JP4701078B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing apparatus control method, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data registration process by an image processing apparatus or an information processing apparatus that generates registration image data to which certification information is added so that image data of a document to be read is not falsified and registers it in an external server apparatus.

  In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of opportunities for a service concept called a document management system (hereinafter referred to as DMS) to organize document information overflowing in the office, store it as a database, and facilitate search. ing.

  Until now, information (documents) has been exchanged on paper media. However, these paper documents are still accumulating, and when searching for necessary information, it is very complicated to search among many paper documents. In addition, since it is difficult to share the paper document among many people, such an electronic document management system has been considered.

  On the other hand, there are cases where the law stipulates that documents such as finance and tax matters are basically stored as paper media. However, in recent years, a law has been enacted in which scan data obtained by digitizing documents in the trend toward IT can be handled as having legal evidence capability instead of paper media.

  In such a law (electronic document law), a mechanism for preventing falsification of scan data of documents is required as a condition for digitization. Furthermore, when the scan data of a document is viewed with some image viewer application, a scan condition for faithfully reproducing the document existing as a paper medium is defined.

  In order to prevent the former scan data from being falsified, techniques such as electronic signature and time stamp exist. Whether or not the latter digitized document can be faithfully reproduced depends on the scanner device and scanning conditions.

  Furthermore, when the electronic certificate issuer (CA) required to generate an electronic signature that prevents falsification of scan data is specified in accordance with the guidelines indicated by each government office according to the documents to be digitized There is also. In addition, there are cases where attribute information to be given is defined so that a search can be easily performed after electronic storage.

  Also, there are various types of paper media, and it is necessary to set scanning conditions depending on the paper medium itself to determine how faithfully the document can be reproduced.

On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, there is a technique for inserting and scanning a sheet for giving a scan instruction to the first page of a document to be scanned. This technique is to use an instruction sheet to instruct the scanner device about the reading conditions of the original when performing the main scan, thereby eliminating the need for manual input by the user each time.
JP 2002-354212 A

  However, in the method according to Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare a special sheet. In addition, when applying the technique of Patent Document 1 to electronic processing based on the electronic document law, the user must know which guideline each government office should match for the paper medium to be read. It will be necessary.

  Further, when verifying the contents of the scan data once stored, the verification target document is searched using the attribute information of each document as a keyword. However, since the attribute information of the document to be stored together with the scan data differs depending on each document type, it is difficult for the user to grasp the document attribute information to be stored according to the document type.

  In addition, a document management server that stores scan data obtained by reading a document also has to manually design a database so that document attributes corresponding to the document type can be stored.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to automatically set different document reading conditions (digitization conditions) for each document type, thereby reducing the operation burden on the user. It is to provide a mechanism.

  In addition, image data read under the digitization conditions, time stamp information, and document image attribute information are automatically generated so that they can be automatically transferred and registered in the server device designated by the embedded information. .

The present invention provides an embedded information acquisition unit that acquires embedded information embedded in the first image data of a document, and the embedded information acquired by the embedded information acquisition unit, thereby analyzing address information in the embedded information. An analysis means for confirming whether or not the address information is included, and when the address information is included in the embedded information as a result of the analysis by the analysis means, various information relating to the document specified by the address information is managed. The latest electronic condition regarding the original is acquired from the management server by accessing the management server, and if the address information is not included in the embedded information, the electronic condition is acquired from the embedded information. and electronic condition acquiring means is acquired by the electronic condition acquisition means, and the electronic conditions Accordingly, by reading the document, an image acquisition unit that acquires second image data, an adding unit that adds time stamp information to the second image data acquired by the image acquisition unit, and the time stamp Storage control means for storing the second image data to which the information is added in a data storage device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically set different reading conditions (digitization conditions) for each original by analyzing information embedded in the original. Further, it is possible to reduce the designation operation of the registration destination server device for the document to be read.

  In addition, electronic processing that complies with laws and regulations can be easily performed.

  In addition, since the computerization conditions are acquired from the server, even if the guidelines of each ministry are changed a little, the latest computerization conditions can be automatically acquired and dealt with.

  In addition, image data, time stamp information, and document image attribute information that are read in accordance with the automatically set electronic conditions (reading conditions) are automatically generated and automatically transferred and registered in a designated server device. it can.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Description of system configuration>
[First Embodiment]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a document registration system to which an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. The present embodiment is an example of a system that uses an MFP device (multi-function peripheral) as an image processing apparatus. The MFP device has a network communication function and is configured to be able to communicate with various server apparatuses. The MFP device also includes an interface unit with an IC card reader.

  The MFP device also includes a scanner device, and stores various types of application software that performs various types of document reading processing and analysis processing of images read from the document.

  Further, the MFP device analyzes image information embedded in the document as will be described later, and acquires the reading condition of the document from the server apparatus. In addition, a function of transferring image data of a document read under the reading conditions to a server device designated by information embedded in the document is provided.

  In FIG. 1, image information (markers) such as barcodes indicating various setting information is printed and embedded in a document 10. An MFP device 20 has an application browser function for the document registration system according to the present embodiment. The MFP device 20 is connected to an IC card reader 21 connected via a cable such as a USB.

  The MFP device 20 also includes a scanner device. When a predetermined document is registered as image data in a storage device provided in an external server device, the user sets the document on the scanner device. Then, when the document is pre-scanned by the scanner device, digitization conditions (reading conditions) are acquired according to the setting information added to the document, and the main scan is performed. Furthermore, an electronic signature and a time stamp are given using a personal electronic certificate of the IC card and an external highly reliable server device determined according to the setting information. The image data with the electronic signature and the time stamp and the document attributes thereof are transferred to an external document management server device (service provider 30). Then, the function processing to be automatically registered in the storage device included in the server device is executed according to the procedure of the flowchart described later.

  The MFP device 20 acquires the reading conditions of the document from the requirement management server 70 by activating application software and analyzing the information (embedded information) embedded in the document 10. Then, the image data of the document 10 read under the acquired reading conditions is transmitted to the service provider 30 obtained by analyzing the embedded information. At that time, a time stamp token is obtained by connecting to a server device that provides a time stamp service (not shown), and the image data with the time certificate is transmitted to the service provider 30 using a predetermined protocol.

  Further, the MFP device 20 includes OCR software described later. Then, the OCR software is activated, OCR processing is performed on the image data of the document 10 based on the reading conditions, and attribute information to be registered in the service provider 30 is extracted. This attribute information is transferred to the service provider 30 together with the image data of the original 10 and the time stamp information. The attribute information is composed of, for example, text information that is set as search information for image data registered in a database secured in the service provider 30. Thereby, the operation burden for setting search information of image data to be registered by the operator can be reduced.

  A service provider 30 functions as a Web storage server that functions as a document management system. The service provider 30 has a function of registering image data to which a time stamp (time certificate) transmitted from the MFP device 20 is added in a database configured by a predetermined storage device. In this embodiment, the service provider 30 is configured to be specified by information embedded in the document 10. Therefore, there is no need for the operator to perform an operation for specifying the service provider.

  Reference numeral 70 denotes a requirement management server that manages the latest templates corresponding to various document types. The template includes database design information such as attribute information and attribute data type required for the document type.

  Further, the requirement management server 70 is configured such that the location information is specified by the MFP device 20 activating an application and analyzing the embedded information. That is, the embedded information includes the IP address, URL, etc. of the requirement management server 70.

  The requirement management server 70, the service provider 30, and the MFP device 20 are communicably connected via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

  Each server device is assumed to have hardware resources as shown in FIG.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the MFP device 20 connects to a server apparatus that provides a time stamp service, and acquires a type stamp token. Then, the acquired type stamp token is attached to the image data read from the document 10 as time proof and transferred to the service provider 30.

  In this embodiment, a case where the MFP device 20 and the service provider 30 are connected via a LAN will be described, but they may be connected via the Internet.

  Further, the marker (embedding information) printed / added to the document 10 may be other than the barcode as long as it can be decoded and can include various setting information.

  Further, although a case where only one MFP device 20 exists will be described, a plurality of MFP devices 20 may exist.

  Further, the MFP device 20 and the IC card reader 21 may be connected via a medium / method other than USB. In addition to the IC card reader 21, the medium connected to the MFP device 20 may be of any format that can connect a medium such as a flexible disk or USB memory that can store an electronic certificate that can identify an individual user.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the MFP device 20 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a CPU 201 connects each function / device described later via an internal bus 208 and controls the MFP device 20. The display device 202 is a device for displaying a browser user interface such as a touch panel.

  The user performs an operation or the like for performing a user-desired operation via a browser user interface displayed on the display device 202.

  The scanner device 203 is a device for reading a document having a function such as an auto document feeder function, and the scanner information management unit 204 manages / holds information on the function / state of the scanner device 203.

  Further, the memory 205 stores various commands (application programs) executed by the CPU 201 to control the MFP device 20. The mass storage device 206 stores a program such as a browser user interface displayed on the display device 202 and an image read by the scanner device 203. The network interface 207 transmits and receives signals through the LAN according to the CPU 201.

  An IC card interface 209 reads the contents of the IC card including an electronic certificate that can identify an individual inserted into the IC card reader 21.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the requirement management server 70 and the service provider 30 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, a CPU 4101 is a central processing unit that performs overall control, and loads programs stored in the ROM 4105 and the hard disk unit 4106 to the memory 205 and executes them.

  The network interface 4102 is a control unit for performing data communication with other devices via a network.

  Software executed by the CPU 4101 can bidirectionally exchange data with an MFP device (including the MFP device 20 shown in FIG. 1), another network device, or another computer via the LAN 400.

  The peripheral device interface 4103 is a control unit for controlling peripheral devices. The memory 4104 is generally a volatile storage unit for storing instructions executed by the CPU 4101, data, and the like.

  The ROM 4105 is a read-only storage unit for storing programs and data for performing basic hardware control. The hard disk unit 4106 is generally a non-volatile storage unit for storing programs executed in the PC main body, calculated data, and the like.

  The hard disk unit 4106 is configured to be able to store a boot program (startup program: a program for starting execution (operation) of hardware and software), a plurality of applications, an edit file, a user file, a network management program, and the like.

  The hard disk unit 4106 of the service provider 30 has a database (provided by the service provider 30) for registering data acquired from the MFP device 20. The service provider 30 acquires image data in which an electronic signature, document attributes, and the like are set from the MFP device 20. Then, the data acquired from the MFP device 20 is registered in the hard disk unit 4106.

  A display interface 4107 is a control unit for connecting a liquid crystal display 4203 for displaying the internal state and execution state of the PC.

  The software executed by the CPU 4101 can draw a graphical user interface on the liquid crystal display 4203.

  The liquid crystal display 4203 is driven by a display interface 4107.

  The keyboard interface 4108 and the mouse interface 4109 can connect an input device for the user to input data and commands to the computer 4100.

  The peripheral device interface 4103 is a control unit for connecting a peripheral device that implements specifications such as USB, RS-232C serial, and IEEE1394.

  The outline of the processing flow of the document registration system according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a first data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing is a processing procedure for registering scan data in the MFP device 20 constituting the document registration system.

  Also, in this process, the document registration system application registered in the MFP device 20 is scanned data obtained by the user scanning the document (original 10) via the browser user interface displayed on the display device 202. Will process. This corresponds to a processing operation example until transmission to the service provider 30 functioning as a Web storage server.

  Furthermore, S101-S108 show each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2 loading a control program stored in the mass storage device 206 or the like into the memory 205 and executing it.

  First, in step S <b> 101, when an IC card including an electronic certificate that can identify an individual is inserted into the IC card reader 21 connected to the MFP device 20, the document 10 is pre-scanned using the scanner device 203. Then, the CPU 201 extracts setting information (embedding information) from the marker embedded in the document 10 from the obtained scan data.

  Next, in step S <b> 102, the CPU 201 acquires scan information optimal for execution of the main scan from the setting information obtained in step S <b> 101.

  Next, in step S103, the CPU 201 confirms the validity of the electronic certificate present in the IC card inserted into the IC card reader 21 by the user in step S101.

  Next, in step S104, the CPU 201 acquires information of a time stamp server (not shown) to be connected from the setting information obtained in step S101. Then, the time stamp server connection is confirmed.

  Next, in step S105, the CPU 201 acquires specific area information from the setting information obtained in step S101. Then, it is confirmed whether the description is made in a specific area of the scan data obtained by the pre-scan.

  In step S <b> 106, the CPU 201 displays the folder configuration acquired from the service provider 30 on the display device 202 in the MFP device 20. Then, the storage location of the scan data is selected from the displayed folder by the user's instruction operation.

  Next, in step S107, the CPU 201 performs a main scan using a scanner according to the scan information acquired in step S102. Then, predetermined processing (details will be described later) is performed on the obtained scan data based on the information acquired in steps S103 to S105.

  Next, in step S108, the CPU 201 transmits the scan data obtained in step S107 and the information obtained in step S105 to the service provider 30 functioning as the Web storage server. In step S106, the data is saved in the folder in the service provider 30 designated by the user, and the process is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, the processing from step S102 to step S105 is executed serially, but the order of the steps from step S102 to step S105 is not limited, and the processing may be performed in a different order.

  In the present embodiment, the processing from step S102 to step S106 is executed serially, but the steps from step S102 to step S106 may be processed in parallel.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first data processing procedure in the server device according to the present embodiment. This processing is a processing procedure until creating a database for storing scan data of the service provider 30 and information extracted from the scan data.

  Further, S201 to S205 indicate steps. Each step is realized by the CPU 4101 shown in FIG. 3 loading a control program stored in the hard disk unit 4106 or the like into the memory 4104 and executing it.

  First, in step S201, the service provider 30 periodically monitors packets exchanged with the requirement management server 70 using a predetermined protocol to check whether there is a new requirement.

  In the present embodiment, the requirements are the type of document to be scanned, information to be stored when scanning the document, template information for creating a database necessary for storing them, and the like. Indicates a group of information where is clearly indicated.

  At this time, when a new requirement is registered in the requirement management server 70, the service provider 30 may be notified periodically.

  Here, the template for creating the database includes detailed database design information such as the name of each attribute and the data type of each attribute as the attributes of the scan image to be stored.

  The template for creating a database in the service provider 30 may include information other than those.

  Next, in step S202, the CPU 4101 may confirm that the service provider 30 has registered a new requirement in the requirement management server 70 in step S201. In this case, the service provider 30 downloads a template for creating a database.

  Next, in step S203, when the service provider 30 has downloaded a template for creating a new database from the requirement management server 70 in step S202, an email notification is sent to the administrator in step S204. It is assumed that the administrator's e-mail address is registered in the hard disk unit 4106 in advance.

  Next, in step S205, a mail notification is received from the service provider 30 in step S203. Then, the administrator who has received the mail notification creates a database corresponding to the new manuscript in the hard disk unit 4106 using the template downloaded to the service provider 30 and ends this processing.

  Hereinafter, processing for registering scan data in the document registration system according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[Embedded information extraction processing]
Thereafter, in step S101 shown in FIG. 4, the document 10 is pre-scanned using the scanner device 203 of the MFP device 20. Details of processing for extracting setting information from the marker embedded in the original 10 from the obtained scan data will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing is a processing procedure for extracting embedded information from scan data by the MFP device 20 constituting the document registration system.

  Further, S1011 to S1015 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2 loading a control program stored in the mass storage device 206 or the like into the memory 205 and executing it.

  First, in step S1011, the user inserts an IC card including an electronic certificate that can identify an individual into the IC card reader 21 connected to the MFP device 20, and logs into the device.

  As a result, a user interface (not shown) of the application of the document registration system according to the present embodiment is activated on the display device 20 in the MFP device 20.

  The electronic certificate is mainly used for adding an electronic signature to scan data in step S107 shown in FIG. However, based on the known public key infrastructure (PKI) technology, it may be used as a login authentication function to the MFP MFP device 20 or as a login authentication function to the document management system in the service provider 30.

  In step S <b> 1012, the CPU 201 in the MFP device 20 acquires the state of the scanner device 203 stored in the scanner information management unit 204 and temporarily stores it in the memory 205.

  Here, the state of the scanner device 203 simply indicates whether the MFP device 20 can perform a scanning operation, whether or not the ADF is attached, and whether or not it can be used. It points to information. Information other than these may be used.

  Next, in step S1013, the CPU 201 may determine that the scanner device 203 of the MFP device 20 can be normally operated in step S1012. In this case, the user places the original 10 on the scanner device 203 and presses an execution button in a user interface (not shown) displayed by the application of the document registration system of the present embodiment to perform prescanning of the scanner device 203. Let it run.

  At this time, the pre-scanning scan conditions are preset so that the marker embedded in the document 10 can acquire scan data that can be easily processed in step S1014 described below. For example, the color mode is monochrome and the reading resolution is 200 dpi.

  Next, in step S1014, the CPU 201 searches for the position of the marker embedded in the document 10 from the scan data acquired in step S1013. These search techniques may be known.

  Next, in step S1015, the CPU 201 extracts embedded information based on the image of the marker position searched in step S1014.

  The embedded information includes scan setting information for executing the main scan, information of a time stamp server (not shown) for acquiring a time stamp used for electronic certification, and the like.

  In this embodiment, information for confirming the validity of the electronic certificate and information for designating a specific area of the document 10 are included. However, information other than these may be included.

  The embedded information may simply include the URL of the requirement management server 70. Thereby, the scan setting information for executing the main scan, the information for designating a specific area of the document 10, and the like may be acquired from the requirement management server 70.

  As described above, the embedded information may be directly embedded with various digitization conditions (scan setting information, time stamp server information, storage conditions, etc.) for digitizing the document, It may be linked to the acquisition source.

[Scan setting acquisition processing]
Hereinafter, in step S102, processing for acquiring scan setting information optimal for execution of the main scan from the embedding information extracted in step S101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This processing is a processing procedure until acquiring scan setting information for executing the main scan from the embedded information.

  Further, S1021 to S1028 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2 loading a control program stored in the mass storage device 206 or the like into the memory 205 and executing it.

  First, in step S1021, the CPU 201 checks whether or not the scan setting information present in the embedded information extracted in step S101 shown in FIG. 4 indicates a URL for acquiring the scan setting information.

  It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which scan setting information (digitization conditions) is acquired from the requirement management server 70 existing on an intranet or the Internet. Thereby, it is possible to always obtain the latest information on the scan setting information instructed by the supplier who provides the document 10 or the government office which obligates the electronic storage of the document 10. That is, it is possible to construct a system that is more flexible than keeping the scan setting information fixed in the document 10.

  If the range of the scan setting information is up to the URL, it is not necessary to embed a huge amount of information called scan settings in the marker of the document 10, and the amount of information can be reduced.

  On the other hand, in step S1021, the CPU 201 may determine that the scan setting information present in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 is not the URL but the detailed scan setting information. In this case, in step S1022, the CPU 201 in the MFP device 20 stores detailed scan setting information in the memory 205 also in the MFP device 20, and ends this processing.

  At this time, the scan setting information may be stored not in the memory 205 but in the mass storage device 206.

  On the other hand, in step S1021, the CPU 201 may determine that the scan setting information existing in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 is a URL. In this case, in step S1023, the CPU 201 confirms whether the scan setting information corresponding to the document 10 is already stored in the mass storage device 206.

  This is to avoid slowing down the processing speed if detailed scan setting information is acquired via the network each time in accordance with the URL described as scan setting information existing in the embedded information before each scan.

  In step S1023, the CPU 201 may determine that the scan setting information optimal for the document 10 is already stored in the large-capacity storage device 206. In this case, in step S1024, the CPU 201 acquires the saved scan setting information, expands it in the memory 205, and ends this process.

  On the other hand, in step S1023, the CPU 201 may determine that the scan setting information optimal for the document 10 has not been saved in the mass storage device 206. In this case, in step S1025, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not the requirement management server 70 indicated by the URL existing as scan setting information in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 is accessible.

  Then, the CPU 201 may determine that the requirement management server 70 indicated by the URL existing as scan setting information in the embedded information printed / applied to the document 10 in step S1025 cannot be accessed. In this case, in step S1026, an error is displayed on the display device 20 in the MFP device 20, the user is notified of this, and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S1025, the CPU 201 may determine that the requirement management server 70 indicated by the URL existing as scan setting information in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 in step S1025 may be accessed. In this case, in step S <b> 1027, the CPU 201 acquires scan setting information optimal for the main scan of the document 10 from the requirement management server 70 via the network interface 207 and develops it in the memory 205.

  Next, in step S1028, the scan setting information optimum for the main scan of the document 10 acquired in step S1027 is stored in the mass storage device 206 in a form associated with the document 10 so that it can be reused. This process is terminated.

  Note that the scan setting information optimum for the main scan stored in association with the document 10 in the large-capacity storage device 206 may be updated regardless of the scan operation. For example, it is desirable to periodically access the requirement management server 70 indicated by the URL existing as the scan setting information in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 periodically to update the scan setting information.

  Here, regarding the method of periodically accessing the requirement management server 70, it may be scheduled by the user or may be implemented by other means.

  The scan setting information includes not only reading conditions such as a color mode, resolution, and reading density, but also information such as a file format after saving. Information other than these may be included.

[Check Certificate]
Details of checking the validity of the electronic certificate present in the IC card inserted by the user in step S101 in step S103 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing is a processing procedure until the validity of the electronic certificate is confirmed.

  Furthermore, S1031-S1033 show each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2 loading a control program stored in the mass storage device 206 or the like into the memory 205 and executing it.

  First, in step S1031, the electronic certificate information is obtained from the IC card inserted into the IC card reader 21 by the user in step S101 shown in FIG. 4, and the CPU 201 confirms the authenticity of the electronic certificate alone. .

  As detailed confirmation items, an expiration date of an electronic certificate, a CRL (Certificate Revocation List) is acquired, and whether or not the certificate is revoked is confirmed. The validity of the electronic certificate may be confirmed from contents other than these.

  Next, in step S1032, the CPU 201 may be able to confirm the validity of the electronic certificate in the IC card inserted by the user in step S1031. In this case, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the issuer (trader) of the electronic certificate used to create the electronic signature is permitted for the electronic signature added to the scan data when the document 10 is scanned and stored. Check.

  More specifically, a list of authorized issuers (traders) of an electronic certificate used for adding an electronic signature to scan data of the original 10 is acquired in the embedded information extracted in step S101 shown in FIG. URL information is included. In this case, the requirement management server 70 pointed to by the URL is accessed, and a list of authorized issuers of electronic certificates is acquired.

  As a result, the electronic certificate in the IC card is compared with the list of authorized electronic certificate issuers to confirm whether or not it is permitted.

  In this way, the latest information can always be obtained by obtaining a list of permitted electronic certificate issuers from the requirement management server 70.

  Regardless of the scanning operation, it is desirable to periodically access the requirement management server 70 and update the list of permitted electronic certificate issuers.

  On the other hand, the CPU 201 may confirm that there is a problem with the electronic certificate in the IC card in steps S1031 to S1032. In this case, in step S1033, the CPU 201 notifies the user that an error is to be displayed on the display device 20 in the MFP device 20, and ends this processing.

[Confirmation of description in specific area]
Hereinafter, in step S105 illustrated in FIG. 4, details of confirming whether or not the document 10 includes necessary information in the specific area based on the embedded information extracted in step S101 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing is a processing procedure until it is confirmed whether a description is made in a specific area of the pre-scanned scan data.

  Further, S1051 to S1059 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2 loading a control program stored in the mass storage device 206 or the like into the memory 205 and executing it.

  First, in step S1051, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not the specific area setting information existing in the embedded information extracted in step S101 shown in FIG. 4 indicates a URL for acquiring the specific area setting information.

  The specific area setting information is always acquired from the requirement management server 70 existing on the network, so that the specific area setting information instructed by the provider that provides the document 10 or the public office that obligates the electronic storage of the document 10 is always obtained. The latest information can be obtained. That is, it is possible to construct a system that is more flexible than keeping the specific area setting information fixed in the document 10.

  Further, if the range of the specific area setting information is up to the URL, it is not necessary to embed a huge amount of information called specific area setting in the marker of the document 10, and the amount of information can be reduced.

  On the other hand, there is a case where it is determined that the specific area setting information existing in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 in step S1051 is not the URL but detailed specific area setting information (coordinate position with respect to the document). In this case, in step S1052, the CPU 201 in the MFP device 20 acquires and stores detailed specific area setting information in the memory 205 in the MFP device 20, and proceeds to step S1057.

  At this time, the specific area setting information may be stored not in the memory 205 but in the mass storage device 206.

  On the other hand, the CPU 201 may determine that the specific area setting information existing in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 in step S1051 is a URL. In this case, in step S1053, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the specific area setting information corresponding to the document 10 is already stored in the mass storage device 206.

  This is to avoid slowing down the processing speed if detailed specific area setting information is acquired via the network each time according to the URL described as the specific area setting information existing in the embedded information before each scan. It is.

  Then, the CPU 201 may determine that the specific area setting information that should be described in the document 10 in step S1053 is already stored in the large-capacity storage device 206. In this case, in step S1054, the CPU 201 acquires the saved specific area setting information, expands it in the memory 205, and proceeds to step S1057.

  On the other hand, there may be a case where it is determined that the specific area setting information that should be described in the document 10 is not stored in the large-capacity storage device 206 in step S1053. In this case, in step S1055, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not the requirement management server 70 indicated by the URL existing as the specific area setting information in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 is accessible.

  In some cases, it may be determined that the requirement management server 70 indicated by the URL existing as the specific area setting information in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 in step S1055 can be accessed. In this case, in step S1056, the CPU 201 acquires specific area setting information that should be described in the document 10 from the requirement management server 70 via the network interface 207. Then, the data is expanded in the memory 205 and stored in the large capacity storage device 206 in association with the document 10 so that it can be reused.

  Next, using the specific area setting information that should be described in the document 10 acquired in step S1057, it is confirmed whether any description is made in the coordinate area indicated by the specific area setting information in the pre-scanned scan data.

  As a result, if the information to be described by the user is incomplete in the contents of the original 10, even if the main scan is executed and saved, the main scan is performed again after the description is made and saved again. Can be avoided.

  In step S1057, the CPU 201 may determine that there is some description in the coordinate area indicated by the specific area setting information in the document 10. In this case, in step S1058, the CPU 201 performs OCR processing (character recognition processing) on the coordinate area, expands the OCR processing result in the memory 205, and ends this processing.

  As a result, document information (attribute information) to be stored automatically according to the original can be automatically extracted and stored in the service provider 30 together with the scan data. In this embodiment, the OCR process in step S1058 is performed on the image acquired by the pre-scan. However, the OCR process may be performed on the image acquired in the main scan in step S107. Absent.

  On the other hand, the CPU 201 may determine that the requirement management server 70 indicated by the URL existing as the specific area setting information cannot be accessed in the embedded information printed / added to the document 10 in step S1055. Alternatively, in step S1057, the CPU 201 may determine that there is no description in the coordinate area indicated by the specific area setting information in the document 10. In these cases, in step S1059, the CPU 201 displays an error on the display device 20 in the MFP device 20 and notifies the user. Then, this process ends.

[Select storage location]
Details of the storage location selection process in step S106 shown in FIG. 4 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  The user needs to register the scan data scanned by the MFP device 20 from the browser user interface displayed on the display device 202 in step S101 shown in FIG. Therefore, the storage location for registering the scan data obtained by reading the document 10 is specified using the folder configuration information of the service provider 30 functioning as a Web storage server.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a sixth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing is a processing procedure until the storage location of the service provider 30 functioning as a Web storage server is designated.

  Further, S1061 to S1066 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2 loading a control program stored in the mass storage device 206 or the like into the memory 205 and executing it.

  First, in step S <b> 1061, information on document attributes to be stored in the document 10 is transmitted to the service provider 30. Note that a unique ID for the document 10 may be acquired from the requirement management server 70 in step S102 shown in FIG. 4, and the unique ID may be transmitted to the service provider 30 in this step.

  Next, in step S1062, the user selects a folder of the service provider 30 that he / she wants to save using a user interface displaying a folder structure having a database design that can save the document attribute corresponding to the document 10 together with the scan data. .

  As a result, the user can save the attribute information to be saved described in the document 10 in the service provider 30 in accordance with the requirements set by each government office.

  Next, in step S1063, it is confirmed whether or not the user has pressed the expand button with the folder selected in step S1062 (whether or not information below the selected folder is acquired).

  The display device 202 has a touch panel function, and displays a UI screen for performing an operation instruction to the MFP device 20 under the control of the CPU 201. The expansion button is also displayed on the UI screen.

  On the other hand, the CPU 201 may determine that the expand button has been pressed in step S1063. In this case, in step S1064, the CPU 201 establishes a connection with the service provider 30 functioning as a Web storage server via the network interface 207. Then, a request for acquiring information under the selected folder is transmitted.

  Next, in step S1065, in response to the transmitted request, a response indicating folder configuration information under the folder selected by the service provider 30 functioning as the Web storage server is received. Then, the folder information of the service provider is extracted from the response developed in the memory 205 by the CPU 201 and displayed on the browser user interface on the display device 202.

  On the other hand, it may be determined in step S1063 that the folder expansion button has not been pressed. In this case, in step S1066, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not the user has pressed the folder selection determination button (displayed on the touch panel of the display device 202) in a state where the folder is selected. If it is determined that the folder selection button has been pressed, the CPU 201 saves the designated storage location in the memory S205 and ends the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1066 that the folder selection determination button has not been pressed, the process returns to step S1062 to select a folder again (S1062) or to further expand the folder (S1063).

  Note that in step S1066, the instruction to press the selection determination button corresponds to determining the location where the scanned document is stored.

[Execute main scan]
Subsequently, in step S107 shown in FIG. 4, the scanner device 203 in the MFP device 20 is operated in accordance with the scan information acquired in step S102 to execute the main scan. Details of processing the scan data using the information acquired in steps S103 to S105 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a seventh data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. This process is a process procedure from the execution of the main scan in step S107 shown in FIG. 4 to the execution of predetermined data processing.

  Further, S1071 to S1075 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2 loading a control program stored in the mass storage device 206 or the like into the memory 205 and executing it.

  First, in step S <b> 1071, the CPU 201 acquires the state of the scanner device 203 stored in the scanner information management unit 204 and temporarily stores it in the memory 205. The state of the scanner device 203 simply refers to information indicating whether the MFP device 20 can perform a scanning operation, whether an ADF is attached, and whether it can be used. Information other than these may be used.

  Next, in step S1072, using the scan information developed in the memory 205 in step S102, the scanner device 203 is operated according to the scan setting, and the main scan is executed.

  Next, in step S1073, a file (format) conversion process is performed on the scan data obtained in step S1072 using the scan information expanded in the memory 205 in S102 shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S1074, an electronic signature is generated for the file obtained in step S1073 using the electronic certificate in the IC card inserted into the IC card reader 21 by the user in step S101.

  Note that the electronic signature technique is well known, and for example, when the file obtained in step S1072 is a PDF, it is possible to embed an electronic signature in the PDF, or even if the electronic signature information is generated as a separate file. good.

  Next, in step S1075, the time stamp server is accessed using the time stamp server information developed in the memory 205 for the file obtained in step S1073 or the file in which the electronic signature obtained in step S1074 is embedded. And a time stamp is produced | generated and this process is complete | finished.

  Note that the time stamp technique is a known protocol as defined in RFC3161, and the obtained time stamp token may be embedded in a file or may be generated as a separate file.

  The scan data file, electronic signature information, and time stamp obtained through steps S1072 to S1076 are stored in the mass storage device 206. The scan data file, the electronic signature information, and the time stamp may be stored in the memory 205.

  Further, the order of processing in steps S1074 and S1075 does not matter. Any of these may be performed first, or processing may be performed in parallel.

[Send and save data]
Thereafter, in step S108 shown in FIG. 4, the scan data file obtained in step S107, the document attribute information of the original 10, and the like are transmitted to the service provider 30. Details of saving in the folder in the service provider 30 designated by the user in step S106 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an eighth data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. This processing is a processing procedure until the scan data file and the document attribute information of the original 10 in step S108 shown in FIG.

  Further, S1081 to S1083 indicate each step. Each step is realized by the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2 loading a control program stored in the mass storage device 206 or the like into the memory 205 and executing it.

  First, in step S1081, the scan data file, digital signature information, and time stamp obtained in step S107 shown in FIG. 4 are collected. Further, the document attribute information of the original 10 obtained in step S105 and the storage location of the service provider 30 designated by the user obtained in step S106 are collected.

  At this time, the collected information may be temporarily stored only in the memory 205 or may be stored in the mass storage device 206.

  Next, in step S1082, the CPU 201 establishes a connection with the service provider 30 via the network interface 207. Then, the scan data file, electronic signature information, time stamp obtained in step S1081, the document attribute information of the original 10 obtained in step S105 shown in FIG. Then, the data is transmitted to the service provider 30.

  At this time, the scan data file and the electronic signature information or the time stamp may be transmitted as separate files. Alternatively, as shown in step S107, electronic signature information or a time stamp may be embedded in the scan data file and transmitted as one file.

  In step S <b> 1083, the service provider 30 stores the transmitted scan data file, electronic signature information, and time stamp in the service provider 30. Specifically, it is saved in the folder of the document management system held in the service provider 30 in accordance with the transmitted storage location information, and this process is terminated.

  At this time, the document attribute information of the document 10 obtained in step S105, which is also transmitted in step S1082, is stored as the attribute information of the scan data file.

  Thus, when searching for a scan data file stored in the service provider 30 without the user having to know the requirements of each government office, the attribute information of the document to be stored according to the requirements of each government office is searched as a keyword. It becomes possible to do.

  As the attribute information of the document to be stored, for example, when the manuscript 10 is a tax-related document such as a receipt, not only the issue date of the receipt designated as the specific area in the manuscript 10 is saved. The date that is the taxable fiscal year may be calculated and stored.

  According to the document registration system according to the first embodiment, processing is executed according to scan setting information embedded in a marker printed / added to a document. For this reason, the user can save the scan data, in which the falsification of the document is prevented, in the service provider 30 without performing a complicated operation of specifying detailed scanning conditions.

  In addition, various setting information is not only performed using information embedded in a marker printed / added to a document, but the latest information corresponding to the document is acquired from a requirement management server on the intranet / Internet. It is possible. Therefore, for example, even if the guidelines specified by each government office and the types of manuscripts to be handled are updated, it is possible to respond flexibly.

  Further, the database design corresponding to the manuscript can be automatically acquired from the requirement management server 70 existing on the intranet / Internet. For this reason, the user can create a database in consideration of the attribute information of the document to be stored together with the scan data without grasping the requirements of each government office. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform complicated operations such as manually designing the database. Further, when the stored scan data is searched, the above-described document attribute information can be searched as a keyword.

  Further, since various setting information can be acquired from the outside, the amount of information embedded in the marker to be printed / added to the document can be suppressed.

  In addition, since it is determined whether or not processing can be executed in each processing step before the actual scan is actually performed, it is possible to avoid a situation where the system causes an error in the middle and the main scan is wasted.

  Furthermore, even in a configuration in which charging is performed every time a time stamp is acquired from the time stamp server, unnecessary charging can be avoided in the same manner.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram of a document registration system to which the image processing apparatus and the server apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the MFP device 20 has an original 10 on which setting information is printed / added as a marker such as a barcode, and an application browser function for the document registration system according to the present embodiment. A service provider 30 that functions as a Web storage server that functions as a document management system and an active directory server 40 for user management are connected via a LAN. Further, a requirement management server 70 that manages a database design template capable of storing document information to be stored according to various originals is connected via the Internet.

  The active directory service means a directory service installed in, for example, Windows (registered trademark) 2000. Specifically, it is possible to centrally manage hardware resources such as servers, clients, and printers that exist on the network, and the attributes and access rights of users who use them. If Active Directory is used, domains and resources can be managed with a hierarchical structure, so management is easy even when the network scale increases.

  In the present embodiment, a case where each is connected via a LAN will be described, but it may be connected via the Internet. Further, although a case where only one MFP device 20 exists will be described, a plurality of MFP devices 20 may exist. Further, the service provider 30 and the active directory server 40 may be configured on the same PC.

  The difference between the present embodiment and the document registration system according to the first embodiment is that there is no IC card reader 21 that can be connected to the MFP device 20. In other words, the MFP device 20 and the service provider 30 perform unified user management (Single Sign-On) by the active directory server 40.

  Thus, when logging in to the MFP device 20, the user does not log in to the MFP device 20 by inserting the IC card into the IC card reader 21. Then, the application for the document registration system according to the second embodiment directly inputs to the user interface in order to display a login user interface (not shown) on the display device 202 in the MFP device 20.

  In the document registration system according to the first embodiment, the electronic certificate exists in the IC card. However, in the document registration system according to the second embodiment, the active directory server 40 manages the electronic certificate for each user. Is what has been done.

  As a result, the user can use an electronic certificate for adding an electronic signature to scan data without carrying an IC card.

  Note that the electronic certificate can be stored in the MFP device 20 in association with the user via the user interface of the MFP device 20 (not shown).

  As a result, even in an environment where the MFP device 20 and the service provider 30 are not managed by the active directory server 40 in a unified manner, user identification can be guaranteed from the electronic signature added to the scan data.

  Next, according to the document registration system according to the second embodiment, the system according to the present embodiment can be used without carrying a medium such as an IC card.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram of a document registration system to which the information processing apparatus and server apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same thing as FIG.

  In FIG. 14, a document 10 on which setting information is printed / added as a marker such as a barcode, and a client PC 50 in which an application for a document registration system according to the present embodiment is entered. A service provider 30 having a function as a document management system is connected via a LAN. The client PC 50 is connected to the IC card reader 21 and the consumer scanner device 60 connected via a cable such as USB.

  Further, a requirement management server 70 that manages a database design template capable of storing document information to be stored according to various originals is connected via the Internet.

  In the present embodiment, a case where each is connected via a LAN will be described, but it may be connected via the Internet.

  Also, a case where only one consumer scanner device 60 exists will be described, but a plurality of consumer scanner devices 60 may exist.

  Furthermore, the consumer scanner device 60 and the IC card reader 21 may be connected via a medium / method other than USB.

  In addition to the IC card reader 21, the medium connected to the consumer scanner device 60 may be of any format that can be connected to a medium such as a flexible disk or USB memory that can store an electronic certificate that can identify an individual user.

  In the third embodiment, an electronic certificate that can identify an individual user is stored in an IC card or the like. However, it is also possible to store the electronic certificate in the client PC 50 in association with the user via the user interface of the client PC 50 (not shown).

  In some cases, an active directory server (not shown) performs user management (SSO) in which the client PC 50 and the service provider 30 are unified. In this case, if the electronic certificate for each user is managed in the active directory server, the electronic certificate for adding an electronic signature to the scan data is used when the user logs in to the client PC 50. It becomes possible.

  The difference between the present embodiment and the document registration system according to the first and second embodiments is that the scanner device that reads the document 10 uses a consumer scanner instead of an MFP device. Note that an application that implements the document registration system according to the third embodiment exists in the client PC 50.

  Accordingly, the system according to the third embodiment can be used using the inexpensive consumer scanner device 60 without using an expensive scanner device having many functions such as the MFP device 20.

  According to the document registration system according to the third embodiment, the system according to the present embodiment can be used even if an inexpensive consumer scanner device 60 is used instead of the expensive MFP device 20 as a scanner device.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the document 10 is read based on the reading condition acquired from the requirement management server 70 and the document is registered in the service provider 30 with an electronic certificate has been described. On the other hand, the present invention can be applied even to a system in which the requirement management server 70 and the service provider 30 are integrated by a single server device.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a visually identifiable pattern image such as a barcode is read on the document 10 has been described. On the other hand, a “watermark” technique in which an image is lifted when a strong light is applied from the opposite side to a portion where nothing appears on the document 10 is used for banknotes. Therefore, the present invention can be applied even if the embedded information of the document 10 is a digital watermark in which data that cannot be seen at first glance is embedded.

[Sixth Embodiment]
The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by a document registration system to which the image processing apparatus and information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a document registration system to which the image processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

  Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, a program for installing various programs in the computer, and a program for decompressing when the program to be installed is compressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 12 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, the storage medium storing the software program code for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Therefore, as long as it has the function of the program, the form of the program such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS is not limited.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD, etc. Can be used.

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

  As another program supply method, a browser on a client computer is used to connect to an Internet home page. Then, the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function can be downloaded from the homepage by downloading it to a recording medium such as a hard disk. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server, an ftp server, and the like that allow a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer are also included in the claims of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. Let It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. For example, based on an instruction of the program code, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing. Needless to say, the process includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing. Needless to say.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a document registration system to which an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram illustrating an example of an MFP device illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram explaining the hardware configuration of the requirement management server and service provider shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st data processing procedure in the server apparatus which concerns on this origin. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this origin. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 5th data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 6th data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 7th data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 8th data processing procedure in the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a system configuration | structure of the document registration system which can apply the image processing apparatus and server apparatus which show 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a system configuration | structure of the document registration system which can apply the information processing apparatus and server apparatus which show 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read with the document registration system which can apply the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention, and an information processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10 Document 20 MFP Device 21 IC Card Reader 30 Service Provider 70 Requirement Management Server 201 CPU
205 memory

Claims (12)

Embedded information acquisition means for acquiring embedded information embedded in the first image data of the document;
Analyzing means for confirming whether the embedded information includes address information by analyzing the embedded information acquired by the embedded information acquiring means;
As a result of analysis by the analysis means, when address information is included in the embedded information, by accessing a management server that manages various information related to the document specified by the address information, from the management server, An electronic condition acquisition unit that acquires the latest electronic conditions regarding the original and, when the embedded information does not include address information, acquires electronic conditions from the embedded information;
Image acquisition means for acquiring second image data by reading the document according to the electronic conditions acquired by the electronic condition acquisition means ;
An assigning means for giving time stamp information to the second image data obtained by the image obtaining means;
Storage control means for storing the second image data to which the time stamp information is attached in a data storage device;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The assigning means assigns electronic signature information and time stamp information to the second image data obtained by the image obtaining means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit stores the second image data to which the electronic signature information and the time stamp information are added in the data storage apparatus. Furthermore, it has a confirmation means for confirming the validity of the input electronic signature information,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adding unit adds the electronic signature information confirmed to be valid by the checking unit to the second image data. The confirmation means, if it contains the address information to the embedded information, claim 3, characterized in that to check the validity of the electronic signature information by accessing the management server specified by the address information An image processing apparatus according to 1. Further comprising attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of the document by performing character recognition processing on the first image data or the second image data in accordance with the digitization condition;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit stores the acquired attribute information in the data storage apparatus together with the second image data to which the time stamp information is added. An embedded information acquisition step of acquiring embedded information embedded in the first image data of the document;
An analysis step for confirming whether or not address information is included in the embedded information by analyzing the embedded information acquired by the embedded information acquiring step;
As a result of analysis by the analysis step, when address information is included in the embedded information, by accessing a management server that manages various information about the document specified by the address information, from the management server, An electronic condition acquisition step of acquiring the latest electronic condition regarding the original and acquiring the electronic condition from the embedded information when address information is not included in the embedded information;
An image acquisition step of acquiring second image data by reading the original according to the electronic condition acquired by the electronic condition acquisition step ;
An assigning step of assigning time stamp information to the second image data obtained in the image obtaining step;
A storage control step of storing the second image data to which the time stamp information is attached in a data storage device;
A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: The adding step adds electronic signature information and time stamp information to the second image data acquired in the image acquiring step,
The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the storage control step stores the second image data to which the electronic signature information and the time stamp information are added in the data storage apparatus. . And a confirmation step for confirming the validity of the input electronic signature information.
8. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the adding step adds the electronic signature information confirmed to be valid in the checking step to the second image data. The confirmation step, when contains address information to the embedded information, claim 6, characterized in that to check the validity of the electronic signature information by accessing the management server specified by the address information A control method for the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . An attribute information acquisition step of acquiring attribute information of the document by performing character recognition processing on the first image data or the second image data according to the digitization condition;
The storage control step, the second image data to which the time stamp information is given, the control method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the storing the acquired attribute information in the data storage device . A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 6. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

Images