JP4725483B2 - Method and document processing apparatus for managing electronic document and seal data - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and a document processing apparatus for managing an electronic document and image data of a seal stamped on the printed material.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of document processing apparatuses are used for managing electronic documents and printing, transferring, storing, and the like. For example, an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), which is a processing device that integrates various functions such as copying, facsimile, network printing, and document server, is a suitable example of such a document processing device.

  In the document processing apparatus, an electronic document composed of character data such as text data is created, edited, and printed on paper. A person, person concerned, or person in charge who has the appropriate authority over the contents of the electronic document stamps the printed paper (printed material) to clarify that the contents have been approved or acknowledged. It is common. Therefore, it is necessary to store a document (a stamped document) in which a seal is pressed on a printed material as an electronic document.

Conventionally, when a stamped document is stored, the stamped portion of the stamped document is read by a scanner to generate image data as seal data, and the seal data is pasted on the original electronic document. For example, in Patent Document 1, an image of a seal stamp directly pressed on a form that is a printed matter is taken as seal data, and is combined with the form data entered in the form and managed on a computer.
JP-A-11-143916

  However, when the conventional electronic document management method described above is used, the electronic document and the seal data are associated with each other, but the seal data is definitely stamped on the electronic document. There was no guarantee that it was.

  That is, for example, seal data pasted on an electronic document may be intentionally exchanged with other seal data afterwards, or may be mistakenly replaced with other seal data during editing. possible. It is also possible that the stamp data is pasted on the electronic document intentionally or due to an operation error even though the seal is not pressed. As a result, even if the seal data in the synthesized electronic document is not authentic, the authenticity could not be confirmed conventionally.

  It is also conceivable that a stamped document is read by a scanner into image data and stored. However, in that case, it becomes impossible to handle the same as an electronic document using text data, for example, the amount of data increases or text search becomes impossible. For example, when a stamped document is composed of a plurality of pages, it is not as simple as in the case of an electronic document using text data even if it is attempted to replace it in page units. Therefore, in such a case, it is necessary to separately perform OCR processing on image data obtained by reading a stamped document, extract text data, and associate the extracted text data with image data.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. An electronic document can be stored as text data, and the relationship between the electronic document and the seal data attached to the electronic document can be confirmed. The purpose is to make it possible to determine authenticity.

  A method according to the present invention is a method for managing an electronic document and image data of a seal stamped on a printed material thereof, and is embedded by embedding an identification code of the electronic document as an invisible code in the image data of the seal. Finished seal stamp data is generated, and the embedded seal stamp data and the electronic document are stored in association with each other.

  In another method, when the electronic document is printed, an identification code of the electronic document is added and printed, and a stamped document that is a document on which a seal is pressed after printing is read by a scanner. Is stored as a stamped electronic document, an identification code is detected from the stamped electronic document, the electronic document having an identification code that matches the detected identification code, and the retrieved electronic document and the stamp are Extracting the seal data which is the image data of the seal based on the difference with the completed electronic document, and generating the embedded seal data by embedding the identification code as an invisible code for the extracted seal data, The embedded seal stamp data and the electronic document are stored in association with each other.

  Preferably, the identification code is extracted from the embedded seal data, the extracted identification code is compared with an identification code of an electronic document associated with the embedded seal data, and if the comparison result matches, the electronic code The composite electronic document composed of the document and the embedded seal data is determined to be authentic, and if the comparison result does not match, the composite electronic document is determined to be fake.

  An apparatus according to the present invention is a document processing apparatus capable of managing an electronic document and image data of a seal stamped on a printed material thereof, means for acquiring seal image data as seal data, and the seal stamp An embedded processing means for generating embedded seal data by embedding the identification code of the electronic document as an invisible code in the data; a stamped document management means for storing the embedded seal data and the electronic document in association with each other; Have

  In another apparatus, document management means for managing a plurality of electronic documents with an identification code, and adding the identification code of the electronic document on the recording paper when the electronic document is printed on the recording paper by a printer An identification code adding means; a means for storing an electronic document obtained as a stamped electronic document when a stamped document, which is a document whose stamp has been pressed, is read by the scanner; and Based on a detection means for detecting an identification code from the inside, a means for searching for an electronic document having an identification code that matches the identification code of the stamped electronic document, and a difference between the searched electronic document and the stamped electronic document Extracting means for extracting the seal data, which is the image data of the seal, and the identification code of the stamped electronic document for the extracted seal data. The has an embedded processing means for generating an embedded pre seal data is embedded as an invisible code, and a stamp document management means for managing in association with the electronic document and a corresponding said buried already seal data.

  Still another apparatus is a document processing apparatus including a scanner and a printer, and a document management unit that manages a plurality of electronic documents with identification codes, and when the electronic document is printed on a recording sheet by the printer. An identification code adding means for adding the identification code of the electronic document to be printed on the recording paper, and the electronic document obtained by reading the stamped document, which is the document on which the seal is pressed, by the scanner Means for storing a document as a stamped electronic document, detection means for detecting an identification code from the stamped electronic document, and means for searching for an electronic document having an identification code that matches the identification code of the stamped electronic document And seal data which is image data of the seal based on the difference between the retrieved electronic document and the stamped electronic document An embedding processing means for embedding the identification code of the stamped electronic document as an invisible code to generate the embedded seal data in the extracted seal data, the embedded seal data and the corresponding electronic document And a stamped document management means for managing them in association with each other.

  Further, document management means for managing a plurality of electronic documents by identification code, means for extracting the identification code from embedded seal data in which the identification code is embedded as an invisible code in seal data that is image data of a seal, Means for comparing the extracted identification code with the identification code of the electronic document associated with the embedded seal data, and the electronic document and the embedded seal data when the comparison results match Means for determining that the composite electronic document is authentic.

  First, a method for managing an electronic document and seal data will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a management method for electronic documents and seal data, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method for verifying authenticity of seal data of a composite electronic document.

  In FIG. 1, an electronic document DS is composed of text data or text data and other data. The electronic document DS is usually created in a file format and managed by being associated with an identification code ID or assigned an identification code ID. The identification code ID may be information that identifies each electronic document DS, and may be, for example, a file name.

  By printing the electronic document DS on recording paper (paper), a printed document (printed matter) PS is created. At the time of printing, the identification code ID of the electronic document DS is added and printed. The identification code ID is printed as a barcode, for example. A seal is pressed at a predetermined position of the printed document PS. A stamped document NS, which is a document with a seal stamp pressed, is read by a scanner, and the obtained data is stored as a stamped electronic document ND.

  The identification code ID is detected from the stamped electronic document ND. At the same time, the number of pages is also detected. An electronic document DS having an identification code ID that matches the detected identification code ID is searched. Based on the difference between the retrieved electronic document DS and the stamped electronic document ND, seal data KN which is image data of the seal is extracted. The embedded seal stamp data UK is generated by embedding the identification code ID as an invisible code in the extracted seal stamp data KN. The embedded seal stamp data UK and the electronic document DS are stored in association with each other.

  The embedded seal data UK and the electronic document DS that are associated with each other constitute a composite electronic document GN. Note that the embedded seal data UK and the electronic document DS constituting the composite electronic document GN may be newly created, associated with each other, and stored. Moreover, it is good also as using original data, without creating them newly. In that case, the data may be in different storage media or storage areas. In other words, when creating the composite electronic document GN, the existing embedded seal data UK and the electronic document DS are used, and only the data for correlating them is newly created and stored as the composite electronic document GN. But you can.

  Such a process of creating the composite electronic document GN may be automatically performed, or may be performed after a user's instruction is input for each appropriate process.

  In FIG. 2, the identification code ID is extracted from the embedded seal data UK constituting one composite electronic document GN, and the extracted identification code ID and the identification code ID of the electronic document DS associated with the embedded seal data UK are obtained. Compare. When the comparison result matches, it is determined that the synthesized electronic document GN composed of the electronic document DS and the embedded seal data UK is authentic, and when the comparison result does not match, the synthesized electronic document GN Is determined to be fake.

  Next, the document processing apparatus 2 for executing the management method for the electronic document and the seal data as described above will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the network system 1 using the document processing apparatus 2 to which the electronic document management method according to the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the document processing apparatus 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the document processing apparatus 2, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of embedded seal data UK.

  In FIG. 3, the network system 1 is configured by one or a plurality of document processing apparatuses 2, one or a plurality of terminal apparatuses 3 that can be connected to each other via a communication line 4. As the communication line 4, the Internet, an intranet, a public line, a dedicated line, or the like is used.

  The document processing apparatus 2 is a processing apparatus that integrates various functions such as copying, scanning, faxing, network printing, and document server. Sometimes called a multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multi Function Peripherals). “Network printing” is a function for receiving image data from the terminal device 3 and printing an image on a recording sheet. Sometimes called a “network printer function” or a “PC print function”. The “document server” gives each user a storage area called a “box” or “personal box”, which corresponds to a folder or directory in a personal computer, and the user can store a document such as an image file in his storage area. This function allows you to save data. Sometimes called “box function”.

  The document processing apparatus 2 is installed in an office such as a government office or a company, a public facility such as a school or a library, a store such as a convenience store, and various other places, and can be shared by a plurality of users.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the document processing apparatus 2 includes a CPU 20a, a RAM 20b, a ROM 20c, a mass storage device (hard disk) 20d, a control circuit 20e, an operation panel 20f, a scanner 20g, a printing device 20h, a communication interface 20j, and the like. Is done.

  The large-capacity storage device 20d is a large-capacity storage device for storing programs such as an operating system and firmware, document data, and the like. As the large-capacity storage device 20d, a storage device that can rewrite data and is nonvolatile, such as a hard disk or a flash memory, is used. A part of the program or data may be stored in the ROM 20c. Programs and data stored in the large-capacity storage device 20d are loaded into the RAM 20b as necessary, and the programs are executed by the CPU 20a.

  The control circuit 20e is a circuit for controlling the mass storage device 20d, the scanner 20g, the printing device 20h, the communication interface 20j, the operation panel 20f, and the like.

  The scanner 20g is an apparatus that optically reads an image of content such as a sentence, a symbol, a photograph, a chart, or an illustration drawn on a document and generates image data. As the manuscript, a printed document PS, a stamped document NS, another document, a drawing, or the like is used.

  The printing device (printer) 20h records an image based on image data (including text data) obtained by the electronic document DS, the synthesized electronic document GN, the scanner 20g, or image data transmitted from the terminal device 3 or the like. Print on. The communication interface 20j is a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem for communicating with other devices via the communication line 4.

  The operation panel 20f includes an operation unit and a display unit. A numeric keypad or the like is used as the operation unit, and a liquid crystal display or the like is used as the display unit. The user operates the operation unit to give a command for starting (requesting) or interrupting the execution of processing to the document processing apparatus 2. The display unit includes a screen for giving a message or an instruction to the user, a screen for inputting a type of processing and processing conditions desired by the user, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 20a and the like. Is displayed. When a touch panel is used as the operation panel 20f, the touch panel serves as both an operation unit and a display unit. As described above, the operation panel 20 f serves as a user interface for a user who operates the document processing apparatus 2.

  5, the document processing apparatus 2 includes a document management unit 101, a print processing unit 102 having an identification code adding unit 103, a document storage unit 104, an identification code detection unit 105, a search unit 106, an extraction unit 107, an embedding process. A unit 108, a stamped document management unit 109, an identification code extraction unit 111, a comparison determination unit 112, a document processing unit 113, and the like are formed. These functions in the document processing apparatus 2 are realized by the hardware and software shown in FIGS.

  The document management unit 101 manages a plurality of electronic documents DS using identification codes ID. Since the electronic document DS may include text data as described above, the amount of data is small, and a character search is possible.

  The print processing unit 102 performs processing necessary for printing the electronic document DS designated by the user or the like among the electronic documents DS stored in the document management unit 101. At that time, the identification code adding unit 103 adds the identification code ID of the electronic document DS so as to be printed on the recording paper. The electronic document DS and the identification code ID are printed on the recording paper by the printing device 20h. The identification code ID is, for example, a bar code or a two-dimensional code at the lower left end of the recording paper on which the electronic document DS is printed. (See FIG. 1). A page number is printed on each page.

  A seal is pressed on the printed document PS as necessary. The stamped document NS, which is a document with the seal stamp pressed, is read by the scanner 20g, and a stamped electronic document ND is generated. The document storage unit 104 stores the stamped electronic document ND.

  The identification code detection unit 105 detects the identification code ID included in the electronic document ND that has been stamped. At that time, the page number is also detected.

  The search unit 106 searches the document management unit 101 for an electronic document DS having an identification code that matches the identification code ID detected by the identification code detection unit 105. At that time, if there is a page number, the page corresponding to the page number is retrieved and extracted.

  The extraction unit 107 compares the searched electronic document DS with the corresponding stamped electronic document ND, and based on the difference between the data, the stamp data KN, which is image data of the stamp stamped on the stamped document NS. To extract.

The embedding processing unit 108 embeds the identification code ID of the stamped electronic document ND in the extracted seal data KN as an invisible code FD to generate embedded seal data UK. As a method of embedding the identification code ID as the invisible code FD, for example, the following method can be employed.
(1) The identification code ID is written as a minute size code as it is.
(2) Write the identification code ID as a very small barcode.
(3) The identification code ID is written as a minute size two-dimensional code.
(4) The identification code ID is embedded with a digital watermark.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the embedded seal stamp data UK1 is written as an invisible code FD1 having a minute size in the image data of the seal stamp data KN1 with respect to the seal stamp data KN1.

  When embedding the identification code ID with a digital watermark, the identification code ID is embedded by applying processing that cannot be seen with the naked eye to the seal stamp data KN. The identification code ID cannot be recognized with the naked eye, and only the seal data KN can be visually recognized, but the identification code ID can be extracted by analysis using an appropriate application program or the like. For this purpose, various known digital watermarking techniques can be employed.

  The stamped document management unit 109 manages the embedded seal stamp data UK and the corresponding electronic document DS in association with each other. At this time, page numbers are also associated. As a result, the embedded seal data UK and the electronic document DS associated with each other constitute the above-described composite electronic document GN. That is, the stamped document management unit 109 generates the synthesized electronic document GN and can also be referred to as a synthesized electronic document generation unit.

  When one composite electronic document GN is designated from among the composite electronic documents GN managed by the stamped document management unit 109, the identification code extraction unit 111 embeds seal data UK that constitutes the composite electronic document GN. The identification code ID is extracted from.

  The comparison determination unit 112 compares the identification code ID extracted by the identification code extraction unit 111 with the identification code ID of the electronic document DS associated with the embedded seal data UK, and determines whether or not they match. to decide. When the comparison results match, it is determined that the composite electronic document GN composed of the electronic document DS and the embedded seal data UK is authentic. If they do not match, it is determined that the synthesized electronic document GN is fake. The determination result is sent to the document processing unit 113. Note that the determination in the comparison determination unit 112 can be made for each page of the electronic document DS.

  In the document processing unit 113, various processes are applied to the composite electronic document GN, the electronic document DS, the embedded seal data UK, and the like. At that time, for the composite electronic document GN, when the determination result by the comparison determination unit 112 is authentic, a display for notifying the user that the composite electronic document GN is authentic is displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 20f. In addition, when the determination result by the comparison determination unit 112 is fake, a display for notifying the user that it is fake is displayed on the display unit, and the processing of the synthesized electronic document GN is interrupted, A screen for accepting instructions to the user for subsequent processing operations is displayed.

  As described above, according to the document processing apparatus 2, the electronic document DS can be stored as text data, the data amount can be reduced, and a character search is also possible. Then, since the identification code ID is embedded in the seal stamp data KN and is set as the embedded seal stamp data UK, and the composite electronic document GN is formed using the embedded seal stamp data UK, the electronic document DS and the electronic document DS are attached. It is possible to easily confirm the relationship with the embedded seal stamp data UK and easily determine the authenticity of the embedded seal stamp data UK.

  Therefore, since the authenticity of the embedded seal data UK, that is, the authenticity of the composite electronic document GN can be easily confirmed, when it is determined that the authenticity is authentic, the seal data (embedded seal data UK) is Certainly, a certain guarantee that the electronic document DS has been stamped will be obtained. This makes it possible to use the electronic document DS more effectively and smoothly than before.

  Next, processing of the document processing apparatus 2 will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for generating the synthesized electronic document GN, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for verifying the synthesized electronic document GN.

  In FIG. 7, the user first selects an electronic document DS to be processed from the electronic document DS managed by the document management unit 101 according to a document list or the like, and issues a print instruction (# 11).

  The selected electronic document DS is printed on a recording sheet by the printing device 20h. At the time of printing, the identification code ID and page number information (page number) of the electronic document DS are added and printed (# 12).

  The user presses the seal at a predetermined position of the printed document that is the printed recording paper (# 13). The stamped document NS with the seal stamp pressed is read by the scanner 20g or the like (# 14).

  An identification code ID and a page number are detected from the electronic document ND that has been stamped as image data (# 15). An electronic document DS having an identification code ID that matches the detected identification code ID and page number is retrieved and retrieved from the document management unit 101 (# 16).

  The difference between the retrieved electronic document DS and the stamped electronic document ND is extracted (# 17). Seal data KN is extracted based on the difference, and the identification code ID is embedded as an invisible code in the seal data KN (# 18).

  The embedded seal stamp data UK in which the identification code ID is embedded in the seal stamp data KN and the electronic document DS are associated with each other, and these are managed as the synthesized electronic document GN (# 19).

  The synthesized electronic document GN is stored as, for example, a new electronic document DS in the document management unit 101, the document management unit 109, or an appropriate storage unit (# 20).

  In FIG. 8, the user selects an electronic document DS to be verified from the document management unit 101, the document management unit 109, or the composite electronic document GN stored in an appropriate storage unit (# 31). The identification code ID is extracted from the embedded seal data UK associated with the selected electronic document DS, and the extracted identification code ID is compared with the identification code ID of the electronic document DS associated with the embedded seal data UK. (# 32).

  If the comparison results match (Yes in # 33), the electronic document DS is determined to be authentic (# 34), and if the comparison results do not match, the electronic document DS is determined to be fake. (# 35).

  In the embodiment described above, any type, shape, size, or the like of the seal may be used. Various known methods can be adopted as a storage method of electronic document DS, composite electronic document GN, embedded seal data UK, and a method of associating them.

  In addition, the configuration, functions, processing contents or order of the entire document processing apparatus 2 or each unit can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

It is a figure explaining the management method of the electronic document and seal data which concern on this invention. It is a figure explaining the method to verify authenticity of the seal data of a synthetic electronic document. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the system using the document processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of a document processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of a document processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the embedded seal stamp data. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which produces | generates a synthetic | combination electronic document. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process which verifies a synthetic | combination electronic document.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network system 2 Document processing apparatus 20g Scanner 20h Printing apparatus (printer)
101 Document management unit (document management means)
103 Identification code adding unit (identification code adding means)
102 Print Processing Unit 104 Document Storage Unit (Means for Storage)
105 Identification code detector (detection means)
106 Search unit (means for searching)
107 Extraction unit (extraction means)
108 Embedding processing unit (embedding processing means)
109 Sealed document management section (stamped document management means)
111 Identification Code Extraction Unit 112 Comparison Determination Unit 113 Document Processing Unit DS Electronic Document ND Sealed Electronic Document KN Seal Data UK Embedded Seal Data ID Identification Code

Claims (7)

A method for managing an electronic document and image data of a seal stamped on the printed material,
In the image data of the seal, the embedded seal data is generated by embedding the identification code of the electronic document as an invisible code,
Storing the embedded seal data and the electronic document in association with each other;
A method of managing electronic documents and seal data characterized by the above. A method for managing an electronic document and image data of a seal stamped on the printed material,
When the electronic document is printed, the electronic document identification code is added and printed,
Read a stamped document, which is a document that has been stamped after printing, with a scanner, store the obtained data as a stamped electronic document,
Detecting an identification code from the sealed electronic document;
Search the electronic document having an identification code that matches the detected identification code, extract seal data that is image data of the seal based on the difference between the searched electronic document and the stamped electronic document,
For the extracted seal data, generate embedded seal data by embedding the identification code as an invisible code,
Storing the embedded seal data and the electronic document in association with each other;
A method of managing electronic documents and seal data characterized by the above. Extracting the identification code from the embedded seal data;
A comparison is made between the extracted identification code and the identification code of the electronic document associated with the embedded seal data, and if the comparison result matches, a composite electronic document composed of the electronic document and the embedded seal data is It is determined to be authentic, and if the comparison result does not match, it is determined that the composite electronic document is fake
A method for managing the electronic document and seal data according to claim 1. A document processing apparatus capable of managing an electronic document and image data of a seal stamped on the printed matter,
Means for acquiring the image data of a seal as seal data;
Embedded processing means for generating embedded seal data by embedding the identification code of the electronic document as an invisible code in the seal data;
A stamped document management means for associating and storing the embedded seal data and the electronic document;
A document processing apparatus comprising: A document processing apparatus capable of managing an electronic document and image data of a seal stamped on the printed matter,
Document management means for managing a plurality of electronic documents by identification codes;
An identification code adding means for adding an identification code of the electronic document to be printed on the recording paper when the electronic document is printed on the recording paper by a printer;
Means for storing, as a stamped electronic document, an electronic document obtained when a stamped document, which is a document whose stamp has been pressed, is read by a scanner;
Detecting means for detecting an identification code from the electronic document that has been stamped;
Means for retrieving an electronic document having an identification code that matches the identification code of the electronic document that has been stamped;
Extraction means for extracting seal data which is image data of the seal based on the difference between the searched electronic document and the stamped electronic document;
An embedded processing means for generating embedded seal data by embedding the identification code of the stamped electronic document as an invisible code for the extracted seal data;
A stamped document management means for managing the embedded seal data and the electronic document corresponding to the embedded seal data;
A document processing apparatus comprising: A document processing apparatus including a scanner and a printer,
Document management means for managing a plurality of electronic documents by identification codes;
An identification code adding means for adding an identification code of the electronic document so that the identification code of the electronic document is printed on the recording paper when the electronic document is printed on the recording paper by the printer;
Means for storing, as a stamped electronic document, an electronic document obtained when a stamped document, which is a document whose seal has been pressed, is read by the scanner;
Detecting means for detecting an identification code from the electronic document that has been stamped;
Means for retrieving an electronic document having an identification code that matches the identification code of the electronic document that has been stamped;
Extraction means for extracting seal data which is image data of the seal based on the difference between the searched electronic document and the stamped electronic document;
An embedded processing means for generating embedded seal data by embedding the identification code of the stamped electronic document as an invisible code for the extracted seal data;
A stamped document management means for managing the embedded seal data and the electronic document corresponding to the embedded seal data;
A document processing apparatus comprising: A document processing apparatus including a scanner and a printer,
Document management means for managing a plurality of electronic documents by identification codes;
Means for extracting the identification code from the embedded seal data in which the identification code is embedded as an invisible code in the seal data which is image data of the seal;
Means for comparing the extracted identification code with an identification code of an electronic document associated with the embedded seal data;
Means for determining that the composite electronic document composed of the electronic document and the embedded seal data is authentic when the comparison results match;
A document processing apparatus comprising: