Application system, application method, external storage device

Abstract

To provide an application system capable of suppressing spoofing by others regarding documents such as an application form.SOLUTION: An application system in which an image processing device that generates application data based on an application form and an external storage device communicate with each other via a network, comprises: a document reading unit configured to read the application form and generate image data; an IC card information acquisition unit configured to acquire identification information of an IC card from the IC card; an electronic watermark data acquisition unit configured to acquire electronic watermark data included in the image data; an IC card management unit configured to authenticate a person in question according to the identification information of the IC card that is associated in advance with identification information of the application form and the received identification information of the IC card; and a second communication unit configured to transmit authentication results of the person in question to the image processing device. Upon receiving a message indicating that the authentication of the person in question has not been successful, the image processing device terminates the generation of the application data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an application system, an application method, and an external storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] When an application form (such as a pension application form) arrives at home from a local government office such as a ward office or city hall, the applicant fills it out and either mails it or goes to the local government office to complete the application.

[0003] A technology has been devised to support such application-related work (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that reflects registered personal information in the format of a document and prints it. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technology, if an application form falls into the hands of a third party, the third party can impersonate the person in question. For example, by changing the address on the application form to their own address, the third party can change the mailing address of the item being applied for (such as a pension) to that of the third party.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an application system that can prevent impersonation by others in relation to documents such as application forms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an application system in which an image processing device that creates application data based on an application form and an external storage device communicate with each other via a network, comprising: The image processing device includes: a document reading unit that reads the application form and generates image data; an IC card information acquisition unit that acquires IC card identification information from the IC card; a digital watermark data acquisition unit that acquires digital watermark data included in the image data; a first communication unit that transmits identification information of the application form included in the digital watermark data and identification information of the IC card to the external storage device; The external storage device is When the application identification information and the IC card identification information are received, The identification information of the application form that is previously associated with the identification information of the IC card, and the identification information of the received application form Toga If it matches The person himself of certification If they do not match, the authentication is not successful. an IC card management unit for a second communication unit that transmits the authentication result of the person to the image processing device, If the image processing device receives a message that the authentication of the person has not been successful, it ends the creation of the application data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] It is possible to provide an application system that can prevent impersonation by others regarding documents such as application forms. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conventional method for creating an application form. [Figure 2] This is a diagram explaining the issues to be addressed when applying. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an application method using a digital watermark. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an application method using a digital watermark and an IC card. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of information held in a digital watermark and information held in an IC card. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an application system. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an example of an image processing apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an example of an external storage device. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram illustrating functions of an image processing device and an external storage device included in the application system in block form. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure used in the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the contents of digital watermark data. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating data stored in the image processing device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure stored in an external storage device. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of an IC card. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of format data of an application form. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a code table of format data. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of options and an output format displayed on the image processing apparatus. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method for submitting an application form when there are no changes to the contents of the application form. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how to submit an application form when there are changes to the information entered in the application form. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a process for preventing spoofing. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial setting screen. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an external storage device destination setting field that is displayed when an external storage device destination setting is pressed. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a download destination setting field that is displayed when program setting is pressed. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a program list displayed when the download button is pressed. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a process execution screen displayed on an operation panel during execution of a process. [Figure 26]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a program list screen that is displayed when an application program start button is pressed. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the overall processing of the application system. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an initial setting process. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a no-change application using IC card authentication. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically illustrating the processing of FIG. 29. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an applicant prints out an application form and submits an application. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram schematically illustrating the processing of FIG. 31. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process performed by an image processing device of a local government to prevent spoofing of mailed application forms. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram schematically illustrating the processing of FIG. 33. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an outline of processing performed by the image processing apparatus. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by a program launching unit to launch a program. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a password omission function. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an authentication process. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of a data input function. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process related to application registration. [Figure 41] FIG. 40 is an example of a flowchart illustrating the process of acquiring the input format of FIG. 39. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data output process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an application system and an application method performed by the application system will be described as an example of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Outline of the conventional application method> Before describing this embodiment, a conventional method for preparing an application form will be described. Fig. 1 is an example of a diagram for explaining a conventional method for preparing an application form. Conventionally, when an applicant 9 submits an application form, he or she fills in the necessary information on the application form and submits it by mail or at a counter. (1) The application form will be sent by mail from the local government. (2) Applicant 9 fills in the necessary information. (3) The applicant 9 submits the application form by mail or at the counter.

[0011] However, for example, when applying for a pension, the application form is written by hand, following the same application format, and the same necessary information is repeated every time, even if there is no change in address, etc. Furthermore, if the application form is passed to a third party, the third party can apply using their own address, which could lead to impersonation. This will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0012] Figure 2 is a diagram explaining the issues to be addressed at the time of application. (1) For example, the application form that was supposed to be mailed to Applicant 9 falls into the hands of a third party. (2) The third party changes the address and other details to impersonate the applicant 9. (3) The third party may submit the application by mail or at the counter. (4) If an application form that has been rewritten by a third party is accepted by the local government, this constitutes impersonation.

[0013] <Outline of application method according to this embodiment> Therefore, in this embodiment, an electronic watermark is formed on the application form. The applicant 9 has the application form with the electronic watermark read by an image processing device. The image processing device detects the electronic watermark and runs a program identified by the electronic watermark. The image processing device obtains the necessary information based on the application ID and other information identified by the electronic watermark via the Internet or the like, and prompts the applicant to fill it in. This will be explained using Figure 3.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an application method using a digital watermark. (1) The local government will send you an application form with a digital watermark by mail. (2) The applicant 9 scans the application form with an image processing device. (3) The mailing address (address of the applicant 9) and the application data format are embedded in the application form as a digital watermark, and the image processing device displays the input fields. The applicant 9 can enter the address, etc. using a touch panel, etc.

[0015] Alternatively, the applicant may reduce the input work by using an IC card.

[0016] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an application method using a digital watermark and an IC card, in which the image processing device has an IC card reader.

[0017] (1) The local government will send you an application form with a digital watermark by mail.

[0018] (2) The applicant 9 scans the application form with an image processing device.

[0019] (3) The applicant 9 has his / her My Number card, which he / she holds as personal information, read as an IC card by an IC card reader. The image processing device can obtain the personal information of the IC card owner that is associated with the IC card.

[0020] (4) The image processing device acquires input items based on the digital watermark from its own device or the Internet and displays them on the operation panel. For example, a mailing address and application form data are embedded in an application form using a digital watermark. The image processing device detects the digital watermark and, based on the digital watermark, acquires the necessary information from the Internet that is the same as or similar to the items to be entered on the application form. The image processing device also acquires the mailing address based on the digital watermark.

[0021] (5) The image processing device acquires the address from the IC card or the Internet as information accompanying the My Number card, and compares it with the address acquired from the digital watermark on the application form. If the addresses match, the image processing device determines that the applicant 9 to whom the mailing address is addressed is the same as the applicant 9 operating the image processing device, and considers that authentication of the applicant 9 has been successful. This determination may also be made by an external storage device, which will be described later.

[0022] (6) The image processing device sets the address attached to the My Number card or the address obtained by the electronic watermark in the input field.

[0023] In this way, the application method of this embodiment prevents the applicant 9 from having to handwrite or input the same personal information every time, and since personal authentication is performed using an IC card and electronic watermark, it is possible to prevent impersonation by a third party.

[0024] In this case, the applicant 9 can print the application form without entering anything in the input fields (no entry). Because personal authentication is performed using the IC card and digital watermark, once the application form is mailed to the local government or the application data is sent via a network, it can be considered to be an application made by the applicant without any changes.

[0025] For further details, please refer to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows an example of information stored in a digital watermark and information stored in an IC card. The digital watermark for an application form stores information related to the applicant 9, such as the recipient's address, as well as a document format indicating the format of the application form. By reading this information with an image processing device, the input items required for the application can be displayed on the operation panel.

[0026] The IC card stores various personal information or information linked to personal information. When filling out an application form, the image processing device can obtain the personal information from the IC card and enter it in the input fields.

[0027] <Terminology> Impersonation refers to the act of one person pretending to be another person when using a system or communicating with a third party.

[0028] A digital watermark is information placed on a piece of paper that is generally not visible to the naked eye, but can be extracted using detection software. For example, the paper is divided into squares, and information is embedded by determining whether or not a dot is present within the square. Various mechanisms for digital watermarking have been proposed, and the mechanism is not important in this embodiment.

[0029] An application form is a document submitted when requesting a wish or permission. An application form may also be called an application form, application form, etc.

[0030] The application data is the necessary information handwritten on the application form, or the necessary information automatically input by the image processing device or input by the user.

[0031] A two-dimensional code or a barcode may be placed together with or separately from the digital watermark, but two-dimensional codes and barcodes have the disadvantage that their presence is visible and they are easily tampered with.

[0032] An IC card is a card-type recording medium that incorporates an integrated circuit for recording and calculating information. IC cards may be built into smartphones, mobile phones, etc.

[0033] <System configuration example> 6 is an example of a schematic configuration diagram of the application system 100. The application system has image processing devices 10A and 10B and an external storage device 30 that can communicate with each other via a network.

[0034] Image processing device 10A is an image processing device 10 installed in a facility that accepts application forms. Image processing device 10B is an image processing device 10 installed in a local government or the like. The facility may be a local government, educational institution, or the like that accepts application forms, and there are no particular restrictions.

[0035] The image processing device 10 may be any device or apparatus that has at least a scanner function. The image processing device 10 is, for example, a device called a multifunction peripheral. A multifunction peripheral is a name given to a device or apparatus that has multiple functions, such as a printer function, a copy function, and a fax function, in addition to a scanner function. A multifunction peripheral may also be called an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral), a copying machine, or a copy machine. A computer may also have an external scanner, or a computer may acquire image data captured by a digital camera. A smartphone may be the image processing device 10. The image processing device 10 may also have a touch panel that accepts information related to application forms.

[0036] Image processing device 10A is an image processing device 10 used by applicant 9, and image processing device 10B is an image processing device 10 used by an application acceptor in a local government or the like. In the following, any one of image processing devices 10A and 10B will be simply referred to as "image processing device 10."

[0037] The external storage device 30 is one or more information processing devices. Specifically, the external storage device 30 may be a PC (Personal Computer), a server device, a workstation, or the like. The external storage device 30 stores input formats for each application form, etc. The image processing device 10 may have the external storage device 30. Furthermore, the external storage device 30 may be located on-premise or on the cloud.

[0038] <Hardware configuration example> <<Image processing device>> 7 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the image processing device 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the image processing device 10 includes a controller 910, an IC card reader 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network I / F 950.

[0039] Of these, the controller 910 has a CPU 901, which is the main part of the computer, a system memory (MEM-P) 902, a north bridge (NB) 903, a south bridge (SB) 904, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, a local memory (MEM-C) 907, which is a storage unit, an HDD controller 908, and an HD 909, which is also a storage unit, and is configured such that the NB 903 and the ASIC 906 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

[0040] Of these, the CPU 901 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image processing device 10. The NB 903 is a bridge that connects the CPU 901 with the MEM-P 902, the SB 904, and the AGP bus 921, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target.

[0041] The MEM-P 902 comprises a ROM 902a, which is memory for storing programs and data that realize the functions of the controller 910, and a RAM 902b, which is used for expanding the programs and data and as a drawing memory during memory printing. The programs stored in the RAM 902b may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0042] The SB 904 is a bridge for connecting the NB 903 with PCI devices and peripheral devices. The ASIC 906 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and serves as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 921, PCI bus 922, HDD controller 908, and MEM-C 907. The ASIC 906 includes a PCI target and AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC 906, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 907, multiple direct memory access controllers (DMACs) that perform image data rotation using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 931, printer unit 932, and facsimile unit via the PCI bus 922. The ASIC 906 may also have a universal serial bus (USB) interface or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394 (IEEE 1394) interface.

[0043] The MEM-C907 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer. The HD909 is a storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, and forms. The HD909 controls the reading and writing of data from and to the HD909 under the control of the CPU901. The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphics processing, and direct high-throughput access to the MEM-P902 enables the graphics accelerator card to operate at high speed.

[0044] The IC card reader 920 is also provided with an antenna 920a. The IC card reader 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0045] The engine control unit 930 further includes a scanner unit 931, a printer unit 932, and a facsimile unit 933. The operation panel 940 includes a panel display unit 940a, such as a touch panel, that displays current setting values ​​and selection screens and receives inputs from an operator, and hard keys 940b, such as a numeric keypad that receives setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density settings and a start key that receives a copy start command. The controller 910 controls the entire image processing device 10, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, and inputs from the operation panel 940. The scanner unit 931 or the printer unit 932 includes an image processing unit that performs error diffusion, gamma conversion, and the like.

[0046] The image processing device 10 can sequentially switch among the document box function, copy function, printer function, and facsimile function using the application switching key on the operation panel 940. When the document box function is selected, the image processing device 10 enters document box mode, when the copy function is selected, the copy mode, when the printer function is selected, the printer mode, and when the facsimile mode is selected, the facsimile mode.

[0047] The network I / F 950 is an interface for performing data communication using the network N2. The IC card reader 920 and the network I / F 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via a PCI bus 922.

[0048] <<External storage device>> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the external storage device 30. As shown in Fig. 8, the external storage device 30 is constructed by a computer, and includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD (Hard Disk) 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a bus line 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, an optical drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0049] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the external storage device 30. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information, such as a cursor, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories and printers. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the network N2. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like, for electrically connecting the components, such as the CPU 501, shown in FIG. 8.

[0050] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having multiple keys used to input characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The optical drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from a removable optical storage medium 513. The optical storage medium 513 may be a CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, etc. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a storage medium 515 such as a flash memory.

[0051] <About the function> FIG. 9 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the functions of the image processing device 10 and the external storage device 30 included in the application system 100 in a block form.

[0052] <<Image processing device>> The image processing device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a document reading unit 12, a digital watermark data acquisition unit 13, a format display unit 14, a program startup unit 15, an IC card information acquisition unit 16, an identity verification unit 17, an authentication processing unit 18, an operation reception unit 19, a character recognition unit 20, an invalidation request unit 21, an application ID request unit 22, a printing unit 23, a document creation unit 24, and an application data registration unit 25. These functions of the image processing device 10 are realized by a CPU 901 executing a program stored in an HD 909 and controlling each component of the image processing device 10.

[0053] The communication unit 11 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the external storage device 30 (an example of a first communication unit).

[0054] The document reading unit 12 reads a document using a scanner and generates image data of the document (application form).

[0055] The digital watermark data acquisition unit 13 detects a digital watermark from the image data of the application form, and acquires the digital watermark data if a digital watermark is present.

[0056] The format display unit 14 acquires format data from the format information storage unit 1001 based on the format ID included in the digital watermark data, and displays it on the operation panel.

[0057] The program starting unit 15 acquires a program from the program information storage unit 1004 based on the start program ID included in the digital watermark data, and starts the program.

[0058] The IC card information acquisition unit 16 controls the IC card reader to acquire IC card information from the IC card.

[0059] The personal identification unit 17 performs personal identification by requesting the external storage device 30 to compare the digital watermark data with the IC card information, or by performing the comparison itself.

[0060] The authentication processing unit 18 receives input of a password set in the IC card and determines whether or not to permit use of the information stored in the IC card.

[0061] The operation receiving unit 19 receives various operations for the image processing device 10, including input of format data.

[0062] The character recognition unit 20 performs OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing on the image data to recognize characters.

[0063] The invalidation request unit 21 requests the external storage device 30 to invalidate the application ID included in the digital watermark data.

[0064] The application ID request unit 22 requests the external storage device 30 to assign a new application ID to the application form whose application ID has been invalidated.

[0065] The printing unit 23 prints the application data on paper. When printing, there are two types of printing: paper to be mailed and paper to be submitted at the counter.

[0066] The document creation unit 24 identifies the format data associated with the format ID included in the digital watermark data, and creates application data by reflecting the OCR results in the format data.

[0067] The application data registration unit 25 stores the application data including the character-recognized personal information in a storage means on the device itself or on a network.

[0068] The image processing device 10 also has a storage unit 1000 constructed in the HD 909 or the like. The storage unit 1000 has a format information storage unit 1001, an application information storage unit 1002, a personal information storage unit 1003, a program information storage unit 1004, and a unique information storage unit 1005.

[0069] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the data structure handled in this embodiment. Fig. 10(a) shows data stored in an IC card. The IC card has an IC card ID and personal information. Details will be explained in Fig. 14.

[0070] Figure 10(b) shows the digital watermark data stored in the digital watermark. The digital watermark contains the access destination, access destination authentication data, application ID, form ID, and startup program ID. The data embedded in the digital watermark of the application form will be explained in Figure 11.

[0071] 10(c) shows data stored in the image processing device 10. The image processing device 10 has an MFP unique ID, a form table, an application ID table, an IC card table, a personal information table, a form table, and a program table. The data stored in the image processing device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0072] 10(d) shows data stored in the external storage device 30. The external storage device 30 has an access right table, a form table, an application table, an IC card table, a personal information table, and a program table. The data stored in the external storage device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of the watermark data that is obtained when read by a device capable of detecting the watermark. The access destination is a URL indicating the external storage device 30 that the image processing device 10 accesses. The access authentication is authentication information used when accessing the external storage device 30. The application ID is identification information that identifies the application. The format ID is identification information that identifies the format. The start program ID is identification information of a program that specifies the program to be started when the application form is read.

[0074] FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of data stored in the image processing device 10. As shown in FIG. 12(a) shows a form table. The form table stores information indicating a file of form data associated with a form ID. The form table has the following items: form ID, format type, and document data.

[0075] Figure 12(b) shows the application table. The application table associates the application status and previous application ID by application ID, and stores information on whether the application ID is valid or invalid. The application table has the following fields: application ID, application status, previous application ID, and application status.

[0076] 12(c) shows the personal information table. The personal information table stores the personal information of the subject associated with the IC card ID. The personal information table has the following fields: IC card ID, name, address, and gender.

[0077] 12(d) shows a program table. The program table stores information indicating the storage location of program data associated with a program ID. The program table has the following items: program ID, program data, and program name.

[0078] 12(e) shows a unique ID. The unique ID is a unique ID that each image processing device 10 has and is stored as information that identifies the application destination, output destination, etc.

[0079] <<External storage device>> Returning to Fig. 9, the external storage device 30 has a communication unit 31, a personal information management unit 32, a program management unit 33, a form management unit 34, an IC card management unit 35, an application management unit 36, and an access right management unit 37. These functions of the external storage device 30 are realized by the CPU 501 executing the programs stored in the HD 504 shown in Fig. 8 and controlling the respective components of the external storage device 30.

[0080] The communication unit 31 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the image processing device 10 (an example of a second communication unit).

[0081] The personal information management unit 32 manages the personal information storage unit 3006, and acquires information from the personal information table and stores the information in the personal information table. The personal information management unit 32 performs processing using the personal information table.

[0082] The program management unit 33 manages the program information storage unit 3005, and acquires information from the program table and stores the information in the program table. The program management unit 33 performs processing using the program information table.

[0083] The format management unit 34 manages the format information storage unit 3004, and acquires information from the format table and stores the information in the format table. The format management unit 34 performs processing using the format table.

[0084] The IC card management unit 35 manages the IC card information storage unit 3003, and acquires information from the IC card table and stores the information in the IC card table. The IC card management unit 35 performs processing using the IC card table.

[0085] The application management unit 36 ​​manages the application information storage unit 3002, and acquires information from the application table and stores the information in the application table. The application management unit 36 ​​performs processing using the application table.

[0086] The access right management unit 37 manages the access right information storage unit 3001, and acquires information from the access right table and stores the information in the access right table. The access right management unit 37 performs processing using the access right table.

[0087] In addition, the external storage device 30 has a memory unit 3000 constructed in HD504 or the like shown in Figure 8, and the memory unit 3000 has an access right information memory unit 3001, an application information memory unit 3002, an IC card information memory unit 3003, a format information memory unit 3004, a program information memory unit 3005, and a personal information memory unit 3006.

[0088] 13 is a diagram illustrating the structure of data stored in the external storage device 30. The external storage device 30 stores various types of data to be developed in the image processing device 10.

[0089] 13(a) shows a format table associated with format information. The format table stores information indicating the file of the format information associated with the format ID. The format table has the following fields: format ID, format type, and format data.

[0090] 13(b) shows a program table. The program table stores information indicating the storage location of program data associated with a program ID. The program table has the following fields: program ID, program data, and program name.

[0091] 13(c) shows the application table. The application table associates the application status with the previous application ID by application ID, and stores information on whether the application ID is valid or invalid and the applied data. In addition, if the application is authenticated by IC card authentication, the IC card unique ID is stored, and if the application is from the image processing device 10, the unique ID is stored. The application table has the following fields: application ID, application status, previous application ID, unique ID, IC card unique ID, and application data.

[0092] 13(d) shows the personal information table. The personal information table stores the personal information of the subject associated with the IC card ID. The personal information table has the following fields: IC card ID, name, address, and gender.

[0093] 13(e) shows the IC card table. The IC card table has a password for reading data inside the IC card, which is associated with the IC card ID. The IC card table has the following items: IC card ID, application ID, and IC password.

[0094] 13(f) shows the access right table, which has the fields for User ID and Password.

[0095] Fig. 14 shows the data structure of an IC card. The IC card stores an IC card ID unique to the IC card and the owner's personal information. The IC card is protected by security (encryption) such as a password associated with the IC card, and the image processing device can read the personal information after authentication with the password. The IC card also has a unique ID that is specific to the IC card itself.

[0096] If the IC card is a My Number card, personal information such as name and address is not stored. The resident registration code is stored in the IC chip as the resident registration AP, and the address and name associated with the resident registration code are obtained by the image processing device from the external storage device 30 or the like.

[0097] Although the example described here uses My Number, other IC cards can also be used as long as the information stored on or linked to the IC card is linked to authenticable information and information required for the application.

[0098] Figure 15 shows an example of application form format data. In Figure 15, an example of an application form format has fields for name, address, and date of birth, and each field is assigned a code (0001 to 0006). When data is reflected in the application form, it is associated based on these codes. The code table is shown in Figure 16.

[0099] Figure 16 shows the code table for the form data. The name and associated code for the data entered in the application form are determined based on the code table. For example, if the input form has 0005: Year of Birth, it will be reflected in association with 0005: Year of Birth in the output form. The associated code indicates the relationship between items.

[0100] Fig. 17(a) is a diagram for explaining options displayed on the image processing device 10. Fig. 17 is a selection table when the image processing device 10 displays a list of options for the code "0003: address", for example. If the input format has a code of 0003, it becomes possible to select from the selection table in Fig. 17(a).

[0101] Figure 17(b) shows an example of the output format. The output format is used both when printing and when applying via a network. The difference from the input format is that a specific ID and unique ID are entered.

[0102] <Description of the processing of this embodiment> Next, a method for submitting an application form in this embodiment when there are no changes to the content of the application form will be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method for submitting an application form when there are no changes to the content of the application form.

[0103] (1) The local government that is both the sender and the recipient embeds a digital watermark (with the same content as entered previously) in the application form and sends it.

[0104] (2) If there are no changes to the contents, the applicant 9 should mail the form without filling it out.

[0105] (3) The local government reads the application form using the image processing device 10B and accepts it as an application with the same content as the previous one.

[0106] Next, FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining how to submit an application form when there are changes to the contents entered on the application form.

[0107] (1) The local government that is both the sender and the recipient embeds a digital watermark (with the same content as entered previously) in the application form and sends it.

[0108] (2) The applicant 9 reads the application form using the image processing device 10 and obtains the digital watermark data.

[0109] (3) The applicant has the IC card read by the image processing device 10 and authenticated.

[0110] (4) The image processing device 10 obtains the application form and data required for the application from the digital watermark. The personal information to be entered by the applicant 9 is automatically entered based on the personal information read from the IC card.

[0111] (5) The image processing device 10 transmits the application data via the network. In the case of mailing, the image processing device 10 outputs an application form for mailing and invalidates the digital watermark on the original application form. The applicant can apply for changes by mailing the output application form.

[0112] Next, FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a process for preventing spoofing.

[0113] (1) The local government that is both the sender and the recipient of the application will embed a digital watermark (with the same content as entered previously) in the application form before sending it.

[0114] (2) A third party 8 intercepts the application, changes the address on the application, and mails it to the local government.

[0115] (3) The municipality will accept the application form with the digital watermark as it is (i.e., it cannot be spoofed) or will not accept it because the application has been invalidated by printing. Therefore, the municipality can prevent spoofing.

[0116] <Settings for the initial setting screen> Next, initial settings using the initial settings screen 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 21 etc. Fig. 21 is an example of the initial settings screen 110. Each item on the initial settings screen 110 will be described below.

[0117] The external storage device destination setting 111 is a button for setting the URL of the external storage device 30. Details will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0118] The program setting 112 is a button for setting a program associated with the digital watermark. Details will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0119] The IC card authentication data / password 113 is a button for setting data on the own device that associates IC card authentication confirmation data with a password attached to the IC card.

[0120] Input / output format setting 114 is a button for setting data relating to the input format and output format.

[0121] 22 shows an external storage device destination setting field 120 that is displayed when the external storage device destination setting 111 is pressed. The administrator sets the communication destination for the image processing device 10 to access the external storage device 30 in the external storage device destination setting field 120. When setting the access destination, a keyboard input screen is displayed.

[0122] 23 shows a download destination setting field 130 that is displayed when program setting 112 is pressed. The administrator can display a list of programs by specifying a URL 131 and pressing a download button 132. The administrator can also cause the image processing device 10 to acquire a program from an SD card (registered trademark) by pressing a save button 133.

[0123] 24 shows a program list 140 that is displayed when the download button 132 is pressed. If the settings at the time of saving the program allow downloading from the external storage device 30, the program list 140 is displayed. The administrator can select and store their own programs in the image processing device 10. Downloading from an SD card can also be done using the same procedure.

[0124] 25 shows a processing execution screen 150 that is displayed on the operation panel during execution processing. The processing execution screen 150 has a copy / digital watermark reading button 151 and an application program launch button 152. When the applicant 9 reads an application form, he or she presses the copy / digital watermark reading button 151. When a document containing a digital watermark is read, a program is launched according to the instructions in the read digital watermark, and if the target program does not exist, a copy operation is performed.

[0125] When the application program start button 152 is pressed, a list of programs that do not require the presence of a digital watermark at start-up is displayed (see FIG. 26).

[0126] 26 shows a program list screen 160 that is displayed when the application program start button 152 is pressed. The program list screen 160 displays a list of programs that do not require the presence of a digital watermark. The applicant 9 selects the program they wish to request.

[0127] <Processing or operating procedure> FIG. 27 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the overall processing of the application system 100.

[0128] S101: Initial setting processing is processing performed when the image processing device 10 and the external storage device 30 communicate for the first time.

[0129] S102: During execution processing, the image processing device 10 and the external storage device 30 perform mutual processing.

[0130] FIG. 28 is an example of a sequence diagram illustrating the initial setting process.

[0131] S201: The administrator sets the access destination on the initial setting screen. The operation reception unit 19 receives the setting.

[0132] S202: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10 accesses the external storage device 30 as the access destination.

[0133] S203: The external storage device 30 checks whether it is possible to access the image processing device 10 based on the device ID etc. of the image processing device 10.

[0134] S204: If the access is possible, the external storage device 30 returns a message indicating that the access is possible to the image processing device 10.

[0135] S205, S206: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10 sends a request for a list of required data to the external storage device 30. The data list is data such as input formats, output formats, and programs that are stored in the external storage device 30 and are copied to the image processing device 10.

[0136] S207, S208: The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the list request, edits the target data from various data, and returns list information.

[0137] S209, S210: The image processing device 10 selects the necessary data from the list information and sends a data request to the external storage device 30.

[0138] S211: The external storage device 30 collects the selected data.

[0139] S212: The external storage device 30 transmits the requested data to the image processing device 10. Therefore, the data stored in the external storage device 30 is copied to the image processing device 10.

[0140] <<Execution process>> Next, the execution process in which an applicant applies based on an application form will be described with reference to Figures 29 to 42. Figures 29 to 34 show the overall process, and Figures 35 to 42 show detailed flowcharts.

[0141] Fig. 29 is a diagram for explaining a no-change application using IC card authentication. Fig. 30 shows a schematic diagram of the processing in Fig. 29. Note that the step numbers in Fig. 29 and Fig. 30 correspond to each other.

[0142] S1: The applicant 9 has the application form scanned by the image processing device 10A.

[0143] S2: The document reading unit 12 reads the application form, and the digital watermark data acquisition unit 13 acquires the embedded digital watermark data.

[0144] S3: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10A accesses the external storage device 30 using the access destination and access authentication (authentication information) for the external storage device 30 included in the digital watermark data. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 accepts the access, and the access right management unit 37 searches the access right table for the access authentication (authentication information), and if there is a match, the image processing device 10A is granted access (authentication is considered to be successful).

[0145] S4: If access is permitted, the communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10A transmits the application ID included in the digital watermark data to the external storage device 30. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the application ID, and the application management unit 36 ​​of the external storage device 30 checks the application status of the application ID transmitted from the image processing device 10A in the application table and confirms that the application is not invalid. The communication unit 31 notifies the image processing device 10A that the application is not invalid.

[0146] S5: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10A receives the notification that the application is not invalid and accepts the creation of the application form. The format display unit 14 of the image processing device 10A searches the format table using the format ID, obtains the corresponding format information, and displays it on the operation panel.

[0147] S6: Similarly, the program starting unit 15 of the image processing device 10A searches the program table using the start program ID, acquires the corresponding program, and starts it.

[0148] S7: The applicant 9 has the IC card reader read the IC card and enters a password. The IC card information acquisition unit 16 acquires the IC card information, and the operation acceptance unit 19 accepts the password. If the image processing device 10A is set to omit the password, the authentication processing unit 18 can consider authentication successful without the need to enter a password. This is because the applicant's identity is confirmed using the application ID and IC card, as in step S8. Therefore, the applicant can apply even if he or she has forgotten his or her password.

[0149] S8: The identity verification unit 17 of the image processing device 10A specifies the IC card ID, application ID, and password and sends a request to the external storage device 30 via the communication unit 11 to verify the consistency of the applicant 9 and the application ID. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the verification request, and the IC card management unit 35 determines the consistency of the IC card ID and password in the IC card table (IC card authentication). If they match, the IC card management unit 35 determines whether the application ID associated with the IC card ID in the IC card table matches the application ID in the digital watermark data. The communication unit 31 notifies the image processing device 10A of the identity authentication result (match or mismatch).

[0150] S9: If there is a match, the identity verification unit 17 determines that identity verification has been successful. The IC card information acquisition unit 16 of the image processing device 10A passes the personal information stored in the IC card to the form display unit 14. The form display unit 14 creates application data by reflecting the personal information in the form information indicated by the form ID (if there are no changes to the address, etc.).

[0151] If the communication unit 11 receives a message indicating a mismatch, the personal identification unit 17 displays a message indicating that the application form cannot be created, and the process ends.

[0152] At this time, depending on the program, if the match between the IC card ID and the application ID has been confirmed, the process can proceed without the password in step S7, or personal information can be entered from the operation panel using a soft keyboard or handwritten input, which can be reflected in the format information.

[0153] S10: The application data registration unit 25 of the image processing device 10A transmits the application data (including the application ID and digital watermark data) to the external storage device 30 via the communication unit 11. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the application data. The application management unit 36 ​​changes the application status associated with the application ID in the application table, which is the application ID included in the digital watermark data, to "applied," saves the application data, and saves the storage destination in the application table.

[0154] Even if a third party obtains the application form, the application ID in the digital watermark data will not match the application ID associated with the IC card ID, so spoofing can be prevented.

[0155] Figure 31 is a diagram explaining the process in which the applicant 9 prints out an application form and applies. Figure 32 shows a schematic diagram of the process in Figure 31. Note that the step numbers in Figure 31 and Figure 32 correspond to each other.

[0156] S11: The applicant 9 has the application form scanned by the image processing device 10A.

[0157] S12: The document reading unit 12 reads the application form, and the digital watermark data acquiring unit 13 acquires the embedded digital watermark data.

[0158] S13: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10A accesses the external storage device 30 using the access destination and access authentication (authentication information) for the external storage device 30 included in the digital watermark data. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 accepts the access, and the access right management unit 37 searches the access right table for the access authentication (authentication information), and if there is a match, the image processing device 10A is granted access (authentication is considered to be successful).

[0159] S14: When the communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10A receives the access permission, it transmits the application ID included in the digital watermark data to the external storage device 30. The application management unit 36 ​​of the external storage device 30 checks the application status of the application ID transmitted from the image processing device 10A in the application table and confirms that it is not invalid. The communication unit 31 notifies the image processing device 10A that it is not invalid.

[0160] S15: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10A receives the notification that the document is not invalid, and if notified that the document is not invalid, the format display unit 14 of the image processing device 10A searches the format table using the format ID, obtains the corresponding format information, and displays it on the operation panel.

[0161] S16: Similarly, the program launch unit 15 of the image processing device 10A searches the program table using the launch program ID, acquires the corresponding program, and launches it. Here, it is assumed that the applicant 9 manually selected the application form output program for printing.

[0162] S17: Next, the applicant 9 performs authentication using the IC card, and the IC card information acquisition unit 16 acquires the IC card information. The applicant 9 enters a password, which is then accepted by the operation acceptance unit 19.

[0163] S18: The identity verification unit 17 of the image processing device 10A specifies the IC card ID, application ID, and password and sends a request to the external storage device 30 via the communication unit 11 to verify the consistency of the applicant 9 and the application ID. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the verification request, and the IC card management unit 35 determines the consistency of the IC card ID and password in the IC card table (IC card authentication). If they match, the IC card management unit 35 determines whether the application ID associated with the IC card ID in the IC card table matches the application ID in the digital watermark data. The communication unit 31 notifies the image processing device 10A of the identity authentication result (match or mismatch).

[0164] S19: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10A receives the authentication result (match). In this case, the identity verification unit 17 considers the applicant 9 to be the applicant. The format display unit 14 of the image processing device 10A creates application data by reflecting the personal information in the format information indicated by the format ID.

[0165] If the communication unit 11 receives a message indicating a mismatch, the personal identification unit 17 displays a message indicating that the application form cannot be created, and the process ends.

[0166] S20: The applicant 9 inputs personal information on the operation panel. The operation reception unit 19 receives the input. Application data is created in which the personal information is associated with the input items.

[0167] S21: Next, in order to invalidate the application ID of the application form read by the image processing device 10A, the invalidation request unit 21 of the image processing device 10A requests the external storage device 30 to invalidate the application ID. The application status of the application form is invalidated after one printing. This allows the local government to prevent impersonation using application forms that have been discarded after application. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the invalidation request, and the application management unit 36 ​​invalidates the application status associated with the target application ID in the application table.

[0168] S22: Furthermore, the application ID request unit 22 of the image processing device 10A requests a new application ID from the external storage device 30 in order to create a new application form. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the request, and the application management unit 36 ​​issues a new application ID, registers the new application ID in the application table, and sets the application status to "not applied for."

[0169] S23: The printing unit 23 of the image processing device 10A prints out an application form having a digital watermark with the new application ID embedded therein. The applicant 9 also mails this application form to be sent by mail.

[0170] Fig. 33 is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the image processing device 10B of the local government as processing to prevent spoofing of mailed application forms. Fig. 34 schematically shows the processing of Fig. 33. Note that the step numbers in Fig. 33 and Fig. 34 correspond to each other.

[0171] S31: The application recipient causes the image processing device 10B to read the application form that has been mailed.

[0172] S32: The document reading unit 12 reads the application form, and the digital watermark data acquiring unit 13 acquires the embedded digital watermark data.

[0173] S33: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10B accesses the external storage device 30 using the access destination and access authentication (authentication information) for the external storage device 30 included in the digital watermark data. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 accepts the access, and the access right management unit 37 searches the access right table for the access authentication (authentication information), and if there is a match, the image processing device 10B is granted access (authentication is considered to be successful).

[0174] S34: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10B receives the access permission. If access is permission, the communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10B transmits the application ID included in the digital watermark data to the external storage device 30. The application management unit 36 ​​of the external storage device 30 checks the application status of the application ID sent from the image processing device 10B in the application table and confirms that the application has not been applied for. The communication unit 31 notifies the image processing device 10B that the application has not been applied for. In Figure 33, since the application form has been mailed, it is confirmed that the newly issued application ID has not been applied for.

[0175] S35: The communication unit 11 sets the application status as "unapplication" as a condition for accepting the form. The program launch unit 15 of the image processing device 10B searches the program table using the launch program ID, acquires the corresponding program, and launches it. Here, it is assumed that the application acceptor manually selected the application acceptance program.

[0176] S36: The character recognition unit 20 performs character recognition on the image data to obtain personal information written on the application form.

[0177] S37: The personal identification unit 17 of the image processing device 10B specifies personal information (an example of first personal information) and the application ID included in the digital watermark data via the communication unit 11, and requests the external storage device 30 to verify the personal information. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the request, and the IC card management unit 35 obtains the IC card ID associated with the application ID from the IC card table. Then, the personal information management unit 32 obtains the personal information (an example of second personal information) associated with the IC card ID from the personal information table. The personal information management unit 32 compares the two pieces of personal information (the personal information obtained by OCR and the personal information in the personal information table). In FIG. 33, the comparison result is a mismatch. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 transmits the determination result (for example, mismatch) to the image processing device 10B.

[0178] S38: The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10B receives the judgment result (mismatch), and the identity verification unit 17 determines that there is a possibility of impersonation. The document creation unit 24 of the image processing device 10B identifies the format information associated with the format ID included in the digital watermark data, and creates application data by reflecting the OCR result in the format information.

[0179] S39: The application data registration unit 25 of the image processing device 10B sends the application data to the external storage device 30 via the communication unit 11 with a message indicating the possibility of impersonation, in order to indicate that the application data may be impersonated. The communication unit 31 of the external storage device 30 receives the application data, and the application management unit 36 ​​changes the application status associated with the application ID in the application table of the external storage device 30 to "Applied (Doubtful)." "Doubtful" indicates the possibility of impersonation. The image processing device 10B saves the application data and updates the storage location.

[0180] <Details of each process> Next, the details of the processes or operations performed by the application system 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 35 to 42. Figure 35 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processes of the image processing device 10.

[0181] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the execution process.

[0182] First, the operation accepting unit 19 of the image processing device 10 determines whether the copy / digital watermark reading button 151 has been pressed (S301). If the determination in step S301 is Yes, the document reading unit 12 reads the application form, and the digital watermark data acquiring unit 13 determines whether a digital watermark is present (S302).

[0183] If the digital watermark data is detected (Yes (electronic embedded document) in S302), the digital watermark data acquisition unit 13 acquires the digital watermark data from the image data of the application form (S303).

[0184] The program starting unit 15 starts the program in accordance with the digital watermark data (S304), as shown in detail in FIG.

[0185] If no digital watermark data is detected (No (normal document) in S302), a normal document has been input, so the image processing apparatus 10 performs copy output (S305).

[0186] On the other hand, if the application program start button is pressed (No in S301), the image processing device 10 starts a program that does not require detection of a digital watermark (S306).

[0187] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating the process in which the program starting unit 15 starts a program.

[0188] If there is a program start indicated by the digital watermark data, the program start unit 15 starts the program (S311).

[0189] The program starting unit 15 starts the password omission function (S312). The password omission function judges from the digital watermark data whether or not it is permissible to omit the password when reading the IC card. Details are shown in FIG.

[0190] The program starting unit 15 starts the data input function (S313). The data input function performs the processing required when inputting data for application. Details will be explained in FIG. 39.

[0191] The program starting unit 15 starts the data output function (S314). The data output function performs the processes required for registration in the application processing table and for creating documents to be mailed. Details will be explained in FIG. 39.

[0192] 37 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the password omission function. The authentication processing unit 18 checks whether the password omission function program is running (S321). This determination is Yes in step S311. Whether or not to omit the password is set in advance in the image processing device 10. Since the application ID is included in the digital watermark data and the IC card ID and application ID are associated in the IC card table of the external storage device 30, the external storage device 30 can authenticate the applicant 9 based on whether the IC card ID matches the IC card ID in the personal information table. Therefore, the application system may omit the input of a password.

[0193] If there is a start-up request, the authentication processing unit 18 holds the IC card ID for which the password is to be released (S322).

[0194] The authentication processing unit 18 waits until the authentication process starts (S323). The authentication process is shown in FIG.

[0195] FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating the authentication process.

[0196] The IC card information acquisition unit 16 determines whether or not an IC card is detected (S331).

[0197] If an IC card is detected, the IC card information acquisition unit 16 acquires IC card information (S332).

[0198] Next, the authentication processing unit 18 determines whether or not the password is to be released (S333).

[0199] If the password entry can be omitted (Yes in S333), the authentication processing unit 18 exempts the user from entering a password (S334).

[0200] If password entry cannot be omitted (No in S333), the authentication processing unit 18 prompts the user to enter a password and repeats this until the password matches the password stored in the IC card (S335, S336).

[0201] If the password is omitted or matches, the authentication processing unit 18 acquires information associated with the IC card ID from the external storage device 30 or its own device (S337), thereby enabling identity verification using the IC card.

[0202] 39 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the data entry function. Data entry refers to the input of personal information into an application form.

[0203] The program starting unit 15 determines whether or not to start the data input function program (S341). This determination is Yes in step S313.

[0204] When the program startup unit 15 starts the data input function program, it determines whether or not the application is to be registered based on the image data of the application form (S342). The applicant 9 can also fill out the application form by hand, and in step S342, the applicant 9 instructs the image processing device 10 to register the application.

[0205] If the determination in step S342 is Yes, the image processing device 10 performs application registration from the read image data (S343), details of which are shown in FIG.

[0206] If the determination in step S342 is No, the operation reception unit 19 determines whether the applicant 9 has selected electronic input from the operation panel (S344).

[0207] If the determination in step S344 is Yes, the operation reception unit 19 displays a screen for character input on the operation panel (S345).

[0208] Next, the operation reception unit 19 determines whether the applicant 9 has input that an input form is required (S346).

[0209] If the determination in step S346 is Yes, the format display unit 14 acquires the input format based on the format ID included in the digital watermark data (S347), details of which are shown in FIG.

[0210] Next, the format display unit 14 determines whether automatic input of personal information is set (S348).

[0211] If the determination in step S348 is Yes, the form display unit 14 acquires the personal information associated with the IC card ID from the personal information table and reflects it in the input form (S349).

[0212] If the determination in step S348 is No, the applicant 9 inputs the necessary data on the operation panel, which is then accepted by the operation acceptance unit 19 (S350).

[0213] FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating the process related to application registration.

[0214] The communication unit 11 of the image processing device 10 transmits the application ID included in the digital watermark data to the external storage device 30. The communication unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a notification that the application ID is not invalid (S361).

[0215] If the determination in step S361 is Yes, the character recognition unit 20 performs character recognition on the image data (S362).

[0216] The personal identification unit 17 determines whether the personal information resulting from the character recognition matches the personal information associated with the application ID included in the digital watermark data in the personal information table (application ID → IC card ID → personal information) (S363). Note that here, the image processing device 10, not the external storage device 30, performs the personal identification. The document creation unit 24 also checks whether the personal information is blank.

[0217] If the determination in step S363 is Yes, the document preparation unit 24 registers the application with the same content as the previous application (S364).

[0218] If the determination in step S363 is No, the document preparation unit 24 displays an invalid application form and a warning screen (S365).

[0219] The application data registration unit 25 registers the application data (character recognition result) and sets a flag indicating the possibility of impersonation (S366).

[0220] If the determination in step S361 is No, the document preparation unit 24 displays a warning screen indicating that the application is invalid (S367).

[0221] FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating the process of acquiring the input format of FIG.

[0222] The format display unit 14 searches the format table for an input format corresponding to the format ID included in the digital watermark data (S371).

[0223] If the input format does not exist in the device itself (No in S372), the format display unit 14 searches the external storage device 30 for it (S373).

[0224] If the input format exists (Yes in S372 and S373), the format display unit 14 displays it on the operation panel based on the data structure of the input format (S374). The format display unit 14 also performs processing to set the personal information acquired from the personal information table into the format.

[0225] If the input format does not exist (No in S373), the format display unit 14 displays only the first and last names on the operation panel as the default format set in the initial settings when there is no input format (S375). The format display unit 14 also performs processing to set the personal information entered by the applicant 9 into the format.

[0226] FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating the data output process.

[0227] The printing unit 23 determines whether or not a command to start the data output process has been issued (S381). This determination is Yes in step S314 of FIG.

[0228] If the determination in step S381 is Yes, the printing unit 23 determines whether or not the output is an application form (to be submitted to the local government office) (S382).

[0229] If the determination in step S382 is No, the printing unit 23 determines whether the application registration is via communication (S383).

[0230] If the determination in step S383 is No, the printing unit 23 determines whether the application registration is by mail (S384).

[0231] If the determination in step S384 is Yes, the printing unit 23 prints an application form to be mailed (S385). The invalidation request unit 21 requests the external storage device 30 to invalidate the application ID. The application ID acquisition unit acquires a new application ID from the external storage device 30. The new application ID is set as a digital watermark on the application form to be mailed.

[0232] If the determination in step S382 is Yes, the printing unit 23 prints the application form (S386).

[0233] If the determination in step S383 is Yes, the application data registration unit 25 transmits the application data created by the document creation unit 24 to the external storage device 30 via the communication unit 11 (S387).

[0234] <Major Effects> As described above, the application system 100 of this embodiment can prevent the user from having to handwrite the same content every time according to the usual format while checking the content of the application form. Furthermore, the application system 100 can prevent the user from changing their address by impersonating another person if the application form is passed to another person.

[0235] <Other application examples> The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0236] For example, although the present embodiment has been described using an application form as an example, the application system 100 may be used for applications using any other documents. Furthermore, the receiving party is not limited to a local government, but may be another organization such as a company.

[0237] In addition, the configuration examples shown in Fig. 9 and the like are divided according to main functions to facilitate understanding of the processing of the image processing device 10 and the external storage device 30. The method of dividing the processing units and the names thereof do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the processing of the image processing device 10 and the external storage device 30 can be divided into even more processing units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, the processing can be divided so that one processing unit includes even more processes.

[0238] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a conventional circuit module designed to perform each of the above-described functions.

[0239] Additionally, the devices described in the examples are merely illustrative of one of several computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, external storage device 30 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster, configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network, shared memory, etc., and to perform the processes disclosed herein.

[0240] Furthermore, the external storage device 30 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, such as those shown in Figures 29, 31, and 33, in various combinations. For example, a process executed by a specific unit can be executed by multiple information processing devices included in the external storage device 30. Furthermore, the external storage device 30 may be integrated into a single server device or may be divided into multiple devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0241] 10 Image processing device 30 External storage device 100 Application System [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0242] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-130010 A

Claims

1. An application system in which an image processing device that creates application data based on an application form communicates with an external storage device via a network, The image processing device includes: a document reading unit that reads the application form and generates image data; an IC card information acquisition unit that acquires IC card identification information from the IC card; a digital watermark data acquisition unit that acquires digital watermark data included in the image data; a first communication unit that transmits identification information of the application form and identification information of the IC card included in the digital watermark data to the external storage device; The external storage device is an IC card management unit that, when receiving the identification information of the application form and the identification information of the IC card, determines that the authentication of the person has been successful if the identification information of the application form, which has been previously associated with the identification information of the IC card, matches the identification information of the received application form, and determines that the authentication of the person has not been successful if they do not match; a second communication unit that transmits the authentication result of the person to the image processing device, The application system wherein the image processing device terminates creation of the application data when it receives a notification that the authentication of the principal has not been successful.

2. The image processing device includes: an authentication processing unit that transmits a password input to the image processing device and the identification information of the IC card to the external storage device before the IC card information acquisition unit acquires the identification information of the IC card, and receives an authentication result based on the password and the identification information of the IC card from the external storage device; The application system described in claim 1, characterized in that if the image processing device is set to omit the password, the authentication processing unit assumes that authentication based on the IC card is successful without the password being entered.

3. The external storage device is an application management unit that manages the application status of the application form by associating the identification information of the application form with the application status; The application status of the application form is invalidated upon printing of the application form once; the application management unit transmits the application status of the application form received from the image processing device to the image processing device; 3. The application system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device accepts creation of the application data when the application status of the application form is not invalid.

4. The image processing device includes: a printing unit that prints the application data set based on the application form on paper; an invalidation request unit that requests invalidation of the application state of the application form by specifying identification information of the application form included in the digital watermark data; 4. The application system according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. The image processing device includes: an application ID request unit that requests new identification information of the application form from the external storage device when invalidation of the application state of the application form is requested; 5. The application system according to claim 4, wherein the printing unit prints, on the paper, an electronic watermark including the identification information of the new application form acquired by the application ID request unit.

6. The image processing device includes: Refer to a format information storage unit in which the identification information of the application form and format information are associated with each other, An application system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a format display unit that displays input fields of the application form based on format information associated with identification information of the application form format contained in the electronic watermark data.

7. The image processing device includes: Refer to a program information storage unit in which the program identification information and the program are associated with each other; 7. The application system according to claim 1, further comprising a program launching unit that launches a program associated with the program identification information included in the digital watermark data.

8. When the document reading unit reads the paper printed by the printing unit, the first communication unit transmits identification information of the application form included in the digital watermark data to the external storage device; the application management unit transmits to the image processing device an application status associated with the identification information of the application form received from the image processing device; 6. The application system according to claim 4, wherein the image processing device accepts the application form only if the application status of the application form is "unsubmitted."

9. The image processing device includes: a character recognition unit that performs character recognition of the application data written on the form, the first communication unit transmits the identification information of the application form included in the digital watermark data of the form and the first personal information obtained by character recognition to the external storage device; The external storage device is a personal information management unit that identifies the IC card identification information associated with the application form identification information, acquires second personal information associated with the IC card identification information, and determines whether the first personal information and the second personal information match; 9. The application system according to claim 8, wherein the second communication unit transmits a determination result as to whether the first personal information and the second personal information match to the image processing device.

10. When the first communication unit receives a determination result indicating that the first personal information and the second personal information do not match, 10. The application system according to claim 9, further comprising an application data registration unit that stores the application data with a notice indicating that there is a possibility of impersonation.

11. An application system in which an image processing device that creates application data based on an application form communicates with an external storage device via a network, a document reading unit that reads the application form and generates image data; an IC card information acquisition unit that acquires IC card identification information from the IC card; a digital watermark data acquisition unit that acquires digital watermark data included in the image data; an IC card management unit that determines that the authentication of the person has been successful when the identification information of the application form, which is previously associated with the identification information of the IC card, matches the identification information of the received application form, and determines that the authentication of the person has not been successful when they do not match, An application system in which the image processing device terminates creation of the application data if the authentication of the person is not successful.

12. An application method performed by an application system in which an image processing device that creates application data based on an application form and an external storage device communicate with each other via a network, comprising: The image processing device includes: a document reading unit reading the application form and generating image data; an IC card information acquisition unit acquiring IC card identification information from the IC card; a step in which a digital watermark data acquisition unit acquires digital watermark data included in the image data; a step in which a first communication unit transmits identification information of the application form and identification information of the IC card included in the digital watermark data to the external storage device; The external storage device is a step in which, when the identification information of the application form and the identification information of the IC card are received, an IC card management unit determines that the authentication of the person has been successful if the identification information of the application form, which has been previously associated with the identification information of the IC card, matches the identification information of the received application form, and determines that the authentication of the person has not been successful if they do not match; a step in which a second communication unit transmits the authentication result of the person to the image processing device; The application method wherein the image processing device terminates creation of the application data when it receives a message that the authentication of the person has not been successful.

13. a document reading unit that reads the application form and generates image data; an IC card information acquisition unit that acquires IC card identification information from the IC card; a digital watermark data acquisition unit that acquires digital watermark data included in the image data; a first communication unit that transmits the identification information of the application form included in the digital watermark data and the identification information of the IC card to an external storage device; An image processing device that creates application data based on an application form and an external storage device that communicates via a network, an IC card management unit that, when receiving the identification information of the application form and the identification information of the IC card, determines that the authentication of the person has been successful if the identification information of the application form, which has been previously associated with the identification information of the IC card, matches the identification information of the received application form, and determines that the authentication of the person has not been successful if they do not match; a second communication unit that transmits the authentication result of the person to the image processing device, The external storage device terminates the creation of the application data when the image processing device receives a notification that the authentication of the person has not been successful.

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