Seal impression management system, seal impression management server, registration terminal, and seal impression management method

Abstract

To make it easier to register a seal impression.SOLUTION: A seal impression management server 20 stores threshold information 21a in which a type of a document and a first threshold set when binarizing the image of a seal impression included in the document are registered in association with each other. The seal impression management server 20 calculates a second threshold based on the first threshold corresponding to the type of a target document. A registration terminal 10 reads the target document. The registration terminal 10 outputs a binarized image of the seal impression included in the target document based on the second threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seal imprint management system, a seal imprint management server, a registration terminal, and a seal imprint management method. [Background technology]

[0002] In financial institutions such as banks, seal imprint registration is performed for use in verifying seals, etc. In the seal imprint registration, for example, a document on which a customer has affixed a seal is scanned, and the affixed portion is cut out from the scanned image and binarized, and the binarized image is registered.

[0003] As a technology related to seal impression registration, for example, a seal impression image generating program has been proposed that can automatically correct the shading of a seal impression image that has a bias in the shading of the seal impression and realize uniform binarization of the entire seal impression image. Also, for example, a seal impression inquiry registration system has been proposed that reduces the burden on operators when converting the seal impressions of many seals into electronic files and reduces costs. Also, for example, an information processing device has been proposed that can extract item information when the seal impression image is acceptable as a seal impression. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-66268 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2001-266141 A [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-86366 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a seal imprint is binarized and registered, for example, an image in which the seal imprint portion is black and the background portion is white is registered. In order to generate such a binarized image in which the seal imprint portion and the background portion are appropriately separated, the threshold is adjusted. However, the adjustment of the threshold when registering the seal imprint is a time-consuming task.

[0006] In one aspect, the present case aims to facilitate the registration of seal impressions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one proposal, a seal imprint management system is provided that has a seal imprint management server and a registration terminal. The seal imprint management server stores threshold information in which the type of document and a first threshold value set when binarizing the image of the seal imprint included in the document are associated and registered, and calculates a second threshold value based on the first threshold value corresponding to the type of target document. The registration terminal reads the target document and outputs an image obtained by binarizing the image of the seal imprint included in the target document based on the second threshold value. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect, it is possible to easily register a seal impression. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a seal impression management system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a seal impression management system according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a registration terminal. [Figure 4] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a registration terminal and a seal impression management server. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of seal imprint information. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of threshold information. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a seal imprint image registration screen. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a seal impression registration process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented in combination with a plurality of other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs. First Embodiment First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a seal imprint management system according to a first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a seal imprint included in a document is binarized. The seal imprint management system according to the first embodiment has a registration terminal 10 and a seal imprint management server 20. The registration terminal 10 is a computer operated by a user. For example, the registration terminal 10 is a PC (Personal Computer) operated by an operator of a financial institution when registering a seal imprint. The registration terminal 10 has a reading unit 11 and a processing unit 12. The reading unit 11 is a device that reads a document and generates an image of the read document. The reading unit 11 is, for example, a scanner. The processing unit 12 is capable of controlling the registration terminal 10 and executing required processing. The processing unit 12 is, for example, a processor or an arithmetic circuit included in the registration terminal 10.

[0012] The seal imprint management server 20 is a server computer that calculates a threshold value when binarizing a seal imprint. The seal imprint management server 20 is a server computer that manages seal imprints registered in, for example, a financial institution. The seal imprint management server 20 has a memory unit 21 and a processing unit 22. The memory unit 21 stores threshold information 21a. In the threshold information 21a, the type of document and a first threshold value are registered in association with each other. The first threshold value is a threshold value that is set when binarizing an image of a seal imprint included in a document.

[0013] For example, the threshold information 21a has a record with the type item being "Document A" and the first threshold item being "110". This record indicates that 110 was set as the threshold when the seal imprint included in the document classified as Document A was binarized and registered. The threshold information 21a also has a record with the type item being "Document B" and the first threshold item being "130" and a record with the type item being "Document A" and the first threshold item being "112". The processing unit 22 controls the seal imprint management server 20 and can execute required processing. The processing unit 22 is, for example, a processor or an arithmetic circuit included in the seal imprint management server 20. The seal imprint management system of the first embodiment binarizes and registers the seal imprint as follows.

[0014] First, the reading unit 11 reads the target document. The target document is a document on which the seal impression to be registered has been affixed. The target document is, for example, a specified form. The processing unit 12 identifies the type of the target document read by the reading unit 11. For example, the processing unit 12 identifies the background color density from the image (target document image) of the read target document. Then, the processing unit 12 identifies the type corresponding to the identified color density as the type of the target document. Here, it is assumed that the processing unit 12 identifies the type of the target document as document A. The processing unit 12 notifies the seal impression management server 20 of the identified type of the target document and requests a second threshold value for binarization.

[0015] The processing unit 22 calculates the second threshold based on the first threshold corresponding to the type of the target document. For example, the processing unit 22 refers to the threshold information 21a and calculates the average value, mode, or the like of the first threshold corresponding to the type of the target document as the second threshold. Here, the processing unit 22 calculates the average value of the first threshold corresponding to document A, which is the type of the target document, as the second threshold. That is, the processing unit 22 calculates the second threshold as (110+112) / 2=111. The processing unit 22 notifies the registration terminal 10 of the calculated second threshold.

[0016] The processing unit 12 outputs an image obtained by binarizing the image of the seal imprint included in the target document based on the second threshold. First, the processing unit 12 converts the target document image to grayscale and cuts out the image of the seal imprint. For example, the processing unit 12 cuts out the image of the seal imprint from the target document image converted to grayscale within the range indicated by the cut-out pattern selected by the user. Then, the processing unit 12 displays an image on the monitor of the registration terminal 10 in which pixels of the image of the seal imprint whose pixel value is equal to or greater than the second threshold are colored white and pixels whose pixel value is less than the second threshold are colored black.

[0017] When the processing unit 12 receives a selection to register the image of the seal impression binarized with the second threshold, it transmits the image of the seal impression binarized with the second threshold to the seal impression management server 20. The processing unit 22 registers the image of the seal impression binarized with the second threshold as the seal impression of the customer who submitted the target document. The processing unit 22 also registers the second threshold and the type of the target document in association with each other in the threshold information 21a. For example, the processing unit 22 registers a record in which the type item is the type of the target document and the first threshold item is the value of the second threshold in the threshold information 21a.

[0018] When the processing unit 12 does not accept the selection to register the image of the seal imprint binarized with the second threshold, the processing unit 12 accepts an increase or decrease in the second threshold. For example, the processing unit 12 displays a screen including buttons indicating the amount of increase or decrease in the threshold on the monitor of the registration terminal 10, and accepts an increase or decrease in the second threshold according to the pressed button. The processing unit 12 calculates a third threshold by increasing or decreasing the second threshold according to the accepted increase or decrease operation. Then, the processing unit 12 outputs an image in which the image of the seal imprint included in the target document is binarized based on the third threshold. For example, the processing unit 12 displays an image on the monitor of the registration terminal 10 in which pixels of the image of the seal imprint whose pixel value is equal to or greater than the third threshold are white and pixels whose pixel value is less than the third threshold are black.

[0019] When the processing unit 12 receives a selection to register the image of the seal imprint binarized with the third threshold, it transmits the image of the seal imprint binarized with the third threshold to the seal imprint management server 20. The processing unit 12 also notifies the seal imprint management server 20 of the third threshold. The processing unit 22 registers the image of the seal imprint binarized with the third threshold as the seal imprint of the customer who submitted the target document. The processing unit 22 also registers the third threshold and the type of the target document in the threshold information 21a in association with each other. For example, the processing unit 22 registers a record in which the type item is the type of the target document and the first threshold item is the value of the third threshold in the threshold information 21a.

[0020] According to the first embodiment, the seal imprint management server 20 stores threshold information 21a in which the type of document and the first threshold set when binarizing the image of the seal imprint included in the document are registered in association with each other. The seal imprint management server 20 calculates the second threshold based on the first threshold corresponding to the type of the target document. The registration terminal 10 reads the target document and outputs an image obtained by binarizing the image of the seal imprint included in the target document based on the second threshold.

[0021] As a result, the seal imprint management system of the first embodiment can automatically output an image of the seal imprint binarized with an appropriate threshold value, and can reduce the work of adjusting the threshold value by the user who operates the registration terminal 10. Therefore, the seal imprint management system of the first embodiment can facilitate the registration of the seal imprint.

[0022] Furthermore, the registration terminal 10 accepts an increase or decrease in the second threshold value, and outputs an image obtained by binarizing the image of the seal imprint included in the target document based on a third threshold value obtained by increasing or decreasing the second threshold value. In this way, the seal imprint management system of the first embodiment allows the user operating the registration terminal 10 to adjust the threshold value for binarizing the image of the seal imprint to a more appropriate value.

[0023] In addition, the registration terminal 10 notifies the seal imprint management server 20 of the third threshold value, and the seal imprint management server 20 registers the third threshold value and the type of the target document in the threshold value information 21a in association with each other. This allows the seal imprint management system of the first embodiment to calculate an appropriate second threshold value in the calculation of the second threshold value from the next time onward.

[0024] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the imprint of a seal affixed to a document submitted by a bank customer is binarized and registered.

[0025] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a seal imprint management system according to the second embodiment. The seal imprint management system according to the second embodiment is installed in a bank 40. The seal imprint management system according to the second embodiment has a registration terminal 100 and a seal imprint management server 200. The registration terminal 100 and the seal imprint management server 200 are connected to a network 30. The network 30 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) of the bank 40.

[0026] The registration terminal 100 is a PC operated by an operator of the bank 40. The registration terminal 100 is connected to a scanner 38. The scanner 38 reads a form placed by the operator and generates an image of the read form (form image). The registration terminal 100 identifies the type of form from the form image generated by the scanner 38. The registration terminal 100 notifies the seal impression management server 200 of the identified type of form and requests a default value for the threshold value for binarization.

[0027] When the registration terminal 100 acquires the default value of the threshold from the seal impression management server 200, it cuts out the portion of the seal impression (the seal impression image) from the form image converted to grayscale, and binarizes the seal impression image using the default value of the threshold. The registration terminal 100 displays the seal impression image binarized using the default value of the threshold on the monitor, and accepts an adjustment operation of the threshold by the operator. When the threshold is adjusted, the registration terminal 100 binarizes the seal impression image using the adjusted threshold, and displays it on the monitor. When the registration terminal 100 accepts a selection indicating that the currently displayed seal impression image is to be registered, it transmits the customer's account number, the currently displayed seal impression image, and the threshold to the seal impression management server 200, and requests registration of the seal impression image.

[0028] The seal impression management server 200 is a server computer that manages seal impressions used for verifying seals and the like in the bank 40. When the seal impression management server 200 receives a request for a default value of the threshold from the registration terminal 100, it refers to threshold information indicating the history of thresholds set when binarizing previously registered seal impression images. Then, the seal impression management server 200 calculates, as a default value, the average value of the thresholds set when binarizing the seal impressions of the same type of form as the notified type of form. The seal impression management server 200 notifies the registration terminal 100 of the calculated default value.

[0029] When the seal impression management server 200 receives a request to register a seal impression image from the registration terminal 100, the seal impression management server 200 registers the account number and the seal impression image acquired from the registration terminal 100 in the seal impression information in association with each other. In addition, the seal impression management server 200 registers the threshold value and the type of the form acquired from the registration terminal 100 in the threshold value information in association with each other.

[0030] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a registration terminal. The registration terminal 100 is entirely controlled by a processor 101. A memory 102 and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to the processor 101 via a bus 110. The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 101 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). At least a part of the functions realized by the processor 101 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD).

[0031] The memory 102 is used as a main storage device of the registration terminal 100. The memory 102 temporarily stores at least a part of the OS (Operating System) program and application programs executed by the processor 101. The memory 102 also stores various data used in the processing by the processor 101. As the memory 102, for example, a volatile semiconductor storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used.

[0032] The peripheral devices connected to the bus 110 include a storage device 103 , a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 104 , an input interface 105 , an optical drive device 106 , device connection interfaces 107 and 108 , and a network interface 109 .

[0033] The storage device 103 electrically or magnetically writes and reads data to and from a built-in recording medium. The storage device 103 is used as an auxiliary storage device for a computer. The storage device 103 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data. Note that, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) can be used as the storage device 103.

[0034] The GPU 104 is connected to a monitor 31. The GPU 104 displays an image on the screen of the monitor 31 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 101. The monitor 31 may be a display device using an organic electroluminescence (EL) display device, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.

[0035] The input interface 105 is connected to the keyboard 32 and the mouse 33. The input interface 105 transmits signals sent from the keyboard 32 and the mouse 33 to the processor 101. Note that the mouse 33 is an example of a pointing device, and other pointing devices can also be used. Examples of other pointing devices include a touch panel, a tablet, a touch pad, a trackball, etc.

[0036] The optical drive device 106 uses a laser beam or the like to read data recorded on the optical disc 34. The optical disc 34 is a portable recording medium on which data is recorded so that it can be read by reflection of light. The optical disc 34 includes a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), a CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), etc.

[0037] The device connection interface 107 is a communication interface for connecting peripheral devices to the registration terminal 100. For example, a memory device 35 or a memory reader / writer 36 can be connected to the device connection interface 107. The memory device 35 is a recording medium equipped with a function for communicating with the device connection interface 107. The memory reader / writer 36 is a device for writing data to the memory card 37 or reading data from the memory card 37. The memory card 37 is a card-type recording medium.

[0038] The scanner 38 is connected to the device connection interface 108. The scanner 38 optically reads a document or the like placed at a predetermined position and generates image data. The scanner 38 stores the generated image data in the memory 102.

[0039] The network interface 109 is connected to the network 30. The network interface 109 transmits and receives data via the network 30 to and from other computers or communication devices.

[0040] The registration terminal 100 can realize the processing functions of the second embodiment by the above hardware configuration. The seal imprint management server 200, the registration terminal 10 and the seal imprint management server 20 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized by the same hardware as the registration terminal 100 shown in Fig. 3. The seal imprint management servers 20 and 200 do not need to have a device connection interface such as the device connection interface 108 and a scanner such as the scanner 38.

[0041] Moreover, the processor 101 is an example of the processing unit 12 shown in the first embodiment. Moreover, the scanner 38 is an example of the reading unit 11 shown in the first embodiment. Moreover, the processor possessed by the seal imprint management server 200 is an example of the processing unit 22 shown in the first embodiment. Moreover, the memory or storage device possessed by the seal imprint management server 200 is an example of the memory unit 21 shown in the first embodiment.

[0042] The registration terminal 100 executes a program recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, for example, to realize the processing function of the second embodiment. The program describing the processing contents to be executed by the registration terminal 100 can be recorded in various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the registration terminal 100 can be stored in the storage device 103. The processor 101 loads at least a part of the program in the storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executes the program. The program to be executed by the registration terminal 100 can also be recorded in a portable recording medium such as the optical disk 34, the memory device 35, or the memory card 37. The program stored in the portable recording medium can be installed in the storage device 103 under the control of the processor 101, for example, and then executed. The processor 101 can also read and execute the program directly from the portable recording medium. Next, the functions of the registration terminal 100 and the seal impression management server 200 will be described in detail.

[0043] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of the registration terminal and the seal impression management server. The registration terminal 100 has an operation reception unit 120 and an image processing unit 130. The operation reception unit 120 and the image processing unit 130 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102.

[0044] The operation reception unit 120 receives operations by an operator. First, when reading a form, the operation reception unit 120 receives input of the account number of the customer who submitted the form. The operation reception unit 120 also receives the selection of an extraction pattern. The operation reception unit 120 notifies the seal impression management server 200 of the type of form identified by the image processing unit 130, and requests a default value for the threshold. After the image processing unit 130 adjusts the threshold, the operation reception unit 120 notifies the seal impression management server 200 of the account number and the adjusted threshold, and requests registration of the seal impression image binarized using the adjusted threshold.

[0045] The image processing unit 130 reads the form and performs image processing on the read form image. The image processing unit 130 reads the form and converts it to grayscale. For example, the image processing unit 130 causes the scanner 38 to read the form, converts the form image read by the scanner 38 to grayscale, and displays it. The image processing unit 130 identifies the type of the read form. For example, the image processing unit 130 classifies the form into one of light, normal, and dark depending on the color density of the paper on which the form is printed.

[0046] The image processing unit 130 binarizes the seal imprint image using the default value notified by the seal imprint management server 200 as a threshold value. For example, the image processing unit 130 cuts out the range indicated by the cut-out pattern selected by the operation reception unit 120 from the form image converted to grayscale as the seal imprint image. The image processing unit 130 generates and displays an image in which pixels whose pixel values ​​are equal to or greater than the default value are white and pixels whose pixel values ​​are less than the default value are black.

[0047] Here, the image processing unit 130 accepts the adjustment of the threshold. The image processing unit 130 accepts a value for increasing or decreasing the threshold, and updates the threshold by increasing or decreasing it by the accepted value. Then, the image processing unit 130 binarizes the seal imprint image using the updated threshold, and displays the binarized seal imprint image.

[0048] The seal imprint management server 200 has a storage unit 210, a calculation unit 220, and a registration unit 230. The storage unit 210 is realized by using a memory of the seal imprint management server 200 or a storage area of ​​a storage device. The calculation unit 220 and the registration unit 230 are realized by a processor of the seal imprint management server 200 executing a program stored in a memory of the seal imprint management server 200.

[0049] The storage unit 210 stores seal imprint information 211 and threshold information 212. In the seal imprint information 211, a seal imprint image used for verifying a seal or the like in the bank 40 is registered in association with a customer's account number. The threshold information 212 is a history of the threshold set when binarizing the seal imprint image registered in the seal imprint information 211 for each type of document.

[0050] The calculation unit 220 calculates a default value for the threshold in response to a request from the registration terminal 100. When the calculation unit 220 acquires a request for a default value from the registration terminal 100, the calculation unit 220 refers to the threshold information 212 and calculates, as a default value, an average value of the thresholds corresponding to the type notified by the registration terminal 100. The calculation unit 220 notifies the registration terminal 100 of the calculated default value.

[0051] The registration unit 230 registers information in the seal imprint information 211 and the threshold information 212. The registration unit 230 associates the account number and the seal imprint image notified from the registration terminal 100 with each other and registers them in the seal imprint information 211. The registration unit 230 also associates the type of document notified from the registration terminal 100 with the threshold value and registers them in the threshold information 212.

[0052] 4 show only a part of the communication paths, and it is possible to set communication paths other than those shown in the figure. Next, the information stored in the storage unit 210 will be described in detail.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of seal imprint information. In the seal imprint information 211, a seal imprint image used for verifying a seal or the like at the bank 40 is registered. The seal imprint information 211 has fields for an account number and a seal imprint image. In the account number field, the account number of the customer who owns the seal is registered. In the seal imprint image field, a binarized seal imprint image is registered.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of threshold information. The threshold information 212 is a history of thresholds set when the seal imprint image registered in the seal imprint information 211 is binarized. The threshold information 212 has items of form type and set threshold. In the item of form type, the type of form is registered. For example, the type of form is classified into three types, light, normal, and dark, depending on the color density of the paper on which the form is printed. In the item of set threshold, the set threshold is registered. The type of form may be classified depending on the density of the ruled lines detected from the form image. Next, a screen when registering a seal imprint image will be described.

[0055] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a seal imprint image registration screen. A screen 51 is a screen displayed on the monitor 31 when the registration terminal 100 accepts the registration of a seal imprint image. The screen 51 includes a registration window and a seal cut-out data window. The registration window is a window for accepting settings when registering a seal imprint image. The registration window includes a read button, a form image, a cut-out pattern pull-down, and a registration button.

[0056] The read button is a button for starting reading of a form. When image processing unit 130 accepts a pressing operation of the read button, image processing unit 130 causes scanner 38 to read the form. Then, image processing unit 130 displays the form image read by scanner 38 in the registration window. The form image is an image of the form read by scanner 38. Note that a part of the form image may be displayed in the registration window, and the display range of the form image may be selected by a scroll bar.

[0057] The cut-out pattern pull-down is a pull-down for setting a cut-out pattern indicating the range to be cut out as a seal imprint image from the form image. The operation reception unit 120 receives the selection of a cut-out pattern to be applied from among the cut-out patterns registered in advance from the cut-out pattern pull-down. The operation reception unit 120 may receive an operation by an operator to select a cut-out pattern from the form image. The range indicated by the selected cut-out pattern is displayed, for example, by a thick frame on the form image included in the registration window.

[0058] The image processing unit 130 cuts out the range corresponding to the selected cut-out pattern from the form image converted to grayscale. Then, the image processing unit 130 binarizes the seal imprint image cut out from the form image with the default value of the threshold value acquired from the seal imprint management server 200, and displays a seal cut-out data window including the binarized seal imprint image.

[0059] The seal cut-out data window is a window for adjusting the threshold value when binarizing the seal imprint image. The seal cut-out data window includes a threshold value, a seal imprint image, and a threshold increase / decrease button. The currently set threshold value is displayed as the threshold value. The seal imprint image included in the seal cut-out data window is the seal imprint image binarized using the currently set threshold value.

[0060] The threshold increase / decrease buttons are buttons for accepting an increase or decrease in the threshold. The threshold increase / decrease buttons include a button for increasing or decreasing the threshold by 1 and a button for increasing or decreasing the threshold by 10. When a threshold increase / decrease button is pressed, the image processing unit 130 updates the threshold by increasing or decreasing the threshold by a value corresponding to the pressed threshold increase / decrease button. Then, the image processing unit 130 binarizes the seal imprint image with the updated threshold, and updates the seal imprint image in the seal cut-out data window to the seal imprint image binarized with the updated threshold. The image processing unit 130 updates the threshold and the seal imprint image in this way every time a threshold increase / decrease button is pressed.

[0061] The registration button is a button for accepting registration of a seal imprint. When the operation reception unit 120 accepts pressing of the registration button, it requests the seal imprint management server 200 to register the seal imprint image currently displayed in the seal cut data window. In addition, the operation reception unit 120 notifies the seal imprint management server 200 of the currently set threshold value.

[0062] In this way, the registration terminal 100 accepts the registration of a seal imprint image from the screen 51. The registration terminal 100 accepts the adjustment of the threshold value by the operator from the seal cut-out data window. By requesting the seal imprint management server 200 to register the seal imprint image binarized with the adjusted threshold value, the registration terminal 100 can register an appropriate seal imprint image in which the seal imprint portion is black and the background portion is white.

[0063] Here, the registration terminal 100 uses a default value calculated by the seal imprint management server 200 as the initial value of the threshold. The seal imprint management server 200 can calculate an appropriate default value when binarizing the seal imprint image of the currently read document based on the threshold information 212 that records the threshold value set when binarizing the seal imprint image in the past for each type of document. This allows the seal imprint management system of the second embodiment to reduce the amount of work required by the operator to increase or decrease the threshold value. Therefore, the seal imprint management system of the second embodiment can facilitate the registration of the seal imprint. Next, the procedure of the seal imprint registration process by the seal imprint management system of the second embodiment will be described.

[0064] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a seal impression registration process. The process shown in FIG. 8 will be described below in order of step number. [Step S11] The operation reception unit 120 of the registration terminal 100 receives input of the account number of the customer who has submitted the form.

[0065] [Step S12] The image processing unit 130 of the registration terminal 100 reads the form and converts it to grayscale. For example, when the image processing unit 130 receives a press operation of the read button in the registration window, it causes the scanner 38 to read the form. The image processing unit 130 converts the form image read by the scanner 38 to grayscale and displays it in the registration window.

[0066] [Step S13] The image processing unit 130 identifies the type of the form. For example, the image processing unit 130 classifies the form into one of light, normal, and dark depending on the color density of the paper on which the form is printed. The image processing unit 130 identifies the color density from the form image read by the scanner 38, and identifies the type of the form as normal if the identified color density is within a predetermined range. Furthermore, the image processing unit 130 identifies the type of the form as light if the identified color density is lighter than the predetermined range. Furthermore, the image processing unit 130 identifies the type of the form as dark if the identified color density is darker than the predetermined range.

[0067] [Step S14] The operation reception unit 120 receives a selection of an extraction pattern. For example, the operation reception unit 120 receives a selection of an extraction pattern to be applied from an extraction pattern pull-down menu in a registration window.

[0068] [Step S15] The operation reception unit 120 notifies the seal impression management server 200 of the type of the form identified in step S13, and requests the default value of the threshold value. [Step S16] The calculation unit 220 of the seal impression management server 200 refers to the threshold information 212 and calculates, as a default value, the average value of the threshold value corresponding to the type notified from the registration terminal 100. For example, the calculation unit 220 extracts from the threshold information 212 records in which the type notified from the registration terminal 100 is registered in the form type field. The calculation unit 220 calculates, as a default value, the average value of the threshold values ​​registered in the set threshold of the extracted records.

[0069] [Step S17] The calculation unit 220 notifies the registration terminal 100 of the default value calculated in step S16. [Step S18] The image processing unit 130 sets the default value notified in step S17 as a threshold value.

[0070] [Step S19] The image processing unit 130 binarizes and displays the seal imprint image. For example, the image processing unit 130 cuts out the range indicated by the cut-out pattern selected in step S14 from the form image converted to grayscale in step S12 as a seal imprint image. The image processing unit 130 displays an image in the seal cut-out data window in which pixels with pixel values ​​equal to or greater than the currently set threshold are colored white and pixels with pixel values ​​less than the threshold are colored black.

[0071] [Step S20] The operation reception unit 120 determines whether or not pressing of the threshold increase / decrease button has been accepted. If the operation reception unit 120 determines that pressing of the threshold increase / decrease button has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S21. If the operation reception unit 120 determines that pressing of the threshold increase / decrease button has not been accepted but pressing of the register button has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0072] [Step S21] The image processing unit 130 updates the threshold. For example, the image processing unit 130 updates the threshold by increasing or decreasing the threshold by a value corresponding to the pressed threshold increase / decrease button. Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0073] [Step S22] The operation reception unit 120 notifies the seal impression management server 200 of the account number accepted in step S11 and the currently set threshold value, and requests registration of the seal impression image binarized using the currently set threshold value.

[0074] [Step S23] The registration unit 230 of the seal imprint management server 200 associates the account number and the seal imprint image notified from the registration terminal 100 and registers them in the seal imprint information 211. For example, the registration unit 230 adds a record to the seal imprint information 211 in which the account number notified from the registration terminal 100 in step S22 is registered in the account number field and the seal imprint image acquired from the registration terminal 100 in step S22 is registered in the seal imprint image field.

[0075] [Step S24] The registration unit 230 associates the type of form notified from the registration terminal 100 with the threshold value and registers them in the threshold information 212. For example, the registration unit 230 adds a record to the threshold information 212 in which the type of form notified from the registration terminal 100 in step S15 is registered in the form type field, and the threshold value notified from the registration terminal 100 in step S22 is registered in the set threshold field.

[0076] In this way, the seal imprint management system of the second embodiment registers the seal imprint. The image processing unit 130 may accept the selection of the type of the form by the operator. The calculation unit 220 may calculate the average value of the threshold for each type in advance, and may notify the average value of the threshold corresponding to the type notified from the registration terminal 100 as a default value in response to a request for a default value from the registration terminal 100.

[0077] The seal imprint management server 200 refers to the threshold information 212 in which the types of forms and the thresholds set when the seal imprint images were previously binarized are associated and registered, and calculates the average value of the thresholds corresponding to the types of forms notified from the registration terminal 100 as a default value. Then, the registration terminal 100 binarizes and displays the seal imprint image included in the form based on the default value calculated by the seal imprint management server 200.

[0078] Here, in registering the seal imprint image, it is preferable to register a binarized seal imprint image so that the seal imprint portion and the background portion have different colors. The threshold value that can appropriately separate the seal imprint portion and the background portion may differ depending on the color density of the document on which the seal is affixed, etc. The threshold value when registering the seal imprint image is adjusted by the operator to an appropriate value.

[0079] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the seal imprint management server 200 calculates, as a default value, the average value of the thresholds set when registering the seal imprints included in the same type of document as the type notified from the registration terminal 100. Then, the registration terminal 100 can display an appropriate seal imprint image by displaying the binarized seal imprint image using the default value. As a result, the seal imprint management system of the second embodiment can automatically output the seal imprint image binarized with an appropriate threshold value, and can reduce the work of adjusting the threshold value by the operator. Therefore, the seal imprint management system of the second embodiment can facilitate the registration of the seal imprint.

[0080] Furthermore, the registration terminal 100 accepts an increase or decrease in the threshold value, and outputs an image obtained by binarizing the seal imprint image based on the increased or decreased threshold value. This allows the operator to adjust the threshold value used when binarizing the seal imprint image to a more appropriate value in the seal imprint management system of the second embodiment. Note that the seal imprint management system of the second embodiment can calculate a default value close to the appropriate threshold value, so that the workload can be reduced even when an increase or decrease in the threshold value is accepted.

[0081] The registration terminal 100 notifies the imprint management server 200 of the increased or decreased threshold value, and the imprint management server 200 associates the threshold value notified from the registration terminal 100 with the type of the document and registers them in the threshold value information 212. This allows the imprint management system of the second embodiment to calculate a more appropriate value when calculating the default value of the threshold value from the next time onwards.

[0082] Although the embodiments have been described above, the configurations of the parts shown in the embodiments can be replaced with other configurations having similar functions. Any other components or steps may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Registration terminal 11 Reading unit 12,22 Processing section 20 Imprint Management Server 21 Memory section 21a Threshold Information

Claims

1. A stamp management server that stores threshold information in which a document type and a first threshold value set when binarizing an image of a stamp included in a document are registered in association with each other, and calculates a second threshold value based on the first threshold value corresponding to the type of the target document; A registration terminal that reads the target document and outputs an image obtained by binarizing an image of a stamp included in the target document based on the second threshold value; A stamp management system having the above.

2. The registration terminal accepts an increase or decrease of the second threshold value, and outputs an image obtained by binarizing an image of a stamp included in the target document based on a third threshold value obtained by increasing or decreasing the second threshold value. The stamp management system according to Claim 1.

3. The registration terminal notifies the stamp management server of the third threshold value. The stamp management server registers the third threshold value and the type of the target document in association with each other in the threshold information. The stamp management system according to Claim 2.

4. A storage unit that stores threshold information in which a document type and a first threshold value set when binarizing an image of a stamp included in a document are registered in association with each other; A processing unit that calculates a second threshold value used when the registration terminal outputs an image obtained by binarizing an image of a stamp included in the target document based on the first threshold value corresponding to the type of the target document read by the registration terminal; A stamp management server having the above.

5. A reading unit that reads a target document; A processing unit that outputs an image obtained by binarizing an image of a stamp included in the target document based on a second threshold value calculated based on the first threshold value corresponding to the type of the target document, where the registration terminal stores threshold information in which a document type and a first threshold value set when binarizing an image of a stamp included in a document are registered in association with each other, and the stamp management server stores the threshold information; A registration terminal having the above.

6. The stamp management server: Calculates a second threshold value based on the first threshold value registered in association with the type of the target document in the threshold information in which a document type and a first threshold value set when binarizing an image of a stamp included in a document are registered in association with each other; The registration terminal: Reads the target document; Outputs an image obtained by binarizing an image of a stamp included in the target document based on the second threshold value. A stamp management method.

Images