JP2008060701A - Image read out unit, image processing unit, printer, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain leakage of secret information through a document (manuscript) without complicating operation. <P>SOLUTION: A manuscript 300 and an ID card 400 are set on first platen glass 52A of a reading unit 50, and the images of the above manuscript 300 and the ID card 400 are read by scanning once. Subsequently, there are extracted a document ID from the read result of the manuscript 300 and a card ID from the read result of the ID card 400, respectively. An inquiry is made by making the obtained document ID and the card ID correspond to each other, and it is decided whether or not the output is permitted in the document image data obtained by reading the manuscript 300. When the output of the document image data corresponding to the above document ID is permitted to the card ID, the document image data are erased after being output to a printer. When the output is not permitted, the document image is erased without output to the printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document, an image processing apparatus that performs processing on the read image data, a copying apparatus, and a program.

  In recent years, various techniques have been proposed to prevent information leakage through documents. For example, specific information is added to a confidential document in advance and this specific information is stored in association with a password set by the user. When a copy request is made for the confidential document, the result of reading the confidential document After obtaining the specific information from the user, the user is requested to enter a password, and if the entered password matches the password stored in association with the specific information of the confidential document, a copy of the confidential document is obtained. A technique for outputting (copy) has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)

JP 2004-96229 A

  However, if the user forgets the password, the confidential document cannot be copied substantially. In addition, if the user has taken note of the password so as not to forget it, the password leaks through the note, and as a result, there is a possibility that unauthorized copying of confidential documents cannot be prohibited.

  The present invention has been made against the background of the above technique, and an object thereof is to suppress leakage of confidential information via a document (original) without complicating the operation.

  For this purpose, an image reading apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes a reading unit that reads an image of a document on which an identification information is displayed and a medium on which user information is displayed. First acquisition means for acquiring identification information from the image data of the document read in step 2, second acquisition means for acquiring user information from the image data of the medium read by the reading means, and user information Includes prohibiting means for prohibiting output of image data of a document when the document does not have the right to copy the document corresponding to the identification information.

  Such a document reading apparatus may further include permission means for permitting output of document image data when the user information has a copy right of the document corresponding to the identification information. The prohibiting unit can prohibit the output of the document image data when the first acquiring unit cannot acquire the identification information and when the second acquiring unit cannot acquire the user information. Furthermore, the second acquisition unit performs verification of the plurality of user information after acquiring the plurality of user information from the image data of the medium, and the prohibition unit determines that the verification result by the second acquisition unit does not match. Output of document image data can be prohibited. Still further, the second acquisition means collates the user information with the other user information after obtaining other user information from the IC chip built in the medium, and the prohibition means obtains the second acquisition information. When the collation result by the means does not match, the output of the document image data can be prohibited.

  From another viewpoint, the image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied reads image data obtained by reading a document on which identification information is displayed and a medium on which user information is displayed in a single scan. Separation means for separating the document image data and the medium image data, storage means for storing the document image data separated by the separation means, and identification information from the document image data separated by the separation means A first acquisition unit for acquiring the user information, a second acquisition unit for acquiring user information from the image data of the medium separated by the separation unit, and a copy of the document based on the acquired identification information and user information. Determination means for determining the presence / absence of right, and output control means for outputting image data of the document from the storage means when the determination means determines that there is a copy right.

  In such an image processing apparatus, the output control unit can erase the document image data stored in the storage unit after outputting the document image data. Further, the output control unit can prevent the image data of the document stored in the storage unit from being output when the determination unit determines that there is no copy right. Further, the output control means can erase the original image data stored in the storage means when the original image data is not output. In addition, the first skew correction unit that performs skew correction on the image data of the document separated by the separation unit and outputs the skew to the first acquisition unit, and the skew correction is performed on the image data of the medium separated by the separation unit. And a second skew correction unit that performs and outputs to the second acquisition unit.

Further, from another point of view, a copying apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes a scanner that reads an image of a document on which an identification information is displayed and a medium on which a user information is displayed, and the scanner. Based on the identification information and user information obtained from the result of reading the original and medium by the scanner, a determination unit that determines whether or not the copy of the original can be output, and if the determination unit permits the output of the copy of the original, the scanner And a printer that forms an image on a recording material based on the reading result of the document.
In such a copying apparatus, the printer may be characterized in that an image is not formed on the recording material when the determination unit does not permit the output of the copy of the document.

According to the present invention, image data obtained by reading a document on which identification information is displayed on a computer and a medium on which user information is displayed in a single scan on a computer, image data on the document, image data on the medium, and Based on the acquired identification information and user information, the function of acquiring identification information from the image data of the separated document, the function of acquiring user information from the image data of the separated medium, and the acquired identification information and user information. Thus, it can be grasped as a program that realizes a function for determining whether or not there is a copy right for a document and a function for outputting image data of a document when it is determined that the copy right is present.
The computer can further realize a function of preventing the image data of the original from being output when it is determined that there is no copy right.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of confidential information via a manuscript (document) without complicating the operation.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to output a copy of a document as necessary.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when document identification information or medium user information cannot be acquired, leakage of confidential information via the document can be more reliably suppressed.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more reliably suppress leakage of confidential information via a document even when the collation results of a plurality of user information obtained from the medium do not match.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even when the user information obtained from the medium and other user information do not match, leakage of confidential information via the original can be more reliably suppressed.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of confidential information via a manuscript (document) without complicating the operation.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image data of the original from being used later.
According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to prohibit the output of a copy of the original as necessary.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the image data of the original from being used later.
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to individually perform skew correction on document image data and medium image data obtained in one scan.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of confidential information via a manuscript (document) without complicating the operation.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prohibit the output of a copy of the original as necessary.
According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress leakage of confidential information via a manuscript (document) without complicating the operation.
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prohibit the output of a copy of a document as necessary.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 shows a copying machine 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. A copying machine 1 as a copying apparatus includes a scanner 2 that reads an image of a document, and a printer 3 that forms an image read by the scanner 2 on a sheet. Here, the scanner 2 functioning as an image reading apparatus is disposed on the upper portion of the printer 3. The scanner 2 receives an instruction for a copying operation from the user and displays a message to the user. A user interface (UI) 4 is provided. In this copying machine 1, the scanner 2 can be operated as a single scanner device, and the printer 3 can be operated as a single printer device. Further, if necessary, it can be operated as a facsimile machine using the scanner 2 and the printer 3.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the scanner 2 described above. With this image reading apparatus, it is possible to read a fixed original image and also to read a conveyed original image. The scanner 2 includes a document feeding device 10 that sequentially conveys documents from a stacked document stack, and a reading device 50 that reads an image of the document by scanning. Here, the document feeder 10 is attached to the reading device 50 on the back side in the drawing using a hinge or the like. Therefore, the document feeder 10 is attached to the reading device 50 so as to be opened and closed with the back side in the figure as a fulcrum.

The document feeder 10 includes a document tray 11 on which a bundle of documents composed of a plurality of documents is stacked, and a paper discharge tray 12 that is provided below the document tray 11 and stacks documents that have been read. In addition, the document feeder 10 includes a take-out roll 13 that takes out and conveys a document on the document tray 11. Further, on the downstream side of the take-out roll 13 in the document conveyance direction, a mechanism 14 is provided for separating sheets one by one using a pair of roll members. A pre-registration roll 15, a registration roll 16, a backing roll 17, and an out-roll 18 are provided in order from the upstream side in the document conveyance direction in the first conveyance path 31 through which the document is first conveyed. The pre-registration roll 15 conveys the originals that have been rolled up one by one toward the downstream roll and forms a loop of the originals. The registration roll 16 rotates and temporarily stops, then restarts at the same timing, and supplies a document while performing registration adjustment on a document reading unit to be described later. The backing roll 17 assists the conveyance of the document being read by the reading device 50, and presses the document against a second platen glass 52B (described later), thereby maintaining the height of the document at the reading position substantially constant. . The out roll 18 conveys the document read by the reading device 50 further downstream.
A second transport path 32 for guiding the document to the paper discharge tray 12 is provided downstream of the out-roll 18 in the document transport direction. A discharge roll 19 is disposed in the second transport path 32.
A backing member 20 is attached to the lower surface of the paper discharge tray 12. The backing member 20 is used to press a document against a first platen glass 52A (described later) provided in the reading device 50 in a fixed reading mode described later.

Further, in the scanner 2, a third transport path 33 is provided between the outlet side of the out roll 18 and the inlet side of the pre-registration roll 15 so that the images formed on both sides of the document can be read in one process. ing. The discharge roll 19 described above also has a function of reversing and transporting the document carried into the second transport path 32 to the third transport path 33.
Furthermore, the scanner 2 is provided with a fourth transport path 34 for reversing the original and discharging it to the paper discharge tray 12 when the original is read on both sides. The fourth transport path 34 is provided on the upper side of the second transport path 32. The discharge roll 19 described above also has a function of reversing and conveying the original document carried into the second conveyance path 32 to the fourth conveyance path 34.

  On the other hand, the reading device 50 as a reading unit supports the document feeding device 10 described above so as to be openable and closable, supports the document feeding device 10 by the device frame 51, and images of the document conveyed by the document feeding device 10. Reading is in progress. The reading device 50 includes a device frame 51 forming a casing, a first platen glass 52A as a document table on which a document to be read can be placed in a stationary state, and a document conveyed by the document feeding device 10. 2nd platen glass 52B which has the opening part of the light for reading.

In addition, the reading device 50 includes a full rate carriage 53 and a half rate carriage 54. The full-rate carriage 53 is stationary under the second platen glass 52B or scans the entire first platen glass 52A to read an image. The half-rate carriage 54 is stationary when the full-rate carriage 53 is stationary, and moves in conjunction with the full-rate carriage 53 so that the light obtained by the full-rate carriage 53 is supplied to the imaging unit. To do. The full-rate carriage 53 is provided with a light source 55 and a first mirror 57 </ b> A that receives reflected light from a document irradiated with light from the light source 55. Further, the half-rate carriage 54 is provided with a second mirror 57B and a third mirror 57C that provide the light obtained from the first mirror 57A to the imaging unit. Furthermore, the reading device 50 includes an imaging lens 58 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor 59. Among these, the imaging lens 58 optically reduces the optical image obtained from the third mirror 57C. The CCD image sensor 59 photoelectrically converts the optical image formed by the imaging lens 58. That is, in the reading device 50, an image is formed on the CCD image sensor 59 using a so-called reduction optical system.
A white reference plate 56 extending along the main scanning direction is attached to the lower part of a member provided between the first platen glass 52A and the second platen glass 52B.

  The reading device 50 further includes a control / image processing unit 60. The control / image processing unit 60 performs predetermined processing on the image data of the document input from the CCD image sensor 59. The control / image processing unit 60 controls the operation of each unit in the reading operation of the scanner 2 (the document feeding device 10 and the reading device 50).

  On the other hand, the printer 3 shown in FIG. 1 forms an image on a sheet as a recording material by, for example, an electrophotographic method. Note that the printer 3 only needs to have a function of forming an image on a sheet. In addition to the electrophotographic method, for example, an ink jet method or an electrostatic recording method can be employed.

  By the way, in the copying machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when copying a document, a user who wants to copy the document gives a copy right to the document (hereinafter referred to as a copy right). Judgment is made as to whether or not it has. The copying machine 1 permits the output of the image data read by the scanner 2 when the user has a copy right. When output of image data is permitted, the printer 3 prints out, that is, outputs a copy of the document. On the other hand, the copying machine 1 prohibits the output of a copy of the original document based on the image data read by the scanner 2 when the user does not have the copy right. When the output of the image data is prohibited, as a matter of course, the printer 3 does not print out (output a copy of the original).

  In this embodiment, in order to realize such a function, when the image of the original is read by the scanner 2, the image of the ID card given to each user is read together. Here, identification information (document ID) unique to each document is assigned to each document, and identification information (card ID) unique to each user is assigned to each ID card. Then, in the copying machine 1 (scanner 2), it is determined from the document ID and card ID obtained by reading whether or not the user who wants to copy has the right to copy this document. It is determined whether or not image data can be output.

  FIG. 3A shows an example of a document 300 to be read by the scanner 2. An image, that is, a document image 301 is recorded on the original 300. A document code image 302 using MIG (Micro Gradation) technology is recorded on the document 300. The document code image 302 can be embedded in the document image 301, for example. The document code image 302 includes a document ID as encoded identification information.

  On the other hand, FIG. 3B shows an example of an ID card 400 that is read by the scanner 2 together with the document 300. On the ID card 400 as a medium, a user's face photo image 401, a first text image 402 made up of the user's affiliation, name, etc., for example, a second text image 403 made up of the user's employee number, are recorded. In the ID card 400, a card code image 404 using the MIG technique is recorded in the same manner as the document code image 302 described above. The card code image 404 can be embedded in, for example, the face photo image 401, the first text image 402, or the second text image 403. The card code image 404 includes a card ID as encoded user information.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control / image processing unit 60 shown in FIG. The control / image processing unit 60 includes a signal processing unit 70 and a control unit 90. The signal processing unit 70 processes the read data input from the CCD image sensor 59. On the other hand, the control unit 90 controls the operations of the document feeder 10 and the reading device 50.

The control unit 90 includes a reading controller 91, a CCD driver 92, a light source driver 93, a scan driver 94, and a transport mechanism driver 95.
The reading controller 91 controls the entire document feeding device 10 and the reading device 50 shown in FIG.
The CCD driver 92 controls the image data capturing operation by the CCD image sensor 59.
The light source driver 93 outputs a lighting signal and controls turning on / off of the light source 55 in accordance with the reading timing of the document.
The scan driver 94 turns on / off the motor in the reading device 50 and controls the scanning operation by the full rate carriage 53 and the half rate carriage 54.
The transport mechanism driver 95 controls motor control, various rolls, clutches, and gate switching operations in the document feeder 10.

  From these various drivers, control signals are output to the document feeder 10 and the reading device 50, and these operations can be controlled based on the control signals. The reading controller 91 sets a reading mode and controls the document feeder 10 and the reading device 50 based on a control signal from the host system, a sensor output detected in the automatic selection reading function, a selection from the user, and the like. is doing. Examples of the reading mode include a fixed reading mode for reading a document placed on the first platen glass 52A, a transport reading mode for reading a document transported on the second platen glass 52B, and the like. Further, in the conveyance reading mode, there are a single-side mode for reading an image on one side of a document, a double-side mode for reading images on both sides of a document, and the like.

  In the conveyance reading mode, when the scanner 2 reads the document 300, the presence / absence of the document code image 302 is determined from the read data. If it is determined that the document code image 302 exists in the read data of the original 300, the output of the read data is prohibited. For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the original 300 on which the document code image 302 is recorded is read by the scanner 2, reading in the fixed reading mode in which the ID card 400 can be read together with the original 300 is requested. The

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the signal processing unit 70 shown in FIG. The signal processing unit 70 that functions as an image processing apparatus includes a scan data separation unit 71, a document skew correction unit 72, a document image processing unit 73, a document image storage unit 74, a document mark detection unit 75, and a document ID extraction unit 76. . The signal processing unit 70 further includes a card skew correction unit 77, a card mark detection unit 78, a card ID extraction unit 79, a character recognition unit 80, and a verification unit 81. The signal processing unit 70 further includes a permission determination unit 82, a copy right information storage unit 83, and a data output control unit 84.

  The scan data separating unit 71 functioning as a separating unit uses scan data (corresponding to image data) obtained by the CCD image sensor 59 reading the document 300 and the ID card 400 as document image data that is scan data of the document 300. The data is separated into card image data (corresponding to the image data of the medium) that is the scan data of the ID card 400 (corresponding to the image data of the document) and output. The document image data obtained by separating the scan data is output to the document skew correction unit 72, and the card image data is output to the card skew correction unit 77.

  A document skew correction unit 72 functioning as a first skew correction unit performs skew correction on the document image data input from the scan data separation unit 71. The document image data subjected to the skew correction is output to the document image processing unit 73 and the document mark detection unit 75, respectively.

The document image processing unit 73 performs various types of image processing on the skew-corrected document image data input from the document skew correction unit 72. Examples of the image processing executed by the document image processing unit 73 include shading correction, γ / gray balance correction, color space conversion, enlargement / reduction, filtering processing, contrast adjustment, and background removal.
The document image storage unit 74 that functions as a storage unit stores the document image data that has been subjected to various types of image processing by the document image processing unit 73.

On the other hand, the document mark detection unit 75 detects a mark, that is, a document code image 302 (see FIG. 3A) from the skew-corrected document image data input from the document skew correction unit 72.
The document ID extraction unit 76 analyzes the content of the document code image 302 detected by the document mark detection unit 75 and extracts the document ID included in the document code image 302. Then, the document ID extraction unit 76 outputs the document ID information to the permission determination unit 82 when the document ID can be extracted, and the document ID extraction impossible information when the document ID cannot be extracted.
In the present embodiment, the document mark detection unit 75 and the document ID extraction unit 76 function as a first acquisition unit.

  On the other hand, the card skew correction unit 77 functioning as the second skew correction unit performs skew correction on the card image data input from the scan data separation unit 71. The card image data subjected to the skew correction is output to the card mark detection unit 78 and the character recognition unit 80, respectively.

The card mark detection unit 78 detects a mark, that is, a card code image 404 (see FIG. 3B) from the skew-corrected card image data input from the card skew correction unit 77.
The card ID extraction unit 79 analyzes the contents of the card code image 404 detected by the card mark detection unit 78 and extracts the card ID included in the card code image 404. When the card ID can be extracted, the card ID extraction unit 79 outputs the card ID information to the verification unit 81. When the card ID cannot be extracted, the card ID extraction unit 79 outputs the card ID extraction impossible information to the permission determination unit 82. Output.

On the other hand, the character recognition unit 80 is a text image (for example, the first text image 402 or the second text image 403 shown in FIG. 3B) in the card image data after skew correction input from the card skew correction unit 77. ) Is subjected to OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing, and the obtained character data is output.
The collation unit 81 is a user obtained based on card ID information as one of user information input from the card ID extraction unit 79 and character information (character data) input from the character recognition unit 80. It collates with user data as one piece of information. Then, the collation unit 81 outputs the card ID information to the permission determination unit 82 when the collation results match, and the collation mismatch information when the collation results do not match.
In the present embodiment, the card mark detection unit 78, the card ID extraction unit 79, the character recognition unit 80, and the collation unit 81 function as a second acquisition unit.

The permission determination unit 82 that functions as a determination unit or a determination unit associates the document ID information input from the document ID extraction unit 76 with the card ID information input from the collation unit 81, and copies the right information storage unit 83. Make an inquiry. In addition, the permission determination unit 82 has already processed the image stored in the document image storage unit 74 based on the copy right inquiry result sent from the copy right information storage unit 83 and the collation result input from the collation unit 81. It is determined whether to permit output of document image data. The contents of the database stored in the copy right information storage unit 83 will be described later.
Further, the permission determination unit 82 receives the document ID extraction impossible information from the document ID extraction unit 76, the card ID extraction impossible information from the card ID extraction unit 79, and the verification mismatch from the verification unit 81. When the information is input, it is determined that the output of the processed document image data stored in the document image storage unit 74 is not permitted.

  The data output control unit 84 that functions as a prohibition unit, a permission unit, and an output control unit controls the output of document image data stored in the document image storage unit 74 based on the determination result by the permission determination unit 82. For example, if the permission determination unit 82 determines permission, the document image data stored in the document image storage unit 74 is output to the printer 3 and then the stored contents of the document image storage unit 74 are erased. . On the other hand, when the permission determination unit 82 does not determine permission (when there is a non-permission determination), the document image data is stored in the document image storage unit 74 without outputting the document image data to the printer 3. to erase.

  Note that the function of each unit constituting the signal processing unit 70 is realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. That is, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) provided in the signal processing unit 70 includes a scan data separation unit 71, a document skew correction unit 72, a document image processing unit 73, a document image storage unit 74, a document mark detection unit 75, Document ID extraction unit 76, card skew correction unit 77, card mark detection unit 78, card ID extraction unit 79, character recognition unit 80, collation unit 81, permission determination unit 82, duplication right information storage unit 83, and data output control unit A program for realizing each function of 84 is read from an external storage device such as a hard disk into the main memory to realize each of these functions.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a database registered in the copy right information storage unit 83 shown in FIG. In the data structure shown in FIG. 6, items such as document IDs and card IDs are classified, and their corresponding relationships with respect to duplication rights are managed. More specifically, for example, in the case of a document 300 having a document ID of “00000001”, a user whose card ID is A, B, C, D, E has a copy right, but a user whose card ID is F Does not have the right to copy. For example, in the case of a manuscript 300 having a document ID of “00000002”, a user whose card ID is A or B has a copy right, but a user whose card ID is C, D, E, or F has a copy right. Not done.
In other words, for example, a user whose card ID is A can be regarded as having a copy right for the document 300 with document IDs “00000001” to “00000005”. On the other hand, for example, a user whose card ID is B has a copy right for the document 300 with document IDs “00000001”, “00000002”, “00000004”, and “00000005”, but the document 300 with document ID “00000003”. Does not have the right to copy.

Such duplication right information can be registered in association with the document ID assigned to the original 300 after the original 300 is output. Further, it is possible to change the presence / absence of the copy right later as required.
In the present embodiment, the copy right information storage unit 83 is built in the signal processing unit 70 of the scanner 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the duplication right information storage unit 83 may be built in the printer 3, or a function separate from the copying machine 1 (scanner 2 or printer 3) may serve as the duplication right information storage unit 83. Good.

Next, more specific copying operations (reading operation and printing operation) will be described.
FIG. 7 shows a state in which the document 300 and the ID card 400 are set on the scanner 2. At this time, in the scanner 2, the document feeder 10 is pulled upward with the back side of the reading device 50 as a fulcrum, and the document 300 and the ID card 400 are arranged side by side on the exposed first platen glass 52A. In this example, the document 300 is arranged on the side close to the second platen glass 52B, and the ID card 400 is arranged on the side far from the second platen glass 52B. Thereafter, the document feeder 10 is pulled down and placed on the reading device 50, and the document 300 and the ID card 400 are pressed against the first platen glass 52 </ b> A by the backing member 20 provided in the document feeder 10.

Next, when an instruction to start a copying operation is received via the UI 4 or the like, the full rate carriage 53 and the half rate carriage 54 shown in FIG. 2 move in the scanning direction (arrow direction) at a ratio of 2: 1. At this time, the light source 55 of the full-rate carriage 53 is turned on, and the light from these lights is irradiated on the surface to be read of the document 300 through the first platen glass 52A. Then, the reflected light from the document 300 is reflected in the order of the first mirror 57A, the second mirror 57B, and the third mirror 57C and guided to the imaging lens 58. The light guided to the imaging lens 58 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 59. The CCD image sensor 59 is composed of a one-dimensional sensor and processes one line at the same time. The full rate carriage 53 and the half rate carriage 54 are moved in this line direction (scanning sub-scanning direction), and the next line of the original 300 is read. By executing this over the entire original 300, the reading of the original 300 is completed.
Further, after the reading of the document 300 is completed, reading of the ID card 400 is started by a series of operations. Then, by executing this over the entire ID card 400, reading of the ID card 400 is completed.
At this time, the reading result of the original 300 by the CCD image sensor 59 and the reading result of the ID card 400 are output as one scan data.

  The processing executed by the signal processing unit 70 on the scan data of the original 300 and the ID card 400 thus obtained will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 5 and the flowchart shown in FIG. To do.

  First, the scan data separation unit 71 converts the scan data of the original 300 and the ID card 400 input from the CCD image sensor 59 into the document image data that is the scan data of the original 300 and the card image that is the scan data of the ID card 400. The data is separated (step 101). Next, the document skew correction unit 72 performs skew correction on the input document image data (step 102). Then, the document image processing unit 73 performs various kinds of image processing (document image processing) on the document image data subjected to skew correction (step 103), and stores the document image data after the image processing in the document image storage unit 74 (step 103). Step 104).

  Further, the document mark detection unit 75 detects a document code image from the document image data subjected to the skew correction (step 105). Then, the document ID extraction unit 76 tries to extract the document ID from the detected document code image, and determines whether the document ID has been extracted (step 106). If it is determined that the document ID cannot be extracted, the process proceeds to step 115 described later.

  On the other hand, if the document ID can be extracted, the card skew correction unit 77 next performs skew correction on the input card image data (step 107). Next, the card mark detection unit 78 detects the card code image 404 from the card image data subjected to skew correction (step 108). Then, the card ID extraction unit 79 tries to extract a card ID from the detected card code image 404, and determines whether or not the card ID has been extracted (step 109). If it is determined that the card ID cannot be extracted, the process proceeds to step 115 described later.

  If the card ID can be extracted, the character recognizing unit 80 performs character recognition processing on the card image data subjected to the skew correction, and acquires character information (step 110). And the collation part 81 collates user data (for example, employee number and name) obtained by analyzing character information, and the extracted card ID information, and judges whether the collation result is in agreement ( Step 111). If it is determined that the collation results do not match (a forged ID card 400 is used), the process proceeds to step 115 described later.

  On the other hand, when the collation results match, the permission determination unit 82 associates the document ID information input from the document ID extraction unit 76 with the card ID information input from the collation unit 81 to copy right information. The data is output to the storage unit 83 and an inquiry is made as to whether or not there is a copy right (step 112). The copy right information storage unit 83 refers to the database shown in FIG. 6 using the input document ID information and card ID information, and outputs the copy right information regarding the presence / absence of the copy right to the permission determination unit 82. Then, the permission determination unit 82 determines the presence / absence of a copy right based on the copy right information input from the copy right information storage unit 83 (step 113). If it is determined that there is no copy right, the process proceeds to step 115 described later.

  When it is determined that there is a copy right, the permission determination unit 82 outputs a control signal to the data output control unit 84, and the data output control unit 84 has already processed the image stored in the document image storage unit 74. The document image data is output to the printer 3 (step 114). Thereafter, the permission determination unit 82 further outputs a control signal to the data output control unit 84, and the data output control unit 84 deletes the stored contents of the document image storage unit 74, that is, the document image data (step 115). Complete the process.

  If the document ID cannot be extracted in step 106, the card ID cannot be extracted in step 109, or the collation result between the user data and the card ID information does not match in step 111, If it is determined in step 113 that there is no copy right, the process of step 115 is performed as it is. That is, the permission determination unit 82 outputs a control signal to the data output control unit 84, and the data output control unit 84 deletes the stored contents of the document image storage unit 74, that is, the document image data. That is, the document image data stored in the document image storage unit 74 is deleted without being output to the printer 3.

  If document image data is output to the printer 3 in step 114, the printer 3 performs an image forming operation based on the document image data. As a result, a copy in which the same image as the original 300 is recorded on the paper is output. On the other hand, when document image data is not output to the printer 3, no image forming operation is performed in the printer 3, and a copy based on this document image data is not printed out.

Here, in the present embodiment, independent skew correction is performed on the document image data and the card image data separated by the scan data separation unit 71, respectively. This is due to the following reason.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the document 300 and the ID card 400 placed on the first platen glass 52A. In the present embodiment, since the original 300 and the ID card 400 are placed on the first platen glass 52A at the time of reading, the inclination of the original 300 and the ID card 400 on the first platen glass 52A as shown in the figure. Can be different. Therefore, when the skew correction is uniformly performed on the scan data that is the reading result of the original 300 and the ID card 400, even if the skew of one (for example, the original 300) can be corrected, the other (in this case, The skew of the ID card 400) cannot be corrected. Therefore, in this embodiment, after the scan data is separated into the document image data and the code image data, the skew and ID of the document 300 are corrected by performing skew correction on each of the document image data and the code image data. The skew of the card 400 can be corrected together.

  In the document skew correction unit 72 shown in FIG. 5, for example, the skew angle of the document image data is calculated, and when the obtained skew angle is larger than a predetermined threshold, that is, when the inclination is large, Skew correction can be performed on image data. On the other hand, the card skew correction unit 77 can also calculate the skew angle of the card image data and perform skew correction on the card image data when the obtained skew angle is larger than a predetermined threshold value.

<Embodiment 2>
The present embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, but uses an ID card 400 provided with a card code image 404 (see FIG. 3B) obtained by encrypting a card ID. Is. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, the card ID is encrypted using, for example, a password or PIN (Personal Identification Number) set for each user.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the signal processing unit 70 in the present embodiment. The basic configuration of the signal processing unit 70 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the card ID extraction unit 79 uses a password or PIN accepted via the UI 4 to be detected by the card mark detection unit 78. The card code image 404 is decrypted, and the card ID is extracted. In addition to a password or PIN, for example, fingerprint authentication or face authentication can be used.

  In the present embodiment, when the card ID can be decrypted (extracted) using the password or PIN input via the UI 4, the permission determination unit 82 permits the output of the document image data. For example, even if the ID card 400 that has been stolen is used for copying, the permission determining unit 82 is allowed to output document image data unless the password or PIN is known. Cannot occur. For this reason, the copy of the original 300 is not performed, and the safety is further improved.

<Embodiment 3>
The present embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, but uses a so-called IC card incorporating a small integrated circuit (IC) as the ID card 400. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of the scanner 2 used in the present embodiment. The configuration of the scanner 2 is basically the same as that described in the first embodiment, except that the card reader 100 is built in the reading device 50.
FIG. 12 shows an ID card 400 used in the present embodiment. The configuration of the ID card 400 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that an IC chip 405 is incorporated.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the ID card 400 is configured by a so-called non-contact type IC card, and the card reader 100 is configured such that the ID card 400 is placed on the first platen glass 52A. Various information (for example, card ID etc.) stored in the IC chip 405 can be read without contacting the (IC chip 405).

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the signal processing unit 70 in the present embodiment. The basic configuration of the signal processing unit 70 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that it further includes an analysis unit 85 that analyzes various information obtained by reading the IC chip 405 with the card reader 100. . In addition, the verification unit 81 analyzes the card ID information input from the card ID extraction unit 79, the character information input from the character recognition unit 80, and the other user information obtained by the analysis unit 85. Another difference is that matching is performed using.

  In the present embodiment, by using a so-called IC card as the ID card 400, various information can be stored in the IC chip 405 attached to the ID card 400. In addition, by performing collation using various information stored in the IC chip 405, the determination accuracy regarding the presence or absence of the copy right is further increased.

  In the first to third embodiments, the example of reading the image of the ID card 400 together with the document 300 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, any medium that can display user information may be used. For example, a mobile phone having a display screen or a mobile device (for example, a game machine) having a small display may be used.

  In the first to third embodiments, the copying operation has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to, for example, a scan-in operation in which image data read by the scanner 2 is transferred to a personal computer or the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a copier to which an embodiment is applied. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a scanner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the original document used as a reading object, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the ID card read with an original document. 2 is a block diagram of a control / image processing unit in a scanner. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the database registered into a duplication right information storage part. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting of the original document and ID card with respect to a scanner. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a process with respect to the original and the scan data of the ID card. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the original and ID card with respect to the 1st platen glass. 6 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a scanner according to Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the ID card used in Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit in Embodiment 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Copy machine, 2 ... Scanner, 3 ... Printer, 4 ... User interface (UI), 10 ... Document feeder, 50 ... Reading apparatus, 59 ... CCD image sensor, 60 ... Control and image processing unit, 70 ... Signal processing , 71 ... Scan data separation unit, 72 ... Document skew correction unit, 73 ... Document image processing unit, 74 ... Document image storage unit, 75 ... Document mark detection unit, 76 ... Document ID extraction unit, 77 ... Card skew correction unit 78 ... Card mark detection unit, 79 ... Card ID extraction unit, 80 ... Character recognition unit, 81 ... Verification unit, 82 ... Permission determination unit, 83 ... Copy right information storage unit, 84 ... Data output control unit, 85 ... Analysis , 90 ... control unit, 100 ... card reader, 300 ... document, 302 ... document code image, 400 ... ID card, 404 ... card code image, 405 ... IC chip

Claims (14)

Reading means for reading an image of a manuscript on which an identification information is displayed and a medium on which a user information is displayed, placed on a manuscript table;
First acquisition means for acquiring the identification information from image data of the document read by the reading means;
Second acquisition means for acquiring the user information from the image data of the medium read by the reading means;
An image reading apparatus comprising: prohibiting means for prohibiting output of image data of the document when the user information does not have a copy right of the document corresponding to the identification information. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising permission means for permitting output of image data of the original when the user information has a copy right of the original corresponding to the identification information.   The prohibiting unit prohibits the output of the image data of the document when the first acquiring unit cannot acquire the identification information and when the second acquiring unit cannot acquire the user information. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. The second acquisition means performs verification of the plurality of user information after acquiring the plurality of user information from the image data of the medium,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prohibiting unit prohibits output of the image data of the original when the collation result by the second obtaining unit does not match. The second acquisition means performs verification of the user information and the other user information after acquiring other user information from an IC chip built in the medium,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prohibiting unit prohibits output of the image data of the original when the collation result by the second obtaining unit does not match. Separation means for separating image data obtained by reading a document on which identification information is displayed and a medium on which user information is displayed in one scan into image data on the document and image data on the medium;
Storage means for storing image data of the original document separated by the separation means;
First acquisition means for acquiring the identification information from image data of the document separated by the separation means;
Second acquisition means for acquiring the user information from the image data of the medium separated by the separation means;
Determining means for determining the presence or absence of a copy right for the document based on the acquired identification information and user information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: output control means for outputting image data of the original document from the storage means when the determination means determines that the copy right exists.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output control unit deletes the image data of the document stored in the storage unit after outputting the image data of the document.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output control unit does not output the image data of the document stored in the storage unit when the determination unit determines that there is no copy right. .   9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the output control unit erases the image data of the document stored in the storage unit when the image data of the document is not output. First skew correction means for performing skew correction on the image data of the document separated by the separation means and outputting the image data to the first acquisition means;
7. The image processing according to claim 6, further comprising second skew correction means for performing skew correction on the image data of the medium separated by the separation means and outputting the image data to the second acquisition means. apparatus. A scanner for reading an image of a manuscript on which an identification information is displayed on a platen and a medium on which user information is displayed;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a copy of the document can be output based on the identification information and the user information obtained from a result of reading the document and the medium by the scanner;
A copying apparatus including a printer that forms an image on a recording material based on a reading result of the document by the scanner when the determination unit permits the output of the copy of the document;   12. The copying apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the printer does not form an image on the recording material when the output of the copy of the original is not permitted by the determination unit. On the computer,
A function of separating image data obtained by reading a document on which identification information is displayed and a medium on which user information is displayed in one scan into image data on the document and image data on the medium;
A function of acquiring the identification information from the image data of the separated document;
A function of acquiring the user information from the separated image data of the medium;
A function of determining the presence or absence of a copy right for the document based on the acquired identification information and user information;
A program for realizing a function of outputting image data of the original when it is determined that the copy right is obtained. On the computer,
The program according to claim 13, further realizing a function of not outputting image data of the original when it is determined that the copy right is not granted.

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