JP2007013581A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus for adding particular image information used for inhibiting or restraining a copy of image information in accordance with the characteristics of image data to be subjected to image processing and capable of optionally setting the condition for adding particular image information at that time. <P>SOLUTION: When a print section 103b forms the image of image data read by an image read section 101 or image data externally received via a FAX modem 108 and a communication section 105, the image forming apparatus 10 adds the particular image information according to a predetermined particular image information addition condition to image data corresponding to the attaching condition, in a form determined according to a predetermined particular image information addition condition. In this case, the particular information is added to image data with high confidentiality. When a user uses a copying machine to copy a print image to which the particular image information is embedded, the copying machine for detecting the particular image information operates so as not to output copy print or so as to print-out characters such as "copy inhibited". <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus capable of adding specific image information for prohibiting or suppressing copying of image data.

In order to prevent unauthorized copying of a printed document, a method of giving specific image information such as a background pattern when the document is printed is used. This specific image information is also called copy control information or anti-copy information.
For example, when image data is sent from an application running on a PC or the like to a printer and the image data is printed out by the printer, specific image information for restraining copying of the print image is sent to the printer together with the image data. The printer embeds the specific image information somewhere in the print image and prints it out.
Then, if the print image in which the specific image information is embedded is to be copied using a copying machine, the copy machine that detects the specific image information may not output the copy print or may be “copy prohibited”. Such as printing and outputting characters such as.

The specific image information as described above may be embedded in the print image in a shape that cannot be identified by the user, or may be embedded in the print image in a shape that allows the user to identify the specific image information.
However, in any case, when the copying machine copies the image information in which the specific image information is embedded, the copying machine detects that the specific image information exists in the image information, and according to the detection result, A predetermined process, for example, a process of stopping the copy itself as described above or outputting a copy image with characters such as “copy prohibited” is performed.

  With regard to the technology for prohibiting copying as described above, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a copying machine that can easily create a document with a specific pattern added thereto. Here, the copying machine includes a specific mark generating means for adding a specific mark to an original image and reproducing the image, a mark presence / absence detecting means for detecting the presence / absence of the specific mark in the read original image, and the presence / absence of the mark. Control means is provided for making the copying operation different from normal when the detection means detects a specific mark in the document image.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a copying machine that can obtain a reproduced image that can easily and accurately detect a specific mark. Here, in a copying machine having a function of reproducing an image with a specific mark added by the mark adding means, the mark adding means adds a specific mark composed of a plurality of concentric circles having different diameters to the document image. Yes.
JP-A-7-38737 JP-A-7-36325

  In the system that prints out the specific image information embedded in the print image as described above, the specific image information is uniformly embedded and printed regardless of the importance or confidentiality of the print image. In such a system, there is a problem that the specific image information cannot be reliably detected in the copying machine when there is graffiti on the printed document or when dust or foreign matter adheres to the specific image information of the document. On the other hand, if a large number of specific image information is randomly given to a print image so that the copier can reliably detect such a problem, the specific image information affects the appearance of the image, or the print image The problem of giving a sense of incongruity arises.

  That is, when printing image data on a recording material, it is effective to add the specific image information as described above to the image data in order to prevent copying of the obtained image data or to restrain the copying act itself. However, on the other hand, it is not preferable to give the specific image information as described above to a general printed matter that does not need to be subjected to copying control because it affects the appearance of the image.

  With respect to such a point, neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 discloses a technical idea of changing a condition for applying copy strut information according to image data.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides specific image information used for prohibiting or suppressing copying of image information in accordance with the characteristics of image data to be subjected to image processing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly convenient image processing apparatus that can arbitrarily set additional conditions for specific image information.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first technical means of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on input image data. When the image processing apparatus performs image processing on image data, Specific image information adding means for adding specific image information meaning a specific image to the image data, and specific image information adding conditions for setting additional conditions for the specific image information added by the characteristic image information adding means And setting means.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, the image processing apparatus is an image recording apparatus that records and reproduces an image on a recording material in accordance with input image data.

  According to a third technical means, in the first or second technical means, the specific image information addition condition setting means can set the specific image information addition form for each of the plurality of condition setting items, and the specific image information addition The means determines a condition setting item corresponding to the image data to be image-processed, and adds the specific image information to the image data according to the addition form of the specific image information corresponding to the corresponding condition setting item. It is what.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the third technical means, the specific image information addition condition setting means can set a user who uses the image processing apparatus as a condition setting item, and the user is a terminal used by the user. It is distinguished from the address information of the device or the user authentication information input by the user.

  According to a fifth technical means, in the third technical means, the image processing apparatus has at least two modes for performing image processing on the input image data, and the image information addition condition setting means includes image processing as a condition setting item. This mode is characterized in that the mode to be set can be set.

  In a sixth technical means, in the third technical means, the specific image information addition condition setting means can set a device name for inputting image data to be processed to the image processing apparatus as a condition setting item. It is characterized by.

  In a seventh technical means, in any one of the third to sixth technical means, the image information addition condition setting means can set the level of the confidential level of the image data for each of the condition setting items, Further, the additional form of the specific image information can be set according to the confidential level.

  The eighth technical means is characterized in that in any one of the third to seventh technical means, the number of specific image information can be set as an additional form of specific image information.

  A ninth technical means is characterized in that, in any one of the third to seventh technical means, the density of the specific image information can be set as an additional form of the specific image information.

  The tenth technical means is characterized in that, in any one of the third to seventh technical means, the recording position of the specific image information on the recording material can be set as the additional form of the specific image information. is there.

  According to an eleventh technical means, in any one of the third to seventh technical means, the specific image information is added when the image of the recording material on which the specific image information is recorded is added. This is characterized in that it can be set according to the level of detection accuracy.

  In a twelfth technical means according to any one of the first to eleventh technical means, the image processing apparatus includes an operator recognition means for recognizing an operator of the image processing apparatus, and a specific operation is performed by the operator recognition means. When the person is recognized, the setting change of the specific image information addition condition setting unit is permitted.

  According to a thirteenth technical means, in the twelfth technical means, the image processing apparatus can switch the validity / invalidity of the specific image information addition processing when a specific operator is recognized by the operator recognition means. It is characterized by doing.

  According to the present invention, the specific image information used for prohibiting or suppressing the copying of the image information is given according to the characteristics of the image data to be processed, and the additional condition of the specific image information at this time is arbitrarily set A highly convenient image processing apparatus that can be set can be provided.

That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to set an additional condition when adding specific image information to image information of a document to be output, so that the specific image information can be added according to target image data. Can be controlled. For example, additional conditions for specific image information can be set according to the condition items such as the user of the image processing apparatus, the image data output apparatus, the image processing mode, and the like. By setting, it is possible to change the additional form of the specific image information according to the security level.
With these functions, it is possible to add optimal specific image information in accordance with the target image data, to effectively exhibit the copy prohibiting function, and to prevent the visibility of the formed image as much as possible.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a digital multi-function peripheral to which an image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied. The digital multi-function peripheral shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a multi-function peripheral having functions of a copying machine, a printer device, a facsimile device, and a scanner device.

The digital multi-function peripheral 10 includes a device control unit 104 that includes a CPU that performs calculations and a RAM that stores temporary information associated with the calculations. The device control unit 104 includes a ROM that stores a control program for controlling the digital multi-function peripheral 10.
The device control unit 104 is connected to a management unit 107 that is a memory that stores management information (various control information) for managing processing performed by the digital multifunction peripheral 10. The device control unit 104 is connected to an image reading unit 101 that reads an image recorded on a recording sheet and generates image data. The image reading unit 101 is provided with a CCD 101a for taking a document image as image data and a document detection sensor 101b for detecting the presence or absence of the document.

The device control unit 104 is connected to an image forming unit 103 that functions as an image forming unit that forms image data on recording paper. The image forming unit 103 includes a memory 103a that temporarily stores image data, a printing unit (LSU) 103b that forms an image from image data stored in the memory 103a and records the image on recording paper, and a printing unit 103b. Paper feeding trays 103c and 103d for image formation are provided.
The digital multi-function peripheral 10 can temporarily store the image data generated by the image reading unit 101 in the memory 103a and then form an image with the printing unit 103b. In this way, the digital multifunction machine 10 functions as a copying machine.

  In FIG. 1, a FAX modem 108 for performing facsimile communication is connected to the device control unit 104, and the FAX modem 108 is connected to the public line network N3. The digital multi-function peripheral 10 can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 101 to another facsimile apparatus 114 by facsimile communication via the public line network N3 connected to the FAX modem 108. Further, the digital multifunction peripheral 10 can receive image data transmitted from another facsimile apparatus 114 via the public line network N3 by the FAX modem 108 and form an image by the image forming unit 103 from the received image data. . In this way, the digital multifunction machine 10 functions as a facsimile machine.

  The device control unit 104 is connected to a communication unit (transmission / reception means) 105 for the digital multi-function peripheral 10 to transmit / receive information to / from the outside. The communication unit 105 can be connected to a communication network N1 such as an in-house LAN, and one or a plurality of personal computers (PC) 111 can be connected to the communication network N1. In a normal state in which the digital multifunction peripheral 10 is operating alone, the communication unit 105 is connected to the communication network N1, and exchanges information with the PC 111 via the communication network N1.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 10 can transmit the image data generated by the image reading unit 101 from the communication unit 105 to the PC 111. In this way, the digital multifunction device 10 functions as a scanner device. In addition, the digital multifunction peripheral 10 can receive the image data transmitted from the PC 111 by the communication unit 105 and form an image by the image forming unit 103 from the received image data. In this way, the digital multifunction device 10 functions as a printer device.

  The communication network N1 is further connected to a wide area communication network N2 such as the Internet. The communication unit 105 transmits the communication network N1 and the wide area communication network N2 to / from the Internet facsimile machine 112 and the external PC 113 connected to the wide area communication network N2 by a method such as sending image data attached to an e-mail. Image data can be received via the network. In this way, the digital multifunction machine 10 functions as an Internet facsimile machine.

  The device control unit 104 is connected to an operation unit 102 that receives an operation from a user. The operation unit 102 includes an input unit 102a such as a touch panel or a numeric keypad to which information such as a control command is input by a user's operation, and a display unit 102b such as a liquid crystal panel that displays information necessary for the operation. Yes. An authentication code for authenticating the user or operator of the image forming apparatus is input to the operation unit 102. The authentication code may be input from an external device via the FAX modem 108 or the communication unit 105. Specific examples of authentication processing using these authentication codes will be described later.

  A hard disk (HD) 106 is connected to the device control unit 104. The hard disk 106 stores image data related to image processing such as image data generated by the image reading unit 101. An erasing unit 109 is connected to the device control unit 104. The erasing unit 109 erases data recorded and held on the hard disk 106 in accordance with control by the device control unit 104.

Further, the device control unit 104 is connected to an image processing unit 110 that realizes processing for adding specific image information related to the present invention. As described above, the specific image information is used for prohibiting copying or forcing the user to recognize that copying is prohibited.
The image processing unit 110 includes specific image information adding means 110b for adding specific image information to image data. The specific image information adding unit 110b holds specific image information to be added to the image data in advance (or holds it in another accessible memory), and controls the addition of specific image information by the device control unit 104. The specific image information is added to the image data in accordance with the above and is stored in the memory 103a. The image data processed by the image processing unit 110 becomes print data in a form finally output by the printing unit 103b.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration forms image data read by the image reading unit 101 or image data input from the outside via the FAX modem 108 or the communication unit 105 by the printing unit 103b. In this case, according to a predetermined specific image information addition condition, the specific image information is added to the image data corresponding to the addition condition in a form determined according to the addition condition. The condition for adding the specific image information is set and held in, for example, the memory of the image processing unit 110 or a memory accessible by the image processing unit 110. That is, here, the function of the specific image information addition condition setting means of the present invention is realized by the image processing unit 110. An example of setting the additional conditions for the specific image information and setting the additional format of the specific image information according to the additional conditions will be described later.

  The image processing unit 110 also includes additional information detection means 110a that detects whether or not the specific image information is included in the image data read by the image reading unit 101 and stored in the memory 103a. If the specific data information is included in the image data as a result of detection by the additional information detection unit 110a, the device control unit 104 prohibits copying the image data (invalidates image formation in the image forming unit 103). I do.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which the image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. In this example, the scanner device 130 is provided with a determination unit 132 that determines whether or not the specific image information is included in the image data when the scanner device reads the recording material on which the specific image information is recorded.

  In this example, the scanner device 130 includes an image reading unit 131 that reads an image recorded on a recording sheet or the like, and a determination unit 132 that determines whether the image data read by the image reading unit 131 includes specific image information. And an operation unit 133 that accepts an operation input by a user or an input of an authentication code, and a sub CPU 134 that controls each element of the scanner device 130.

  The printer board 121 of the printer 120 communicates with an external device such as a PC via a network such as a LAN. The image processing unit 122 performs image processing on image data input from an external device via the printer board 121 or image data read by the scanner device 130 and stores the image data in the image memory 123. Here, the image processing unit 122 develops the input image data, and stores it in the image memory as print execution data. Further, the image processing unit 122 adds the specific image information added by the specific image information adding unit 125 to the image data to generate print execution data. The image recording unit 124 uses the print execution data recorded and held in the image memory 123 to form an image on a recording sheet or the like.

The specific image management unit 126 manages specific image information added to the image data. Here, storage means for storing specific image information in a predetermined form is provided. The specific image information adding unit 125 adds the specific image information in a predetermined form to the image data formed by the image recording unit 124 in accordance with a predetermined specific image information addition condition. To instruct. The management unit 127 is a memory that stores management information (various control information) for managing processing performed by the printer 120. The main control unit 128 controls the operation of each element.
The printer 120 shown in FIG. 2 may be a multi-function machine including the scanner device 130 or may be interconnected so as to be able to transfer data with a separate scanner device 130.

  The printer 120 having the above-described configuration is predetermined when the image recording unit 124 forms an image of image data read by the scanner device 130 or image data input from an external device via the printer board 121. The specific image information is added to the image data corresponding to the addition condition according to the addition condition of the specific image information. The specific image information added to the image data is managed by the specific image management unit 126 as described above, sent to the image processing unit 122 by the specific image information adding unit 125, and added to the target image data by the image processing unit 122. Is done.

  When the determination unit of the scanner device 130 determines that the specific image information is included in the image data read by the image reading unit 131, the sub CPU 134 of the scanner device 130 determines the determination to the main control unit 128 of the printer 120. Send the result. The main control unit 128 performs control for prohibiting copying of the image data (prohibiting image formation in the image recording unit 124) according to the transmitted determination.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of specific image information applicable to the present invention, in which 20 is specific image information. The specific image information 20 can be configured as a graphic in which a plurality of dots are arranged as shown in FIG. 3, for example. When the specific image information 20 is detected by the copying machine, the copying machine prohibits copying itself, or adds warning information to the image information to warn the user that copying is prohibited or restricted. Is output. For example, as warning information, a character “copy prohibited” can be printed, or a character “mihon” can be printed on a copy prohibited image such as a banknote.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of specific image information on a recording sheet. Here, the specific image information 20 having a shape as shown in FIG. 3 is used, and the specific image information 20 is printed out in the vicinity of the inside of the four sides around the recording paper 30. When a recorded material on which such specific image information 20 is printed is to be copied, the copying machine recognizes the printed specific image information 20 and performs a copy prohibition process. Note that the shape and arrangement of the specific image information 20 are merely examples, and these can be determined as appropriate.
The image processing apparatus adds predetermined specific image information to the image data in a predetermined form in accordance with predetermined specific image information addition conditions. At this time, the specific image information addition condition allows the specific image information addition form to be individually set according to the characteristics of the image data (addition condition item).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a processing example when the specific image information addition condition is set in the image processing apparatus. Here, it is assumed that the setting condition setting authority when adding the specific image information to the image data is given only to an administrator of the image processing apparatus, for example. When setting the additional condition in the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus first requests authentication of the administrator (step S1). In this case, for example, when an additional condition setting request is input to the operation unit 102 of the digital multifunction peripheral 10 in FIG. 1, the device control unit 104 of the image processing apparatus inputs administrator information (administrator authentication code). The request is displayed on the display unit 102b.

  When administrator information is input for the display (step S2), the image processing apparatus determines whether authentication of the administrator information is OK (step S3). If the authentication is NG (impossible). The manager information is requested again (step S6), and the process returns to step S2. If the authentication is OK in step S3, an additional condition is set based on the operation of the administrator (step S4). In step S5, when the additional condition setting is completed, the additional condition setting process is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a setting example of the specific image information addition condition, and shows an example of a display screen displayed by the image processing apparatus when the additional condition is set. In the example shown in FIG. 6, “IP address A”, “IP address B”, “copy”, “FAX”, “printer”, “confidential print”, “Hold Print”, “With Document Filing Password”, and “No Document Filing Password” are set in advance, and “Level” level can be set for each item. “Level” basically refers to the confidential level of image data, and the form of specific image information can be individually set according to the confidential level.

  In the above item, two types of “IP address” are set so that the security level can be set in two stages according to the user of the computer connected to the Internet or an intranet, for example. For example, it is possible to set such that a manager of a company sets a high level with “IP address A” and other employees set “IP address B” to a medium level. In addition, the level may be set according to user authentication information input by another user.

  As for “copy”, “FAX”, and “printer”, when image data is input using these devices or unit units, the level can be set according to each device or unit. I have to.

  “Secret print” and “hold print” are for setting a level when a specific highly confidential print output is performed. For example, some printing apparatuses (printers) such as copying machines are provided with a print output function in consideration of confidentiality called confidential printing or confidential printing. Confidential prints and hold prints are sometimes collectively referred to as confidential prints.

  In “Secure Print”, for example, when image data is sent from a PC or the like to a printer and printing is performed, the fact that the print is confidential and a password for the print are transferred from the PC to the printer, and then the print data is further transferred to the printer. Transfer them and store them in the memory of the printer. Then, the user recognizes the password on the display screen of the PC, goes to the printer and inputs the password, so that the printer starts print output. Here, depending on the memory environment on the printer side, the print data is held on the PC side, and when a password is input to the printer, the print data is transferred from the PC to the printer for printing.

  “Confidential print” is intended to print output that is inherently highly confidential, and the level is set high. In this case as well, the administrator can arbitrarily set the “confidential print” level. is there.

  “Hold print” is applied when document management is not performed with a password as in the above-described confidential print, but confidentiality is required. Here, image data transferred from a PC or the like is stored in a printer without being printed out as it is, and when the user goes to the printer and inputs an instruction to output desired print data, the print data is printed. It has become so. Here, the level can also be set for “hold printing”.

  Next, “document filing” stores, for example, image data read by an image reading unit (scanner device) or image data transmitted from an external device such as a PC in a printer memory (HDD or the like). With the function, the accumulated image data is transmitted not only to image formation in the image forming unit of the printer, but also to stored image data transmitted to an external device designated according to an operation input to the operation unit, or from an external device such as a PC The stored image data can be transmitted according to the transmission request.

  Here, in the document filing function, both a highly confidential filing function with a password and a filing function without a password can be set, and a level can be set for each.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table that determines the addition form of the specific image information added to the image data with respect to the set value of the specific image information addition condition set in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, a mode of adding specific image information to image data is set according to the level of the additional condition.

  The level designated here refers to a level determined corresponding to the setting item of the additional condition shown in FIG. 6, and is classified into a case where the level is high and a case where the level is low. For example, when the level is high, five pieces of specific image information are added, and the addition position of the specific image information is set to the center of the image data (the center when recording on the recording material), and the specific image information is printed darker. Is set to On the other hand, when the level is low, the number of specific image information to be added is one, and the addition position is the end of the image data (the end when recording on a recording material), and further the specific image information. Is set to print lightly.

  In this case, the addition form of the specific image information is set according to the level of detection accuracy when the specific image information is detected. For example, when the confidential level of image data is high, the copying machine needs to reliably detect the specific image information when copying a recording material to which the specific image information is added. Therefore, when the security level is high, the number of specific image information is increased, the specific image information is printed at the center instead of the edge of the recording paper, and the specific image information is printed darkly. Set.

  As described above, condition setting items to which specific image information is added, and a security level can be set for each condition setting item. When image data is actually formed, addition of predetermined specific image information is performed. Specific image information can be added according to the level of image data according to the form.

Further, the condition for adding the specific image information is not limited to the example of FIG. 6, and it is possible to set the condition items as appropriate, and the setting of the addition mode of the specific image information according to the level is also as shown in FIG. It can be set not only in two stages when the level is high and when it is low, but also in multiple stages.
For example, the specific image information can be added to the image data in a predetermined form when the level is high, and the specific image information is not added when the level is low.

  Further, as an additional condition for the specific image information, the specific image information may be added uniquely for each condition setting item without performing level setting for the condition setting item.

  Further, the image processing apparatus may permit switching of valid / invalid processing of adding specific image information when a specific operator such as an administrator is recognized by the authentication code. That is, an operator having administrator authority may arbitrarily turn on / off the additional function of specific image information according to the additional conditions as described above.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of image data storage processing in the confidential print and hold print function, and FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of image data output processing in the confidential print and hold print function. It is.
In FIG. 8, when image data for confidential printing or hold printing is input (transferred) to the image processing apparatus according to the present invention functioning as a printer (step S11), the image processing apparatus receives the image data. Then (step S12), the image data is stored in a predetermined storage means such as an HDD (step S13).

  In FIG. 9, when printing the stored image data, first, a list of hold data (image data stored in the image processing apparatus) is displayed (step S21). The list of hold data may be displayed according to a user operation, and when image data for printing is stored in the image processing apparatus, the list may be displayed at all times.

  Then, output data for image formation is specified from the list of hold data (step S22). The output data can be specified according to the user's selection operation for the list display of hold data. Next, it is determined whether or not print user authentication is necessary (step S23). A print that requires authentication of the print user is the above-mentioned confidential print, and a print that does not require authentication is the above-mentioned hold print.

  If the print does not require user authentication in step S23, the specified output data is output as it is (step S30), and the process ends. If the print requires user authentication in step S23, user information is requested (step S24). In this case, a display requesting input of user information is performed on the display means (for example, the display unit 102b in FIG. 1) of the image processing apparatus.

  The user inputs user information (user authentication code) in response to an input request for user information displayed on the image processing apparatus. Here, the image processing apparatus determines whether or not user information has been input (step S25). If user information has been input, the input user information is authenticated (step S26). Then, it is determined whether or not the authentication is OK (step S27). If the authentication is not OK, the user information is requested again (step S31), and the process returns to step S25 to wait for the user information.

  If the user authentication is OK in step S27, the specific image information is selected (step S28), the selected specific image information is added to the image data (step S29), and data output is performed (step S30).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing example when selecting specific image information prepared in the image processing apparatus, and shows a processing example of step S28 in FIG. First, the image processing apparatus obtains data related information (step S41). Here, the data related information is related information used for selecting the specific image information to be added to the image data from the specific image information held in the image processing apparatus. For example, the level determination result shown in FIG. Specific data related information is specified according to And specific image information is selected from the acquired data related information (step S42). The selected specific image information is added to the image data.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a digital multi-function peripheral to which an image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an image forming apparatus to which an image processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. It is a figure which shows an example of the specific image information applicable to this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning on the recording paper of specific image information. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a process at the time of the setting of the specific image information addition condition in an image processing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a setting of specific image information addition conditions. It is a figure which shows an example of the table which determines the addition form of the specific image information added to image data with respect to the setting value of the specific image information addition condition set in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of image data storage processing in the confidential print and hold print functions. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the output process of the image data in a confidential print and a hold print function. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process example when selecting the specific image information prepared for the image processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital multifunction device, 20 ... Specific image information, 30 ... Recording paper, 101 ... Image reading part, 101a ... CCD, 101b ... Document detection sensor, 102 ... Operation part, 102a ... Input part, 102b ... Display part, 103 ... Image forming unit, 103a ... memory, 103b ... printing unit, 103c, 103d ... tray, 104 ... device control unit, 105 ... communication unit, 106 ... hard disk, 107 ... management unit, 108 ... FAX modem, 109 ... erasing means, 110 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS Image processing part 110a ... Additional information detection means 110b ... Specific image information addition means 111 ... PC, 112 ... Internet facsimile apparatus, 113 ... External PC, 114 ... Facsimile apparatus, 120 ... Printer, 121 ... Printer board, 122 ... Image processing unit, 123 ... Image memory, 124 ... Image recording unit, 125 ... Special Image information adding means, 126 ... specific image management unit, 127 ... management unit, 128 ... main control unit, 130 ... scanner, 131 ... image reading section, 132 ... determining unit, 133 ... operating unit, 134 ... sub CPU.

Claims (13)

  In an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on input image data, the image processing apparatus, when performing image processing on the image data, specifies that the image data is a specific image Specific image information adding means for adding image information; and specific image information adding condition setting means for setting an additional condition for the specific image information added by the characteristic image information adding means. Image processing device.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image recording apparatus that records and reproduces an image on a recording material in accordance with input image data.   3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific image information addition condition setting unit can set a specific image information addition form for each of a plurality of condition setting items, and the specific image information addition unit includes: Determining a condition setting item corresponding to the image data to be image-processed, and adding the specific image information to the image data in accordance with an addition form of the specific image information corresponding to the corresponding condition setting item. An image processing apparatus.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific image information addition condition setting unit can set a user who uses the image processing apparatus as the condition setting item, and the user uses the user. An image processing apparatus characterized by determining from address information of a terminal device or user authentication information input by a user.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus includes at least two modes for image processing of input image data, and the image information addition condition setting unit includes the image information as the condition setting item. An image processing apparatus characterized in that a processing mode can be set.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific image information addition condition setting unit can set a device name for inputting image data to be processed to the image processing apparatus as the condition setting item. An image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the image information addition condition setting unit is capable of setting a degree of a confidential level of image data for each of the condition setting items, An image processing apparatus, wherein an additional form of specific image information can be set according to the security level.   8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the number of the specific image information can be set as the additional form of the specific image information.   8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a density of the specific image information can be set as an additional form of the specific image information.   8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a recording position of specific image information on a recording material can be set as the additional form of the specific image information.   8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the specific image information is added by detecting the specific image information when attempting to copy an image of a recording material on which the specific image information is recorded. An image processing apparatus characterized in that it can be set according to the level of accuracy.   12. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing device includes an operator recognition unit that recognizes an operator of the image processing device, and a specific operator is identified by the operator recognition unit. The image processing apparatus is characterized by permitting a setting change of the specific image information addition condition setting means when the image is recognized.   13. The image processing device according to claim 12, wherein the image processing device is capable of switching between valid / invalid of the specific image information addition processing when a specific operator is recognized by the operator recognition means. An image processing apparatus.

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