JP2004260606A - Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of copying an original image by releasing a copy protection function for a specified person who is permitted for copying, while the copy protection function is executed for general persons who are not permitted for copying. <P>SOLUTION: If an image to be printed contains a copy limit code (YES in S13), a copy limit pattern is removed from the image to be printed (S18) when a copy limit code contained in an image data agrees with a copy limit release code which is inputted by an operator ("YES" in S17). If the codes do not agree with each other, or no copy limit releasing code is inputted from the operator ("NO" in S17), a printing process is terminated (S21). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus having a function of restricting copying of a document.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus having a copy suppression function for restricting copying of a confidential document or a literary work have been proposed. This copy suppression function suppresses the motivation to copy a printed material by embedding a special pattern that is printed with warning characters and the like that emerge when the image is copied by the image forming apparatus in the image to be printed. It is. As an apparatus having such a copy suppression function, (1) as described in Patent Document 1, a copy restriction pattern in which a hidden character string is formed by a different dither pattern is printed by being superimposed on print data. An image output device for printing a printed material capable of preventing unauthorized copying; (2) as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a device for synthesizing a main image with a latent image embedded background image and outputting the synthesized image, 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an image processing apparatus in which a mask process that has been subjected to halftone dot processing is used as a latent image so that a halftone dot portion is faithfully reproduced in a copy and a mask image appears remarkably.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-238075 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-197297 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the apparatus described in (1) and (2) above, once an image on which a copy restriction pattern or mask processing has been performed is formed on a document, the copy restriction pattern or mask processing is always performed when this document is copied. As a result, no one can copy the image from which the copy restriction pattern and the mask processing have been removed.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and has a copy preventing function for an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy, while providing a specific person to whom copying is permitted. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of canceling a copy prevention function and copying an original image.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a code extracting unit for extracting a copy restriction code from an image to be printed,
Code analysis means for analyzing the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction means,
A receiving means for receiving an input of a copy restriction release code by an external operation;
Copy restriction pattern extraction means for extracting a copy restriction pattern embedded as a latent image in an image to be printed,
Code discrimination means for discriminating whether or not the copy restriction release code input to the reception means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means; and a copy restriction pattern extracted by the copy restriction pattern extraction means. A copy-restricted pattern removing means for removing from the image to be printed,
When the code discriminating unit determines that the copy restriction release code input to the accepting unit matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analyzing unit, the code to be printed is transmitted to the copy restriction pattern removing unit. Control means for removing the copy restriction pattern from the image to be
An image processing apparatus comprising:
[0007]
According to this configuration, even when the copy target code is included in the image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction release code input to the reception unit are used. If it is determined by the code determining means that the two patterns match, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removal means, so that the person having the copy restriction release code (specific person permitted to copy) is removed. Can print an original image in which a copy restriction pattern has been removed from an image to be printed.
[0008]
In addition, if the copy restriction release code is not input to the reception unit, the copy restriction pattern is not removed from the image to be printed, so that a person who does not have the copy restriction release code (an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy). When an image in which a copy restriction pattern is embedded is printed, a warning character or the like can be made to appear by the copy restriction pattern at the time of copying. As a result, the effect of clarifying that the printed matter is a copy is maintained, and a copy inhibiting function is exhibited for an unspecified person.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a copy restriction pattern embedding unit that embeds a new copy restriction pattern into an image to be printed.
The control means, when the code discrimination means determines that the copy restriction release code input to the reception means and the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means match, the copy restriction pattern The removing means removes the copy restriction pattern from the image to be printed and causes the copy restriction pattern embedding means to perform a process of embedding a new copy restriction pattern in the image to be printed.
[0010]
According to this configuration, even when the copy target code is included in the image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction release code input to the reception unit are used. If it is determined by the code determination means that the two patterns match, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removal means, and the copy restriction pattern is further embedded in the image data from which the copy restriction pattern has been removed. A new copy restriction pattern is embedded by the means.
[0011]
Therefore, for a specific person permitted to copy, it is possible to print an image in which a warning character or the like in which a copy restriction pattern is removed from an image to be printed does not appear. Further, when the printed matter is further copied, even if the apparatus used for the copying does not have a special function of decoding the copy restriction code, the printed matter is printed with the copy restriction pattern embedded therein. Accordingly, a warning character or the like can be made to appear in the print result.
[0012]
As a result, the original image can be copied by releasing the copy protection function for the specific person who is permitted to copy, while exhibiting the copy protection function for an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy. Further, even if the image forming apparatus does not have a special function, the copy inhibiting function can be effectively exhibited.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming means for forming an image to be printed on recording paper,
Code extracting means for extracting a copy restriction code from an image to be printed;
Code analysis means for analyzing the copy restriction code extracted by the copy restriction code extraction means,
A receiving means for receiving an input of a copy restriction release code by an external operation;
Copy restriction pattern extraction means for extracting a copy restriction pattern embedded as a latent image in an image to be printed,
Code discrimination means for discriminating whether or not the copy restriction release code input to the reception means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means; and a copy restriction pattern extracted by the copy restriction pattern extraction means. A copy-restricted pattern removing means for removing from the image to be printed,
If the code discriminating means determines that the copy restriction release code input to the accepting means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analyzing means, the copy restriction pattern removing means The copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be formed, and the image from which the copy restriction pattern has been removed is formed by the image forming means. If no copy restriction release code is input to the reception means, or the code discrimination is performed. Control means for prohibiting the image forming means from forming an image to be printed if the means determines that the copy restriction release code and the copy restriction code do not match;
An image forming apparatus comprising:
[0014]
According to this configuration, even when the copy target code is included in the image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction release code input to the reception unit are used. If it is determined by the code determining means that the two patterns match, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removal means, so that the person having the copy restriction release code (specific person permitted to copy) is removed. Can print an original image in which a copy restriction pattern has been removed from an image to be printed.
[0015]
Further, when no copy restriction release code is input to the reception unit, or when the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit does not match the copy restriction release code input to the reception unit, it is determined by the code determination unit. In this case, the printing of the image data to be printed is not performed by the image forming means, so that an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy can reliably exhibit the copy prevention function.
[0016]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein a copy-inhibited image data storage means for storing image data of a copy-inhibited object;
An image to be printed, and image data comparing means for comparing image data stored in the copy-inhibited image data storage means,
If the image data comparison unit determines that the image to be printed matches the image data stored in the copy-inhibited image data storage unit, the control unit Regardless of whether or not a copy restriction release code has been input in the external operation, formation of an image to be printed by the image forming means is prohibited.
[0017]
According to this configuration, the image data comparing unit compares the image read from the original to be copied by the reading unit with the image data stored in the copy-inhibited image data storage unit. If it is determined, the control unit prohibits image formation by the image forming unit regardless of whether a setting input by an external operation is performed on the reception unit. By storing image data of objects whose duplication is prohibited, such as securities and securities, copying of these duplication-prohibited materials can be surely prohibited.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction device 1 has functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The multifunction device 1 includes a main body 2, a stack tray 3 disposed on the left side of the main body 2, a document reading section 5 disposed on the top of the main body 2, and an upper part of the document reading section 5. And a document feeding section 6 disposed therein.
[0019]
Further, an operation unit 47 is provided on a front portion of the multifunction peripheral 1. The operation unit 47 displays a start key 471 for the user to input a print execution instruction, a numeric keypad 472 for inputting the number of print copies, etc., operation guide information for various copying operations, and the like. Display 473 including a liquid crystal display or the like having a touch panel function, a reset key 474 for resetting the settings and the like set on display 473, and a stop key for stopping a printing (image forming) operation being performed. 475, and a function switching key 477 for switching between a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.
[0020]
The document reading unit 5 includes a scanner unit 51 including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and an exposure lamp, and a document table 52 and a document reading slit 53 formed of a transparent member such as glass. The scanner unit 51 is configured to be movable by a drive unit (not shown). When reading a document placed on the document table 52, the scanner unit 51 is moved along the document surface at a position facing the document table 52, and scans the document image. The image data acquired while scanning is output to the control unit 100 (FIG. 2). When reading the original fed by the original feeding unit 6, the original is moved to a position facing the original reading slit 53, and is synchronized with the operation of transporting the original by the original feeding unit 6 through the original reading slit 53. Then, the image of the document is acquired, and the image data is output to the control unit 100.
[0021]
The document feeding unit 6 includes a document placement unit 61 for placing a document, a document ejection unit 62 for discharging a document whose image has been read, and a document placement unit 61 for placing a document placed on the document placement unit 61. An original transport mechanism 63 including a paper feed roller (not shown), a transport roller (not shown), and the like for feeding out the originals one by one and transporting the originals to a position facing the original reading slit 53 and discharging the originals to the original discharge unit 62 is provided. The document transport mechanism 63 further includes a sheet reversing mechanism (not shown) that reverses the document and re-transports the document to a position facing the document reading slit 53, and scans both sides of the document via the document reading slit 53 through the scanner unit. It is made readable from 51.
[0022]
The document feeding section 6 is provided rotatably with respect to the main body 2 so that the front side thereof can move upward. By moving the front side of the document feeder 6 upward and opening the upper surface of the document table 52, the operator can place a read document, for example, a book in a double-page spread state on the upper surface of the document table 52. Has become.
[0023]
The main unit 2 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 that feeds out recording paper one by one from the paper feed cassette 461 and conveys the recording paper to the recording unit 40, and a recording paper conveyed from the paper feed cassette 461. A recording unit 40 for forming an image.
[0024]
The recording unit 40 includes an optical unit 42 that outputs a laser beam or the like based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 51 to expose the photosensitive drum 43, and a developing unit 44 that forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 43. A transfer unit 41 for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 43 to the recording paper; a fixing unit 45 for heating the recording paper to which the toner image has been transferred and fixing the toner image to the recording paper; Transport rollers 463 and 464 are provided in the paper transport path and transport the recording paper to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48.
[0025]
When forming an image on both sides of a recording sheet, the recording section 40 forms an image on one side of the recording sheet, and then the recording sheet is nipped by the transport rollers 462 on the discharge tray 48 side. . In this state, the conveyance roller 463 is reversed to switch back the recording paper, the recording paper is sent to the paper conveyance path L, and is conveyed again to the upstream area of the recording unit 40, and an image is formed on the other surface by the recording unit 40. Thereafter, the recording paper is discharged to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral 1. The multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls the operation of the entire device. The control unit 100 includes a scanner unit 51 including an exposure lamp 511 and a CCD 512 and capable of reading a document image, an image forming unit 111 including a sheet transport unit 110, a photosensitive drum 43, a developing unit 44, and the like. 41 and a recording unit 40 including a fixing unit 45 and the like.
[0027]
Further, the control unit 100 is connected to the HDD 113 that stores the image data read by the scanner unit 51, the output format set in the image data, and the like. The image data stored in the HDD 113 is used not only within the multifunction device 1 but also, if necessary, confirmed from a client PC or the like via the network I / F unit 124 or specified by the client PC or the like. Transferred to folder.
[0028]
The image processing unit 120 performs processing and the like on image data read by the scanner unit 51 and image data read from the HDD 113 as necessary. The image processing unit 120 includes an image processing circuit 1201, a code detection circuit 1202, a restriction pattern removal circuit 1203, a code addition circuit 1204, a restriction pattern addition circuit 1205, a synthesis processing circuit 1206, an image memory 1207, and a storage unit 1209. . The control unit 100 transmits and receives signals to and from each unit of the image processing unit 120, the scanner unit 51, the operation unit 47, the recording unit 40, and the like, and executes an image based on the copy restriction code, the copy prohibition code, and the copy restriction image. It controls processing and print processing.
[0029]
The normal image processing performed by the image processing unit 120 without adding or removing a copy prohibition code and a copy restriction pattern (details will be described later) will be described. When a document is read by the scanner unit 51, the image processing circuit 1201 converts an analog image signal output from the scanner unit 51 into a digital image, performs image processing for improving image quality, and then converts the image into a compressed image. This compressed image is written to the image memory 1207. The control unit 100 stores the compressed image written in the image memory 1207 in the HDD 113 as file data to be managed. When the registered document is printed out, file data (compressed image) to be printed out is written from the HDD 113 or each computer on the network to the image memory 1207, and the image processing circuit 1201 stores the compressed file data in the image memory 1207. The image is expanded and subjected to image processing according to the output state. For example, in the case of laser exposure, analog modulation is performed on a laser signal. Printout is performed in the recording unit 40 (image forming unit 111) based on the analog modulated signal.
[0030]
Image processing for adding or removing a copy prohibition code and a copy restriction pattern by each circuit of the image processing unit 120 will be described later.
[0031]
Further, the control unit 100 functions as a scanner controller 101, a facsimile controller 102, a printer controller 103, a copy controller 104, and a network controller 105 that control each function that can be executed by the MFP 1.
[0032]
The scanner controller 101 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the operation of the scanner unit 51. The facsimile controller 102 controls the operation of each unit necessary for facsimile operation, and controls the facsimile communication unit 121 that adjusts data necessary for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 121 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) that controls connection of a telephone line to a destination facsimile that is a data transmission / reception partner. The copy controller 104 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the copy operation.
[0033]
The printer controller 103 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the operation of the printer. The printer controller 103 includes a parallel I / F unit 122 connected to an external device by parallel transmission in which several bits are simultaneously transmitted using a plurality of signal lines, and one bit by one bit using a single signal line. A serial I / F unit 123 connected to an external device by serial transmission for transmitting data is connected.
[0034]
The network controller 105 controls data transmission and reception performed between the multifunction peripheral 1 and a computer or the like on a network. The network controller 105 transmits and receives data to and from the outside via the network I / F unit 124.
[0035]
Further, the operation unit 47 described above is also controlled by the control unit 100. The operation key unit 470 includes a start key 471, a numeric keypad 472, a reset key 474, a stop key 475, a function switching key 477, and the like.
[0036]
Next, image processing performed by the image processing unit 120 to add or remove a copy prohibition code and a copy restriction pattern will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing a configuration related to the image processing unit 120. In FIG. 3, illustration of the image memory 1207 is omitted.
[0037]
The copy restriction code or the copy prohibition code is a code formed together with an image on a document in order to restrict copying of the document.For example, a bar described in a blank portion of the document where no image is formed is provided. Codes and alphanumeric characters embedded as latent images in images on documents. Processing for embedding a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code as a latent image in an image on a document is the same as the embedding processing of the copy restriction pattern described below.
[0038]
In the case of the copy restriction code, at the time of copying the original, the copy restriction code is extracted from the image read by the scanner unit 51, the code content is analyzed, and the analyzed code content and the input from the operator to the operation unit 47 are input. It is determined whether or not to permit copying of the document image based on whether or not the copy restriction release code matches.
[0039]
In the case of a copy prohibition code, if it is determined that the image read by the scanner unit 51 includes the copy prohibition code, the printing process of the image data is stopped (prohibited).
[0040]
The copy restriction pattern is a latent image embedded in an image formed on a document. For example, a latent image portion which is a copy restriction pattern and a background portion other than the above, each using a different type of dither pattern, one pattern density is set to a pattern density higher than the resolution at the time of document reading by the image forming apparatus, The other has a pattern density equal to or lower than the resolution at the time of reading the original by the image forming apparatus. At this time, it is impossible for a person to visually recognize the copy restriction pattern by looking at the original, but when the original is optically read by a scanner or the like of an image forming apparatus and printed (copied), the copy is restricted. The restriction pattern can be determined. Therefore, when the original is printed (copied) by the image forming apparatus, a copy restriction pattern appears. By embedding the copy restriction pattern, copying of confidential information, copyrighted work, and the like can be suppressed. Also, if a serial number or the like is embedded as a copy restriction pattern, the source of the copy can be determined based on the serial number that has appeared in the copy.
[0041]
Data necessary for creating the copy prohibition code and the copy restriction pattern are stored in the storage unit 1209.
[0042]
In FIG. 3, when image data is sent from the scanner unit 51 to the image processing circuit 1201, the code detection circuit 1202 detects whether or not the image data contains a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code. Alternatively, when a copy prohibition code is included, the content of the code is analyzed. This detection is performed, for example, when the image data read by the scanner unit 51 includes a bar code indicating a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code, or when the image data read by the scanner unit 51 includes This is performed by determining whether or not a latent image using a pattern is embedded.
[0043]
The detection result of the presence or absence of the copy restriction code or the copy prohibition code by the code detection circuit 1202 and the analysis result of the code content are sent to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 controls the operation of the recording unit 40 based on the detection result and the analysis result of the code detection circuit 1202. The control unit 100 controls the recording unit 40 as long as the copy restriction release code whose copy restriction release code is input to the operation unit 47 by an external input from the operator does not match the copy restriction code analyzed by the code detection circuit 1202. Does not permit printing of the image data sent from the scanner unit 51. The control unit 100 may permit the recording unit 40 to print the image data even when the two codes do not completely match and there is some mismatch. When the analyzed code content indicates a copy prohibition code, the control unit 100 does not permit printing regardless of whether a copy restriction release code is input to the operation unit 47 from the operator.
[0044]
When a copy restriction release code is input from the operation unit 47 by the operator, the restriction pattern removal circuit 1203 is sent from the scanner unit 51 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 100 based on the input of the copy restriction release code. A process for extracting a copy restriction pattern from the extracted image data and removing the extracted copy restriction pattern is performed.
[0045]
When the image data is sent from the image processing circuit 1201 to the synthesizing processing circuit 1206 after the above processing is completed, a copy restriction code or copy by the code adding circuit 1204 to the image data is performed based on an instruction from the operation unit 47. The prohibition code adding process and the embedding process of the copy restriction pattern into the image data by the restriction pattern adding circuit 1205 are performed.
[0046]
The processing of adding a copy restriction code by the code addition circuit 1204 is performed by combining the code as a barcode image with the image data based on an instruction and a code input from the operator to the operation unit 47, or converting the code into English. This is a process of embedding a latent character in the image data as a numeric character or the like. In the process of adding a copy prohibition code by the code addition circuit 1204, the copy prohibition code is read out from the storage unit 1209 (FIG. 2), and this code is combined with the image data as a barcode image, or the code is written in English. Processing such as being embedded as a latent image in the image data as a numeric character or the like.
[0047]
The embedding process of the copy restriction pattern by the restriction pattern adding circuit 1205 is performed based on the copy restriction pattern read from the storage unit 1209, by adding a type to the latent image portion which is the copy restriction pattern and the other background portion. This is performed, for example, by embedding a copy restriction pattern in image data using different dither patterns.
[0048]
The image data after the image processing by the code adding circuit 1204 and the restriction pattern adding circuit 1205 is sent from the synthesizing processing circuit 1206 to the recording unit 40, and the printing is executed.
[0049]
A description will be given of a process of adding a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code in the MFP 1, and a printing process involving embedding a copy restriction pattern. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing this process, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing each image data before and after the process of adding a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code and a copy restriction pattern.
[0050]
When the image on the document (the input image in FIG. 5) is read by the scanner unit 51 and the image data is input (S1), the control unit 100 copies the image to the display unit 473 of the operation unit 47 and a copy to the operator. A confirmation message is displayed as to whether a restriction is to be added, that is, whether to copy a copy prohibition code and a copy restriction pattern to the image data to be copied (S2). When an instruction to add a copy restriction to a copy is input from the operator to the operation unit 47 (YES in S3), the control unit 100 displays the copy of the copy on the display unit 473 of the operation unit 47. A message prompting the user to select whether to prohibit the copying or to allow copying under certain conditions is displayed (S4). When an instruction to add no copy restriction to the copy is input from the operator to the operation unit 47 in S3 (NO in S3), the scanner unit 51 reads the copy without adding a copy prohibition code or a copy restriction pattern. The normal printing process for printing the image data as it is is performed (S8).
[0051]
After displaying the message prompting the user to select the content of the copy restriction of the copy, if the operator inputs an instruction to permit the copy under certain conditions (YES in S5), the scanner unit 51 A copy restriction code (the copy restriction code in FIG. 5) created based on the key code input by the operator from the operation unit 47 is combined with the image data read in step, and the copy restriction pattern read out from the storage unit 1209 (Copy restriction pattern in FIG. 5) is embedded (S6, S7). The image data to which the copy restriction code and the copy restriction pattern have been added are sent to the recording unit 40 and printing processing is performed (S8). The copy obtained in this case is shown as Copy 1 in FIG.
[0052]
After the message prompting the user to select the contents of the copy restriction of the copy in S5, if the operator inputs an instruction to absolutely prohibit the copy of the print (NO in S5), the storage unit. A copy prohibition code (copy prohibition code in FIG. 5) and a copy restriction pattern (copy restriction pattern in FIG. 5) created based on the copy prohibition code read from 1209 are added to the image data read by the scanner unit 51 (S9). ). The image data to which the copy prohibition code and the copy restriction pattern have been added is sent to the recording unit 40, and the printing process is performed (S8). The copy obtained in this case is shown as Copy 2 in FIG.
[0053]
A description will be given of a process in the case where the multi-functional peripheral 1 copies a printed material to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing this processing. When the image of the printed matter is read by the scanner unit 51 and image data is input (S11), it is analyzed whether the image data contains a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern (S12). . If the image data does not include the copy restriction code or the copy prohibition code (NO in S13), the image data read by the scanner unit 51 is printed as it is without restricting the copying of the printed matter. (S20).
[0054]
In this case, when the image data read by the scanner unit 51 does not include the copy restriction pattern, the copy restriction pattern is not printed on the copy result, and the image data read by the scanner unit 51 includes the copy restriction pattern. Is included in the copy, the copy restriction pattern emerges and is printed.
[0055]
If the image data read by the scanner unit 51 includes a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code (YES in S13), the code embedded in the image data is extracted and analyzed (S14). . If the extracted code is a copy prohibition code (NO in S15), the printing process is stopped (S21), and the printed matter is not copied.
[0056]
If the extracted code is a copy restriction code (YES in S15), the process waits for the operator to input a release code to the operation unit 47 (S16), and the input operator issues a copy restriction release code. Is input, it is determined whether or not the copy restriction release code input by the operator matches the code content extracted and analyzed in S14 (S17). Here, if the code input by the operator does not match the code content obtained in S14, or if no code is input by the operator (NO in S17), the printing process is stopped (S21). The printed matter is not copied.
[0057]
If the code input by the operator matches the code content obtained in S14 (YES in S17), a copy restriction pattern component is extracted from the image data read by the scanner unit 51 and removed (S18). ). This prevents the copy restriction pattern from being printed on the copy result of the printed matter. Further, the new copy restriction pattern is read from the storage unit 1209 and embedded (S19), and the printing process of the image data in which the new copy restriction pattern is embedded is executed (S20). In this case, even if the image data in which the new copy restriction pattern is embedded is printed, the new copy restriction pattern does not appear on the copy result as described above.
[0058]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, for a person having a copy restriction release code (a specific person permitted to copy), the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed, and a copy prohibition warning character is displayed. It is possible to print an image that does not appear.
[0059]
Further, when the printed matter obtained by the MFP 1 by the above processing is further copied, even if the apparatus used for the copying does not have a function of decoding the copy restriction code or the copy prohibition code, a warning is given to the print result. Since characters and the like emerge, the effect of suppressing duplication of the printed matter is obtained.
[0060]
As a result, a copy protection function is provided for a person who does not have a copy restriction release code (an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy), while a copy protection function is provided for a specific person permitted to copy. The original image can be copied by releasing the function, and the copy inhibiting function can be effectively exhibited even in an image forming apparatus having no special function.
[0061]
Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of a process when the multifunction peripheral 1 copies a printed matter to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the image processing unit used in the second embodiment. In the image processing unit 120 used in the second embodiment, a prohibited image detection circuit 1208 is added to the image processing unit 120 used in the first embodiment. The prohibition image detection circuit 1208 reads the image data of a banknote, a securities, or the like, whose duplication is prohibited, stored in the storage unit 1209 (corresponding to a duplication prohibition image data storage unit) and the scanner unit 51. By comparing the obtained image data with each other, it is determined whether or not both image data match.
[0062]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a process in which the MFP 1 copies a printed material to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added. The description of the same processing as in the first embodiment will be omitted. When the printed material is read by the scanner unit 51 and the image data is input (S31), it is determined whether or not the image data matches the image data indicating the copy prohibited material stored in the prohibited image detection circuit 1208. The determination is made by the prohibited image detection circuit 1208 (S32). In the comparison between the two data, even if the two data do not completely match, if the difference is within a certain range, it may be determined that they match. Here, when it is determined that the image data read by the scanner unit 51 matches the image data of the duplication prohibited object (YES in S32), the printing process is stopped (S42). That is, if it is determined that the image data read by the scanner unit 51 matches the image data of the copy-prohibited material, the print data is printed regardless of whether the image data includes a copy restriction code or the like. Not done.
[0063]
If the image data read by the scanner unit 51 does not match the image data of the copy-prohibited material (NO in S32), the image data is analyzed (S33), and a copy restriction code, a copy restriction code, or a copy restriction code is analyzed. It is determined whether a pattern is included (S34), and the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.
[0064]
According to the second embodiment, if the storage unit 1209 stores image data of an object whose copying is prohibited, such as banknotes and securities, as image data indicating a copy-prohibited item, Copying can be reliably prohibited.
[0065]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in each of the above embodiments, if the copy restriction code is included in the image data to be printed, if the copy restriction code does not match the copy restriction release code input by the operator, the printing is performed. Although it is assumed that the process is stopped (S21 in FIG. 6, S42 in FIG. 8), the printing process is performed without removing the copy restriction pattern extracted from the image data so that the copy restriction pattern appears in the print result. You may do so.
[0066]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is described as the MFP 1 having both the copy function and the printer function. However, the image forming apparatus is a device having a single function such as a copy machine or a printer. Is also good.
[0067]
Further, the technology according to the present invention is applicable not only to an image forming apparatus but also to an image processing apparatus provided in the above-described multifunction peripheral, copier, printer, and the like (having no printing function and having image processing as a main function). Applicable.
[0068]
In the above embodiment, the image processing unit 120 includes the image processing circuit 1201, the code detection circuit 1202, the restriction pattern removal circuit 1203, the code addition circuit 1204, the restriction pattern addition circuit 1205, the synthesis processing circuit 1206, and the like. However, these may not necessarily be configured by a circuit, and may be configured by software such as a program, for example.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, even when an image to be printed includes a copy restriction code, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the reception unit If the code discriminating means determines that the copy restriction cancel code input to the printer matches the copy restriction pattern, the copy restriction pattern removing means removes the copy restriction pattern from the image to be printed. Can be printed on the original image obtained by removing the copy restriction pattern from the image to be printed.
[0070]
In addition, if the copy restriction release code is not input to the reception unit, the copy restriction pattern is not removed from the image to be printed, so that a person who does not have the copy restriction release code (an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy). When an image in which a copy restriction pattern is embedded is printed, a warning character or the like can be made to appear by the copy restriction pattern at the time of copying. As a result, the effect of clarifying that the printed matter is a copy is maintained, and a copy inhibiting function is exhibited for an unspecified person.
[0071]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when an image to be printed includes a copy restriction code, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction code input to the reception unit are input. If the code discrimination means determines that the copy restriction pattern matches the copy restriction pattern, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removal means, and the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image data. Then, a new copy restriction pattern is embedded by the copy restriction pattern embedding means.
[0072]
Therefore, for a specific person permitted to copy, it is possible to print an image in which a warning character or the like in which a copy restriction pattern is removed from an image to be printed does not appear. Further, when the printed matter is further copied, even if the apparatus used for the copying does not have a special function of decoding the copy restriction code, the printed matter is printed with the copy restriction pattern embedded therein. Accordingly, a warning character or the like can be made to appear in the print result.
[0073]
As a result, the original image can be copied by releasing the copy protection function for the specific person who is permitted to copy, while exhibiting the copy protection function for an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy. Further, even if the image forming apparatus does not have a special function, the copy inhibiting function can be effectively exhibited.
[0074]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when an image to be printed includes a copy restriction code, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction code input to the reception unit are input. If it is determined by the code determination unit that the copy restriction cancellation code matches the copy restriction pattern, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removal unit. (A specific person), it is possible to print an original image obtained by removing a copy restriction pattern from an image to be printed.
[0075]
Further, when no copy restriction release code is input to the reception unit, or when the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit does not match the copy restriction release code input to the reception unit, it is determined by the code determination unit. In this case, the printing of the image data to be printed is not performed by the image forming means, so that an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy can reliably exhibit the copy prevention function.
[0076]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image data comparing means compares the image read from the document to be copied by the reading means with the image data stored in the copy-inhibited image data storage means. If it is determined that these two images match, the control unit prohibits the image formation by the image forming unit irrespective of whether or not there is a setting input by an external operation to the reception unit. If the image data storage means stores the image data of materials whose duplication is prohibited, such as banknotes and securities, copying of these copy-prohibited materials can be surely prohibited.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image processing unit.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a printing process including a process of adding a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code and a process of embedding a copy restriction pattern in the multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing each image data before and after a process of adding a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, and a copy restriction pattern.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process when a multi-function peripheral copies a printed material to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image processing unit used in a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a process of copying a printed material to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern has been added by a multifunction peripheral.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MFP (image forming device)
40 recording unit (image forming means)
47 Operation unit (reception means)
100 control unit (control means, code determination means)
120 Image processing unit
1201 Image processing circuit (copy restriction pattern removing means)
1202 Code detection circuit (code extraction means, code analysis means)
1203 Restriction pattern removal circuit (copy restriction pattern extraction means, copy restriction pattern removal means)
1204 Code addition circuit
1205 Restriction pattern adding circuit (copy restriction pattern embedding means)
1206 synthesis processing circuit (copy restriction pattern embedding means)
1208 Prohibited image detection circuit (image data comparison means)

Claims (4)

Code extracting means for extracting a copy restriction code from an image to be printed;
Code analysis means for analyzing the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction means,
A receiving means for receiving an input of a copy restriction release code by an external operation;
Copy restriction pattern extraction means for extracting a copy restriction pattern embedded as a latent image in an image to be printed,
Code discrimination means for discriminating whether or not the copy restriction release code input to the reception means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means; and a copy restriction pattern extracted by the copy restriction pattern extraction means. A copy-restricted pattern removing means for removing from the image to be printed,
When the code discriminating unit determines that the copy restriction release code input to the accepting unit matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analyzing unit, the code to be printed is transmitted to the copy restriction pattern removing unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: control means for removing a copy restriction pattern from an image to be copied. A copy restriction pattern embedding unit that embeds a new copy restriction pattern in an image to be printed is provided,
The control means, when the code discrimination means determines that the copy restriction release code input to the reception means and the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means match, the copy restriction pattern The method according to claim 1, further comprising causing the removing unit to remove the copy restriction pattern from the image to be printed, and causing the copy restriction pattern embedding unit to perform a process of embedding a new copy restriction pattern in the image to be printed. Item 2. The image processing device according to item 1. Image forming means for forming an image to be printed on recording paper;
Code extracting means for extracting a copy restriction code from an image to be printed;
Code analysis means for analyzing the copy restriction code extracted by the copy restriction code extraction means,
A receiving means for receiving an input of a copy restriction release code by an external operation;
Copy restriction pattern extraction means for extracting a copy restriction pattern embedded as a latent image in an image to be printed,
Code discrimination means for discriminating whether or not the copy restriction release code input to the reception means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means; and a copy restriction pattern extracted by the copy restriction pattern extraction means. A copy-restricted pattern removing means for removing from the image to be printed,
If the code discriminating means determines that the copy restriction release code input to the accepting means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analyzing means, the copy restriction pattern removing means The copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be formed, and the image from which the copy restriction pattern has been removed is formed by the image forming means. If no copy restriction release code is input to the reception means, or the code discrimination is performed. A control unit for prohibiting the image forming unit from forming an image to be printed when the copy restriction release code is determined to be inconsistent with the copy restriction code by the unit. apparatus. Copy-prohibited image data storage means for storing image data of a copy-prohibited object;
An image to be printed, and image data comparing means for comparing image data stored in the copy-inhibited image data storage means,
If the image data comparison unit determines that the image to be printed matches the image data stored in the copy-inhibited image data storage unit, the control unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein formation of an image to be printed by the image forming unit is prohibited, regardless of whether a copy restriction release code is input in an external operation.

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