the progress of the process and the result of the process are presented to the apparatus user through a display device 35 such as a CRT or LCD, and the apparatus user performs the process from the input device 34 such as a keyboard or a mouse (pointing device) if necessary. All you need to do is enter the necessary parameters. This program may be provided with a graphical user interface (GUI) for the display device 35 so as to be easy for the device user to use. The output device 36 is an output device for a communication device such as a network board for performing communication by connecting to a network, and for an output device such as a printing device. Note that the CPU 31, RAM 32, ROM 33, input device 34, display device 35, and output device 36 may be connected by a bus 37 or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a stamp processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure in the stamp position search program and stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the example of a process sequence in the stamp position search program and stamp processing program which concern on other embodiment of this invention. In the figure, 14a is a blank area color changing means, 17 is a stamp color changing means, 18 is a stamp image reducing means, and the other components that are the same as or similar to those in FIG.

  The stamp processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that can re-search by changing the color when a blank area is not found in the apparatuses of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, the description of the same parts and application forms as those of the apparatus and program described above will be omitted including the description of the effects.

  The position search means 14 in this embodiment includes a blank area color changing means 14a for changing the color setting of the blank area when a blank area as a stamp position is not found by the search. For example, if the standard color of the stamp is red, the standard color of the blank area is white, and the document file is almost light pink, it cannot be found in white, so the light pink color should be changed as the color of the blank area. . It is advisable to set countermeasures such as providing an alert function when a blank area is not found (at any stage). As an alert function, it is good to display a sentence such as “I could not find it” or a pop-up display.

  In this embodiment, the color of the stamp data may be changed instead of or in addition to the space area color changing unit 14a. In this embodiment, the stamp color search means 17 is provided in the stamp position search means. The stamp color changing means 17 changes the color at the time of stamp data image output. For example, when the standard color of the stamp is blue, the standard color of the blank area is white, and the document file is almost light blue, the stamp color may be changed to red or the like. It is better to be able to set countermeasures such as providing an alert function when a blank area is not found. The stamp color changing means 17 can be used not only when a blank area is not found but also when it is simply desired to change.

  In this embodiment, the stamp image may be reduced instead of or in addition to the space area color changing unit 14a and the stamp color changing unit 17. In this embodiment, the stamp image search means 18 is provided in the stamp position search means. The stamp image reduction means 18 reduces the output image area of the stamp data itself used by the stamp processing means 11. Then, the position search means 14 searches for a blank area based on the reduced stamp image. It is better to be able to set countermeasures such as providing an alert function when a blank area is not found. The stamp image reduction means 18 can be used not only when the blank area is not found but also when the stamp data is simply reduced. Note that, on the contrary to this, a form in which the document file itself is enlarged can be adopted.

  As an example of the processing procedure of the stamp position search program and the stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. 5, first, as in steps S1 to S4 of FIG. 2, a blank area is searched from the search range (steps S11 to S14). Therefore, it is determined whether or not a blank area has been found (step S15), and if found, electronic stamp processing similar to step S5 is performed (step S17). On the other hand, if no blank area is found, the color of the blank area or stamp image is changed or the stamp image is reduced (step S16). Then, the process returns to step S14, the search is performed again, this process is repeated until it is found, and an electronic stamp process is performed on the found blank area (step S17).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a stamp processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure in the stamp position search program and the stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the example of a process sequence in the stamp position search program and stamp processing program which concern on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a search range designation process and its setting screen for the document file in FIG. 8, FIG. 9A is an example of the search setting screen, and FIG. 9B is a search for the document file. It is an example of the screen after performing a range designation | designated process and an electronic stamp process.

  In the figure, 19 is a display means, 19a is a display device, 20 is a page designation means, 45 is a horizontal dividing line, 46 is a vertical dividing line, 50 is a setting screen, 51 is a blank search / stamp processing button, and 52 is a screen. The position setting field 53 is a stamp selection field, and the other components that are the same as or similar to those in FIGS. 1, 5, and 3 are given the same reference numerals.

  A stamp processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that allows a user to set a search range while viewing the display in the apparatuses of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same part and the application form as those of the program is omitted including the description of the effect. Here, the description will be made based on the apparatus described with reference to FIGS.

  The stamp position search means in this embodiment includes a display means 19 and a page designation means 20. The display means 19 displays the document file read by the document file reading means 12 on the display device 19a. The page designating unit 20 designates a page to insert a stamp in the document file displayed by the display unit 19. As described above, user input or the like in the user setting means is also performed via the display device 19a.

  As an example of the processing procedure of the stamp position search program and the stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. 8, first, as in steps S11 to S17 of FIG. 6, a search is performed until a blank area is found from the search range, and electronic stamp processing is performed (step S21, S25 to S30). However, the search range designation process in step S25 is different from that in FIG.

  First, the user setting means 13a allows the user to select the number of divisions for the document file read in step S21 (step S22). As described above, the selection here may be specific to the document file or may be applicable to other document files. Normally, the user selection here is also made based on the display on the display device 19a. In the example of FIG. 9, the division number is set to 4.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the display unit 19 displays the read document file divided by the number of divisions (here, four divisions) on the display device 19a (step S23). FIG. 9B shows an example in which the horizontal dividing line 45 and the vertical dividing line 46 are displayed as a four-divided display in an example in which the content of the document file is a space shuttle design drawing. Although FIG. 9B shows the page after the stamp processing, it is better not to output the dividing lines 45 and 46 such as display and printing after the stamp processing.

  Next, the user setting means 13a causes the user to select one or a plurality of areas as a search range from each divided area (step S24). In the setting screen (environment setting screen) 50 in FIG. 9A, “upper left of screen” is selected by the user in the screen position setting (designation) column 52 as the search range for the first stamp processing, and stamp data ( In this example, “sample” (for example, a stamp image 44) is about to be selected by the user in the stamp selection field 53 as the type of stamp). The search range may be selected by the user clicking on the area on the page. The user selection is completed when the user clicks the “OK” button, for example, by checking the blank search / stamp processing button 51. Based on the selection, the search range specifying means 13 specifies the search range of the read document file (step S25). Then, the stamp processing apparatus 1 executes the processing of steps S26 to S30, reads the size (width and height) of the output image area of the stamp data, searches for a blank area, and as a result, is shown in FIG. 9B. In this manner, the stamp image 44 “surface matte processing” is embedded in the upper left of the screen.

  Similarly, “screen lower left” is selected as the search range in the screen position designation column 52, “sample2” (for example, the stamp image 42) is selected as the stamp data in the stamp selection column 53, and “ “Sample 3” (for example, a stamp image 43) is selected by the user in the stamp selection field 53 as stamp data, and a blank search / stamp processing button (stamp insertion processing button) 51 is checked. When the user clicks the button, blank search is performed for various places. As shown in FIG. 9B, a stamp image 42 “custom-made specification for XX factory” is displayed at the bottom left of the screen. Stamp processing for embedding the stamp images 43 of the marks is performed. In the present invention, as described above, it is also possible to specify a plurality of search ranges and / or insert stamp data for one page.

  In another embodiment, the display unit 19 is not provided as the stamp processing apparatus 1, but only the page designating unit for designating the page into which the stamp is inserted in the document file read by the document file reading unit 12. This page designating means is useful when performing all page designation, first page designation, etc. based on the type of document file, which will be described later.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a stamp processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a processing procedure in the stamp position search program and the stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the example of a process sequence in the stamp position search program and stamp processing program which concern on other embodiment of this invention. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a document discriminating means, and the other components that are the same as or similar to those in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 and FIG.

  A stamp processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that can determine the type of a read document file and perform stamp processing in accordance with the type of the read document file in the apparatuses of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, the description of the same parts and application forms as those of the apparatus and program described above will be omitted including the description of the effects. However, the apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with stamp data storage means in an accessible location. Here, the description will be based on the apparatus described with reference to FIGS.

  It is assumed that the stamp position search unit in the present embodiment includes a document determination unit 21. The document discriminating means 21 discriminates the document type and / or business from the document file. Document types include, for example, txt files, bmp files, jpeg files, gif files, TIFF files, Office files (Excel files, word files, etc.), PDF files, cad files, etc. (Contracts, approval documents, etc.), contents of document files such as photos. In addition, the document business refers to, for example, which department the document is a document in, what business the document is, and the like.

  The stamp selection unit 16 may extract the stamp data used by the stamp processing unit 11 from the stamp data stored in the stamp data storage unit based on the result determined by the document determination unit 21.

  As an example of the processing procedure of the stamp position search program and stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. 10, first, as in steps S21 to S30 of FIG. 8, a search is performed until a blank area is found from the search range, and electronic stamp processing is performed (step S21). S41 to S50). However, the stamp selection process in step S46 is different from that in FIG.

  First, after specifying the search range of the read document file (step S45), the document determination means 21 determines the type of the read document file, and selects a stamp corresponding to the type (step S46). . The search and electronic stamp processing are performed later in accordance with the stamp data of the selected stamp.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of the configuration of a stamp processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 22 denotes an image reading apparatus, and FIG. 1, FIG. 5, FIG. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals.

  A stamp processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that enables image reading processing from a document and stamp processing on the read data in the devices of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. The description of the same parts and application forms as those of the apparatus and program described above will be omitted including the description of the effects. Here, description will be made based on the apparatus described with reference to FIGS.

  The stamp processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment further includes an image reading device 22 such as a scanner. The image reading device 22 reads a document and outputs document image data. Then, the document file reading means 12 reads the document image data output from the image reading device 22 as a document file. In the present embodiment, although details are omitted, the above-described patent document 1, 2, etc. can also be subjected to the stamping process.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic approval system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure in the electronic approval program in the system apparatus of FIG. It is also a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence example in the electronic approval program which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. In the figure, 1a is a stamp processing program, 2 is a document file database, 2a is a document management program, 3 is an approver's client device, 4 is a network, and FIG. 1, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, FIG. Components that are the same as or similar to 12 are given the same reference numerals.

  An electronic approval system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present system) is a system that includes the stamp processing device of each embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 and enables authentication of an electronic file. A description of the same parts and application forms as those of the above-described apparatus will be omitted including the description of the effects.

  This system includes a document file storage device that stores a document file and a client device 3 that is used by an approver who approves the document file, in addition to the stamp processing device according to any one of the embodiments described above. The object to be approved by the stamp processing in this system is a document file stored and stored in the document file storage device. In FIG. 12, an example of the stamp processing apparatus is illustrated as an example in which the stamp processing program 2a is incorporated in the server apparatus, and a document file database (DB) 2 is used as the document file storage apparatus as an example of the document management. The DB 2 is illustrated as being prepared in a state where it can be accessed from the server device in which the program 2a is incorporated.

  In addition, here, it is assumed that the client device 3 is connected to a server device including a stamp processing device and a document file storage device (stamp processing program 1a and document management program 2a, DB2) via the network 4. The electronic approval system according to the present invention can adopt various forms such as a form in which the stamp processing program 2a is incorporated in the client device 3 to incorporate the stamp processing device. Further, the present system will be described as including the apparatus described with reference to FIGS.

  The client apparatus 3 includes means for reading a document file from the document file DB 2 and means for starting a stamp processing apparatus when the approver approves the read document file. The server device may be provided with means for the client device 3 to function these means. The stamp processing program 1a and the hardware that executes it perform electronic stamp processing using the stamp data for the approver. The document file storage device includes means for storing a document file that has been subjected to stamp processing. In this example, it is assumed that the server device includes means for storing the document file on which the stamp process has been performed in the document file DB2.

  In this system, the approver accesses the server device in the client device 3 and reads the document file from the document file DB 2 (step S61). At this time, the stamp processing program 1a also reads the document file. Then, the stamp processing device in the server device (here, the stamp processing program 1a incorporated in the server device) causes the approver to select the division number for the read document file by the client device 3 (step S62). Next, the stamp processing program 1a displays the read document file by dividing the read document file by the number of divisions on the display device of the client apparatus 3 (step S63). From each divided area, one or a plurality of areas are searched as a search range. Let the user select (step S64).

  Based on the selection, the stamp processing program 1a specifies the search range of the read document file (step S65). Further, the stamp processing program 1a reads and selects the stamp for the approver from the DB storing the information on the approver and the client device 3 for the read document file (step S66). Then, the stamp processing program 1a searches the designated search range for a blank area having a size corresponding to the output image area of the stamp data to be inserted, until the blank area is found (YES in step S68) (step S68). Step S67). If not found, the color of the blank area or stamp image is changed or the stamp image is reduced (step S69). When the blank area is found, the stamp processing program 1a performs electronic stamp processing with the stamp for the approver at the searched stamp position (step S70). Finally, the document file storage device stores the document file that has been subjected to the electronic stamp process (step S71). In this example, the server device stores a document file that has been subjected to electronic stamp processing in the document file DB2.

  Here, the server apparatus, various DBs, client apparatuses, and networks described above will be supplementarily described. The database such as DB2 may be physically included in the server device or may be physically separated by connecting the DB to the server device via a network. Further, the DB may be separate or integrated in structure, and may be any form that can function as a database. The server device that manages the DB preferably includes dedicated software (DB management system) for maintaining and operating the DB, such as the document management program 2a described above. This makes the data in the DB physically and logically independent from the program (application software) that implements each function according to the present invention, facilitating various application version upgrades and system construction, and data matching. (Security) and security of data can be easily secured. Further, the server device may be a server having a hierarchical structure corresponding to processing, such as a WWW server, a user (here, a user who is the main approver) authentication server, and a DB management server.

  Further, the processing of various types of information in a general-purpose computer such as a PC (personal computer) or a server computer such as the client device 3 or the server device described above will be described again with reference to a configuration example of a general information processing apparatus shown in FIG. To do. This program when installed in the server device is a program (a program for causing the computer to function) that controls the CPU 31 of the computer as each means of the server device described above or later. Similarly, the program when installed in the client device 3 is a program for controlling the CPU of the computer as each means of the client device 3 described above or later. These programs are used for the display device 35 such as presenting a screen as illustrated in FIG. 3 or FIG. 9 so that the device user (system administrator, client device user) can use it easily. A graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided.

  Further, the network described in the present specification such as the network 4 is configured by a network system such as an intranet or an extranet using a communication line (not limited to wired or wireless), and may be configured by the Internet. This network system is not limited to a LAN (Local Area Network) environment, but may be constructed in a WAN (Wide Area Network) environment or a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) environment depending on the installation location of the server device. In addition, it is preferable for this network to enhance security by various methods such as using a dedicated line, encrypting transmission data, and authenticating users who use each client device.

  According to the system of each of the above-described embodiments, when an approver approves an electronic file, it is not necessary to visually designate and confirm the stamp position, and visual labor can be saved, and a stamp processable area can be searched shortly. It is possible to search by time to find a stamp position, and to perform electronic stamp processing on the electronic file at high speed. Therefore, it is possible to automate the electronic document checking operation.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic approval system according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which 5 is a document management server device, 5a is a document file DB, 5b is a document file, and 6 is a client device. 6a is a document file after stamp processing, 6b is a PDF file, 6c is a print document, 7 is a stamp tool, and 7a is an approval mark.

  An electronic approval system according to another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the system”) is an instruction issuance system that can issue a business instruction in the system described in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14. The description of the parts and application forms similar to those of the system and program described above will be omitted including the description of the effects.

  This system will be described as a system for issuing manufacturing instructions. This system comprises a document management server device 5 for managing a document file DB 5a, a client device 6 of an approver (here, a manufacturing instruction issuer) connected to the network, and various instruction issuing means. And

  In this system, the manufacturing instruction document issuer operates the client device 6 to read out and stamp the manufacturing instruction document file 5b including the documents and drawings stored in the document file DB 5a by the person who created the manufacturing instruction document. The tool 7 is activated to composite the approval mark 7a. In the client device 6, the document file 6a after the stamp processing including the approval mark 7a is saved and output as a PDF file 6b, or printed out as a print document 6c by the printing device, and a manufacturing instruction is issued. To do.

  The embodiments have been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, focusing on the apparatus, system, and program (e and its processing procedure) of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. As described in the description with reference to FIG. 4 relating to the apparatus and system, a program for causing a computer to function as a stamp position search means or a stamp processing apparatus (or each means in the apparatus), or a computer as an electronic approval system (or system) Or a program for causing a computer to execute the processing procedure of the apparatus or system, a program for executing the processing procedure, or a computer-readable recording in which any one of the programs is recorded. A form as a medium can also be adopted.

  An embodiment of a recording medium storing a program and data for realizing the functions of stamp position search, stamp processing, and electronic approval according to the present invention will be described. Specifically, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, a DVD-ROM, an FD, a flash memory, and other various ROMs and RAMs can be assumed as the recording medium, and the apparatus and system of each embodiment of the present invention described above. This function is facilitated by causing the computer to execute this function and recording and distributing a program for realizing the functions of stamp position search, stamp processing, and electronic approval on these recording media. Then, the information processing apparatus such as a computer illustrated in FIG. 4 is loaded with the recording medium as described above, and the program is read by the information processing apparatus, or the program is loaded on the recording medium included in the information processing apparatus. By storing them and reading them out as necessary, the functions of stamp position search, stamp processing, and electronic approval according to the present invention can be executed.

It is a figure which shows one structural example of the stamp processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure in a stamp position search program and a stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and an example of a processing procedure in a stamp position search program and a stamp processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is also a flow diagram. It is a figure which shows the example of the search range designation | designated process and stamp data of a document file in FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a general information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the stamp processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure in a stamp position search program and a stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. 5 and explains an example of a processing procedure in a stamp position search program and a stamp processing program according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is also a flow chart for. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the stamp processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a processing procedure in a stamp position search program and a stamp processing program of the apparatus of FIG. 7, and an example of a processing procedure in a stamp position search program and a stamp processing program according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is also a flow chart for. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document file search range designation process and a setting screen thereof in FIG. 8. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the stamp processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence example in the stamp position search program and stamp process program of the apparatus of FIG. 10, and demonstrates the process sequence example in the stamp position search program and stamp process program which concern on other embodiment of this invention. It is also a flow chart for. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the stamp processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing an example of 1 composition of an electronic approval system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence example in the electronic approval program in the system apparatus of FIG. 13, and is also a flowchart for demonstrating the process sequence example in the electronic approval program which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the electronic approval system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Stamp processing device, 1a ... Stamp processing program, 2, 5a ... Document file database, 2a ... Document management program, 3, 6 ... Approver's client device, 4 ... Network, 5 ... Document management server device, 5b ... Document File, 6a ... Document file after stamp processing, 6b ... PDF file, 6c ... Print document, 7 ... Stamp tool, 7a ... Approval mark, 11 ... Stamp processing means, 12 ... Document file reading means, 13 ... Search range designation means , 13a ... user setting means, 14 ... position search means, 14a ... blank area color changing means, 15 ... stamp data generating / storing means, 16 ... stamp selecting means, 17 ... stamp color changing means, 18 ... stamp image reducing means, 19 ... display means, 19a ... display device, 20 ... page designation means, 21 ... document discrimination means, 22 ... Image reading device 31 ... CPU, 32 ... RAM, 33 ... ROM, 34 ... input device, 35 ... display device, 36 ... output device, 37 ... bus, 40 ... document file display screen, 41 ... search range, 42, 43, 44 ... Stamp image, 45 ... Horizontal dividing line, 46 ... Vertical dividing line, 50 ... Setting screen, 51 ... Blank search / stamp processing button, 52 ... Screen position setting column, 53 ... Stamp selection column.

Claims (7)

Find the stamp position when performing electronic stamping on the document file, a stamping apparatus for performing electronic stamping, a document file reading means for reading a document file, to the document file read by the document file reading means Search range specifying means for specifying a search range of the stamp position; and position search means for searching a blank area having a size corresponding to an output image area of stamp data as the stamp position from the specified search range; Stamp processing means for performing electronic stamp processing at the stamp position searched by the position search means, and the blank area is a color area that is easy to identify a stamp image when outputting the image of the stamp data, The position search means determines the color of the blank area when the blank area is not found by the search. Stamping apparatus characterized by having a further and means for searching again. The position search unit, when searching for the stamp position, in Claim 1, characterized in that to have a means for retrieving removed from the search any or all margin setting portion of the vertical and horizontal in the document file The stamp processing apparatus described. The stamping apparatus, the search positions for performing electronic stamping on each page of a document file, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by applying electronic stamp processing corresponding to each page in the stamping means The stamp processing apparatus described in 1.   A program for causing a computer to function as the stamp processing apparatus according to claim 1.   A program for causing a computer to execute processing for searching a stamp position when electronic stamp processing is performed on a document file, the processing including a step of reading the document file, and the stamp for the read document file A position search step for specifying a position search range; and a position search step for searching from the specified search range a blank area having a size corresponding to an output image area of stamp data as the stamp position. Is a color area where the stamp image can be easily identified at the time of image output of the stamp data, and the position search step changes the color of the blank area again when the blank area is not found by the search. A program characterized by having a step of searching.   6. The program according to claim 5, wherein, when searching for the stamp position, the position search step excludes any or all of the margin setting portions in the document file from upper, lower, left, and right from the search target.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the program of any one of Claim 4 thru | or 6.

Images