JP7481607B2 - System and Program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system and a program.

Conventionally, there exists a system that allows orders for seals to be placed over the Internet, such as that shown in Patent Document 1. In this type of system, an orderer terminal installed on the side of the orderer of the seal and a management server that manages orders for the seal are communicatively connected via the Internet. Then, when data for specifying the characters and font of the seal (seal surface) are entered into the orderer terminal and sent to the management server, a seal impression image (seal image image) based on that data is generated in the management server, and it becomes possible to order a seal that will give the same seal impression as this seal impression image.

JP 2004-310151 A

As with the above system, the seal impression image generated when ordering a seal (online order) is generated based on data such as font and print layout that is pre-stored in the terminals and servers that make up the system. There are concerns that seals created based on such seal impression images will lose their originality due to the reuse of the seal impression image and standardization of the seal impressions.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a system and program that can obtain a customer's own unique seal impression in order to dispel the above concerns.

To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

The system of the first means is
A seal image database for managing seal image images;
an acquisition means for acquiring a seal image corresponding to a customer from the seal image database based on information about the customer input by the customer;
The gist of the invention is that it comprises a pseudo imprint image generating means for generating a pseudo imprint image showing an imprint including characters that are the same as but different from the characters included in the imprint shown by the acquired imprint image, as a pseudo imprint image similar to the imprint image acquired by the acquisition means.

According to this, based on information about a customer inputted by the customer, a seal imprint image corresponding to the customer is obtained from a seal imprint database, and a pseudo seal imprint image is generated that resembles the obtained seal imprint image and shows an imprint containing the same characters as those contained in the seal imprint shown by the obtained seal imprint image but with differences therebetween .

Here, the seal imprint image managed in the seal imprint database indicates a standard (general) seal imprint, and the seal imprint image obtained from the seal imprint database based on information about the customer indicates the standard (general) seal imprint of that customer. Also, the pseudo seal imprint image is an image similar to the seal imprint image, and indicates a pseudo seal imprint that closely resembles the standard seal imprint indicated by the seal imprint image.

In this way, by generating a pseudo imprint image of the imprint image corresponding to a customer based on the information about that customer input by the customer, it is possible to obtain a unique imprint (non-standard imprint) rather than the imprint shown in the imprint image (standard imprint).

The system of the second means is the system of the first means,
The present invention further comprises a pseudo seal imprint database for managing the pseudo seal imprint images generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means.

This allows the generated pseudo imprint image to be managed in a database, making it possible to easily create and sell seals that have the imprint shown in the pseudo imprint image in response to customer orders.

The system of the third means is the system of the second means,
A determination means for determining whether or not the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means is the same as a pseudo seal imprint image managed in the pseudo seal imprint database based on a predetermined determination condition;
and a registering means for registering the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means in the pseudo seal imprint database when the determining means determines that the pseudo seal imprint images are not identical.
The gist of the present invention is as follows.

According to this, if the newly generated pseudo imprint image is not the same as the pseudo imprint image (already generated pseudo imprint image) already managed in the pseudo imprint database, the newly generated pseudo imprint image is registered and managed in the pseudo imprint database. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an imprint based on a pseudo imprint image that is the same as a pseudo imprint image generated in the past from being obtained . This makes it easier to guarantee the uniqueness of the customer's imprint.

The system of the fourth aspect of the present invention is the system of the third aspect of the present invention,
A modification means is provided for, when it is determined by the determination means that the images are identical , making a modification to the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means to eliminate the identity ,
The registering means registers the pseudo seal imprint image modified by the modifying means in the pseudo seal imprint database.

According to this, if a newly generated pseudo imprint image is identical to a pseudo imprint image (a pseudo imprint image that has already been generated) that is already managed in the pseudo imprint database, a change is made to the newly generated pseudo imprint image to eliminate this identity . Then, the changed pseudo imprint image is registered in the pseudo imprint database. Therefore, even if a newly generated pseudo imprint image is identical to a pseudo imprint image that was previously generated, the identity is eliminated before the pseudo imprint image is managed in the pseudo imprint database. This makes it possible to prevent the generated pseudo imprint image from going to waste.

The system of the fifth means is any one of the systems of the first to fourth means,
The present invention also provides a data generating means for generating data for creating a seal based on the pseudo seal imprint image.

According to this, data for creating a seal is generated based on a pseudo imprint image of a seal impression image corresponding to a customer. This generated data for creating a seal is used to create a seal, and the customer's seal is created based on the data for creating a seal. In this way, by creating a seal using data for creating a seal generated based on a pseudo imprint image rather than a seal impression image, it is possible to provide the customer with a unique seal (a non-standard seal) that is not an impression that is directly represented by the seal impression image (a standard seal impression).

In addition, the "seal" referred to in this invention does not only refer to a physical seal (a seal held in the hand) that is used by pressing the seal surface against an object such as paper to stamp, but also includes an electronic seal (a so-called "electronic seal") in which the seal image is converted into image data and can be used to stamp on an object such as an electronic document displayed on a terminal screen.

The program of the sixth means is a program for causing a computer to function as any one of the means described in the first to fifth means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and program that allows a customer to obtain a unique seal impression.

1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to an embodiment. 3 is a functional block diagram of a processing unit of the service providing server; FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a registered seal preparation process. 13 is a flowchart of a registered seal order process. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a seal imprint image, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a pseudo seal imprint image. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the basic structure of a GAN. 13 is a flowchart of a registered seal preparation process according to the first modified example.

Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[System Configuration]
As shown in FIG. 1, the system according to the embodiment includes a terminal 1 used by a customer, a service providing server 2 provided on the side of a service provider that provides services to the customer, and a network 3 such as the Internet.

A service provider is a person who provides various services, including the sale of products over the Internet (online shopping). The main product handled through online shopping using the system of this embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "this system") is "seals." Seals include ink stamps, rubber stamps, hard stamps, electronic seals, etc. In addition, one of the services provided by the service provider through this system is a "registered seal preparation service." Details of the registered seal preparation service will be described later.

[Device configuration]
Next, the terminal 1 used by the customer will be described. In Fig. 1, one terminal 1 is shown as the terminal used by the customer (also called "customer terminal"), but the number is not limited to one and can vary depending on the number of customers, and in reality, multiple customer terminals are usually present.

As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal 1 is configured by a computer including a processing unit 11, a memory unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, and an operation unit 15. For example, the terminal 1 can be a communication terminal such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, or a tablet.

The processing unit 11 executes various processes for controlling the operation of the terminal 1, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. The processing unit 11 is also referred to as the "control unit."

The storage unit 12 stores the OS (Operating System) that operates the terminal 1, various application programs, and other data necessary for the operation of the terminal 1, and is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk drive (HDD) that is an auxiliary storage device. Applications (application software) include a browser that connects to a web server and enables browsing and operation of web sites (web pages).

The communication unit 13 performs data communication with the service providing server 2 via the network 3.

The display unit 14 displays various information and is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like.

The operation unit 15 is operated by the customer to perform various inputs, and is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The display unit 14 may be a touch panel that combines a display function (output function) and an input function. In this case, the buttons, icons, keyboard, etc. displayed on the display unit 14 function as the operation unit 15.

[Service provision server configuration]
Next, the service providing server 2 will be described. The service providing server 2 provides sales (online sales) of products (seals, etc.) and various associated services to users (customers) of terminals 1 connected to the server 2 via a network 3. These services include a registered seal preparation service, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the service providing server 2 is configured by a computer including a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 27, etc. Note that the display unit and operation unit of the service providing server 2 are not shown in FIG. 1.

The processing unit 21 is configured with a CPU and the like, similar to the terminal 1, and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the service providing server 2. The processing unit 21 is also referred to as the "control unit."

The memory unit 22 is composed of ROM, RAM, HDD, etc., just like the terminal 1, and stores the OS (Operating System) that operates the service providing server 2, various application programs, and other data necessary for the operation of the service providing server 2.

The communication unit 27 communicates data with the terminal 1 and other devices connected to the server 2 via the network 3. The other devices include a server and a seal engraving device (automatic engraving machine) installed on the seal creation business side. The seal creation business may be the same as the service provider or may be a different entity.

The service providing server 2 can be configured as a cloud-based server or an on-premise server. There may be multiple service providing servers 2, or the service providing server 2 may be a so-called virtualized server.

Various data, programs, etc. required for operating the website and providing services are installed on the service providing server 2 and stored in the memory unit 22. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a customer information database 23, a seal impression database 24, a pseudo seal impression database 25, and a registered seal preparation service program 26 are stored. In addition to what is shown in FIG. 1, the memory unit 22 also stores data (content files, etc.) that make up the website pages (web pages), data (font files) that make up the typeface of the seal (seal), data (seal layout files) that make up the seal layout, and programs for executing other processes.

In this embodiment, the service providing server 2 is configured to operate the website and manage various data such as databases, but a web server that operates the website and a management server that manages various data may be provided separately.

The customer information database 23 is a database that manages information (also referred to as "customer information") about customers who are recipients of services provided by this system. The services provided by this system include services (also referred to as "member services") that are provided only to customers who have registered as members of this system. Customers who wish to use member services must register as members in advance, and customers using member services for the first time are required to register as members.

Membership registration can be performed, for example, by inputting the information required for membership registration into input fields on a membership registration screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 14 of terminal 1 (customer terminal) that has accessed the website of this system, and then sending this to the service providing server 2. The information input (sent) at this time is customer information, and the input customer information is registered and managed in the customer information database 23.

Customer information includes information that can identify the customer, such as ID, password, name (written in kanji or kana), year of birth, gender, email address, address, etc. The ID and password are also authentication information (login information) entered when using member services. In principle, customer information only needs to be entered once (member registration), and once registered, customer information will remain stored in customer information database 23 unless it is deleted, etc.

The seal impression database 24 is a database that manages seal impression images (seal impression image data) that show standard (general) seal impressions. The seal impression images managed in the seal impression database 24 in this embodiment are based on the general specifications of the seal face of a registered seal, and are, so to speak, seal impression samples. Specifically, the seal face shape is "circular," the font is "seal script," and the seal face layout (character arrangement) is "vertical writing." In the seal impression database 24, seal impression images based on these specifications are managed by name (surname), and most major surnames are covered. Note that the seal face specifications shown in this embodiment are just an example, and the seal face specifications that form the basis of the seal impression images can be determined arbitrarily.

Management of the seal impression images by the seal impression database 24 can be performed in a number of ways, including by directly saving the image in the database, by saving the image file in a specified directory and saving the file path in the database, and by saving configuration data (data indicating the seal impression characters, number of characters, font, etc.) of the seal impression (seal surface) shown by the seal impression image in the database. Here, the configuration data is configuration values that determine the seal impression configuration, such as the seal impression characters "Sato", the number of characters "2", the font "seal script", and the seal impression layout "vertical writing", and can also be said to be data that determines the specifications of the seal surface. When such configuration data is saved in the database, a program is provided that extracts the configuration data to be acquired from the database when the seal impression image is acquired, and generates the seal impression image based on the extracted configuration data.

The pseudo seal imprint database 25 is a database that manages pseudo seal imprint images (pseudo seal imprint image data) generated by the processing unit 21 executing the official seal preparation service program 26 described below.

When a seal imprint image is acquired from the seal imprint database 24, a pseudo imprint image is generated to resemble the acquired seal imprint image, and this generated pseudo imprint image is registered and managed in the pseudo imprint database 25. The management of the pseudo imprint images by the pseudo imprint database 25 can be performed in the same manner as the management of the seal imprint images by the seal imprint database 24 described above.

The official seal preparation service program 26 is a program for executing the official seal preparation service provided by this system.

The processing unit 21 is capable of executing the official seal preparation service program 26 based on instructions from a customer terminal (terminal 1) connected to the service providing server 2 via the network 3, and functions as each of the means 211 to 215 shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with the official seal preparation service program 26.

When a customer operates the terminal 1 to input instructions for preparing a registered seal, the acquisition means 211 extracts customer information about the customer who input the instructions from the customer information database 23, and acquires a seal imprint image corresponding to the customer information (a seal imprint image corresponding to the customer information input by the customer) from the seal imprint database 24. This acquisition means 211 is an example of the "acquisition means" of the present invention.

In addition, instructions to prepare a registered seal can be input, for example, by selecting "registered seal preparation" from the member service menu screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 1 that is connected to the service providing server 2 and logged into the system.

The pseudo imprint image generating means 212 is a means for generating a pseudo imprint image of the imprint image acquired by the acquisition means 211. This pseudo imprint image generating means 212 is also referred to as the "first generating means."

The registration means 213 is a means for registering the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means 212 in the pseudo seal imprint database 25. This registration means 213 is an example of the "registration means" of the present invention.

The official seal creation data generation means 214 is a means for generating data for creating a official seal based on a pseudo seal imprint image (a pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generation means 212) of the customer who has input an instruction to order a official seal (create a official seal) by operating the terminal 1. The official seal creation data is an example of the "seal creation data" of the present invention, and the official seal creation data generation means 214 is an example of the "seal creation data generation means" of the present invention. The official seal creation data generation means 214 (seal creation data generation means) is also referred to as the "second generation means".

Note that ordering a registered seal is included in the registered seal preparation service, and instructions for ordering a registered seal can be entered, for example, by selecting "registered seal order" from the member service menu screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 14 of a terminal 1 that is connected to the service providing server 2 and logged into the system.

The data for creating a registered seal generated by the data generation means for creating registered seal 214 includes at least information (also called "seal surface information") that can identify the seal impression (specifications of the seal surface) shown by the pseudo seal impression image on which the data is generated. The seal surface information is information that can identify the contents of the seal surface, such as the characters and font (character style), character arrangement, balance, etc.

The official seal creation data output means 215 is a means for outputting the official seal creation data generated by the official seal creation data generation means 214 to a specified external device. The external device to which the official seal creation data is output is, for example, a server on the seal creation business side that can be connected to the service providing server 2, or a seal surface engraving device (automatic engraving machine).

When the data for creating a registered seal output by the data output means for creating a registered seal 215 is input to an external device, a registered seal is created based on the data for creating a registered seal input to the external device, and the created registered seal is provided to the customer.

[Seal preparation service]
Next, we will explain the official seal preparation service provided by this system. The official seal preparation service is a type of membership service, and it prepares (prepares) the information (pseudo seal impression image, official seal creation data) required for the creation of the official seal (seal creation) in advance so that customers can easily order their own official seal.

When providing the official seal preparation service, the processing unit 21 of the service providing server 2 executes the official seal preparation process (S100) and the official seal order process (S200) in accordance with the official seal preparation service program 26. The official seal preparation process (S100) and the official seal order process (S200) will be explained below using the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 and 4. Note that in this specification, "S" in S100 etc. ("S" in the flowcharts) refers to a step.

[Seal preparation process]
When the processing unit 21 receives an instruction to prepare a registered seal from the terminal 1 connected to the service providing server 2, it executes the registered seal preparation process (S100) shown in Fig. 3. As shown in the figure, in the registered seal preparation process (S100), first, the customer information of the customer who input the instruction to prepare a registered seal is extracted from the customer information database 23 (S101).

The customer information is extracted (S101) by searching the customer information database 23 based on the authentication information (ID and password) entered by the customer when using the official seal preparation service (membership service). If the relevant customer information is not extracted, a message is sent to the terminal 1 urging the customer who entered the instructions to prepare the official seal to register as a member, and is displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 1, and the official seal preparation process (S100) is terminated.

Next, in S103, a seal impression image corresponding to the customer information extracted in S101 is obtained from the seal impression database 24 (S103). For example, if the customer's surname included in the customer information is "Sato", the seal impression image shown in FIG. 5(A) is obtained. The seal impression image shown in the figure is an example of a seal impression image when the seal characters are "Sato" and the font is "seal script". The processing of S103 is performed by the processing unit 21 functioning as the obtaining means 211.

Next, in S105, a pseudo imprint image of the imprint image acquired in S103 is generated (S105). The processing in S105 is performed by the processing unit 21 functioning as the pseudo imprint image generating means 212.

In this embodiment, the pseudo imprint image is generated in S105 using GAN (Generative Adversarial Networks). That is, the pseudo imprint image generating means 212 in this embodiment has a function of generating a pseudo imprint image of a seal imprint image using GAN.

Here, we explain the basic structure of GAN. GAN is a type of generative model, and is based on "unsupervised learning." As shown in Figure 6, GAN is composed of two neural networks, one of which is a generator (Generator) 500 and the other is a discriminator (Discriminator) 501.

The generator 500 receives input of random noise or random numbers called latent variables (hereinafter simply referred to as "noise") that correspond to the seeds of the characteristics of the generated data, and generates fake data (Fake) by mapping this noise so as to approximate the desired data. The discriminator 501 receives input of either the fake data (Fake) generated by the generator 500 or real data (Real), and determines whether the received data is fake or real as an output value (authenticity determination). The output value is "0" if the data is fake, and "1" if the data is real, and the probability is returned as a continuous value. In response to this, the generator 500 generates fake data so that the output of the discriminator 501 for the generated fake data approaches "1". By alternately repeating the generation of fake data and the truth determination, the two networks compete with each other to progress with learning, and the generator 500 becomes able to generate fake data that is close to real data.

In this embodiment, the pseudo imprint image is generated using this basic structure of the GAN. That is, in FIG. 6, the real data corresponds to the "imprint image" acquired in S103, and the fake data generated to resemble it corresponds to the "pseudo imprint image." Then, as the two networks compete with each other and learning proceeds, if the probability that the pseudo imprint image (fake data) generated by the generator 500 is judged to be real by the classifier 501 exceeds a predetermined probability (threshold), the pseudo imprint image (fake data) at this time is determined to be the object to be generated this time, that is, the pseudo imprint image of the imprint image acquired in S103 (S105). This determined pseudo imprint image is the processing result of S105.

In other words, the pseudo seal impression image generating means 212 of this embodiment is equipped with two neural networks (generator 500 and classifier 501), and randomly generates predetermined noise data (e.g., noise image data) based on an instruction input for preparing a registered seal (seal preparation instruction input), inputs the noise data to a first neural network (generator 500), and then alternately inputs the image generated by the first neural network (generator 500) and the customer's seal impression image obtained from the seal impression database 24 to a second neural network (classifier 501) to determine whether the image is genuine or not. If the generated image satisfies a predetermined condition as a result of the authenticity determination (e.g., if the probability of being determined to be genuine is greater than a predetermined probability (threshold)), the generation of the image as a pseudo seal impression image is completed.

The pseudo seal impression image generated (confirmed) by the process of S105 is displayed (display means) on the terminal 1 (display unit 14) of the customer who input the instruction to prepare the official seal. This allows the customer to check the impression of the official seal that will be prepared.

Figure 5 (B) shows an example of a pseudo-imprint image. The pseudo-imprint image (fake) shown in the figure was generated to resemble the imprint image (genuine) shown in Figure 5 (A), and compared to the imprint image (genuine), there are only slight differences in points 1 to 4 indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 5 (B).

In this way, in a configuration in which a pseudo seal imprint image is generated using a GAN, randomness is imparted to the noise (initial value) input to the generator 500, which creates randomness in the generated pseudo seal imprint image. That is, each time the official seal preparation process (S100) based on the instruction input for official seal preparation is executed (i.e., noise is input to the generator 500), a different pseudo seal imprint image is generated by the processing of S105. This makes it possible to easily generate a pseudo seal imprint image that is unique to each customer (a pseudo seal imprint image unique to each customer).

The aforementioned threshold value, which is the standard for determining the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the generator 500 as the processing result of S105, i.e., the threshold value (predetermined probability) of the probability that the classifier 501 will determine that the pseudo seal imprint image (fake) is genuine, can be set arbitrarily in advance, and the extent to which the pseudo seal imprint image resembles the seal imprint image can be adjusted depending on how the threshold value is set (adjustment of similarity). Also, for example, the threshold value can be configured to be set randomly by the program each time the official seal preparation process (S100) based on the instruction input for official seal preparation is executed (threshold setting means). In this case, the similarity of the pseudo seal imprint image can be made variable rather than fixed, which makes it possible to further increase the uniqueness of the generated pseudo seal imprint image.

Once the pseudo seal imprint image has been generated in the above manner (S105), the generated pseudo seal imprint image is registered in the pseudo seal imprint database 25 (S107), and the official seal preparation process (S100) is completed. The process of S107 is carried out by the processing unit 21 functioning as the registration means 213.

In S107, the pseudo seal imprint image is registered in the pseudo seal imprint database 25 in association with the customer information of the customer who input the instruction to prepare the official seal, which triggers the execution of this official seal preparation process (S100). This is to make it possible to obtain the pseudo seal imprint image of the customer who input the instruction to order a official seal in the official seal order process (S200) described below.

[Regular Seal Order Processing]
When the processing unit 21 receives an instruction input for ordering a registered seal from the terminal 1 connected to the service providing server 2, it executes the registered seal order process (S200) shown in Fig. 4. As shown in the figure, in the registered seal order process (S200), first, the customer information of the customer who input the instruction for ordering a registered seal is extracted from the customer information database 23 (S201).

The customer information is extracted (S201) by searching the customer information database 23 based on the authentication information (ID and password) entered by the customer when using the official seal preparation service (membership service). If the relevant customer information is not extracted, a message is sent to the terminal 1 urging the customer who entered the instructions to order the official seal to register as a member, and is displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 1, and the official seal order process (S200) is terminated.

Next, in S203, a pseudo imprint image (pseudo imprint image data) corresponding to the customer information extracted in S201 is obtained from the pseudo imprint database 25 (S203). For example, if the customer's surname included in the customer information is "Sato", the pseudo imprint image shown in FIG. 5(B) (pseudo imprint image generated in S105), which is generated to resemble the imprint image shown in FIG. 5(A), is obtained. Note that if the corresponding pseudo imprint image is not obtained, a message is sent to the terminal 1 to prompt the customer who has input an instruction to order a registered seal to prepare a pseudo imprint image (input an instruction to prepare a registered seal), and is displayed on the display unit 14 of the terminal 1, and the registered seal order process (S200) is terminated.

Next, in S205, data for creating a registered seal is generated based on the pseudo imprint image acquired in S203 (i.e., the pseudo imprint image generated in S105) (S205). The processing in S205 is performed by the processing unit 21 functioning as the data generating means for creating a registered seal 214. The data for creating a registered seal includes information (seal surface information) that can identify the seal surface from which the seal shown by the pseudo imprint image (pseudo imprint image data) acquired in S203 can be obtained.

Next, in S207, the data for creating a registered seal generated in S205 is output to a specified external device to which the data for creating a registered seal is to be output (S207). The processing in S207 is performed by the processing unit 21 functioning as the data output means for creating a registered seal 215.

As mentioned above, the external device to which the data for creating the official seal is output is, for example, a server of the seal making company that can be connected to the service providing server 2, or a seal surface engraving device (automatic engraving machine). When the data for creating the official seal output in S207 is input to the external device, the current official seal order is accepted by the seal making company, and the official seal of the customer who placed the order is created based on the data for creating the official seal.

The data for creating the official seal generated in S205 is generated as data that can be read by a specified external device that is the output destination in S207.

[Effects of the embodiment]
According to the system of the embodiment described above, based on the information (customer information) about the customer input by the customer, a seal imprint image corresponding to the customer is obtained from the seal imprint database 24 (S103), and a pseudo seal imprint image of the obtained seal imprint image is generated (S105). The generated pseudo seal imprint image is registered in the pseudo seal imprint database 25 (S107), and based on the pseudo seal imprint image, data for creating a registered seal including seal face information is generated (S205). The generated data for creating a registered seal is used to create a registered seal, and a registered seal for the customer is created based on the data for creating a registered seal.

In this way, by creating a genuine seal using data for creating a genuine seal generated based on a pseudo imprint image rather than an imprint image, it is possible to provide customers with a unique genuine seal (a non-standard genuine seal, imprint) that is not the same as the imprint shown in the imprint image (a standard imprint, imprint sample).

In particular, in this embodiment, the pseudo seal image is generated by the pseudo seal image generating means 212 (S105) using the GAN. Therefore, it is possible to generate a different pseudo seal image each time the official seal preparation process (S100) is executed based on instructions from a customer who uses the official seal preparation service, and this makes it possible to generate different official seal creation data for each customer. This is also true when the official seal preparation process (S100) is executed based on instructions from customers with the same surname. In other words, even if there are customers with the same surname who use the official seal preparation service, it is possible to generate different pseudo seal imprint images and official seal creation data for each customer. This makes it possible to guarantee the uniqueness of the official seal created and increase the credibility that it is a customer's original official seal. In particular, by appealing to customers that the official seal will be created using official seal creation data based on the pseudo seal image generated by the GAN, it is possible to dispel concerns such as the misuse of the seal imprint image (seal image data) used to create the official seal and the standardization of the seal impressions, and to give customers a sense of security.

It can also be said that a registered seal created using data for creating a registered seal based on a pseudo seal impression image generated by a GAN has uniqueness (non-uniformity) comparable to a hand-carved registered seal. For this reason, by outputting data for creating a registered seal based on a pseudo seal impression image generated by a GAN to a seal surface engraving device (automatic engraving machine) to create a seal surface, it is possible to machine-carve a customer's unique registered seal and provide it to the customer in a short period of time. In other words, using a GAN to generate pseudo seal impression images is particularly effective for machine-carving registered seals that require uniqueness (non-uniformity) and delivering them to customers in a short period of time.

In addition, the generated pseudo imprint image is managed in the pseudo imprint database 25, so that it becomes possible to easily create and sell official seals (stamps) that can produce the imprint shown in the pseudo imprint image in response to orders from customers (input of instructions for ordering official seals).

The above describes the system according to the embodiment, but it is possible to add improvements to this system as appropriate. Below, we will explain a modified example that adds improvements.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, the pseudo imprint image generated by the pseudo imprint image generating means 212 (S105) is uniformly registered in the pseudo imprint database 25. In contrast, in the first modification, it is determined whether the pseudo imprint image newly generated by the pseudo imprint image generating means 212 (S105) is identical or similar to the pseudo imprint image (already generated pseudo imprint image) previously generated and registered in the pseudo imprint database 25, and if they are not identical or similar, the newly generated pseudo imprint image is registered as it is in the pseudo imprint database 25, and if they are identical or similar, a change is made to the newly generated pseudo imprint image to eliminate the identity or similarity, and the changed pseudo imprint image is registered in the pseudo imprint database 25.

The pseudo seal impression image generated by the GAN is basically different each time the official seal preparation process (S100) is executed (S105 is executed), so it is considered unlikely that an image identical to a pseudo seal impression image generated in the past will be generated, but this possibility is not necessarily zero. Also, for example, if the customer who inputs the instructions for official seal preparation is a different person but has the same surname, it is possible that the pseudo seal impression images generated by the GAN will be similar. Taking these circumstances into consideration, the configuration of variant example 1 can be adopted to increase (ensure) the uniqueness of official seals created using the official seal preparation service.

Figure 7 is a flowchart of the official seal preparation process (S100) of modified example 1, which replaces Figure 3. Of the official seal preparation process (S100) of modified example 1 shown in Figure 7, the processes of S101 to S105 and S107 are the same as those of the above embodiment. In addition, in the official seal preparation process (S100) of modified example 1, when a pseudo seal imprint image is generated in S105, it is then determined whether or not the generated pseudo seal imprint image is identical to or similar to a pseudo seal imprint image already registered (managed) in the pseudo seal imprint database 25 at that time (S106). The process of S106 is performed by the processing unit 21 functioning as a determination means (not shown) in accordance with the official seal preparation service program 26.

The official seal preparation service program 26 of the first modification incorporates a control (judgment program) that judges whether the pseudo seal imprint image newly generated in S105 is identical or similar to a pseudo seal imprint image (a pseudo seal imprint image already generated in the past) already registered in the pseudo seal imprint database 25, and judges whether they are identical or similar (similarity judgment) based on this. The conditions for judging whether they are identical or similar (similarity judgment conditions) are pre-programmed, and for example, if there is no difference in the feature amount of each pseudo seal imprint image (image data) to be judged, they are judged to be identical, and if there is a difference but the difference is below a predetermined reference amount, they are judged to be similar. Such a judgment of whether they are identical or similar (similarity judgment) can be made, for example, by calculating the similarity of the characters and fonts that make up the seal imprint (seal surface) using a program.

If it is determined in S106 that the images are not identical or similar (NO in S106), the pseudo seal imprint image generated in S105 is registered in the pseudo seal imprint database 25 (S107), and the official seal preparation process (S100) is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S106 that they are identical or similar (YES in S106), a modification process is executed to modify the pseudo seal impression image generated in S105 (S108). This process in S108 is performed by the processing unit 21 functioning as a modification means (not shown) in accordance with the official seal preparation service program 26.

In the registered seal preparation service program 26 of the first modification example, if the pseudo imprint image newly generated in S105 is identical or similar to a pseudo imprint image (a pseudo imprint image previously generated) already registered in the pseudo imprint database 25, a control (change program) is incorporated to make changes to the generated pseudo imprint image, and a change process (S108) is performed based on this. The changes to be made to the pseudo imprint image by the change process are preprogrammed, and for example, the thickness and inclination of the lines of the parts (feature points) that tend to show characteristics of the characters constituting the seal shown by the newly generated pseudo imprint image, the size, arrangement, balance, etc. of the characters constituting the seal imprint can be the subject of change (change contents). In this case, for example, the service provider may investigate in advance what the feature points are of the characters that can constitute the seal imprint by a questionnaire or the like targeting customers, and the results of the investigation may be reflected in the change process (change program). This will make it possible to make customers feel less uncomfortable about the impression of a registered seal created using registered seal creation data generated based on the modified pseudo seal impression image, and also make it possible to provide (create) registered seals that are in line with market trends.

The modification process in S108 is performed until it is determined that the modified pseudo imprint image (the pseudo imprint image that has been modified) is not identical or similar to the pseudo imprint image already registered in the pseudo imprint database 25. Then, if it is determined in S106 that the modified pseudo imprint image is not identical or similar (NO in S106), the modified pseudo imprint image is registered in the pseudo imprint database 25 (S107), and the official seal preparation process (S100) is terminated.

According to the above-described first modified example, if the newly generated pseudo imprint image is not identical or similar to a pseudo imprint image (already generated pseudo imprint image) already registered (managed) in the pseudo imprint database 25 (NO in S106), the newly generated pseudo imprint image is registered and managed in the pseudo imprint database (S107). Then, data for creating a registered seal is generated based on the pseudo imprint image registered in the pseudo imprint database (S205). This makes it possible to prevent data for creating a registered seal based on a pseudo imprint image that is identical or similar to a pseudo imprint image generated in the past, i.e., data for creating a registered seal that is identical or similar to data for creating a registered seal generated in the past, from being generated. This makes it easier to guarantee the uniqueness of the registered seal to be created (data for creating a registered seal to be generated).

Furthermore, if the newly generated pseudo imprint image is identical to or similar to a pseudo imprint image (already generated pseudo imprint image) already registered (managed) in the pseudo imprint database 25 (YES in S106), a change is made to the newly generated pseudo imprint image to eliminate this identity or similarity (S108). The changed pseudo imprint image is then registered in the pseudo imprint database (S107). Therefore, even if a new pseudo imprint image is generated that is identical to or similar to a pseudo imprint image generated in the past, the identity or similarity can be eliminated before it is used to generate data for creating a registered seal. This prevents the generated pseudo imprint image from going to waste.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means 212 (S105) is registered in the pseudo seal imprint database 25. On the other hand, in the second modification, the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means 212 (S105) is registered not only in the pseudo seal imprint database 25 but also in the seal imprint database 24.

That is, in the official seal preparation process (S100) of the above embodiment and/or modified example 1, when the pseudo imprint image is registered in the pseudo imprint database 25 (S107), the pseudo imprint image is also registered in the imprint database 24. When the pseudo imprint image is registered in the imprint database 24, it may be registered by updating (overwriting) the imprint image (registered imprint image) from which the pseudo imprint image was generated, or it may be registered by adding it separately from the imprint image from which it was generated.

In this way, the process of registering the pseudo imprint image generated by the pseudo imprint image generating means 212 (S105) in the imprint database 24 is performed by the processing unit 21 functioning as an update registration means (not shown) in accordance with the official seal preparation service program 26.

According to the above-described second modification, when a pseudo imprint image is generated, the generated pseudo imprint image is registered in the imprint database 24 and managed as an imprint image (imprint sample). Therefore, after a pseudo imprint image generated in the past is registered in the imprint database 24 and managed as an imprint image, if an imprint image derived from the pseudo imprint image is acquired from the imprint database 24 and a pseudo imprint image of the acquired imprint image is newly generated, the newly generated pseudo imprint image will not be identical to the pseudo imprint image from which the currently acquired imprint image is derived. This makes it possible to prevent the generation of a new pseudo imprint image that is identical or similar to a pseudo imprint image generated in the past, making it easier to guarantee the uniqueness of the created official seal (the generated official seal creation data).

In addition, in the second modification, when the generation of pseudo imprint images and the registration of pseudo imprint images in the imprint database 24 for one imprint image (for example, the imprint image shown in FIG. 5A) have been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), the generation of pseudo imprint images for that one imprint image may be restricted (restriction means). In this way, it is possible to prevent a newly generated pseudo imprint image from becoming dissimilar to the imprint image on which it was generated (the similarity becomes too low) due to the pseudo imprint images being generated (registered in the imprint database 24) many times for one imprint image. In other words, an image that becomes dissimilar to the imprint image is no longer a pseudo imprint image, so to avoid this, a function (restriction means) is provided that restricts the number of times pseudo imprint images are generated for one imprint image.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention and variants 1 and 2, but the present invention is not limited to these.

For example, in the above embodiment, in the official seal preparation process (S100) based on the instruction input for preparing an official seal, the generated pseudo seal impression image is registered in the pseudo seal impression database 25, and in the official seal order process (S200) based on the instruction input for ordering an official seal, the pseudo seal impression image registered in the pseudo seal impression database 25 is acquired and data for creating the official seal is generated based on the pseudo seal impression image.

In response to this, the official seal preparation process (S100) may involve processing to generate official seal creation data based on the pseudo seal impression image generated in S105. In this case, a official seal creation database (seal creation database) that manages official seal creation data (seal creation data) is provided in the service providing server 2, and the official seal preparation process (S100) is configured to register the official seal creation data generated based on the pseudo seal impression image in the official seal creation database. Then, in the subsequent official seal order process (S200), the official seal creation data of the customer who inputted the official seal order instruction is obtained from the official seal creation database, and this obtained official seal creation data is output. The present invention can also be realized with such a configuration.

Note that if a database for creating a registered seal (database for creating a seal) is provided and data for creating a registered seal (data for creating a seal) is managed in that database, the pseudo seal impression database 25 does not necessarily have to be provided. This is because data for creating a registered seal (data for creating a seal) is generated based on a pseudo seal impression image, and managing data for creating a registered seal (data for creating a seal) in a database is essentially the same as managing a pseudo seal impression image in a database.

In the above embodiment, the service providing server 2 is provided with the seal imprint database 24 and the pseudo seal imprint database 25, and the seal imprint images and the pseudo seal imprint images are managed in separate databases, but the seal imprint images and the pseudo seal imprint images may be managed in a single database. In other words, the seal imprint database 24 and the pseudo seal imprint database 25 may be configured as a single database.

In the above embodiment, the specifications of the seal surface on which the seal impression image (seal impression sample) managed in the seal impression database 24 is based are limited to one pattern: seal surface shape "circular", font "seal script", and seal surface layout "vertical writing". However, the variety of seal impression images (seal impression samples) may be increased by, for example, making other fonts such as "Inso-tai" selectable in addition to "seal script".

Furthermore, the seal impression database 24 may be configured to manage (popular) seal impression images that are likely to be selected for each name (surname), age (generation), and gender, taking into consideration trends in selecting official seals in the market and in official seal preparation services. In this way, when a customer using the official seal preparation service inputs instructions for preparing a official seal, it becomes possible to obtain an impression image suitable for that customer from the seal impression database 24, and generate a pseudo impression image and data for creating a official seal based on that impression image, making it possible to provide a official seal that is suitable for the customer.

In addition, a statistical database capable of accumulating trends in the selection of official seals in the market and official seal preparation services and generating statistical data based on this may be provided in the service providing server 2, and the seal impression database 24 may be linked to the statistical database. The statistical data may be, for example, statistical data on the typefaces of the characters that make up the seal impression (seal face), such as the typeface selection rate for each year (age) of birth of the customer, the typeface selection rate for each gender, and the typeface selection rate for each name (surname). For example, when a customer inputs an instruction to prepare a official seal, the statistical data on the typefaces derived from the customer's name (surname, number of characters), year of birth (age), gender, etc. based on the customer's customer information may be obtained from the statistical database, and a seal impression image that matches the obtained statistical data may be obtained from the seal impression database 24. This also makes it possible to obtain a seal impression image suitable for the customer from the seal impression database 24, and as a result, it becomes possible to generate a pseudo seal impression image and data for creating an official seal suitable for the customer, and provide an official seal suitable for the customer.

In the above embodiment, the data for creating a registered seal generated by the data generating means for creating a registered seal 214 (S205) includes information on the seal surface. However, the data for creating a registered seal can include information based on the customer information extracted in S201, such as "gender" and "year of birth", in addition to the seal surface information. Specifically, the data can include information for specifying (setting) the seal surface size (seal surface size information), such as setting the seal surface size to "18 mm" if the customer's gender is "male" and setting the seal surface size to "15 mm" if the customer's gender is "female". In addition, the data can include information for specifying (setting) the optimal material for the seal (registered seal) (for example, white ox horn, black buffalo, Satsuma boxwood, etc.) depending on the customer's "year of birth". In this way, by including seal surface size information and seal material information in the data for creating a registered seal in addition to the seal surface information, it is possible to further enhance the uniqueness of the created registered seal.

In the above embodiment, the pseudo imprint image generated in S105 of the official seal preparation process (S100) is displayed on the customer's terminal 1 (display unit 14), but it may not be displayed. This will eliminate the risk of the official seal's imprint prepared in the official seal preparation service being seen by a third party, and it is possible to prevent the official seal (imprint) from being forged. In addition, instead of not displaying the pseudo imprint image generated in S105 (hiding it), the imprint image (sample imprint) acquired in S103 may be displayed on the customer's terminal 1 (display unit 14) (display means). This is because it makes it easier for the customer to imagine the imprint of the official seal to be prepared. In this case, the imprint image displayed on the terminal 1 (display unit 14) is not the imprint of the official seal that is actually prepared (created), so there is no risk as described above.

In the above embodiment, the pseudo imprint image generating means 212 (S105) uses GAN to generate the pseudo imprint image, but the pseudo imprint image may be generated without using GAN. In other words, the pseudo imprint image generating means 212 (S105) does not have to generate the pseudo imprint image using GAN.

For example, a means for making some kind of change to the imprint image (see, for example, FIG. 5(A)) acquired in S103 of the official seal preparation process (S100) may be provided, and the changed imprint image (changed imprint image) may be made into a pseudo imprint image. This means for making the change may be configured, for example, in the same manner as the change process (S108) of the above-mentioned variant example 1. That is, a control (change generation program) for making changes to the imprint image acquired in S103 and generating the changed imprint image as a pseudo imprint image may be incorporated into the official seal preparation service program 26, and the pseudo imprint image generation process (S105) may be configured to be performed based on this.

In this case, the changes to be made to the seal imprint image acquired in S103 can be programmed in advance. For example, the thickness and inclination of the lines of the parts (feature points) of the characters that make up the seal imprint shown by the acquired seal imprint image, where the characteristics are likely to be expressed, the size, arrangement, balance, etc. of the characters that make up the seal imprint can be the subject of the changes (changes). However, while the change means in the first modification adds changes to eliminate identity or similarity, the changes here are changes to generate an image (pseudo seal imprint image) similar to the seal imprint image acquired in S103. In other words, the changes are made so that the seal imprint image acquired in S103 and the changed seal imprint image (pseudo seal imprint image) fall within the range of similarity (see, for example, the relationship between Figures 5(A) and (B)). In the control to generate a pseudo seal imprint image by such changes (generation of a pseudo seal imprint image by a change generation program), it is necessary to note that the similarity judgment of both images is performed so that the similarity between the acquired seal imprint image and the changed seal imprint image (pseudo seal imprint image) is not too low.

In the above embodiment, the official seal preparation service has been described as an example, but the purpose (type) of the seal prepared by this service (the target for generating the pseudo seal impression image and data for creating the seal) is not limited to an official seal, but can be any purpose or type, such as a bank seal, a personal seal, or a corporate seal.

In addition, if the target seal (registered seal, etc.) is an electronic seal, the electronic seal is created based on seal creation data generated based on the pseudo seal imprint image. In this case, data that can be used as an electronic seal (seal imprint image data) is created based on the seal creation data, and the seal imprint image data is provided as the electronic seal.

1 Terminal, 2 Service providing server, 3 Network, 11 Processing unit, 12 Memory unit, 13 Communication unit, 14 Display unit, 15 Operation unit, 21 Processing unit, 22 Memory unit, 23 Customer information database, 24 Seal imprint database, 25 Pseudo seal imprint database, 26 Official seal preparation service program, 27 Communication unit, 211 Acquisition means, 212 Pseudo seal imprint image generation means, 213 Registration means, 214 Official seal creation data generation means, 215 Official seal creation data output means.

Claims (6)

A seal image database for managing seal image images;
an acquisition means for acquiring a seal image corresponding to a customer from the seal image database based on information about the customer input by the customer;
A system comprising: a pseudo imprint image generating means for generating a pseudo imprint image showing an imprint including characters that are the same as the characters included in the imprint shown by the acquired imprint image but have differences therefrom, as a pseudo imprint image similar to the imprint image acquired by the acquisition means. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a pseudo seal imprint database for managing the pseudo seal imprint images generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means. A determination means for determining whether or not the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means is the same as a pseudo seal imprint image managed in the pseudo seal imprint database based on a predetermined determination condition;
and a registering means for registering the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means in the pseudo seal imprint database when the determining means determines that the pseudo seal imprint images are not identical.
3. The system of claim 2. A modification means is provided for, when it is determined by the determination means that the images are identical , making a modification to the pseudo seal imprint image generated by the pseudo seal imprint image generating means to eliminate the identity ,
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said registration means registers the pseudo seal imprint image modified by said modification means in said pseudo seal imprint database. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a seal creation data generating means for generating data for creating a seal based on the pseudo seal imprint image. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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