U.S. patent application number 14/174895 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for detection of a floating signature on a signature page of an electronic document prior to printing.
This patent application is currently assigned to Xerox Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Xerox Corporation. Invention is credited to Richard Bradford, Stephen Foster, Peter Granby, John A. Kerslake, Christopher D. Olliffe, Wayne Rudge.
Application Number | 20150227332 14/174895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53774967 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150227332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Granby; Peter ; et
al. |
August 13, 2015 |
DETECTION OF A FLOATING SIGNATURE ON A SIGNATURE PAGE OF AN
ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT PRIOR TO PRINTING
Abstract
Disclosed are devices, including both a front-end computerized
device used to submit a print job and a printing device receiving a
print job, that can detect a floating signature on the signature
page of an electronic document in the print job and can halt
printing of that print job until further action is taken by a user.
The devices can apply a set of heuristics to analyze the electronic
document in order to determine whether it has a signature page and,
if so, whether the signature page contains a floating signature.
When a floating signature is detected, the device can notify a user
and can preclude printing of the print job until such time as a
response to the notification is received. Also disclosed herein are
associated methods for detecting a floating signature and for
halting printing of a print job until further action is taken.
Inventors: |
Granby; Peter;
(Hertfordshire, GB) ; Foster; Stephen;
(Hertfordshire, GB) ; Rudge; Wayne; (Berkshire,
GB) ; Bradford; Richard; (Hertfordshire, GB) ;
Kerslake; John A.; (Hertfordshire, GB) ; Olliffe;
Christopher D.; (Hertfordshire, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Xerox Corporation |
Norwalk |
CT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Xerox Corporation
Norwalk
CT
|
Family ID: |
53774967 |
Appl. No.: |
14/174895 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1285 20130101;
G06F 3/1265 20130101; G06F 3/1268 20130101; G06F 3/1274 20130101;
G06F 3/1244 20130101; G06F 3/1222 20130101; G06K 9/00161 20130101;
G06K 9/00852 20130101; G06F 3/1238 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Claims
1. A computerized device comprising: a memory storing a set of
heuristics; a display screen; and, a processor in communication
with said memory and said display screen, said processor applying
said set of heuristics to analyze a print job, said print job
comprising an electronic document, said electronic document being
analyzed to determine whether said electronic document has a
signature page with a signature block and, when said electronic
document has said signature page with said signature block, to
further determine whether said signature page contains a floating
signature, said signature page containing said floating signature
when all text data on said signature page matches known text and
formatting characteristics of a signature page component such that
said signature page is without additional document-specific text to
distinguish said signature page and prevent fraudulent use of said
signature page, said processor further precluding release of said
print job to a printing device for printing, when said signature
page contains said floating signature, and said display screen
displaying a notification of said floating signature to a user,
when said signature page contains said floating signature.
2. The computerized device of claim 1, said processor further
automatically releasing said print job to said printing device for
printing, when said electronic document is devoid of any one of
said signature page and said floating signature.
3. The computerized device of claim 1, said applying, by said
processor, of said set of heuristics comprising: applying a first
sub-set of said set of heuristics to identify said electronic
document as a specific type of document requiring a signature;
applying a second sub-set of said set of heuristics to identify
said signature page within said electronic document based on said
specific type of document; and, applying a third sub-set of said
set of heuristics to determine whether said signature page contains
said floating signature based on said specific type of
document.
4. The computerized device of claim 3, said set of heuristics being
directed to letters, said applying of said first sub-set comprising
comparing a first page of said electronic document to a list of
salutations to identify said electronic document as a letter
requiring said signature, said applying of said second sub-set
comprising comparing all pages of said electronic document to a
list of valedictions to identify said signature page, and said
applying of said third sub-set comprising comparing said signature
page to a list of letter signature page components to determine
whether said signature page contains said floating signature.
5. The computerized device of claim 1, said display screen
displaying said notification in a graphical user interface window,
said graphical user interface window further presenting said user
with selectable options for deleting said print job and releasing
said print job.
6. A method comprising: analyzing, by a processor of a computerized
device, an electronic document in a print job, said electronic
document being analyzed to determine whether said electronic
document has a signature page with a signature block and, when said
electronic document has said signature page with said signature
block, to further determine whether said signature page contains a
floating signature, said signature page containing said floating
signature when all text data on said signature page matches known
text and formatting characteristics of a signature page component
such that said signature page is without additional
document-specific text to distinguish said signature page and
prevent fraudulent use of said signature page; precluding, by said
processor, release of said print job to a printing device for
printing, when said signature page contains said floating
signature; and, displaying, by a display screen of said
computerized device, a notification to a user, when said signature
page contains said floating signature.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, automatically
releasing, by said processor, said print job to said printing
device for printing, when said electronic document is devoid of any
one of said signature page and said floating signature.
8. The method of claim 6, further comprising storing, in a memory
of said computerized device, a set of heuristics and said analyzing
comprising applying said set of heuristics.
9. The method of claim 8, said applying of said set of heuristics
comprising: applying a first sub-set of said set of heuristics to
identify said electronic document as a specific type of document
requiring a signature; applying a second sub-set of said set of
heuristics to identify said signature page within said electronic
document based on said specific type of document; and, applying a
third sub-set of said set of heuristics to determine whether said
signature page contains said floating signature based on said
specific type of document.
10. The method of claim 9, said set of heuristics being directed to
letters, said applying of said first sub-set comprising comparing a
first page of said electronic document to a list of salutations to
identify said electronic document as a letter requiring said
signature, said applying of said second sub-set comprising
comparing all pages of said electronic document to a list of
valedictions to identify said signature page, and said applying of
said third sub-set comprising comparing said signature page to a
list of letter signature page components to determine whether said
signature page contains said floating signature.
11. The method of claim 6, said displaying comprising displaying
said notification in a graphical user interface window on said
display screen, said graphical user interface window further
presenting said user with selectable options for deleting said
print job and releasing said print job.
12. A printing device comprising: a memory storing a set of
heuristics; a print engine; an output device; and, a processor in
communication with said memory, said print engine, and said output
device, said processor applying said set of heuristics to analyze a
print job submitted by a user, said print job comprising an
electronic document, said print job being analyzed to determine
whether said electronic document has a signature page with a
signature block and, when said electronic document has said
signature page with said signature block, to determine whether said
signature page contains a floating signature, said signature page
containing said floating signature when all text data on said
signature page matches known text and formatting characteristics of
a signature page component such that said signature page is without
additional document-specific text to distinguish said signature
page and prevent fraudulent use of said signature page, said
processor further precluding release of said print job to said
print engine for printing, when said signature page contains said
floating signature, and said output device outputting a
notification of said floating signature to said user, when said
signature page contains said floating signature.
13. The printing device of claim 12, said processor further
automatically releasing said print job to said print engine for
printing, when said electronic document is devoid of any one of
said signature page and said floating signature.
14. The printing device of claim 12, said applying, by said
processor, of said set of heuristics comprising: applying a first
sub-set of said set of heuristics to identify said electronic
document as a specific type of document requiring a signature;
applying a second sub-set of said set of heuristics to identify
said signature page within said electronic document based on said
specific type of document; and, applying a third sub-set of said
set of heuristics to determine whether said signature page contains
said floating signature based on said specific type of
document.
15. The printing device of claim 14, said set of heuristics being
directed to letters, said applying of said first sub-set comprising
comparing a first page of said electronic document to a list of
salutations to identify said electronic document as a letter
requiring said signature, said applying of said second sub-set
comprising comparing all pages of said electronic document to a
list of valedictions to identify said signature page, and said
applying of said third sub-set comprising comparing said signature
page to a list of letter signature page components to determine
whether said signature page contains said floating signature.
16. The printing device of claim 12, said output device comprising
a display screen displaying said notification in a graphical user
interface window, said graphical user interface window further
presenting said user with selectable options for deleting said
print job and releasing said print job.
17. A method comprising: receiving, by a processor of a printing
device, a print job, said print job comprising an electronic
document; analyzing, by said processor, said electronic document in
order to determine whether said electronic document has a signature
page with a signature block and, when said electronic document has
said signature page with said signature block, to further determine
whether said signature page contains a floating signature, said
signature page containing said floating signature when all text
data on said signature page matches known text and formatting
characteristics of a signature page component such that said
signature page is without additional document-specific text to
distinguish said signature page and prevent fraudulent use of said
signature page; precluding, by said processor, release of said
print job to a print engine of said printing device for printing,
when said signature page contains said floating signature; and
outputting, by an output device of said printing device, a
notification to a user, when said signature page contains said
floating signature.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising automatically
releasing, by said processor of said printing device, said print
job to said print engine for printing, when said electronic
document is devoid of any one of said signature page and said
floating signature.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising storing, in a memory
of said printing device, a set of heuristics and said analyzing
comprising applying said set of heuristics.
20. The method of claim 19, said applying of said set of heuristics
comprising: applying a first sub-set of said set of heuristics to
identify said electronic document as a specific type of document
requiring a signature; applying a second sub-set of said set of
heuristics to identify said signature page within said electronic
document based on said specific type of document; and, applying a
third sub-set of said set of heuristics to determine whether said
signature page contains said floating signature based on said
specific type of document.
21. The method of claim 20, said set of heuristics being directed
to letters, said applying of said first sub-set comprising
comparing a first page of said electronic document to a list of
salutations to identify said electronic document as a letter
requiring said signature, said applying of said second sub-set
comprising comparing all pages of said electronic document to a
list of valedictions to identify said signature page, and said
applying of said third sub-set comprising comparing said signature
page to a list of letter signature page components to determine
whether said signature page contains said floating signature.
22. The method of claim 17, said output device comprising a display
screen and said outputting comprising displaying said notification
in a graphical user interface window on said display screen, said
graphical user interface window further presenting said user with
selectable options for deleting said print job and releasing said
print job.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Devices and methods disclosed herein generally relate to
image processing and, more particularly, to detection of a floating
signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on a signature page of an
electronic document, such as a letter, prior to printing.
[0002] More particularly, when a signed document (e.g., a letter or
contract) is prepared such that its signature page contains a
floating signature (i.e., a widowed signature), that signature page
could, subsequently, be incorporated into a different text document
for fraudulent purposes. For purposes of this disclosure, a
"floating signature" or a "widowed signature" refers to a signature
block (e.g., a signature line and associated text, such as signer's
identification information) presented on the signature page of a
document without additional document-specific text capable of
distinguishing the signature page so that it could not be readily
incorporated into a different document with the same signer(s).
Thus, for security purposes (i.e., in order to prevent fraudulent
use of a signature page), organizations, such as law firms, have
established policies against the preparation and printing of any
document wherein the signature page contains a floating signature.
Given such policies, the person responsible for preparing a
document can attempt to avoid the occurrence of a signature page
with a floating signature using one or more different word
processing commands (e.g., insert page break, keep together, etc.)
during the preparation of an electronic document. However,
situations often occur when these commands are not used and/or they
are not properly used such that a hard copy of the electronic
document is printed with a signature page containing a floating
signature. Thus, there is a need in the art for devices and methods
for detecting a floating signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on a
signature page of a text document (e.g., a letter) prior to
printing.
SUMMARY
[0003] In view of the foregoing, disclosed herein are devices,
including both a computerized device used to submit a print job to
a printing device for printing and a printing device receiving a
print job to be printed. These devices can detect a floating
signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on the signature page of an
electronic document in the print job and can halt printing of that
print job until further action is taken. Specifically, these
devices can apply a set of heuristics to analyze an electronic
document in a print job in order to determine whether it has a
signature page and, if so, to whether the signature page contains a
floating signature. When a floating signature is detected, the
device can notify a user and can preclude printing of the print job
until such time as a response to the notification is received. Also
disclosed herein are associated methods for detecting a floating
signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on the signature page of an
electronic document in a print job and for halting printing of that
print job until further action is taken.
[0004] More particularly, disclosed is a computerized device and,
particularly, a front-end computerized device, which is configured
to allow a user to submit a print job to a printing device for
printing and which can detect a floating signature (i.e., a widowed
signature) on a signature page of an electronic document in the
print job and, if necessary, can halt release of that print job to
the printing device until further action is taken.
[0005] Specifically, this computerized device can comprise at least
a memory, which stores a set of heuristics for analyzing a print
job, a display screen and a processor in communication with the
memory and the display screen. The processor can access the set of
heuristics and can apply the set of heuristics to a print job,
which has been submitted by a user and which contains an electronic
document, in order to analyze the electronic document prior to its
release to the printing device. This analysis can be performed in
order to determine whether the electronic document has a signature
page and, if so, to further determine whether the signature page
contains a floating signature (i.e., a signature block on the
signature page without additional document-specific text to
distinguish that signature page and, thereby prevent the fraudulent
use of that signature page). For example, the set of heuristics can
comprise a data mining software program that specifies
investigative process steps, which are provided in the form of a
decision tree and which can be executed by the processor in order
to mine the text data of the electronic document in order to
ultimately determine whether that electronic document contains a
floating signature.
[0006] When the electronic document is devoid of either a signature
page or a floating signature, the processor can automatically
release the print job to the printing device. However, when the
electronic document has a signature page and that signature page
contains a floating signature, the processor can cause the display
screen to display a notification of the floating signature to the
user and can preclude release of the print job to the printing
device until further action has been taken by the user in response
to the notification.
[0007] Also disclosed herein is a printing device, which can
receive a print job for printing and which can detect a floating
signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on a signature page of an
electronic document in the print job and, if necessary, can halt
release of that print job to its print engine until further action
is taken.
[0008] Specifically, this printing device can comprise at least a
memory, which stores a set of heuristics for analyzing a print job,
a print engine, an output device and a processor in communication
with the memory, the print engine and the output device. The
processor can receive a print job, which has been submitted by a
user via a computerized device (e.g., over a wired or wireless
network) and which contains an electronic document. The processor
can then access the set of heuristics and can apply the set of
heuristics to the print job. The set of heuristics can specifically
be applied in order to analyze the electronic document prior to its
release to the print engine for printing. This analysis can be
performed to determine whether the electronic document has a
signature page and, if so, to further determine whether the
signature page contains a floating signature (i.e., a signature
block on the signature page without additional document-specific
text to distinguish that signature page and, thereby prevent the
fraudulent use of that signature page). For example, the set of
heuristics can comprise a data mining software program that
specifies investigative process steps, which are provided in the
form of a decision tree and which can be executed by the processor
in order to mine the text data of the electronic document in order
to ultimately determine whether that electronic document contains a
floating signature.
[0009] When the electronic document is devoid of either a signature
page or a floating signature, the processor can automatically
release the print job to the print engine. However, when the
electronic document has a signature page and that signature page
contains a floating signature, the processor can cause the output
device to output a notification of the floating signature to the
user and can preclude release of the print job to the print engine
until further action is taken by the user in response to the
notification.
[0010] Also disclosed herein is a method, which be implemented by a
computerized device to detect a floating signature (i.e., a widowed
signature) on a signature page of an electronic document in a print
job submitted by a user and, if necessary, to halt release of that
print job to a printing device until further action is taken.
[0011] Specifically, the method can comprise storing (e.g., in a
memory of the computerized device) a set of heuristics that can be
accessed by a processor of the computerized device. The method can
further comprise applying (e.g., by the processor) the set of
heuristics to a print job, which has been submitted by a user and
which contains an electronic document. The set of heuristics can
specifically be applied in order to analyze the electronic document
prior to its release to the printing device. This analysis process
can be performed in order to determine whether the electronic
document has a signature page and, if so, to further determine
whether the signature page contains a floating signature (i.e., a
signature block on the signature page without additional
document-specific text to distinguish that signature page and,
thereby prevent the fraudulent use of that signature page).
[0012] The method can further comprise automatically releasing
(e.g., by the processor) the print job to the printing device, when
the electronic document is devoid of either a signature page or a
floating signature. However, when the electronic document has a
signature page and that signature page contains a floating
signature, the method can comprise displaying (e.g., by a display
screen of the computerized device as caused by the processor) a
notification of the floating signature to the user and precluding
(e.g., by the processor) release of the print job to the printing
device until further action is taken by the user in response to the
notification.
[0013] Also disclosed herein is an associated method that can be
implemented by a printing device to detect a floating signature
(i.e., a widowed signature) on the signature page of an electronic
document in a print job received by the printing device and, if
necessary, to halt the release of that print job to a print engine
of the printing device until further action is taken.
[0014] Specifically, this method can comprise storing (e.g., in a
memory of the printing device) a set of heuristics, which can, for
example, be accessed by a processor of the printing device. The
method can further comprise receiving (e.g., by the processor) a
print job, which has been submitted by a user via a computerized
device (e.g., over a wired or wireless network) and which contains
an electronic document. The method can further comprise applying
(e.g., by the processor) the set of heuristics to the print job in
order to analyze the electronic document contained therein prior to
releasing the print job to the print engine for printing. This
analysis can be performed to determine whether the electronic
document has a signature page and, if so, to further determine
whether the signature page contains a floating signature (i.e., a
signature block on the signature page without additional
document-specific text to distinguish that signature page and,
thereby prevent the fraudulent use of that signature page).
[0015] The method can further comprise automatically releasing
(e.g., by the processor) the print job to the print engine of the
printing device, when the electronic document is devoid of either a
signature page or a floating signature. However, when the
electronic document has a signature page and that signature page
contains a floating signature, the method can comprise outputting
(e.g., by an output device as caused by the processor) a
notification of the floating signature to a user and precluding
(e.g., by the processor) release of the print job to the print
engine until further action is taken by the user in response to the
notification.
[0016] These and other features are described in, or are apparent
from, the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Various exemplary systems and methods are described in
detail below, with reference to the attached drawing figures, in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a computerized
device having a floating signature detection function;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
display screen of a computerized device displaying a detected
floating signature notification;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a printing device
having a floating signature detection function;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
display screen of a printing device displaying a detected floating
signature notification;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for floating
signature detection implemented by the computerized device of FIG.
1;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for floating
signature detection implemented by the printing device of FIG.
3;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
network allowing for communication between computerized device(s)
and printing device(s);
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
computer system that can be used to implement the computerized
device of FIG. 1; and,
[0026] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
printing device that can be used to implement the printing device
of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] As mentioned above, when a signed document (e.g., a letter
or contract) is prepared such that its signature page contains a
floating signature (i.e., a widowed signature), that signature page
could, subsequently, be incorporated into a different text document
for fraudulent purposes. For purposes of this disclosure, a
"floating signature" or a "widowed signature" refers to a signature
block (e.g., a signature line and associated text, such as signer's
identification information) presented on the signature page of a
document without additional document-specific text capable of
distinguishing the signature page so that it could not be readily
incorporated into a different document with the same signer(s).
Thus, for security purposes (i.e., in order to prevent fraudulent
use of a signature page), organizations, such as law firms, have
established policies against the preparation and printing of any
document wherein the signature page contains a floating signature.
Given such policies, the person responsible for preparing a
document can attempt to avoid the occurrence of a signature page
with a floating signature using one or more different word
processing commands (e.g., insert page break, keep together, etc.)
during the preparation of an electronic document. However,
situations often occur when these commands are not used and/or they
are not properly used such that a hard copy of the electronic
document is printed with a signature page containing a floating
signature. Thus, there is a need in the art for devices and methods
for detecting a floating signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on a
signature page of a text document (e.g., a letter) prior to
printing.
[0028] In view of the foregoing, disclosed herein are devices,
including both a computerized device used to submit a print job to
a printing device for printing and a printing device receiving a
print job to be printed. These devices can detect a floating
signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on the signature page of an
electronic document in the print job and can halt printing of that
print job until further action is taken. Specifically, these
devices can apply a set of heuristics to analyze an electronic
document in a print job in order to determine whether it has a
signature page and, if so, to whether the signature page contains a
floating signature. When a floating signature is detected, the
device notifies a user and can preclude printing of the print job
until such time as a response to the notification is received. Also
disclosed herein are associated methods for detecting a floating
signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on the signature page of an
electronic document in a print job and for halting printing of that
print job until further action is taken.
[0029] More particularly, referring to FIG. 1, disclosed is a
computerized device 100 and, particularly, a front-end computerized
device, which is configured to allow a user to submit a print job
to a printing device 190 for printing and which can detect a
floating signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on a signature page
of an electronic document in the print job and, if necessary, can
halt release of that print job to the printing device 190 until
further action is taken. For purposes of illustration, this
computerized device 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as a desktop computer.
However, it should be understood that this computerized device 100
could, alternatively, comprise any other type of computerized
device having software application(s) with a print function that
allows a user to submit a print job to a printing device 190 for
printing. Such computerized device can include, but are not limited
to, desktop computers, laptop computers, personal computers, tablet
computers, netbooks, or personal digital assistants (PDAs) (i.e.,
smart phones).
[0030] In any case, this computerized device 100 can be in
communication with a printing device 190 (e.g., over a wired or
wireless network 185) and can comprise at least a memory 130, a
display screen 120, and a processor 150 (e.g., a central processing
unit (CPU)) in communication with the memory 130 and the display
screen 120 (e.g., over a system bus 180).
[0031] The memory 130 can store various software applications,
which can be accessed and executed by the processor 150. These
software applications can include, but are not limited to, one or
more software applications 131 having a print function allowing a
print job to be submitted to a printing device 190 as well as a
printer driver 132 and print spooler 133 associated with the
printing device 190. Such software applications are well known in
the art and, thus, the details are omitted from this specification
in order to allow the reader to focus on the salient aspects of the
disclosed devices and methods. However, those skilled in the art
will recognize that a print process typically proceeds as follows.
A user 110 will select the print function within a given software
application and, in response, will be presented with a graphical
user interface (GUI) window, which allows the user to select print
options (e.g., the printing device, the number of copies, the
quality, etc.), and which further allows the user to enter the
print command resulting in generation of a print job. The printer
driver 132 will then convert that print job into a data format,
which is specific to the printing device 190, and the print spooler
133 will place the print job in a print queue for subsequent
release to the printing device 190.
[0032] The memory 130 can further store a set of heuristics 140,
which can be accessed and executed by the processor 150 for
implementing a floating signature detection function. For purposes
of this disclosure, the "set of heuristics" 140 refers specifically
to a data mining software program that specifies investigative
process steps, which are provided in the form of a decision tree
and which can be executed by the processor 150 in order to mine the
text data of an electronic document in order to ultimately
determine whether that electronic document contains a floating
signature. As mentioned above, a "floating signature" or a "widowed
signature" refers to a signature block (e.g., a signature line and
associated text, such as the signer's identification information)
presented on the signature page of a document without additional
document-specific text capable of distinguishing the signature page
so that it could not be readily incorporated into a different
document. In a letter, this situation can occur, for example, when
a page break occurs immediately prior to the valediction (also
referred to as the complimentary closing) and when no Post Script
(P.S.) text is provided. This floating signature detection function
can, for example, be incorporated as an option in printing device
set up on the computerized device 100 and, when enabled, can be
automatically triggered upon entry of a print command.
Alternatively, the floating signature detection function can be
incorporated as an option in print queue management and, when
enabled, can be automatically triggered upon placement of the print
job in the print queue. In either case, the floating signature
detection function can require selective enablement or,
alternatively, can be enabled by default and require selective
disablement.
[0033] In any case, when the floating signature detection function
is enabled on a computerized device 100 and a user 110 submits a
print job, which contains an electronic document, the processor 150
can access the set of heuristics 140 and can apply the set of
heuristics 140 to the print job prior to release of the print job
to the printing device 190 for printing. Specifically, the set of
heuristics 140 can comprise multiple subsets (e.g., a first sub-set
141, a second sub-set 142 and a third sub-set 143) and can be
applied as follows in order to determine whether the electronic
document has a signature page and, if so, to further determine
whether the signature page contains a floating signature (i.e., a
signature block on the signature page without additional
document-specific text to distinguish that signature page and,
thereby prevent the fraudulent use of that signature page).
[0034] The processor 150 can apply the first sub-set 141 of the set
of heuristics 140 in order to identify the electronic document
within the print job as a specific type of document (e.g., a letter
or contract) requiring a signature, based on known text and/or
formatting characteristics of one or more initial components
typically found on the first page of that specific type of
document. If the electronic document is a specific type of document
that requires a signature, then the processor 150 can apply the
second sub-set 142 of the set of heuristics 140 to identify the
signature page within the electronic document, based on known text
and/or formatting characteristics of one or more final components
typically found on the signature page in that specific type of
document. Once the signature page is identified, the processor 150
can apply the third sub-set 143 of the set of heuristics 140 to
determine whether the signature page contains a floating signature,
based on the known text and/or formatting characteristics of the
closing components typically found on the signature page in that
specific type of document.
[0035] Since the components of different types of documents vary,
the set of heuristics 140 will be different for different types of
documents. The following is a more detailed example of the set of
heuristics 140 that can be used in the case of letters.
Specifically, the processor 150 can apply the first sub-set 141 of
the set of heuristics 140 in order to identify the electronic
document within the print job as a letter, based on known text
and/or formatting characteristics of, for example, salutations
typically found on the first page of letters. That is, the first
page of a letter typically has a salutation and such salutations
have known text characteristics (e.g., "Dear [Name],"; "Hi
[Name],"; "Dearest [Name],"; "To whom it may concern,"; etc.,) and
also known formatting characteristics (e.g., capitalized, placement
at the left margin, etc.) within letters. A list of such
salutations and formatting for such salutations can be contained in
the first sub-set 141 of the set of heuristics 140 stored in the
memory 130 and application of the first sub-set 141 of the set of
heuristics 140 can comprise comparing the text data on the first
page of the electronic document to the list of salutations and, if
a match is found between a phrase within the text data and one of
the salutations on the list and (optionally for a more accurate
identification) if that phrase has the required formatting (e.g.,
capitalization and placement), then the electronic document can be
identified as a letter.
[0036] The use of salutations, as described above, is not intended
to be limiting. The first pages of letters also typically have
other initial components (e.g., the letter head of the sender, the
address of the addressee, a regarding or attention line, etc.) and
these other initial components also have known text and/or
formatting characteristics. Thus, the comparison of the text data
on the first page of the electronic document to the known text
and/or formatting characteristics of these other initial components
can, additionally or alternatively, be used to identify the
electronic document as a letter.
[0037] If the electronic document is a letter, then the processor
150 can apply the second sub-set 142 of the set of heuristics 140
to identify the signature page of the letter from amongst all pages
in the letter, based on known text and/or formatting
characteristics of, for example, valedictions (also referred to
herein as complimentary closings) typically found on the signature
page of letters. That is, the signature page of a letter typically
has a valediction and such valedictions have known text
characteristics (e.g., "Sincerely,"; "Yours truly,";
"Respectfully,"; "Best Regards,"; etc.,) and also known formatting
characteristics (e.g., capitalized, placement along the centerline
of the document, etc.). A list of such valedictions and formatting
for such valedictions can be contained in the second sub-set 142 of
the set of heuristics 140 stored in the memory 130 and application
of the second sub-set 142 of the set of heuristics 140 can comprise
comparing the text data on all pages of the electronic document to
the list of valedictions and, if a match is found between a phrase
within the text data and one of the valedictions on the list and
(optionally for a more accurate identification) if that phrase has
the required formatting (e.g., capitalization and placement), then
the page on which the phrase is found can be identified as the
signature page.
[0038] The use of valedictions, as described above, is not intended
to be limiting. The signature page of a letter also typically has
other final components (e.g., a signature block following the
valediction, an enclosure indicator, a copies indicator, etc.)
(also referred to herein as letter signature page components) and
these other letter signature page components also have known text
and/or formatting characteristics. For purpose of this disclosure,
the signature block refers to the space following the valediction
within which the sender can sign a letter as well as the sender's
identification information (e.g., name, address, telephone
number(s), email address and/or any other identification
information). The comparison of the text data on all the pages of
the electronic document to the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of these other letter signature page components
can, additionally or alternatively, be used to identify the
signature page of the letter.
[0039] Once the signature page is identified, the processor 150 can
apply the third sub-set 143 of the set of heuristics 140 to
determine whether the signature page contains a floating signature
based on the known text and/or formatting characteristics of the
letter signature page components, as described above. That is, as
mentioned above, the signature page of a letter typically has
multiple signature page components, including the valediction, the
signature block, an enclosure indicator, a copies indicator, etc.
and these letter signature page components have known text and/or
formatting characteristics. Application of the third sub-set 141 of
the set of heuristics 140 can comprise comparing the text data on
the signature page of the letter to a list of letter signature page
components and the known text and/or formatting characteristics of
the components on that list and, if all of the text on the
signature pages matches the known text and formatting data of
letter signature page component on the list such that none of the
text on the signature page is distinguishing text, then a
determination can be made that the signature page of the letter
contains a floating signature. That is, if there is no other text
on the signature page than text which corresponds to the components
on the list and, thereby no other document-specific text which
could distinguish that signature page such that it could not
fraudulently be incorporated into a different document, then a
determination can be made that the signature page of the letter
contains a floating signature.
[0040] When the electronic document has a signature page and that
signature page contains a floating signature, the processor 150 can
cause the display screen 120 to display a notification 125 of the
floating signature to the user 110 and can preclude release of the
print job to the printing device 190, by placing the print job in
an "on hold" status, until further action is taken by the user 110
in response to the notification 125. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, the display screen 120 can display a notification 125 in a
graphical user interface window 200. This graphical user interface
window 200 can indicate, for example, the name of the printing
device 190, the name of the print job (e.g., the name of the
electronic document to be printed), the status of the print job
(e.g. on hold) and a notification 125 setting forth the reason why
the print job is in an on hold status (i.e., stating that a
floating signature was detected). Optionally, the notification 125
can give additional details about the floating signature (e.g., the
page number on which it was found). In response to the notification
125, the user 110 can cancel (i.e., delete) the print job, make the
necessary corrections to the electronic document to remove the
floating signature, and resubmit the print job. Alternatively, the
user 110 can release the print job for printing (i.e., override the
on-hold status). Optionally, these options (namely, deleting the
print job or releasing the print job to the printing device 190)
can be presented to the user 110 as selectable options 201 within
the graphical user interface window 200.
[0041] It should be noted that, if a determination is made during
the application of the first sub-set 141 of the set of heuristics
140 that the electronic document is not a type of document that
requires a signature (e.g., not a letter or contract) or if a
determination is made during the application of the third sub-set
143 of the set of heuristics 140 that the signature page does not
contain a floating signature, then the processor 150 can
automatically release the print job to the printing device 190 for
printing. That is, when the electronic document is determined to be
devoid of either a signature page or a floating signature, the
processor 150 can automatically release the print job to the
printing device 190 for printing.
[0042] It should further be noted that, optionally, the lists of
known text and/or formatting characteristics of the different
components of a given type of document (e.g., the list of
salutations, the list of valedictions, etc.), which contained in
the set of heuristics to identify the type of electronic document,
to identify a signature page in an electronic document requiring a
signature and to further detect a floating signature on a signature
page, can be supplemented by a user 110 to account for unique local
or professional vernacular.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, also disclosed herein is a printing
device 300 (i.e., a printer, a copier, a multi-function device,
etc.), which can receive a print job for printing. For example, the
printing device 300 can receive a print job, which contains an
electronic document, from a computerized device 301 (e.g., a
desktop computer, laptop computer, personal computer, tablet
computer, netbook, PDA, print server, etc.) over a wired or
wireless network 385. If, however, the printing device 300
comprises a copier, a scanner, a multi-function device or any other
such device with document handling functions 302, the print job
could also be received through the document handling function 302
(e.g., when a hardcopy of a document is scanned in, an electronic
document corresponding to the hardcopy is generated and and a
command is received to print a duplicate of the hardcopy). In any
case, the printing device 300 can further detect a floating
signature (i.e., a widowed signature) on a signature page of the
electronic document in the print job and, if necessary, can halt
release of that print job to its print engine 390 until further
action is taken.
[0044] Specifically, this printing device 300 can comprise at least
a memory 330, a print engine 390, an output device 320 (e.g., a
display screen, a communication input/output device, etc.) and a
processor 350 (i.e., a controller, a central processing unit (CPU),
etc.) in communication with the memory 330, the print engine 390
and the output device 320 (e.g., over a system bus 380). The memory
330 can further store a set of heuristics 340, which can be
accessed and executed by the processor 350 for implementing a
floating signature detection function. For purposes of this
disclosure, the "set of heuristics" 340 refers specifically to a
data mining software program that specifies investigative process
steps, which are provided in the form of a decision tree and which
can be executed by the processor 350 in order to mine the text data
of an electronic document in order to ultimately determine whether
that electronic document contains a floating signature.
Additionally, a "floating signature" or a "widowed signature"
refers to a signature block (e.g., a signature line and associated
text, such as the signer's identification information) presented on
the signature page of a document without additional
document-specific text capable of distinguishing the signature page
so that it could not be readily incorporated into a different
document. In a letter, this situation can occur, for example, when
a page break occurs immediately prior to the valediction (also
referred to as the complimentary closing) and when no Post Script
(P.S.) text is provided. This floating signature detection function
can, for example, be incorporated as an option in system
administrator/key operator (SA/KO) set up or, alternatively, in
user set-up, and, when enabled, can be automatically triggered when
a print job is received for processing. In either case, the
floating signature detection function can require selective
enablement or, alternatively, can be enabled by default and require
selective disablement.
[0045] In any case, when the floating signature detection function
is enabled on a printing device 300 and the printing device 300
receives a print job, which contains an electronic document, the
processor 350 can access the set of heuristics 140 and can apply
the set of heuristics 340 to the print job prior to release of the
print job to the print engine 390 for printing.
[0046] Specifically, the set of heuristics 340 can comprise
multiple subsets (e.g., a first sub-set 341, a second sub-set 342
and a third sub-set 343) and can be applied as follows in order to
determine whether the electronic document has a signature page and,
if so, to further determine whether the signature page contains a
floating signature (i.e., a signature block on the signature page
without additional document-specific text to distinguish that
signature page and, thereby prevent the fraudulent use of that
signature page). That is, the processor 350 can apply the first
sub-set 341 of the set of heuristics 340 in order to identify the
electronic document within the print job as a specific type of
document (e.g., a letter or contract) requiring a signature, based
on known text and/or formatting characteristics of one or more
initial components typically found on the first page of that
specific type of document. If the electronic document is a specific
type of document that requires a signature, then the processor 350
can apply the second sub-set 342 of the set of heuristics 340 to
identify the signature page within the electronic document, based
on known text and/or formatting characteristics of one or more
final components typically found on the signature page in that
specific type of document. Once the signature page is identified,
the processor 350 can apply the third sub-set 343 of the set of
heuristics 340 to determine whether the signature page contains a
floating signature, based on the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of the closing components typically found on the
signature page in that specific type of document.
[0047] Since the components of different types of documents vary,
the set of heuristics 340 will be different for different types of
documents. The following is a more detailed example of the set of
heuristics 340 that can be used in the case of letters and is
essentially the same example as that set out above with regard to
the set of heuristics 140 applied by the computerized device 100 of
FIG. 1.
[0048] Specifically, the processor 350 can apply the first sub-set
341 of the set of heuristics 340 in order to identify the
electronic document within the print job as a letter, based on
known text and/or formatting characteristics of, for example,
salutations typically found on the first page of letters. A list of
such salutations and formatting for such salutations can be
contained in the first sub-set 341 of the set of heuristics 340
stored in the memory 330 and application of the first sub-set 341
of the set of heuristics 340 can comprise comparing the text data
on the first page of the electronic document to the list of
salutations and, if a match is found between a phrase within the
text data and one of the salutations on the list and (optionally
for a more accurate identification) if that phrase has the required
formatting (e.g., capitalization and placement), then the
electronic document can be identified as a letter. The use of
salutations, as described above, is not intended to be limiting.
The first pages of letters also typically have other initial
components (e.g., the letter head of the sender, the address of the
addressee, a regarding or attention line, etc.) and these other
initial components also have known text and/or formatting
characteristics. Thus, the comparison of the text data on the first
page of the electronic document to the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of these other initial components can, additionally
or alternatively, be used to identify the electronic document as a
letter.
[0049] If the electronic document is a letter, then the processor
350 can apply the second sub-set 342 of the set of heuristics 340
to identify the signature page of the letter from amongst all pages
in the letter, based on known text and/or formatting
characteristics of, for example, valedictions (also referred to
herein as complimentary closings) typically found on the signature
page of letters. A list of such valedictions and formatting for
such valedictions can be contained in the second sub-set 342 of the
set of heuristics 340 stored in the memory 330 and application of
the second sub-set 342 of the set of heuristics 340 can comprise
comparing the text data on all pages of the electronic document to
the list of valedictions and, if a match is found between a phrase
within the text data and one of the valedictions on the list and
(optionally for a more accurate identification) if that phrase has
the required formatting (e.g., capitalization and placement), then
the page on which the phrase is found can be identified as the
signature page. The use of valedictions, as described above, is not
intended to be limiting. The signature page of a letter also
typically has other final components (e.g., a signature block
following the valediction, an enclosure indicator, a copies
indicator, etc.) (also referred to herein as letter signature page
components) and these other letter signature page components also
have known text and/or formatting characteristics. For purpose of
this disclosure, the signature block refers to the space following
the valediction within which the sender can sign a letter as well
as the sender's identification information (e.g., name, address,
telephone number(s), email address and/or any other identification
information). The comparison of the text data on all the pages of
the electronic document to the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of these other letter signature page components
can, additionally or alternatively, be used to identify the
signature page of the letter.
[0050] Once the signature page is identified, the processor 350 can
apply the third sub-set 343 of the set of heuristics 340 to
determine whether the signature page contains a floating signature
based on the known text and/or formatting characteristics of the
letter signature page components, as described above. Application
of the third sub-set 341 of the set of heuristics 340 can comprise
comparing the text data on the signature page of the letter to a
list of letter signature page components and the known text and/or
formatting characteristics thereof and, if all of the text on the
signature page matches the known text and formatting data of a
letter signature page component on the list such that none of the
text on the signature page is distinguishing text, then a
determination can be made that the signature page of the letter
contains a floating signature. That is, if there is no other text
on the signature page than text which corresponds to one of the
letter signature page components on the list and, thereby no other
document-specific text which could distinguish that signature page
such that it could not fraudulently be incorporated into a
different document, then a determination can be made that the
signature page of the letter contains a floating signature.
[0051] When the electronic document has a signature page and that
signature page contains a floating signature, the processor 350 can
cause the output device 320 to output a notification 325 of the
floating signature to a user and can preclude release of the print
job to the print engine 390, by placing the print job in an "on
hold" status (e.g., in a temporary buffer), until further action is
taken in response to the notification 325. For example, the output
device 320 can comprise a display screen, which displays a
notification 325 of the floating signature to a user.
Alternatively, the output device 320 can comprise a communication
input/output device (not shown) that communicates a notification
(e.g. over a wired or wireless network 385) to a user (e.g., for
display on a display screen 303 of a computerized device 301). As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the display screen 320 of the printing
device 300 (or the display screen 303 of the computerized device
301, if applicable) can display the notification 325 in a graphical
user interface window 400. This graphical user interface window 400
can indicate, for example, the name of the printing device 300, the
name of the print job (e.g., the name of the electronic document to
be printed), the status of the print job (e.g. on hold) and a
notification 325 setting forth the reason why the print job is in
an on hold status (i.e., stating that a floating signature was
detected). Optionally, the notification 325 can give additional
details about the floating signature (e.g., the page number on
which is was found). In response to a notification 325 on the
display screen 303 of a computerized device 301, a user can either
remotely release the print job to the print engine 390 for printing
(i.e., override the on-hold status) or remotely cancel (i.e.,
delete) the print job, make the necessary corrections to the
electronic document to remove the floating signature, and resubmit
the print job to the printing device 300. In response to a
notification 325 on a display screen 320 of the printing device 300
itself, a user can either locally release the print job to the
print engine 390 for printing (i.e., override the on-hold status)
or cancel (i.e., delete) the print job. In any case, the options
for deleting the print job or releasing the print job to the
printing engine 390 can be presented to the user as selectable
options 401 within the graphical user interface window 400.
[0052] It should be noted that, if a determination is made during
the application of the first sub-set 341 of the set of heuristics
340 that the electronic document is not a type of document that
requires a signature (e.g., not a letter or contract) or if a
determination is made during the application of the third sub-set
343 of the set of heuristics 340 that the signature page does not
contain a floating signature, then the processor 350 can
automatically release the print job to the print engine 390 of the
printing device 300 for printing. That is, when the electronic
document is determined to be devoid of either a signature page or a
floating signature, the processor 350 can automatically release the
print job to the print engine 390 of the printing device 300 for
printing.
[0053] It should further be noted that, optionally, the lists of
known text and/or formatting characteristics of the different
components of a given type of document (e.g., the list of
salutations, the list of valedictions, etc.), which are contained
in the set of heuristics to identify the type of electronic
document, to identify a signature page in an electronic document
requiring a signature and to further detect a floating signature on
a signature page, can be supplemented by a user to account for
unique local or professional vernacular.
[0054] It should also be noted that the memory 330 can further
store an optical character recognition (OCR) program and the
processor 350 can, if necessary (e.g., if the print job is received
through document handling function 302 on the printing device 300
or if the electronic document is a Portable Document Format (PDF)
document) access and execute the OCR program to the electronic
document in order to acquire text data before applying the set of
heuristics 340 so that proper data mining can be performed.
[0055] Also disclosed herein is a method that can be implemented by
a front-end computerized device 100, as discussed in detail above
and illustrated in FIG. 1, to detect a floating signature (i.e., a
widowed signature) on a signature page of an electronic document in
a print job submitted by a user and, if necessary, to halt release
of that print job to a printing device until further action is
taken.
[0056] Specifically, referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 5 in
combination with FIG. 1, the method can comprise storing (e.g., in
a memory 130 of a computerized device 100) a set of heuristics 140
that can be accessed and executed by a processor 150 of the
computerized device 100 (502).
[0057] The method can further comprise applying (e.g., by the
processor 150) the set of heuristics 140 to a print job, which has
been submitted by a user 110 and contains an electronic document
(504). The set of heuristics 140 can specifically be applied at
process 504 in order to analyze the electronic document prior to
its release to a printing device 190. This analysis process can be
performed in order to determine whether the electronic document has
a signature page and, if so, to further determine whether the
signature page contains a floating signature (i.e., a signature
block on the signature page without additional document-specific
text to distinguish that signature page and, thereby prevent the
fraudulent use of that signature page) (506)-(510). For purposes of
this disclosure, the "set of heuristics" 140 refers to a data
mining software program that specifies investigative process steps,
which are provided in the form of a decision tree and which can be
executed by the processor 350 in order to mine the text data of an
electronic document in order to ultimately determine whether that
electronic document contains a floating signature. Additionally, a
"floating signature" or a "widowed signature" refers to a signature
block (e.g., a signature line and associated text, such as the
signer's identification information) presented on the signature
page of a document without additional document-specific text
capable of distinguishing the signature page so that it could not
be readily incorporated into a different document. In a letter,
this situation can occur, for example, when a page break occurs
immediately prior to the valediction (also referred to as the
complimentary closing) and when no Post Script (P.S.) text is
provided.
[0058] The set of heuristics 140 applied at process 504 can
comprise multiple subsets (e.g., a first sub-set 141, a second
sub-set 142 and a third sub-set 143). The first sub-set 141 of the
set of heuristics 140 can be applied in order to identify the
electronic document within the print job as a specific type of
document (e.g., a letter or contract) requiring a signature, based
on known text and/or formatting characteristics of one or more
initial components typically found on the first page of that
specific type of document (506). If the electronic document is a
specific type of document that requires a signature, then the
second sub-set 142 of the set of heuristics 140 can be applied to
identify the signature page within the electronic document, based
on known text and/or formatting characteristics of one or more
final components typically found on the signature page in that
specific type of document (508). Once the signature page is
identified, the third sub-set 143 of the set of heuristics 140 can
be applied to determine whether the signature page contains a
floating signature, based on the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of the closing components typically found on the
signature page in that specific type of document (510).
[0059] Since the components of different types of documents vary,
the set of heuristics 140 will be different for different types of
documents. The following is a more detailed example of the set of
heuristics 140 that can be used in the case of letters.
Specifically, the first sub-set 141 of the set of heuristics 140
can be applied at process 506 in order to identify the electronic
document within the print job as a letter, based on known text
and/or formatting characteristics of, for example, salutations
typically found on the first page of letters. That is, the first
page of a letter typically has a salutation and such salutations
have known text characteristics (e.g., "Dear [Name],"; "Hi
[Name],"; "Dearest [Name],"; "To whom it may concern,"; etc.,) and
also known formatting characteristics (e.g., capitalized, placement
at the left margin, etc.) within letters. A list of such
salutations and formatting for such salutations can be contained in
the first sub-set 141 of the set of heuristics 140 stored in the
memory 130 and application of the first sub-set 141 of the set of
heuristics 140 at process 506 can comprise comparing the text data
on the first page of the electronic document to the list of
salutations and, if a match is found between a phrase within the
text data and one of the salutations on the list and (optionally
for a more accurate identification) if that phrase has the required
formatting (e.g., capitalization and placement), then the
electronic document can be identified as a letter.
[0060] The use of salutations, as described above, is not intended
to be limiting. The first pages of letters also typically have
other initial components (e.g., the letter head of the sender, the
address of the addressee, a regarding or attention line, etc.) and
these other initial components also have known text and/or
formatting characteristics. Thus, the comparison of the text data
on the first page of the electronic document to the known text
and/or formatting characteristics of these other initial components
can, additionally or alternatively, be used to identify the
electronic document as a letter.
[0061] If the electronic document is a letter, then the second
sub-set 142 of the set of heuristics 140 can be applied at process
508 to identify the signature page of the letter from amongst all
pages in the letter, based on known text and/or formatting
characteristics of, for example, valedictions (also referred to
herein as complimentary closings) typically found on the signature
page of letters. That is, the signature page of a letter typically
has a valediction and such valedictions have known text
characteristics (e.g., "Sincerely,"; "Yours truly,";
"Respectfully,"; "Best Regards,"; etc.,) and also known formatting
characteristics (e.g., capitalized, placement along the centerline
of the document, etc.). A list of such valedictions and formatting
for such valedictions can be contained in the second sub-set 142 of
the set of heuristics 140 stored in the memory 130 and application
of the second sub-set 142 of the set of heuristics 140 at process
508 can comprise comparing the text data on all pages of the
electronic document to the list of valedictions and, if a match is
found between a phrase within the text data and one of the
valedictions on the list and (optionally for a more accurate
identification) if that phrase has the required formatting (e.g.,
capitalization and placement), then the page on which the phrase is
found can be identified as the signature page.
[0062] The use of valedictions, as described above, is not intended
to be limiting. The signature page of a letter also typically has
other final components (e.g., a signature block following the
valediction, an enclosure indicator, a copies indicator, etc.)
(also referred to herein as letter signature page components) and
these other letter signature page components also have known text
and/or formatting characteristics. For purpose of this disclosure,
the signature block refers to the space following the valediction
within which the sender can sign a letter as well as the sender's
identification information (e.g., name, address, telephone
number(s), email address and/or any other identification
information). The comparison of the text data on all the pages of
the electronic document to the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of these other letter signature page components
can, additionally or alternatively, be used to identify the
signature page of the letter.
[0063] Once the signature page is identified at process 508, the
third sub-set 143 of the set of heuristics 140 can be applied at
process 510 to determine whether the signature page contains a
floating signature based on the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of the letter signature page components, as
described above. That is, as mentioned above, the signature page of
a letter typically has multiple components, including the
valediction, the signature block, an enclosure indicator, a copies
indicator, etc. and these letter signature page components have
known text and/or formatting characteristics. Application of the
third sub-set 141 of the set of heuristics 140 at process 510 can
comprise comparing the text data on the signature page of the
letter to a list of letter signature page components and the known
text and/or formatting characteristics thereof and, if all of the
text on the signature pages matches the known text and formatting
data of a letter signature page component such that none of the
text on the signature page is distinguishing text, then a
determination can be made that the signature page of the letter
contains a floating signature. That is, if there is no other text
on the signature page than text which corresponds to one of the
letter signature page components on the list and, thereby no other
document-specific text which could distinguish that signature page
such that it could not fraudulently be incorporated into a
different document, then a determination can be made that the
signature page of the letter contains a floating signature.
[0064] The method can further comprise causing the display screen
120 of the computerized device 100 to display a notification 125 of
the floating signature to the user 110 and precluding release of
the print job to the printing device 190 by placing the print job
in an "on hold" status, until further action is taken by the user
110 in response to the notification 125 (516). For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 2, a notification 125 can be displayed at
process 516 in a graphical user interface window 200 on the display
screen 120. This graphical user interface window 200 can indicate,
for example, the name of the printing device 190, the name of the
print job (e.g., the name of the electronic document to be
printed), the status of the print job (e.g. on hold) and a
notification 125 setting forth the reason why the print job is in
an on hold status (i.e., stating that a floating signature was
detected). Optionally, the notification 125 can give additional
details about the floating signature (e.g., the page number on
which is was found).
[0065] The method can further comprise receiving (e.g., by the
processor 150) a response from the user 110 to the notification 125
and taking appropriate action based on that response (518)-(520).
The response can comprise, for example, a command to cancel (i.e.,
delete) the print job (which can be followed by resubmission of the
print job after the necessary corrections have been made to the
electronic document to remove the floating signature) or,
alternatively, a command to release the print job for printing
(i.e., to override the on-hold status). Optionally, these options
(namely, deleting the print job or releasing the print job to the
printing device 190) can be presented to the user 110 as selectable
options 201 within the graphical user interface window 200.
[0066] It should be noted that, if a determination is made during
the application of the first sub-set 141 of the set of heuristics
140 at process 506 that the electronic document is not a type of
document that requires a signature (e.g., not a letter or contract)
or if a determination is made during the application of the third
sub-set 143 of the set of heuristics 140 at process 510 that the
signature page does not contain a floating signature, then the
print job can be automatically released (e.g., by the processor
150) to the printing device 190 for printing (512) and (514). That
is, when the electronic document is determined to be devoid of
either a signature page or a floating signature, the print job can
be automatically released to the printing device 190 for
printing.
[0067] It should further be noted that, optionally, the lists of
known text and/or formatting characteristics of the different
components of a given type of document (e.g., the list of
salutations, the list of valedictions, etc.), which are contained
in the set of heuristics to identify the type of electronic
document, to identify a signature page in an electronic document
requiring a signature and to further detect a floating signature on
a signature page, can be supplemented at process 502 by a user 110
to account for unique local or professional vernacular.
[0068] Also disclosed herein is a method that can be implemented by
printing device 300, as discussed in detail above and illustrated
in FIG. 3, to detect a floating signature (i.e., a widowed
signature) on a signature page of an electronic document in a print
job received by the printing device 300 and, if necessary, to halt
release of that print job to the print engine 390 of the printing
device 300 until further action is taken.
[0069] Specifically, referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 6 in
combination with FIG. 3, the method can comprise storing (e.g., in
a memory 330 of a printing device 300) a set of heuristics 340 that
can be accessed by a processor 350 of the printing device 300
(602).
[0070] The method can further comprise receiving a print job, which
comprises an electronic document, (603) and applying (e.g., by the
processor 150) the set of heuristics 340 to the print job (604).
The print job containing the electronic document can be received at
process 603 from, for example, a computerized device 301 (e.g., a
desktop computer, laptop computer, personal computer, tablet
computer, netbook, PDA, print server, etc.) over a wired or
wireless network 385. Alternatively, the print job containing the
electronic document can be received at process 603 through a
copier, scanner, or other document handling function of the
printing device 300. The set of heuristics 340 can specifically be
applied at process 604 in order to analyze the electronic document
prior to its release to the print engine 390 of the printing device
300. This analysis process can be performed (e.g., by the process
350) in order to determine whether the electronic document has a
signature page and, if so, to further determine whether the
signature page contains a floating signature (i.e., a signature
block on the signature page without additional document-specific
text to distinguish that signature page and, thereby prevent the
fraudulent use of that signature page) (606)-(610). For purposes of
this disclosure, the "set of heuristics" 340 refers to a data
mining software program that specifies investigative process steps,
which are provided in the form of a decision tree and which can be
executed by the processor 350 in order to mine the text data of an
electronic document in order to ultimately determine whether that
electronic document contains a floating signature. Additionally, a
"floating signature" or a "widowed signature" refers to a signature
block (e.g., a signature line and associated text, such as the
signer's identification information) presented on the signature
page of a document without additional document-specific text
capable of distinguishing the signature page so that it could not
be readily incorporated into a different document. In a letter,
this situation can occur, for example, when a page break occurs
immediately prior to the valediction (also referred to as the
complimentary closing) and when no Post Script (P.S.) text is
provided.
[0071] The set of heuristics 340 applied at process 604 can
comprise multiple subsets (e.g., a first sub-set 341, a second
sub-set 342 and a third sub-set 343). The first sub-set 341 of the
set of heuristics 340 can be applied in order to identify the
electronic document within the print job as a specific type of
document (e.g., a letter or contract) requiring a signature, based
on known text and/or formatting characteristics of one or more
initial components typically found on the first page of that
specific type of document (606). If the electronic document is a
specific type of document that requires a signature, then the
second sub-set 342 of the set of heuristics 340 can be applied to
identify the signature page within the electronic document, based
on known text and/or formatting characteristics of one or more
final components typically found on the signature page in that
specific type of document (608). Once the signature page is
identified, the third sub-set 343 of the set of heuristics 340 can
be applied to determine whether the signature page contains a
floating signature, based on the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of the closing components typically found on the
signature page in that specific type of document (610).
[0072] Since the components of different types of documents vary,
the set of heuristics 340 will be different for different types of
documents. The following is a more detailed example of the set of
heuristics 340 that can be used in the case of letters.
Specifically, the first sub-set 341 of the set of heuristics 340
can be applied at process 606 in order to identify the electronic
document within the print job as a letter, based on known text
and/or formatting characteristics of, for example, salutations
typically found on the first page of letters. A list of such
salutations and formatting for such salutations can be contained in
the first sub-set 341 of the set of heuristics 140 stored in the
memory 330 and application of the first sub-set 341 of the set of
heuristics 340 at process 606 can comprise comparing the text data
on the first page of the electronic document to the list of
salutations and, if a match is found between a phrase within the
text data and one of the salutations on the list and (optionally
for a more accurate identification) if that phrase has the required
formatting (e.g., capitalization and placement), then the
electronic document can be identified as a letter.
[0073] The use of salutations, as described above, is not intended
to be limiting. The first pages of letters also typically have
other initial components (e.g., the letter head of the sender, the
address of the addressee, a regarding or attention line, etc.) and
these other initial components also have known text and/or
formatting characteristics. Thus, the comparison of the text data
on the first page of the electronic document to the known text
and/or formatting characteristics of these other initial components
can, additionally or alternatively, be used to identify the
electronic document as a letter.
[0074] If the electronic document is a letter, then the second
sub-set 342 of the set of heuristics 340 can be applied at process
608 to identify the signature page of the letter from amongst all
pages in the letter, based on known text and/or formatting
characteristics of, for example, valedictions (also referred to
herein as complimentary closings) typically found on the signature
page of letters. A list of such valedictions and formatting for
such valedictions can be contained in the second sub-set 342 of the
set of heuristics 340 stored in the memory 330 and application of
the second sub-set 342 of the set of heuristics 340 at process 608
can comprise comparing the text data on all pages of the electronic
document to the list of valedictions and, if a match is found
between a phrase within the text data and one of the valedictions
on the list and (optionally for a more accurate identification) if
that phrase has the required formatting (e.g., capitalization and
placement), then the page on which the phrase is found can be
identified as the signature page.
[0075] The use of valedictions, as described above, is not intended
to be limiting. The signature page of a letter also typically has
other final components (e.g., a signature block following the
valediction, an enclosure indicator, a copies indicator, etc.)
(also referred to herein as letter signature page components) and
these other letter signature page components also have known text
and/or formatting characteristics. For purpose of this disclosure,
the signature block refers to the space following the valediction
within which the sender can sign a letter as well as the sender's
identification information (e.g., name, address, telephone
number(s), email address and/or any other identification
information). The comparison of the text data on all the pages of
the electronic document to the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of these other letter signature page components
can, additionally or alternatively, be used to identify the
signature page of the letter.
[0076] Once the signature page is identified at process 608, the
third sub-set 343 of the set of heuristics 340 can be applied at
process 610 to determine whether the signature page contains a
floating signature based on the known text and/or formatting
characteristics of the letter signature page components, as
described above. That is, as mentioned above, the signature page of
a letter typically has multiple final components, including the
valediction, the signature block, an enclosure indicator, a copies
indicator, etc. (also referred to herein as letter signature page
components) and these letter signature page components have known
text and/or formatting characteristics. Application of the third
sub-set 341 of the set of heuristics 340 at process 610 can
comprise comparing the text data on the signature page of the
letter to a list of letter signature page components and the known
text and/or formatting characteristics thereof and, if all of the
text on the signature pages matches the known text and formatting
data of a letter signature page component on the list such that
none of the text on the signature page is distinguishing text, then
a determination can be made that the signature page of the letter
contains a floating signature. That is, if there is no other text
on the signature page than text which corresponds to one of the
letter signature page components and, thereby no other
document-specific text which could distinguish that signature page
such that it could not fraudulently be incorporated into a
different document, then a determination can be made that the
signature page of the letter contains a floating signature.
[0077] The method can further comprise, when the electronic
document has a signature page and when that signature page contains
a floating signature, outputting (e.g., by an output device 320 of
the printing device 300) a notification 325 of the floating
signature to a user and further precluding release of the print job
to the print engine 390 of the printing device 300 by placing the
print job in an "on hold" status, until further action is taken in
response to the notification 325 (616). For example, the output
device 320 can comprise a display screen and the process 616 can
comprise displaying the notification 325 to a user on the display
screen. Alternatively, the output device 320 can comprise a
communication input/output device (not shown) and the process 616
can comprise communicating the notification 325 (e.g. over a wired
or wireless network) to a user (e.g., for display on a display
screen 303 of a computerized device 301). As illustrated in FIG. 4,
the notification 325 can be displayed on the display screen 320 of
the printing device 300 (or on the display screen 303 of the
computerized device 301, if applicable) in a graphical user
interface window 400. This graphical user interface window 400 can
indicate, for example, the name of the printing device 300, the
name of the print job (e.g., the name of the electronic document to
be printed), the status of the print job (e.g. on hold) and the
notification 325 setting forth the reason why the print job is in
an on hold status (i.e., stating that a floating signature was
detected). Optionally, the notification 325 can give additional
details about the floating signature (e.g., the page number on
which it was found).
[0078] The method can further comprise receiving (e.g., by the
processor 350) a response from a user to the notification 325 and
taking appropriate action based on that response (618)-(620). The
response can comprise, for example, a command to cancel (i.e.,
delete) the print job (which can be followed by resubmission of the
print job after the necessary corrections have been made to the
electronic document to remove the floating signature) or,
alternatively, a command to release the print job for printing
(i.e., to override the on-hold status). Optionally, these options
(namely, deleting the print job or releasing the print job to the
printing device 190) can be presented to the user as selectable
options 401 within the graphical user interface window 400
(regardless of whether the display screen is that of the printing
device 300 itself or the display screen 303 of a computerized
device 301 in communication with the printing device 300).
[0079] It should be noted that, if a determination is made during
the application of the first sub-set 341 of the set of heuristics
340 at process 606 that the electronic document is not a type of
document that requires a signature (e.g., not a letter or contract)
or if a determination is made during the application of the third
sub-set 343 of the set of heuristics 340 at process 610 that the
signature page does not contain a floating signature, then the
print job can be automatically released (e.g., by the processor
350) to the print engine 390 of the printing device 300 for
printing (612) and (614). That is, when the electronic document is
determined to be devoid of either a signature page or a floating
signature, then the print job can be automatically released to the
print engine 390 of the printing device 300 for printing.
[0080] It should further be noted that, optionally, the lists of
known text and/or formatting characteristics of the different
components of a given type of document (e.g., the list of
salutations, the list of valedictions, etc.), which are contained
in the set of heuristics to identify the type of electronic
document, to identify a signature page in an electronic document
requiring a signature and to further detect a floating signature on
a signature page, can be supplemented at process 602 by a user to
account for unique local or professional vernacular.
[0081] It should also be noted that, if necessary (e.g., if the
print job is received through a document handling function 302 on
the printing device 300 or if the electronic document is a Portable
Document Format (PDF) document), the method can comprise applying
an optical character recognition (OCR) program to the electronic
document before applying the set of heuristics 340 so that proper
data mining can be performed. Specifically, this OCR program can be
stored, for example in the memory 330 and accessed and executed by
the processor 350 to acquire text data for the electronic document
so that the text data can subsequently be mined as described
above.
[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 7, multiple computerized devices 100
and/or multiple printing devices 300, as described in detail above
and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, as well as the methods associated
with such devices, as described in detail above and illustrated in
the flow diagrams of FIGS. 5 and 6, can, for example, be located at
various different locations 706 and in communication with each
other over a local or wide area (wired or wireless) network
702.
[0083] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary computer system 800, which
can be used to implement the computerized device 100 of FIG. 1 as
well as the associated method of FIG. 5. This computer system 800
can comprise at least a housing 804 and, contained within the
housing 804, multiple functional components including, but not
limited to, a controller/processor 824, a communications port
(i.e., an input/output device) 826, and a memory (e.g., including,
but not limited to, a non-transitory computer-readable storage
medium 820) operatively connected (e.g., over a system bus). The
computer system 800 can further comprise at least one accessory
functional component, such as a graphic user interface assembly
836, in communication with the controller/processor 824 (e.g., over
the system bus). The multiple functional components, including any
accessory functional components, can operate on power supplied from
an alternating current (AC) source 828 via an internal power supply
822. This internal power supply 822 can comprise a power storage
element (e.g., a battery, etc.).
[0084] The communications port (i.e., the input/output device) 826
can be used for communications between the computer system 800 and
other computerized devices and/or printing devices on a network,
for example, as shown in FIG. 7. The controller/processor 824 can
control the various actions of the computer system 800. The
non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 820 can comprise,
for example, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device,
a capacitor-based storage device or any other suitable
computer-readable storage device. This computer-readable storage
device can be readable by the controller/processor 824 and can
store instructions (e.g., the set of heuristics 140, 340, discussed
in detail above) that the controller/processor 824 can execute to
allow the computer system 800 to perform its various functions and,
particularly, the floating signature detection function discussed
in detail above.
[0085] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary printing system 900 that can
be used to implement the printing device 300 of FIG. 3 as well as
the associated method of FIG. 6. The printing system 900 can
comprise, for example, a printer, a copier, a multi-function
device, etc. Specifically, the printing system 900 can comprise a
housing 904 and, contained within the housing 904, multiple
functional components including, but not limited to, a
controller/processor 924, a communications port (i.e., an
input/output device) 926, a memory (including, but not limited to,
a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 920), at least
one print media path 916, and at least one print engine 910 (i.e.,
at least one marking device) operatively connected (e.g., over a
system bus). The printing system 900 can further comprise multiple
accessory functional components, such as a graphic user interface
assembly 936, a sheet supplier 914, a document finisher 908 and a
document handler 912, in communication with the
controller/processor 924 (e.g., over the system bus). The multiple
functional components, including any accessory functional
components, can operate on power supplied from an alternating
current (AC) source 928 via an internal power supply 922. This
internal power supply 922 can comprise a power storage element
(e.g., a battery, etc.).
[0086] The communications port (i.e., the input/output device) 926
can be used for communications between the printing system 900 and
other computerized devices and/or printing devices on a network,
for example, as shown in FIG. 7. The controller/processor 924 can
control the various actions of the printing system 900. The
non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 920 can comprise,
for example, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device,
a capacitor-based storage device or any other suitable
computer-readable storage device. This computer-readable storage
device can be readable by the controller/processor 924 and can
store instructions (e.g., the set of heuristics 140, 340 discussed
in detail above) that the controller/processor 924 can execute to
allow the printing system 900 to perform its various functions,
such as the floating signature detection function discussed in
detail above. The media path(s) 916 can be positioned to transport
sheets of media from the sheet supplier 914 through the print
engine(s) 910, as controlled by the controller/processor 924 (e.g.,
in this case, when the electronic document being printed is devoid
of a signature page or floating signature or following notification
of a floating signature and subsequent release to the print engine
by a user). After receiving various markings from the printing
engine(s) 910, the sheets of media can be transmitted to an output
tray (not shown) or, optionally, to the document finisher 908,
which can fold, staple, sort, etc., the various printed sheets.
[0087] Many computerized devices are discussed above. Computerized
devices that include chip-based central processing units (CPU's),
input/output devices (including graphic user interfaces (GUI),
memories, comparators, processors, etc. are well-known and readily
available devices produced by manufacturers such as Dell Computers,
Round Rock Tex., USA and Apple Computer Co., Cupertino Calif., USA.
Such computerized devices commonly include input/output devices,
power supplies, processors, electronic storage memories, wiring,
etc., the details of which are omitted herefrom to allow the reader
to focus on the salient aspects of the systems and methods
described herein. Similarly, scanners and other similar peripheral
equipment are available from Xerox Corporation, Norwalk, Conn., USA
and the details of such devices are not discussed herein for
purposes of brevity and reader focus.
[0088] The terms printer or printing device as used herein
encompasses any apparatus, such as a digital copier, bookmaking
machine, facsimile machine, multi-function machine, etc., which
performs a print outputting function for any purpose. The details
of printers, printing engines, etc., are well known and are not
described in detail herein to keep this disclosure focused on the
salient features presented. The systems and methods herein can
encompass systems and methods that print in color, monochrome, or
handle color or monochrome image data. All foregoing systems and
methods are specifically applicable to electrostatographic and/or
xerographic machines and/or processes. Further, the terms automated
or automatically mean that once a process is started (by a machine
or a user), one or more machines perform the process without
further input from any user.
[0089] It will be appreciated that the above-disclosed and other
features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably
combined into many other different systems or applications. Various
presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,
variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by
those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed
by the following claims. Unless specifically defined in a specific
claim itself, steps or components of the systems and methods herein
cannot be implied or imported from any above example as limitations
to any particular order, number, position, size, shape, angle,
color, or material.
[0090] Therefore, disclosed above are devices, including both a
computerized device used to submit a print job to a printing device
for printing and a printing device receiving a print job to be
printed. These devices can detect a floating signature (i.e., a
widowed signature) on the signature page of an electronic document
in the print job and can halt printing of that print job until
further action is taken. Specifically, these devices can apply a
set of heuristics to analyze an electronic document in a print job
in order to determine whether it has a signature page and, if so,
to whether the signature page contains a floating signature. When a
floating signature is detected, the device notifies a user and can
preclude printing of the print job until such time as a response to
the notification is received. Also disclosed herein are associated
methods for detecting a floating signature (i.e., a widowed
signature) on the signature page of an electronic document in a
print job and for halting printing of that print job until further
action is taken.
* * * * *