JP2007129428A - Image processor and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely print ground tint images which are highly important to a user, on a paper sheet when the total size of the plurality of ground tint images exceeds the size of the paper sheet. <P>SOLUTION: It is judged whether the total size of the plurality of set ground tint images is smaller than the paper sheet size (S6003), and when the paper sheet size is smaller than the total size of the ground tint images, the user sets priority levels of the ground tint images to be printed (S6007). In the present invention, the ground tint images are printed in the decreasing order of the priority levels according to the priority levels. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus. More specifically, an image processing apparatus including an image input device such as a scanner and a printing device such as a printer generates an image with a background pattern in which a background pattern for clearly distinguishing a copy from an original is added to the original image. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for printing.

  Conventionally, in order to prohibit or inhibit the copying of highly confidential documents such as forms and resident's forms, specially printed paper (sometimes called "counterfeit prevention paper") is used, and forms are printed on the paper. Original data such as forms was created by printing such data. The forgery prevention paper is a paper on which a predetermined character (for example, a character “forbidden copy”) or the like is printed in a form that is difficult for humans to visually recognize. When the paper is copied using a copying machine or the like, the predetermined anti-counterfeit paper is used. It is a sheet that allows characters and the like to be lifted in a form that is visible to humans. By using this paper as an original, a psychological effect is brought about to make the person who copied the original hesitate to use the copy. In addition, there is an effect of inhibiting and checking copying of a form or the like printed on forgery prevention paper.

  However, anti-counterfeit paper is more expensive than normal paper. Further, the anti-counterfeit paper is limited in use because only characters printed at the time of production of the paper can be raised.

  On the other hand, various contents are being digitized. However, digitalization of contents such as forms and resident's forms has been delayed, and content created using a computer is often printed on paper using a printer or the like.

  In accordance with such a situation, attention has been paid to a technique for creating anti-counterfeit paper, which has been previously produced in advance by a method such as plate making, using a computer and a printer (see Patent Document 1). This technology generates image data called a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and prints the content data and the image data of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in addition to the generation of content data when printing out content created using a computer. Output. The printout is the original. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is also called a copy check pattern. This is because if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is printed on the original, the user hesitates to copy the original. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image appears as a simple pattern or background image in the original (printed material output by the printer), but when copied, it becomes apparent on the copied material in the form of a predetermined character or image. Therefore, the original on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is printed provides a copy check effect, similar to the anti-counterfeit paper.

  When a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image created using a computer is output overlaid on content data, it is natural that normal printing paper can be used, so printing costs are lower than when using anti-counterfeit paper. It is advantageous. Furthermore, since the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be generated when the content data is printed out, not only the color of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image but also the characters to be visualized when copying the original can be freely set. For example, the output date and time, information specific to the printing apparatus, and the like can be used as the tint block image.

  As described above, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, when the original is copied, reveals certain characters (for example, “prohibited copy”) that could not be visually recognized before copying. This has the effect of suppressing this. In order to achieve this effect, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is basically an area in which the same image as the original remains in the copy, and an image existing in the original in the copy disappears or becomes thinner than the image in the remaining area. It consists of two areas. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image composed of these two areas preferably has substantially the same density in the two areas in a state where it is printed out. That is, the printed tint block image needs to be configured so that it is difficult for humans to visually recognize it.

  An image area that is hidden in the printed output of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image but appears in a form that can be visually recognized by humans in a copy of the printed output is called a “latent image (or latent image)”. . Further, an image area having a lower density than the density of the latent image disappeared on the copy or visualized on the copy is called “background (or background image)” for convenience. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image basically consists of the latent image and the background image. As a term on the user interface, “latent image” may be referred to as “foreground”.

  The latent image is configured such that dots are concentrated in a predetermined area. On the other hand, the background image is configured such that dots are dispersed within a predetermined area. In addition, by configuring the dot density in these two regions to be substantially the same, it is difficult to distinguish between the latent image (latent image portion) and the background image (background portion) in the printed image of the tint block image. can do.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the state of dots in each area of a latent image and a background image in a tint block image.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is composed of a background portion in which small dots are dispersed in a predetermined area and a latent image portion in which large dots are concentrated. The dots in the background area and the latent image area can be generated using different halftone processing and different dither processing.

  For example, when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated using halftone processing, halftone processing is performed with a low number of lines on the latent image portion, and halftone processing with a high number of lines is performed on the background portion. It is preferred to do so. Furthermore, when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated using dither processing, dither processing using a dot-concentrated dither matrix is performed for the latent image portion, and a dot dispersion type dither matrix is used for the background portion. It is preferable to perform dither processing.

  Generally, a reading unit and an image forming unit in a copying machine have a limit level of reproducibility depending on an input resolution for reading minute dots on an original and an output resolution for reproducing minute dots. When the dots in the background portion of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image are formed smaller than the limit level of dots that can be reproduced by the copying machine and the dots in the latent image portion are formed larger than the limit level, the dots in the latent image portion on the copy are Reproduced, background dots are not reproduced. By utilizing this reproduction characteristic, a latent image is made visible on a copy of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image.

  In the following description, an image that appears on a copy is called a visible image. Even if the background portion is reproduced by copying, the same effect as when the background portion is not reproduced can be obtained as long as the latent image portion on the copy can be clearly recognized.

  FIGS. 2A and 2B are conceptual diagrams showing how a tint block image is visualized by copying. The figure conceptually shows that concentrated dots (large dots) are reproduced on the copy, and dispersed dots (small dots) are not reproduced on the copy.

  The tint block printing is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be reproduced so that a character string or the like can be visually recognized in a copy. In other words, even if the character string or the like becomes the background portion and the character string or the like is displayed in a state like a white character at the time of copying, the purpose of the tint block printing is achieved.

JP 2001-197297 A

  When printing multiple copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images on paper in an image processing device that can generate and print a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, the total size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is larger than the paper size, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image that is more important to the user is printed on the paper appropriately. There was a problem that it was not done.

  The present invention relates to an image input means for inputting image data, a tint block image generating means for generating a tint block image to be added to the image data, a size comparison unit for comparing the size of the printing paper and the size of the tint block image, and image data And an image output means for printing an image with a tint block image added to a printing paper.

  The present invention also provides an input step for inputting image data, a generation step for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to be added to the image data, a comparison step for comparing the size of the printing paper with the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern in the image data. And a printing step of printing the image to which the image is added on a printing paper.

  According to the present invention, even when the total size of a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images is larger than the paper size, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image having high importance for the user can be reliably printed on the paper. The reason is that, when printing a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images, the total size of the plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images is compared with the paper size, and the printing process is performed based on the comparison result. That is, when the total size of a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images is larger than the paper size, priority is given to printing for each of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images, and printing is performed on the paper in order from the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image having the highest priority.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In the embodiment described below, an area to be visualized on a copy obtained by copying a printed output having a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is referred to as a “latent image portion” or a “foreground portion”. An area disappearing on the copy or an area having a lower density than the density of the latent image portion on the copy is referred to as a “background portion”.

  In this embodiment, text information or image information is input as a latent image portion, and a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image having a form in which the text information and image information are reproduced at a higher density than the background portion can be recognized on a copy. It explains using. However, the tint block image is not limited to this form. For example, text information or image information is set as a background portion, and an area around the background portion is set as a latent image portion, so that text information and image information are expressed as white on a copy. It may be a form.

  Note that the present invention is not limited by the type of tint block image, its generation process, color, shape, size, and the like.

1. Configuration Example of Image Forming System FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system suitable for applying the present invention. This system includes image forming apparatuses 200, 220, and 230 and a PC (personal computer) 240 that is a host computer. Each device communicates with each other via a LAN and a WAN.

  The image forming apparatus 200 includes a scanner 2070 as an image input device, a printer 2095 as an image output device, a controller unit 2000, and an operation unit 2062 as a user interface.

  The scanner 2070, the printer 2095, and the operation unit 2062 are each connected to the controller unit 2000.

  The controller unit 2000 is connected to a communication line such as a LAN 2063 and a WAN. Further, the controller unit 2000 performs color image transmission using G3 and G4 faxes via the WAN. In this example, three image forming apparatuses are connected to the LAN 2063, but the number of connected image forming apparatuses is not limited to this.

  The PC 240 performs file transmission / reception and e-mail transmission / reception using FTP and SMB protocols.

  Similar to the image forming apparatus 200, the image forming apparatuses 220 and 230 include scanners 2270 and 2370, printers 2295 and 2395, and operation units 2212 and 2312, which are connected to the controller units 2200 and 2300.

2. Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatuses 200, 220, and 230 in the image forming system.

  The controller unit 2000 is connected to a scanner 2015 that is an image input device and a printer 2017 that is an image output device. Further, the controller unit 2000 is connected to the LAN 2008 or the WAN 2051 to input / output image data and device information.

  A CPU 2001 controls the entire system. A RAM 2002 is a system work memory used by the CPU 2001, and is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is a boot ROM and stores a system boot program. An HDD 2004 is a hard disk drive, and stores system software and image data.

  The operation unit I / F 2005 outputs the operation unit 2006 and image data to be displayed on the operation unit 2006 to the operation unit 2006. In addition, the operation unit I / F 2005 outputs information input from the operation unit 2006 by the user to the CPU 2001.

  A network unit 2007 is connected to the LAN 2008 and inputs / outputs data to / from other devices.

  The modem 2050 is connected to the WAN 2051 and inputs / outputs image data to / from other devices.

  The binary image rotation unit 2052 and the binary image compression / decompression unit 2053 convert the direction of the image before the modem 2050 transmits the binary image data, or match the predetermined resolution or the processing capability of the counterpart device. Convert to the desired resolution. The binary image compression / decompression unit 2053 supports JBIG, MMR, MR, and MH.

  A DMAC 2009 is a DMA controller, and transfers image data stored in the RAM 2002 to the image bus interface 2011 without going through the CPU 2001. Also, the DMAC 2009 writes the image data sent via the image data bus 2010 to the RAM 2002 without going through the CPU 2001.

  The image bus interface 2011 controls high-speed input / output of image data via the image data bus 2010. The compression unit 2012 compresses the image data in units of 32 pixels × 32 pixels before sending the image data to the image data bus 2010.

  The decompressing unit 2013 decompresses the image data sent via the image data bus 2010. A raster image processor (RIP) 2018 receives a PDL code from the PC 240 via the network unit 2007 and the system bus 2008.

The CPU 2001 stores the PDL code in the RAM 2002 via the system bus 2008. The CPU 2001 converts the PDL code into an intermediate code, outputs it again to the raster image processor 2018 via the system bus 2008, and develops it into a bitmap image (multi-value).
The scanner image processing unit 2014 performs various appropriate image processing (for example, correction, processing, editing) on the color image and black-and-white image read by the scanner 2015 and outputs them.

  The printer image processing unit 2016 performs binary multi-value conversion at the time of printing in which various kinds of appropriate image processing (for example, correction, processing, editing) is performed, so that binary image data, And output multi-valued image data.

  The image conversion unit 2030 has various image conversion functions that are used when image data stored in the RAM 2002 is converted and stored in the RAM 2030 again.

  A rotation unit 2019 rotates an image in units of 32 × 32 pixels at a specified angle, and supports binary and multilevel input / output.

  The scaling unit 2020 has a function of converting the resolution of an image (for example, conversion from 600 dpi to 200 dpi) or a function of scaling (for example, conversion from 25% to 400%). The scaling unit 2020 rearranges an image of 32 × 32 pixels into an image in units of 32 lines before scaling.

The color space conversion unit 2021 performs a matrix operation on the multi-valued input image, and further converts, for example, a YUV image stored in the RAM 2002 into a Lab image using the LUT, and stores it in the RAM 2002. In addition, the color space conversion unit 2021 has a 3 × 8 matrix operation and a one-dimensional LUT, and performs known background skipping and show-through prevention. Further, the color space conversion unit 2021 outputs the converted image in multiple values.
The binary multi-value conversion unit 2022 converts a binary image expressed by 1 bit into a multi-value image expressed by 8 bits (256 gradations). Conversely, the multi-level binary conversion unit 2026 converts, for example, 8-bit (256 gradations) image data stored in the RAM 2002 into 1 bit (2 gradations) by a technique such as error diffusion processing, and stores the converted data in the RAM 2002.

  The combining unit 2023 has a function of combining two multi-value image images (or binary images) on the RAM 2002 into one multi-value image (or binary image). For example, the composition unit 2023 can easily add the company logo to the document image by combining the image of the company logo on the RAM 2002 and the document image. The synthesis method is to average for each pixel, to set the value of the brighter pixel at the luminance level as the value of the pixel after the synthesis, and to set the value of the darker pixel at the luminance level as the value of the pixel after synthesis. In other words, a known method such as bitwise OR operation, AND operation, exclusive OR operation is used.

  The thinning unit 2024 is a unit that performs resolution conversion by thinning out pixels of a multi-value image, and outputs 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 multi-value images. By using the thinning unit 2024 together with the scaling unit 2020, a wider range of enlargement and reduction can be performed.

  The moving unit 2025 adds a margin part to the input binary image or multi-valued image or deletes the margin part and outputs the result.

  A rotation unit 2019, a scaling unit 2020, a color space conversion unit 2021, a binary multi-value conversion unit 2022, a synthesis unit 2023, a thinning unit 2024, a moving unit 2025, and a multi-value binary conversion unit 2026 operate in cooperation with each other. It is possible. For example, when image rotation and resolution conversion are performed on a multi-value image on the RAM 2002, both processes can be performed in cooperation without using the RAM 2002.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between an image having a packet structure and the entire image.

  The image format used in this embodiment is an image packet structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-103473.

  The compression unit 2012 rearranges the raster format images as packets of 32 × 32 pixel units shown in FIG. 6, and performs JPEG compression in units of packets. The compression unit 2012 simultaneously adds a header (information such as an ID indicating the position of the packet, a color space, a Q table ID, and a data length) to the packet. The compression unit 2012 similarly compresses binary data (image area flag) indicating characters and photographs and adds them to the end of the packet.

  FIG. 7 shows the structure of a packet.

  The decompression unit 2013 decompresses the JPEG compressed image based on the header information in the packet data, and rearranges it into a raster image. If the image data is packetized in this way, the image can be rotated by partial decompression and compression by rotating only the image inside the packet and changing the position of the packet ID at the time of image rotation, which is very efficient. Good. All image data on the image data bus 2010 is packetized.

  When a raster image is necessary for fax transmission, binary image rotation 2052, binary image compression, decompression 2053, or the like, the software performs conversion from a packet image to a raster image.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the scanner image processing unit 2014.

  The masking processing unit 2510 converts each RGB 8-bit luminance signal input from the scanner 2015 into a standard RGB color signal independent of the CCD filter color.

  The filter processing unit 2502 performs, for example, a process of blurring or sharpening an image using a 9 × 9 matrix.

  The histogram processing unit 2503 samples image signal data in the input image. The sampling data is used for determining the background level of the input image. A histogram processing unit 2503 samples RGB data in a rectangular area surrounded by a start point and an end point specified in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction, respectively, at a constant pitch in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. Create This histogram is read out when background skipping or prevention of show-through is designated. The background of the document is inferred from this histogram, and is stored in the RAM 2002 or HDD 2004 as the background skip level together with the image and used for image processing at the time of printing or transmission.

  The gamma processing unit 2504 increases or decreases the density of the entire image. The gamma processing unit 2504 converts, for example, the color space of the input image into an arbitrary color space, or performs a correction process related to the color of the input system.

  A color space conversion processing unit 2505 converts the image signal before scaling to a known Lab in order to determine whether the document is color or monochrome. a and b represent color signal components, and the comparator 2505 outputs a 1-bit determination signal as a chromatic color if a and b are equal to or higher than a predetermined level, and as an achromatic color otherwise.

  The counter 2507 measures the output of the comparator 2506. A character / photo determination processing unit 2508 extracts a character edge from the image, separates the image into a character and a photo, and outputs a character / photo determination signal. This signal is stored in the RAM 2002 and HDD 2004 together with the image data, and is used during printing.

  The specific document determination unit 2509 compares the input image signal with the pattern that it has, checks how much they match, and outputs a specific document determination signal that indicates a match or mismatch. In order to prevent counterfeiting of banknotes, securities, etc., the image is processed according to the specific document determination signal.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer image processing unit 2016.

  The background removal unit 2601 removes the background color of the image data and removes unnecessary background fog. For example, the background removal unit 2601 performs background removal by 3 × 8 matrix calculation or a one-dimensional LUT.

  The monochrome generation unit 2602 converts color image data into monochrome data, and converts color image data such as RGB data into Gray single color when printing as single color. For example, the monochrome generation unit 2602 performs a 1 × 3 matrix calculation by multiplying RGB by an arbitrary constant to obtain a Gray signal.

  An output color correction unit 2603 performs color correction in accordance with the characteristics of a printer that outputs image data. For example, the output color correction unit 2603 performs processing by 4 × 8 matrix calculation or direct mapping.

  The filter processing unit 2604 arbitrarily corrects the spatial frequency of the image data. For example, the filter processing unit 2604 performs a 9 × 9 matrix operation. A gamma correction unit 2605 performs gamma correction according to the characteristics of the output printer.

  The gamma correction unit 2605 normally includes a one-dimensional LUT.

  A halftone correction unit 2606 performs arbitrary halftone processing in accordance with the number of gradations of the output printer, and performs arbitrary screen processing and error diffusion processing such as binarization and binarization.

  Each process can be switched by a character / photo determination signal shown in FIG.

  The inter-drum delay memory 2607 is a memory for superimposing CMYK images by shifting the CMYK print timing by an amount between the drums in a color printer having CMYK drums. The inter-drum delay memory 2607 can delay the print timing in order to align the position of an image in a color printer having 4 drums for each color of CMYK.

3. Configuration Example of Digital Multifunction Device FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a digital multifunction device to which the present invention is applied.

  A scanner 2015 having an image input function illuminates an image on paper as an original and scans a CCD line sensor (not shown), thereby converting the image into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray 2702 of the original feeder 2701. When the user gives a reading activation instruction from the operation unit 2006, the CPU 2001 instructs the scanner 2015 to feed original sheets one by one from the tray 2702 of the feeder 2071 and start an original image reading operation.

  A printer 2017 having an image output function converts raster image data into print image data. As a conversion method, there are an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, an ink jet method in which an ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array and an image is directly printed on a sheet, and any method may be used. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 2001. The printer 2017 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and includes paper cassettes 2703, 2704, and 2705 corresponding thereto. In addition, the printer 2017 includes a paper discharge tray 2706 that receives the printed paper.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the operation unit 2006.

  The LCD display unit 2801 has a touch panel sheet 2802 pasted on the LCD, displays a system operation screen and buttons, and transmits the position information to the CPU 2001 when the displayed button is pressed.

  A “start” button 2803 is used to start a document image reading operation. At the center of the “Start” button 2803, there are two-color LEDs 2804 of green and red. The two-color LED 2804 indicates in color whether or not the “start” button 2803 is in a usable state. A “stop” button 2805 functions to stop an operation in operation. An “ID” button 2806 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A “reset” button 2807 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit. A “user mode” button 2808 is used when setting a device.

  FIG. 12 shows an initial screen displayed on the LCD display unit 2801 and a standard screen displayed after setting each image forming function.

  Reference numeral 3101 denotes a button for switching to a screen for performing copy settings. Reference numeral 3102 denotes a button for setting the scanned image to be transmitted by fax or e-mail. Reference numeral 3103 denotes a button for storing a scan image or PDL image in the built-in HDD, or printing, transmitting, or editing the stored scan image or PDL image. Reference numeral 3104 denotes a window for displaying settings at the time of image reading set in 3105. Reference numeral 3105 denotes a button for setting resolution, density, and the like at the time of image reading. Reference numeral 3106 denotes a button for performing timer setting at the time of timer transmission, setting for printing on the HDD or printer, and the like. Reference numeral 3107 denotes a window for displaying the transmission destination designated by 3108. Reference numeral 3109 denotes a button for displaying detailed information of one destination displayed in 3107. Reference numeral 3110 denotes a button for deleting one destination displayed in 3107.

  FIG. 13 is a pop-up window displayed when the button 3105 is pressed.

  Reference numeral 3201 denotes a button for selecting and inputting the read original size from the items displayed in the pop-up window, and the set read size is displayed in 3202. Reference numeral 3203 denotes a button for selecting a document reading mode, and when pressed, a desired reading mode can be selected from three types of color mode / black mode / automatic (ACS) mode. The color mode can be similarly selected in a window displayed by pressing a button 3101 for instructing copying. If the measurement result of the counter 2507 shown in FIG. 8 is smaller than the predetermined value, it is determined as a black and white original, and if it is larger than the predetermined value, it is determined as a color original. In the color mode, a color image is stored. In the black mode, a black and white image is stored. In the automatic (ACS) mode, a result of determining whether the color image and the original are color or black and white is stored. Reference numeral 3204 denotes a selection input button in a pop-up window for designating the reading resolution. Reference numeral 3205 denotes a slider for adjusting the reading density of the original, and can be adjusted in nine steps. Reference numeral 3206 denotes a button for automatically determining the density when an image covered with a background such as a newspaper is read. For 3206, the same setting can be made in a window displayed by pressing a button 3101 for instructing copying.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a button 3101 for instructing copying is pressed.

  In 3301, whether or not copying is possible and the set number of copies are displayed. Reference numeral 3302 denotes a button having a function equivalent to that of 3206, and is a button for selecting whether to automatically remove the background. Reference numeral 3303 denotes a slider having a function equivalent to that of 3205, and is a slider capable of nine-level density adjustment. Reference numeral 3304 denotes a button for selecting a document type, which can select text / photo / map, text, photographic paper photo, and print photo. Reference numeral 3305 denotes an “application mode” button. By pressing an “applied mode” button 3305, a reduction layout (a function for reducing and printing a plurality of originals on one sheet), a color balance (CMYK color fine adjustment), a tint block image, and the like are set. A screen is displayed. Details of the screen will be described later. Reference numeral 3306 denotes a button for performing settings related to various finishings, and can set shift sort, staple sort, and group sort. Reference numeral 3307 denotes a button for performing settings related to duplex reading and duplex printing.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a screen example when the “box” button 3103 is pressed.

  Reference numeral 3401 denotes each folder that logically partitions the HDD. Folder numbers are assigned in advance to folders. Reference numeral 3401 denotes the 0th folder. Next to the folder number, the percentage of disk space used by the folder is displayed. Moreover, an arbitrary name can be given to the folder, and the name is also displayed in 3401. In 3402, the usage amount of the entire HDD is displayed.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the button 3401 is pressed.

  Reference numerals 3501 and 3502 denote documents stored in the 0th folder shown in FIG. A document is composed of a plurality of pages. An icon 3501 indicates that the document has been scanned, an HDD usage amount, and a document name arbitrarily set by the user. In 3502, an icon indicating that the document is a PDL document, an HDD usage amount, and a document name arbitrarily set by the user are displayed. When the icon is pressed, the selected document is shown in reverse video. Reference numeral 3503 denotes a button for transmitting the selected document. Reference numeral 3504 denotes a button for reading a document from the scanner and generating a document. Reference numeral 3505 denotes a button for selecting all documents in the folder. Reference numeral 3506 denotes a button for deleting the selected document. Reference numeral 3507 denotes a button for printing the selected document. Reference numeral 3508 denotes a button for editing the selected document. The button 3508 has a function of selecting, for example, selecting two documents, combining them, saving them as one document, or deleting a specific page. Reference numeral 3509 denotes a button for displaying detailed information of the last selected document. Detailed information includes information such as document name, resolution, document size, and color.

4). Software Configuration Example FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration for overall control of the digital multifunction peripheral.

  A user interface 4010 controls the operation unit 2006. In response to an instruction from the user interface 4010, the copy application 4020, the transmission application 4021, and the BOX application 4022 execute a copy operation, a transmission operation, scanning from the box screen, and printing.

  The PDL application 4023 receives the PDL print data from the network application 4120 and inputs a PDL print job.

  The common interface 4030 absorbs the device-dependent portion of the device control portion.

  The job manager 4040 organizes the job information received from the common interface 4030 and transmits the job information to the lower-level document processing unit. The job information is transmitted to the scan manager 4050 and the print manager 4090 in the case of local copy. The job information is transmitted to the scan manager 4050 and the file store manager 4100 in the case of a remote copy transmission job. The job information is transmitted to the file read manager 4060 and the print manager 4090 in the case of a remote copy received job. Further, the job information is transmitted to the PDL manager 4070 and the print manager 4090 in the case of PDL printing such as LIPS and PostScript.

  The sync manager 4080 makes a request for image processing to the image manager 4110 that performs various image processing in synchronization with each document manager.

  The image manager 4110 performs image processing during scanning and printing and storage of image files.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart of local copy processing.

  In response to a user instruction, the user interface 4010 outputs copy setting information together with a copy instruction to the copy application 4020 (S4202).

  The copy application 4020 outputs information from the user interface 4010 to the job manager 4040 that performs device control via the common interface 4030.

  The job manager 4040 outputs job information to the scan manager 4050 and the print manager 4090.

  The scan manager 4050 issues a scan request to the scanner 2015 via a device I / F (not shown) (a serial I / F connecting the controller 2000 and the scanner 2015 and the controller 2000 and the printer 2017). At the same time, the scan manager 4050 outputs an image processing request for scanning to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080.

  The image manager 4110 sets the scanner image processing unit 2014 according to the instruction of the scan manager 4050 (S4203). When the setting is completed, the image manager 4110 notifies the scan preparation completion via the sync manager 4080. Thereafter, the scan manager 4050 instructs the scanner 2015 to perform scanning (S4204). The scan completion notification is sent to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown).

  Upon receiving the scan completion notification from the image manager 4110, the sync manager 4080 sends a scan completion notification to the scan manager 4050 and the print manager 4090. At the same time, the sync manager 4080 instructs the image manager 4110 to file the compressed image stored in the RAM 2002 in the HDD 2004.

  The image manager 4110 stores an image (including a character / photo determination signal) on the RAM 2002 in the HDD 2004 in accordance with the instruction. At this time, the image manager 4110 stores the image on the RAM 2002 in the HDD 2004 after performing image conversion processing (S4205) using the image conversion unit 2030 according to the copy setting contents, if necessary (S4206). The image manager 4110 stores, in the HDD 2004, the color determination / monochrome determination result, the background skip level for performing background skip, the scanned image as the image input source, and the color space RGB in the SRAM (not shown) as accompanying information of the image. In addition, when the image manager 4110 finishes storing in the HDD 2004 and receives a scan completion notification from the scanner 2015, the image manager 4110 sends a file conversion end notification to the scan manager 4050 via the sync manager 4080.

  The scan manager 4050 returns an end notification to the job manager 4040. The job manager 4040 returns an end notification to the copy application 4020 via the common interface 4030.

  The print manager 4090 issues a print request to the printer 2095 via the device I / F when the image is stored in the RAM 2002. At the same time, the print manager 4090 issues a print image processing request to the sync manager 4080. Thereby, the printing process is started.

  The above-described print processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  When receiving the print image processing request from the print manager 4090, the sync manager 4080 requests the image manager 4110 for image processing settings.

  The image manager 4110 performs setting of the printer image processing unit 2016 according to the above-described image accompanying information (S4802). Next, the image manager 4110 reads an image from the HDD 2004 (S4803). Preprocessing for image conversion is performed on the image (S4804). Next, the image manager 4110 executes image conversion (S4805), and notifies the print manager 4090 of completion of print preparation via the sync manager 4080.

  In the present invention, the prioritization of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, its generation, and the process of adding the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to the image read from the HDD are performed in S4804 and S4805.

  The print manager 4090 outputs a print instruction to the printer 2017 (S4806). The print completion notification is sent to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown).

  In response to the print completion notification from the image manager 4110, the sync manager 4080 sends a print completion notification to the print manager 4090.

  The print manager 4090 receives a discharge completion notification from the printer and returns an end notification to the job manager 4040. Next, the job manager 4040 returns an end notification to the copy application 4020 via the common interface 4030.

  The copy application 4020 sends a job completion notification to the user interface when scanning and printing are completed.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart of remote copy processing.

  In the case of a scan job or a transmission job, the file store manager 4100 receives a request from the job manager 4040 instead of the print manager 4090. The file store manager 4100 receives a storage completion notification from the sync manager 4080 when the scan image has been stored in the HDD (S4301 to S4306).

  In the case of remote copy, the file store manager 4100 notifies the copy application 4020 via the common interface 4030 of the storage completion notification.

  In the case of a transmission job, the file store manager 4100 notifies the transmission application 4021 via the common interface 4030 of the storage completion notification.

  The copy application 4020 or the transmission application 4021 requests the network application 4120 to transmit the file stored in the HDD 2004 after receiving the storage completion notification. Upon receiving the request, the network application 4120 reads the file from the HDD 2004 (S4307) and transmits it (S4308).

  At the start of the job, the network application 4120 receives setting information related to copying from the copy application 4020 and notifies the setting information to the remote device (S4309). In the case of remote copy, the network application 4120 performs transmission using a communication protocol unique to the device. The network application 4120 transmits a job using a standard file transfer protocol such as FTP or SMB.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a fax transmission process.

  In the case of fax transmission, after storing the file, the transmission application 4021 instructs the fax manager 4041 to transmit via the common interface 4030 and the job manager 4040.

  The fax manager 4041 negotiates with the counterpart device via the modem 2050 (S4402), reads image data from the HDD 2004, and stores it in the RAM 2002 (S4403). Next, the fax manager 4041 requests the image manager 4110 to perform necessary image processing (conversion from a color image to a monochrome image, multi-value binary conversion, rotation, scaling) on the image data (S4404). The fax manager 4041 transmits the converted image via the modem 2050 (S4406).

  When there is a printer at the transmission destination, the transmission application 4021 sends a print job to the printer via the common interface 4030 and issues a print instruction. The operation is the same as that of the remote copy print job described below. When the transmission destination is a box destination in the device, the file store manager 4100 stores the print job in the file system in the device.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating processing for receiving a fax.

  When receiving the fax, the fax manager 4041 receives the image data via the modem 2050 (S4502), and stores it as an image file in the HDD 2004 (S4503). The fax manager 4041 notifies the box application 4022 of the fact after storing the image file in the HDD 2004.

  Next, the box application 4022 sends a reception print instruction to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030. Next, the printing process shown in FIG. 31 is executed (S4504).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a remote copy print job and a box print job.

  In the case of a remote copy print job, the network application 4120 stores the image data sent from the transmission side in the HDD 2004 (S4602 and S4603) and issues a job to the copy application 4020.

  In the case of a box print job, an image is stored in the HDD 2004 in the device by the transmission job described above, and the job is issued to the box application 4022 according to an instruction from the user interface 4010.

  Receiving the job issuance instruction, the box application 4022 inputs the print job to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030 (S4604). Unlike local copy, the file read manager 4060 receives a request from the job manager 4040 on behalf of the scan manager 4050.

  The file read manager 4060 sends a request for transferring image data from the HDD 2004 to the RAM 2002 to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080.

  The image manager 4110 expands image data on the RAM 2002. When the development of the image data is completed, the image manager 4110 sends a development completion notification to the file read manager 4060 and the print manager 4090 via the sync manager 4080.

  The print manager 4090 sends a print request to the printer 2017 via a device interface (not shown) when the image data is stored in the RAM 2002. The print request includes selecting a paper feed tray instructed by the job manager 4040 or selecting a paper feed tray having a designated paper size. In the case of automatic paper feed, the print manager 4090 determines a paper feed stage based on the image size and sends a print request to the printer 2017. At the same time, the print manager 4090 issues a print image processing request to the sync manager 4080.

  Upon receiving a request from the print manager 4090, the sync manager 4080 requests the image manager 4110 for print image processing settings. At this time, for example, if there is no sheet having the optimum size for the image size and the image needs to be rotated, the sync manager 4080 also requests a rotation instruction separately. When there is a rotation instruction, the image manager 4110 rotates the image using the rotation unit 2019.

  The image manager 4110 sets the printer image processing unit 2016 and sends a print preparation completion notification to the print manager 4090 via the sync manager 4080.

  The print manager 4090 sends a print instruction to the printer 2017. The notification of the completion of print image transfer is sent to the image manager 4110 by an interrupt signal from hardware (not shown).

  The sync manager 4080 receives a print completion notification from the image manager 4110 and sends the print completion notification to the file read manager 4060 and the print manager 4090. The file read manager 4060 returns an end notification to the job manager 4040.

  The print manager 4090 receives a discharge completion notification from the printer 2017 and returns an end notification to the job manager 4040.

  The job manager 4040 returns an end notification to the copy application 4020 via the common interface 4030.

  The copy application 4020 issues a job, and sends a job completion notification to the user interface 4010 when printing is completed.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the processing of the PDL data development storage job.

  In the case of a PDL data development storage job, the PC 240 that has requested PDL printing requests the PDL application 4023 for PDL printing via the network application 4120.

  The PDL application 4023 sends a PDL data development storage job to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030.

  The job manager 4040 sends a PDL data development storage job to the PDL manager 4070 and the file store manager 4100. The image input process after the RIP (raster image process) (S4702) of the image is the same as the scan job described above.

  The file store manager 4100 saves the image (including character / photo determination signal) data stored in the RAM 2002 in the HDD 2004 (S4703). The file store manager 4100 stores color / monochrome information, a PDL image as an image input source, a color space CMYK or RGB in the HDD 2004 as accompanying information of an image in an SRAM (not shown).

  When the file store manager 4100 finishes storing the PDL image in the HDD 2004, it receives a storage completion notification from the sync manager 4080. The file store manager 4100 sends the storage completion notification to the PDL application 4023 via the common interface 4030.

  After receiving the storage completion notification, the PDL application 4023 sends a storage completion notification to the HDD 2004 to the network application 4120.

  The network application 4420 sends the storage completion notification to the PC 240 that has requested PDL printing. In the case of a PDL print job, the PDL manager 4070 and the print manager print an image stored in the RAM 2002 (S4704).

  To print an image developed and stored in PDL, a stored document instructed to be printed by the user interface 4010 is issued to the box application 4022 as a print job.

  The box application 4022 sends a print job to the job manager 4040 via the common interface 4030. Unlike local copy, the file read manager 4060 receives a request from the job manager 4040 on behalf of the scan manager 4050.

  The file read manager 4060 sends a request to transfer the image instructed to be printed from the HDD 2004 to the RAM 2002 to the image manager 4110 via the sync manager 4080. The subsequent operation is the same as the operation described in the remote copy print job, and is therefore omitted.

5. Example of Generation Process of Image with Background Pattern FIG. 32 is a diagram for describing generation processing of an image with a background pattern.

  In the present embodiment, fonts such as characters and symbols designated from the operation unit 2006 are developed on the RAM 2002 as a bitmap. In FIG. 32, reference numeral 5001 denotes an example in which a font (in this example, ☆) is developed as a bitmap.

  The HDD 2004 stores a foreground portion pattern 5002 of the tint block image, a background portion pattern 5003 of the tint block image, and a camouflage pattern 5004, and these patterns can be developed in an arbitrary size on the RAM 2002.

  In FIG. 32, reference numeral 5010 denotes foreground part creation processing of a tint block image.

  Reference numeral 5011 indicates that a foreground portion pattern 5002 stored in the HDD 2004 is expanded on the RAM 2002 in a predetermined number in accordance with the document image 5040.

  Reference numeral 5012 indicates that the font is expanded on the RAM 2002. In 5012, a plurality of fonts are repeatedly generated according to the size of the original image 5040 (in this example, two are repeatedly generated), and a white image is added to the periphery to match the image size of 5011. Indicates that After the images 5011 and 5012 are stored in the RAM 2002, the foreground image 5013 obtained by combining both images is stored in the RAM 2002. At this time, the composition processing is performed so that the foreground part pattern 5011 is drawn only on the font 5012.

  In FIG. 32, reference numeral 5020 denotes a background portion creation process for a tint block image.

  Reference numeral 5021 indicates that a predetermined number of background portion patterns 5003 stored in the HDD 2004 are arranged on the RAM 2002 in accordance with the document image 5040.

  Reference numeral 5022 indicates that the font is expanded on the RAM 2002. 5022 is created by arranging a plurality of fonts according to the size of the original image 5040 (in this example, two are created), and a white image is added to the periphery to match the image size of 5021. Indicates that After the images 5021 and 5022 are stored in the RAM 2002, a background image 5023 obtained by combining both images is stored in the RAM 2002. At this time, the composition processing is performed so that the background portion pattern 5021 is drawn only in the portion other than the font 5022.

  Reference numeral 5030 denotes a camouflage image, which indicates that a predetermined number of camouflage patterns 5004 are arranged on the RAM 2002. The camouflage image may not be generated by an instruction from the operation unit 2006.

  After the foreground part creating process 5010 and the background part creating process 5020 are finished, the created foreground image 5013 and the created background image 5023 are combined to create a tint block image 5050. The tint block image 5050 is stored in the RAM 2002. To store.

  When an instruction to generate a camouflage image 5030 is issued from the operation unit 2006, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 5050 and the camouflage image 5030 are combined to create a camouflaged copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 5060, and the camouflaged copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 5060 is stored in the RAM 2002. . At this time, composition is performed so that the camouflage image 5030 is outlined.

  After the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 5050 (or the camouflaged copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 5060) is generated, the original image 5040 and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 5050 (or the camouflaged copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 5060) are combined to create a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 5070. Is stored in the RAM 2002.

6). Example of User Interface for Performing Print Setting for Image with Background Pattern FIGS. 18 to 23 are diagrams illustrating an example of a user interface for performing print setting for an image with a background pattern.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the “application mode” button 3305 shown in FIG. 14 is pressed. As described above, when the “applied mode” button 3305 is pressed, settings such as a reduced layout and a color balance can be performed. Furthermore, a background pattern image can be set by pressing a “background pattern setting” button 4101.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when the “background pattern setting” button 4101 is pressed.

  According to FIG. 19, information to be printed as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be selected from “stamp”, “machine number”, and “date”. In addition to this, the information printed as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image may be a number of copies, a user ID number, or the like. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which one of the “stamp”, “machine number”, and “date” information is printed as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. However, a plurality of pieces of information may be printed together. .

  FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen displayed when the “stamp” button 4111 shown in FIG. 19 is pressed.

  On this screen, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be selected from six types of stamps of “top secret”, “copy prohibited”, “invalid”, “CONFIDENTIAL”, “confidential”, and “COPY”. For example, when a “top secret” button 4121 is pressed and a “next” button 4122 is pressed, the screen is switched to a screen for setting further detailed information. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the detailed information.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the “Date” button 4112 shown in FIG. 19 is pressed. On this screen, as the date format, the background pattern is selected from the four formats “YY / MM / DD”, “MM / DD / YY”, “DD / MM / YY”, and “MM month DD day of YY”. You can select the date format to be printed as an image. For example, when the “YY / MM / DD” button 4131 is pressed and the “Next” button 4132 is pressed, the screen is switched to a screen for setting further detailed information. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the detailed information.

  When the “machine number” button 4113 shown in FIG. 19 is pressed, a screen for setting further detailed information is displayed. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the screen for setting the detailed information. In this case, the serial number of the machine specific to the printer is printed as the background pattern information.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting setting information common to the tint block setting information (“stamp”, “date”, “machine number”) shown in FIG. On this screen, the size and color of the font to be printed as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image are selected. The font size can be selected from large, medium, and small, and the color can be selected from black, magenta, and cyan. When the “Next” button 4143 is pressed after selecting the font size and color, the screen is switched to a screen for setting further detailed information. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting the detailed information.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for setting setting information common to the tint block setting information illustrated in FIG. 19, as in FIG. 22. On this screen, camouflage patterns and embossed / outlined settings can be made. The camouflage pattern is a pattern for making it difficult for humans to visually recognize that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is added to the printed matter to which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is added. As shown in FIG. 23, a camouflage pattern can be selected from a plurality of patterns such as a fan and a cherry blossom. There is also the option of not using a camouflage pattern. The camouflage pattern selected in the tint block image shown in FIG. 3 is a fan.

  The embossed / outlined setting is a setting for designating which portion of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information such as text information or the other portion is visualized in the image after copying.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining embossing / outlining.

  In the case of the embossing setting, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image such as a character (in this example, “prohibited” character) is visualized on the copy is generated. When embossing is set, characters and the like are embossed and can be recognized on the copy. On the other hand, when outline is set, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which a portion other than the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information is visualized on the copy is generated. At this time, characters and the like can be recognized in a whitened form.

  In the screen example shown in FIG. 23, after selecting a camouflage pattern and emboss / outline, an “OK” button 4153 is pressed, and all settings relating to the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image are completed. When the “start” button 2803 in the operation unit 2006 shown in FIG. 11 is pressed after the setting is completed, a copy job is executed, and a tint block image generation process shown in FIG. 32 is executed in S4805 of FIG. 31, which is shown in FIG. An image with a background pattern is obtained.

7). An example of pre-conversion image processing of a tint block image Processing when the tint block image does not fit on the printing paper will be described. Since the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is determined based on the font size and the number of fonts set as the latent image, when the pattern that combines multiple fonts is used as the latent image, the pattern does not all fit on the paper to be used There is. The processing contents in that case will be described below.

  In the print processing shown in FIG. 31, if the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image read from the HDD 2004 in S4803 is larger than the paper size, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image exceeding the paper size is not printed. When a plurality of latent images are set, the same applies when the total image size of these latent images is larger than the paper size. For this reason, an image with a background pattern unintended by the user is generated. Therefore, in order to prevent such an image from being generated, the processing shown in FIG. 33 is performed in S4804.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of pre-image conversion processing.

  In step S6002, it is determined whether a background pattern is set. If the background pattern is not set, the image conversion pre-processing is terminated. If the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set, it is determined in step S6003 whether the paper size is smaller than the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, that is, whether the set copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image fits on the paper. As a result of the determination, if the paper size is larger than the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, the process is terminated.

  In this case, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image may be repeatedly arranged to fill the paper size and then the process may advance to S6008. On the other hand, if the paper size is smaller than the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, as described above, a part of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image cannot be printed on the paper, and the process advances to S6004 to display the screen shown in FIG. To do.

  According to FIG. 36, a screen 8001 warns the user that the set tint block image size exceeds the paper size. 8002 is a “reset” button for resetting the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, 8003 is a “continue” button for instructing to continue as it is, and 8004 is a “stop” for instructing to cancel. Button. In step S6004, when the “stop” button 8004 is pressed, the pre-image conversion process is terminated. If the “Continue” button is pressed, printing is performed without changing the setting of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and the pre-image conversion process ends. In step S6004, when a “reset” button 8002 is pressed, the process advances to step S6006 to display a screen for setting a tint block print reset 8101 shown in FIG.

  According to the screen example shown in FIG. 37, reference numeral 8102 denotes a “priority order setting” button for giving priority to the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and reference numeral 8103 denotes a “paper size change” button 8103 for changing the paper size. If the “change paper size” button 8103 is pressed in step S6006, the process advances to step S6009 to change the paper to a size larger than the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image size, and the image conversion pre-processing ends. At this time, the original image size may be left as it is, and only the paper size to be printed may be changed, or the original image may be enlarged according to the changed paper size. If the “priority order setting” button 8102 is pressed in step S6006, the process advances to step S6007 to perform priority order setting processing described later. After completion of the priority order setting process, in accordance with the set priority order, the background pattern image is added to the image read from the HDD 2004 in S4805 of FIG.

  Next, priority order setting processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S6102, it is determined whether a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images are set. If only one copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is set, the process proceeds to S6104. If a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images are set, the process proceeds to S6103.

  A screen 7001 in FIG. 35A is a screen for setting the print priority order of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image when a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images are set. A screen 7001 displays a list 7002 of the set tint block images and a list 7003 indicating the priority order set by the user.

  The user determines the priority order from the list 7002 in accordance with the order of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to be surely printed without protruding from the sheet. For example, in FIG. 35A, “1. date” and “2. machine number” are set as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image (7002), and the priority order is “1. machine number”, “2. date”. (7003). When the priority order setting is completed, the process advances to step S6104, and a screen 7101 for selecting a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image for setting a priority character string is displayed on the operation unit 2006 as shown in FIG. A screen 7101 displays a list 7102 of set tint block images and a “end setting” button 7103 for ending the setting.

  From the list 7102, the user selects a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image for setting a character string or a symbol string to be surely printed without protruding from the sheet. For example, when “1. Aircraft number” is selected, a screen 7201 for setting a priority character string or symbol string shown in FIG. On the screen 7201, a character string display 7202 of the selected copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image (machine number in this example), and an input window 7203 for setting the number of characters to be preferentially printed from the character string are displayed. Is displayed. When the user inputs a numerical value from the operation unit 2006 to the input window 7203, the operation unit 2006 displays the original screen 7101. In this example, “8” is input to 7203 in order to surely print the eighth to thirteenth characters (the portion “012345” in the character string 7202), which is the most important part as the machine number.

  When the user presses a “end setting” button 7103 on the screen 7101, the priority order setting process shown in FIG. 34 ends.

  Next, a procedure for generating an image with a tint block according to the priority order of the local tint pattern patterns when a plurality of tint block patterns are set will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the procedure for generating an image with a tint block shown in FIG. 32, the example in which the font image 5001 is used as the tint block image to be added to the document image 5040 has been described. On the other hand, in FIG. 38, as an example of using a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern patterns, a total of three copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images including a font image (A) 9001, a font image (B) 9002, and a font image (C) 9003 are displayed as a document image 9005. An example to be added will be described.

  The upper part of FIG. 38 shows a case where the font image (D) is larger than the original image 9005 as a result of generating the font image (D) 9004 by combining the three font images (A), (B), and (C). . In this case, when the font image (D) 9004 is used, an image 9006 with a background pattern is obtained.

  As can be seen from the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 9006, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image of the portion (“◯” corresponding to the font image (C)) protruding from the document image is not printed. Temporarily, it is more useful for the user than the information set in the other background pattern (“☆” corresponding to the font image (A), “□” corresponding to the font image (B)) in the portion that protrudes from the document image. If the correct information is set, the printed background pattern image is wasted.

  Therefore, when using a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern patterns, the user can set the priority order for each pattern pattern (S6103), and a high-priority copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern for which useful information is set is within the size of the original image. Make sure it fits in. Specifically, if the user sets the priority order of the font images (A), (B), and (C) in FIG. 38 in the order of (C)> (A)> (B), the priority order. To generate a font image (E). That is, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 38, each font image is placed in the original image in the order of the font image (C) having the highest priority, the font image (A), and then the font image (B). Keep it. When the font image (E) is created in this order, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern that protrudes from the original image size and is not printed becomes a font image with a low priority (in this example, the font image (B)). In other words, it is possible to obtain an image with copy-forgery-inhibited pattern 9009 in which a font image (C) in which information that the user thinks is most useful is set is reliably printed.

  Next, a procedure for generating an image with a tint block according to a priority character string when a priority character string is set for the font of the tint block pattern will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 39 shows a case where the font image 9101 is used as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image added to the document image 9005.

  As a result of generating the font image 9102 from the font image 9101, it may be larger than the original image 9005. In this case, when an image with a background pattern is obtained using the font image 9102, a portion (“◯” in this example) that protrudes from the document image is not printed as indicated by 9103. If the portion that protrudes from the original image is more useful information to the user than other fonts (“☆” and “□”), the printed background pattern image is useless. Therefore, when using a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern exceeding the document size, the user sets priorities for the fonts in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern (S6103 in FIG. 34), and the high-priority character string is always included in the document image. To. Specifically, for each font of the font image 9101 in FIG. 39, when “O” is set higher in priority than the other fonts (“☆” and “□”), the priority is higher. A font image 9104 is generated from the characters (“◯” in this example) (S6104).

  When a font image 9105 is created using the font image 9104, an image 9106 with a background pattern on which a font including information useful to the user is surely printed can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the desired font image is always printed on the paper as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image by performing a process of rearranging the font images according to the priority order. As another embodiment, control may be performed so that all font images and the like fit on a sheet by performing a size changing process that changes the size (for example, the number of points of a character string) of each font image.

It is a figure which shows the state of the dot in each area | region of the latent image and background image in a tint block image. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a mode that a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is visualized by copying. It is a figure which shows a tint block image with a camouflage. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system to which the present invention is applied. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of image forming apparatuses 200, 220, and 230 to which the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the image of a packet structure, and the whole image. It is a figure which shows a packet structure. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a scanner image processing unit 2014. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer image processing unit 2016. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a digital multifunction machine to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an operation unit 2006 in a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 18 shows an initial screen displayed on the LCD display unit 2801 in the operation unit 3006. It is a figure which shows the pop-up window displayed when the button 3105 is pressed. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed when the button 3101 to instruct | indicate a copy is pressed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a “box” button 3103 is pressed. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a button 3401 is pressed. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of software for overall control of a digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when an “application mode” button 3305 is pressed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when a “background pattern setting” button 4101 is pressed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a “stamp” button 4111 is pressed. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when a “date” button 4112 is pressed. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for setting the detailed information of a tint block image. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for setting the detailed information of a tint block image. It is a figure for demonstrating embossing / white-out. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process of a local copy. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process of remote copy. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a fax transmission process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a fax reception process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a remote copy print job and a box print job. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process of a PDL data expansion | deployment storage job. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of print processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the production | generation process of an image with a tint block. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of an image pre-conversion process. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the production | generation process of the image with a tint block according to a priority character string. It is a figure which shows the screen for setting the printing priority of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image when the several copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is set. It is a figure which shows the screen which warns a user that the set copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image does not fit in paper size. It is a figure which shows the screen of a tint block print resetting. It is a figure which shows the process which produces | generates an image with a tint block according to the priority of a local tint block pattern when a several tint block pattern is set. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating processing for generating an image with a tint block according to a priority character string when a priority character string is set for the font of the tint block pattern.

Explanation of symbols

2000 Controller unit 2001 CPU
2002 RAM
2004 HDD
2006 Operation unit 2016 Printer image processing unit 2017 Printer

Claims (8)

Image input means for inputting image data;
A tint block image generating means for generating a tint block image to be added to the image data;
Size comparison means for comparing the size of the printing paper and the size of the tint block image;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image output unit that prints an image in which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is added to the image data on the printing paper. A priority copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image setting unit for setting a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to be preferentially printed when a plurality of types of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images are set to be printed;
When the size comparison unit determines that the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is larger than the size of the printing paper, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation unit generates the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in accordance with the setting content by the priority copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image setting unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A priority character string / symbol string setting unit for setting a character string or a symbol string to be preferentially printed in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image;
When the size comparison unit determines that the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is larger than the size of the printing paper, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation unit performs the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation unit according to the setting content by the priority character string / symbol string setting unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image is generated.   When the size comparison unit determines that the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is larger than the size of the print paper, the size comparison unit further includes a paper size setting unit that resets a print paper size larger than the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. An input step for inputting image data;
A generation step of generating a tint block image to be added to the image data;
A comparison step for comparing the size of the printing paper and the size of the tint block image;
And a printing step of printing on the printing paper an image in which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is added to the image data. A priority copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image setting step for preferentially setting a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to be printed when a plurality of types of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images are set for printing;
When the comparison step determines that the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is larger than the size of the printing paper, the generation step generates the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in accordance with the setting content in the priority copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image setting step. The image processing method according to claim 5. A priority character string / symbol string setting step for setting a character string or a symbol string to be preferentially printed in the tint block image;
If the comparison step determines that the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is larger than the size of the printing paper, the generation step generates the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image according to the setting contents of the priority character string / symbol string setting step. An image processing method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: When the comparison step determines that the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is larger than the size of the print paper, the comparison step further includes a paper size setting step for resetting a print paper size larger than the size of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. The image processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

Images